Do you know what it is like to BE an autistic child?

[nakita13williams]

i remember when i was about 9

no one would play with me in school

and i would play with rocks

and we are not retarded we are people!

[guitarmike01077]

ignorance is bliss

[aspie182]

...for the ignorant.

[gunmoon2]

@guitarmike01077

If ignorance is bliss, a lot of dumbasses are in Heaven and they don't belong there!

[usecori]

My son is 20 and has AS. We always said he was wired in a way that allowed him to see things differently and thus blessed with novel ways to solve problems. We gave positive examples of Aspies, & encouraged his interests. He has great wit and self esteem, yet still very humble. He's resilient, a good outlook on life, has friends, is creative, kind, and is quite happy. We wouldn't want to change him at all. Understanding family, teachers, & friends are crucial for the happiest outcome.

[Ryofire]

Thanks for sharing this video with us. I have a mild form Aspergers Syndrome. I continue to speak up about it. If I don't who will. As Robert Cutler (a man who has lived with autism his whole life) once said, "if you don't understand a child with autism, call a person with autism in. We live with it everyday."

[picassostrash]

I get what you say and how you say it without adding or taking anythng away. I struggle to be with the anger (my own weak relationship to anger is what comes up) but I try not to let that filter or distort what you are saying in asmuch as I am able. Thanks for your videos and your self expression Dean.

[yc4life789]

i dont understand how you talk so well to the camera. ino ur autistic but im just wondering can u communicate fine now or is it jsut that its easier to talk to the camera than ppl

[RobSSBB]

As someone with Aspergers (part of the Autistic Spectrum), I can say confidently that it is, especially for people who you have no idea who they are. The camera doesn't talk back and you don't have to interpret anything. You can be yourself without feeling awkward. Even you close friends and family can be confusing at times, a inanimate object is not. It has properties that are defined and easy to understand. That's how our minds work, on logical, static ideas.

[protazoan]

Thanks mate - as always, your' video is very enlightening and it's great to know how someone who has experienced AS feels as adverse to some sympathetic douche eg. Suzanne Wright

[lisadruc]

Thank you for the video. It is very honest and helps the world realize that all people should be valued.

[livvylove]

I'm a sibling and my brother who I love more then anyone has Autism. Honestly I wish my lil brother could communicate as well as you do and we are scared that he will never be able to because he is 11 and we try our best to what we can with the verbal communication he does give us and try to pay attention to what he likes as well.

Even though your pretty angry and rightfully so I hope my little brother will be able to communicate his feelings as effectively as you do.

[Wingdoss]

Why did you delete my comments and your reply, of February 16th?

[philsaspiezone]

Plenty of autistic people do know what it is to be both the parent of an autistic child and to be an autistic child as well.

[bas058]

Good point. Most professional, corporate non-profit work is designed to be patronizing towards the people it is supposed to support.

[Lizbethbike]

You say you issued death threats towards someone over the interet for the entire world to see (2:37). Be careful. It's awful what you have been through, but please be careful what you do with your anger. I hope it doesn't cause trouble and more pain. You can rise above this and use your experiences positively. They make you a better and more more understanding person.

[aspie182]

I am sure that a lot of autistic adults in my situation will understand the sentiment that changing things, whether good or bad, is better than just sitting around and waiting to die. Which is the only response I tend to get as a result of any so-called "positive" action, really. There are no shortage of people even today who need to be warned that if they react to their autistic child with ignorance and fear, this is an aspect of what awaits.

[ascend2luv]

I am a parent of two autistic kids. One of the things that is paramount is respect. My younger child is non verbal I need to represent his interests (by interpreting his body language/facial expressions and emotions). I have recently sacked a care worker who suggested in front of my son "that there were drugs for these kids" ... needless to say the amount of ignorance and lack of respect amongst those who make a living from the autistic community is outrageous.

[ascend2luv]

Its extremely rude to speak about someone (as if they arent there) its simply bad manners.

[Serge165]

"They all called my name, and screamed orders at me, but I plugged my ears with cotton and couldn't hear them, then I spokem my first word "Mah'jai (Mummy) and turned my head up"

~ Mikaela Ironbolt, RIFTER IV

[jillra65]

I never did understand the need for an adult that feels the need to bully an autistic child. I watched how miserable my son was in school because of being misunderstood...therefore, I pulled him out of school and began home schooling him and he greatly progressed. I allowed him to be himself and play as little boys should play instead of extreme amounts of therapy. I do give him the help for his autistic needs in a loving manner rather than making it one that he resents.

[Serge165]

To paraphrase it in the words I normally use -- I do not understand, myself, the whims of many giants and why they misuse their rods so.

[jillra65]

I so much agree Serge...good way of putting it.

[shawnmgoss]

My oldest girl is 9 years old and has Autism, it is a daily heartbreak. i love her with all my heart. i feel your pain. Come to my site and be my friend, one day I know a great Healer who will heal this Autism, love Shawn

[aspie182]

As I have sent in various forms to Jenny McCarthy et al, you try and "heal" my autism, and I will kill you.

[maestermatt]

you can't heal autism shawn you dumbass.

[nakita13williams]

@shawnmgoss we dont want anyone to heal us

we are perfect the way we are

autism is unique and its not a heartbreak

and people say to us it must feel like your taking weed if your autistic

no for us obviously its normal like you say ur life and what you see is normal so its the same with us

[Dafoodmaster]

@nakita13williams autism is a great burden

but also the greatest strength of all.

if you have mastered the painfull sides, you can master the power.

Auti`s are said to be Human 2.0.

We are said to be Auti-Sapiëns

We can be. If we master it.

[LthrnZack]

I'm sorry Aspie182. I hope that I didn't steal your thunder here. I just couldn't resist. Next time I will patiently wait for your reply comment(s) before responding myself.

[LthrnZack]

PDD not otherwise specified

Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is one of the pervasive developmental disorders and autistic spectrum disorders.

PDD-NOS is a diagnosis for people who are well-described by the "PDD" label, but can't be categorized by any other disorder. It is usually milder than autism and has similar symptoms to autism, with some symptoms present, and others absent. Just in case ya say what I "Think you might say"XD

[LthrnZack]

No offense on this one staciejung, but this diagnosis is kinda new isn't it? What if Doctor NT is wrong for even coming up with this PDD-NOS diagnosis in the first place?(No reference to your child, just the diagnosis itself).

[LthrnZack]

Autism is Autism. Ya don't need a PHD in NT bullshit to know that. It is as if they are now labeling children and people on the spectrum like they are breeds of dog. They might as well say:"You/your child is/are autistic, but we can't figure out just how autistic they really are".

[LthrnZack]

PS

Your assumption will be handled accordingly when Aspie182 reads your comments.

PSS OH AND HOW! You just don't know who you are messing with!

[LthrnZack]

There is a saying in the autism field: "if you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." In other words: every person on the autism spectrum is unique, and one person's set of symptoms is just that ... one person's set of symptoms!

[LthrnZack]

Juast because it is a symptom, doesn't mean that "ALL" autistics lack theory of mind. I don't care who or where you got your half-assed researched opinion from. And don't even try to diagnose my Classically Autistic son lady. Just becuase ya got one yourself don't mean that you know it all. And further more, I can't wait for Aspie182 to read your comments and verbally rip you a new one.

[LthrnZack]

Just*

because*

[aspie182]

The phrase "theory of mind" is being resoundingly discredited and even scorned by a lot of people on the spectrum as well as professionals. I know of at least two autism specialists who have told me they wish the phrase had never been coined. What this imbecile calls "theory of mind" is worthless compared to having the INSIGHT to think about what the consequences of seemingly innocent and benevolent actions might be.

[LthrnZack]

Wait a minute, that's Neuro-profiling! My 3yr old autistic son can read emotions better than anyone I know. If you think that all autistic people don't have "Theory of Mind", then why don't you try talking to some of the autistic adults here on youtube. Oh yeah, one of them will definitely respond to this horrible accusation. I think you know who.

[jillra65]

I am the mother of an autistic child and I have always felt uncomfortable with sympathy from others because I have an autistic son. I actually consider myself blessed to have a special boy in my life. I do not want a cure for him because it would change his wonderful personality. I also do not believe in a cure, but do feel that autistics can improve life skills by love, acceptance, and the proper guidance from parents.

[csdaisy]

I am the sister of two autistic brothers. My mother works with severely physically and mentally retarded children and every day she says that it is harder for her to have autistic children than retarded children cuz her children know that they are different. They are not oblivious to stares and pointed fingers and comments... He couldnt not express his anger and depression until he was 21... so i understand your anger but do not let it consume you. Be a survivor in a world of idiots.

[THEALGERS101]

YOU ARE AS STUPID AS THEY COME!

My grandson is autistic. for you to exploit this makes you a demon

live with yourself and hate it

[aspie182]

I am going to keep this here so everyone can see just how ignorant a curebie can be.

As every video I have posted here makes clear, I am autistic. The statement "*I* am autistic" always takes precedence over "my son/grandson/nephew (delete as applicable" is autistic. Always. One day your grandson will grow to despise your ignorance and prejudice, just as I despise that of my grandmother and most of her family.

Until you can answer my question with a yes, what you have to say is worthless.

[jillra65]

I kindly say that what you said is very unkind. This person is expressing his opinion on the pain of having autism and everyone ONLY feeling sorry for the parents of the child rather than caring about the feelings of the child. Please love your grandson and realize that he does understand more than you know even if he acts as if he does not know. To call this man stupid and a demon and telling him to hate it is very unkind. He is not exploiting, just sharing how he feels. What is the harm done?

[Serge165]

Thanks so much for defending my friend. Upon you, Peace, and may beings in Vimanas guide you. I am also Autistic and have known this person for Years. He's like a brother to me

[jillra65]

Serge, I was more than happy to reply to such a negative post :o) I felt that it was unkind and unnecessary. I think that this video is a wonderful example to others that the feelings of an autistic person should be considered and respected. I cannot understand how others feel that they should be mistreated and feel rejection. I am a mother that has a son with autism and have never felt sorry for myself because of his autism. I actually have been blessed with such a gift :o)

[Serge165]

Let us be friends then, Meow. We will learn from eachother. *purr* Friends?

[jillra65]

Friends indeed :o)

[LthrnZack]

Don't you know that autistic adults with PTSD are a product of parents with this kind of attitude that you are displaying? They where children once too, just like your grandson.

[LthrnZack]

^This was a reply to THEALGERS101 BTW

[purplemutantas]

Great vid. I don't know what it's like to be the parent of an autistic. But I know what it's like to BE autistic. So I would say that my opinions carry more weight than that of an NT parent.

[sdfgshjg]

"With parents making videos in which they describe their children as having no feelings or being alien simply because of differences in communicative methods, the question really ought to be "are you monsters aware of how much pain you bring into your autistic child's life?"

The same can be said about animals. Not disagreeing with anything you've said, just thought I'd point that out.

[RichardSwayne]

I am not a puzzle piece, I am person!

[CreddyEddy]

Good point, well made.

[aspie182]

I really should have done more takes of the speech. You can see quite clearly I am making up a lot of what I am saying on the spot, and the speech cells of my brain are having a bit of trouble keeping up with the emotion cells. Nonetheless, I am very happy I got it made. *nods*

[CreddyEddy]

Yeah, it's an odd phenomenon that video's often have more impact than textual forms of communication, which are so easy to misinterpret. It probably has to do with that body language thing that non-autistic people are so fond of.

[aspie182]

What I find amusing when I look at videos I have shot is that the sincerity and feeling behind what I say is quite plainly visible.

[niceverdict]

yep.. good point... I have never encountered a person who was autistic. I should have made effort knowing more about it.