I was apparently diagnosed as a kid (I'm 61). I was not ever told. Burned out at 58. Retired at 59. I was 60 when I figured it out. Thank you for sharing.

@mele7410

3 ай бұрын

How did you discover you were diagnosed as a kid? :< That's terrible no one told you

@serenarobak3640

Ай бұрын

O M G

@zeromonster3381

Ай бұрын

Our story is similar.

@user-xv1ni8dr6v

17 күн бұрын

I'm wondering what the difference will make you know vs. you don't know you're on the Spectrum?

@novastariha8043

9 күн бұрын

@@user-xv1ni8dr6v I know for myself knowing WTF was root of my difficulties huge difficulty that others did not experience….at old age of 58 diagnosed well it was huge RELIEF.

After a few marriages, careers, and several therapists (who never figured it out) I finally figured it out when I made a friend who was also autistic. Now my life makes sense. I thought I was crazy but I was just suffering from ASD and ADHD at the same time.

59 YO. Recently diagnosed. An ex diagnosed me years ago, and, like you, I was militantly resistant. She was right all along. The diagnosis of ASD/ADHD explains so much and comes with a bittersweet cocktail of feelings, from anger, to sadness to depression to relief. My life would have been so much easier, or not, had I know this all along. So many misstep could have been avoided. Who knows. You are one of the few Autism content creators I trust and respect. I find you very funny and relatable. When you revealed what your second-opinion said to you about always being autistic, I cried along with you. So, thank you for being you.

You made me cry. It was like you were explaining my life to the “T”. I am so deeply grateful for your honesty, visibility and candor. I was diagnosed at 44, just two weeks ago!

Hi Chris, i am late to the party it i just wanted to say thank you for sharing so openly. I am 48 and was diagnosed at 38 after one of my children died. Up until then I had masked my whole life after being told in 1989 I couldn’t be autistic or adhd because I was a girl with middle class parents. Please continue to share, you have a great way of communicating, it is truly appreciated by those of us who can’t string a coherent sentence together in real life.

I'm 67 and suspect "that I'm autistic, but not sure I want to spend $5,000-$7,000 to get diagnosed here in L.A.

@solunasassoon

12 күн бұрын

It took me a lot of research but here in Houston I finally found an autism specialist in my insurance plan. I mean I spent over 7 years trying and struggling. I just was self identified until then and moved on with my life as if I was diagnosed while never stopping looking first the diagnosis. Fact is being older is very difficult to get the diagnosis, which is why I’ve found being self identified is good enough for most communities. I finally did get my diagnosis this year, and I only kept going for the future when I may need assistance that would require the official diagnosis. If you’re working find out if there’s an employee resource group for neurodivergent people and ask them where they suggest going. In the meantime I’ve never had a single person doubt me when I just said “I’m autistic “ because as older adults it’s well known if you were not severely affected by autism and a boy as a child, you were overlooked.

My child never showed any obvious signs until age 10 when I realized something was just off, I felt she was struggling emotionally but it wasn't just sadness. Waiting on her appointment with the neuropsychologist (7 months) I did a lot of research. I have always read self-help type of books and I have a BAS in Psychology (and family/friends with various psychological disorders and such) and I suspected Aspergers. She was diagnosed with level 1 autistic and inattentive ADHD. I am obsessed with researching, reading books and searching KZread for people just like you that can give me as much insight as to what she may be dealing with, things you struggled the most with and what you wished people could have done to help you and be supportive so that I can do as much as I can to prevent or lessen some of her struggles. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you opening, being vulnerable and honest about your life and the struggles you overcame as well as the guidance, tips and tricks to make things smoother that you cannot change. I am eager to watch more of your content and hopefully be able to incorporate some of your suggestions.

You are generous to share your story with us. You will undoubtedly help many people to figure out if they are autistic, and if so, to embrace it. We all have gifts and talents to share.

I rejected autism in 2006. My counselor thought that I had it. I rejected having autism because as an adult woman the 5 books I read on autism didn't fit me very well. The neuropsych psychologist said I didn't have autism either. She mentioned that I could have had autism as a child but I no longer had it as an adult. She diagnosed me as having ADHD with some autistic traits. (At that time you could be diagnosed with Autism OR ADHD but not with both.) I had a lot of other psychiatric diagnoses so I forgot about autism for over 10 years. Then my case manager thought that I had autism about a year before Covid. I was not impressed but she kept nagging me and she had formerly helped do autism assessments so I listened. She suggested that I watch KZread videos on autism. Watching women diagnosed with autism convinced me. Then I wanted an autism diagnosis. I got diagnosed at age 47 with autism level 2. I think that being a woman and having ADHD, PTSD and bipolar disorder hid the autism from most of the mental health professionals. They were looking at me through a mental health lens. That was not completely incorrect but it hid the autism.

@ChrisandDebby

3 ай бұрын

It’s interesting to read your story - thanks for sharing that! Even the evolution of ideas (had it as a child but not as an adult) have come so far since 2006. It sometimes feels frustrating that they didn’t know better back then, but I suppose this is always how new discoveries are made and new understandings in medicine and science. But it sounds like it’s helped you to understand more now with your diagnosis? For me, it’s been helpful but I’m still learning how deeply rooted all those years of masking and misunderstanding myself based on societal expectations and not knowing there was something “different” really goes. Thanks for being part of this though - I really enjoy reading your comments! It’s nice knowing I’m not alone in figuring this out as an adult too.

@Catlily5

3 ай бұрын

@@ChrisandDebby Thanks! The biggest thing so far (I was diagnosed 11 months ago) is less self hatred. I was very hard on myself for not handling my problems and everyday activities better. The diagnosis explains why I am having trouble functioning. So since I am not internally berating myself nearly as much that helps me stay more stable mentally.

@SarahDale111

17 күн бұрын

My bipolar disorder went away when I switched to a carnivore diet 6 years ago. I'd tried all the awful meds for many many years, but nothing stabilized me like cutting out the carbs has. And once my mental and mood issues cleared up, I figured out that I'm actually autistic. I'm 48 and considering pursuing a proper diagnosis.

@bethboyd5991

17 күн бұрын

I have ADHD and I went on the carnivore diet after suffering through shingles. My ADHD symptoms have gotten so much less since being on a carnivore diet. My stomach issues have improved greatly! e​@@SarahDale111

@christinelamb1167

15 күн бұрын

@@Catlily5 This has been the biggest thing for me too, after being diagnsed autistic 4 months ago, at age 60. I've struggled SO MUCH my entire life, and I was always so hard on myself because of it. I couldn't understand why I had so much difficulty with "daily life things" that everyone else seemed to to without even thinking about it. Why couldn't I just get myself together, and just stop being so sensitive?! I saw myself as a huge failure, at life, at everything. Things are still hard, but I am giving myself more grace now, and trying to find ways to accomodate myself so I can feel more comfortable in life. I now know there's nothing WRONG with me, and I don't force myself to do things because I feel I SHOULD be able to do them.

Chris and his little buddy, that was just awesome! It really helps a lot and I'm very thankful for you being so honest and very, very brave! You are a wonderful person! 🎉

@ChrisandDebby

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for this and for being part of my journey!!

Thank you, Chris. I was diagnosed just over a year ago at the age of 45. I relate to so many parts of your story. I really appreciate you sharing it with the world. It helps me knowing there’s someone else that’s walked a similar path as I have. Your channel(and others like yours) make me feel less alone on this journey.

@wesshirlaw8716

4 ай бұрын

I feel you mate I was also diagnosed at 45 last year, keep your chin up and make life fit you brother ❤

I feel like I’m drowning. I’m turning 47 and have been diagnosed with everything but autism. I would feel so much relief and closure with a proper diagnosis, but have spent so much time with doctors and no help that I have given up/ filled with doubt. Your Debby sounds like an angel! So glad she was there to help you through where I am now.

I got diagnosed with ASD a couple months ago. I'm 45 and will be 46 in May. This has been a very rough patch in my life and I'm hoping it gets better. I always knew I was weird ever since a kid, so I started this journey on my own 2 years ago. I've had similar things happen to me. I remember having a really rough time while in kindergarten and 1st grade. I was labeled a disruptive kid. As I got older and observed other kids and watching tv, I used what I saw and mimic others around me and was able to mask pretty good. It was so good that I learned how to mask up to 4 years. Meaning that I knew my threshold was that time frame and so I knew that once that period was up, I would start to "act different" (that is what people would say). So I was in the Marine Corps. I left after my 4 year term was up. My marriage only lasted 4 years. I've left jobs after 4 years as well. I didn't know or understand back then that I was masking or even know why I was so cursed after a certain point and would start to basically meltdown and shutdown. I've been at my current job for 7 years. So I knew that i was going to have to figure something out. I was scrolling through KZread and just randomly in 2022, saw a video of a women with ASD and her husband has adhd and their kids are the same (I think, i don't really remember) I didn't think anything of it until she started describing symptoms and certain things that she would do. They were the same as things I do that I actually thought was normal. Long story short, it took from that moment in 2022 until now for me to get properly diagnosed. I did alot of research on my own. Took a medical test for autism as well as other things. And even after everything came back, the neurologist wasn't convince. I was also told that I could be bipolar, multiple personality, etc. I ended up going through the VA (Veterans Affairs) and started therapy. I was asked what felt like a million questions and after and hour of eternal questioning, I was giving the diagnosis of ASD, ADHD, and PTSD. I thank you for sharing your story and I'm hoping for brighter days ahead. I'm not there yet, but I hope soon.

Thank you for telling your story. I really appreciative the upbeat way that you approach this. I am undiagnosed but have come to accept that I am likely autistic following months of my diagnosed son telling me, "mom, I think you're autistic, I don't think it skipped a generation." I don't have issues with making eye contact, but there are so many other things I struggle with that it helps me understand why I struggle with some of the things I do, and stop beating myself up over the things I struggle with.

As an adult, I was (mis?)diagnosed as bipolar, then diagnosed ADHD, and it wasn’t until I was in my 30s that I started learning about ASD. I recently had a neuropsych eval and they said bipolar, GAD, something neurological, and that I needed to have an ASD assessment to rule it out. My results won’t be ready for a while, but I’m afraid of hearing them… ASD makes my entire life make sense, but what if they tell me I’m not? I’ll be lost and confused again. Nothing else checks all the boxes the way ASD does. Life is so tiring, and not understanding the “why” behind my experiences/behaviors makes it so much more… Confusing. Exhausting. Unbearable. Thank you for making these videos. I have never related to anyone more. Somehow, it is comforting to know I’m not alone in my experiences.

diagnosed at 47. I'm still learning, I'm 55 now, and I embrace more and more my condition. With profonde acceptance, and peace. I see myself like a real minority, in a world made by non autistic, for non autistic poeple. Your work is so usefull, because it is about autism (and neurodiversity) by an autistic person. and more, you have a such good humor (from belgium)

Thank you for sharing how difficult it has been for you to accept and move forward from your diagnosis. I suspect a lot of adults who have struggled all their lives tend to feel relief, so it is valuable to learn about your experience.

I am so envious of how quickly and easily you obtained your autism diagnosis once your wonderful wife got the ball rolling for you! ❤ I am 34, diagnosed with ADHD, depression, social anxiety and hypothyroidism but my doctor plus a psychiatrist (plus standardized medical autism tests which I have taken independantly,) have all agreed that I extremely probably have autism. Unfortunately, getting autism diagnostic testing costs $2,000+ here in Canada and being undiagnosed autistic/ADHD for most of my life, my finances are terrible. I've spent the last six months desperately pushing for this testing and while I'm currently under the care of an organization which should be able to help, I'm still having to push and beg. I'm getting so tired of this all this pleading and scraping and talking to way too many people as I beg for help. Canada seems to try extremely hard not to help people who need it and it is infuriating. I'm so grateful that you are diagnosed now. Thank you so much for sharing your channel and teaching about ASD in such a kind, compassionate way.❤

I’m 51 and in therapy now for the first time and she just suggested that I may be autistic. I feel like so much makes sense to me now. I’m not rude or unloving, I’m doing the best I can.

At the ripe age of 56, my journey with Autism and ADHD has completely worsened in the last decade. Getting older has made things worse.

@darbydelane4588

4 ай бұрын

I hate to agree, but same here. Age 57 AuDHD.

@seaglasscolor

4 ай бұрын

Hang in there. Find the things that you are good at and enjoy, and spend time on those. Remember always that you are loved and needed by the people in your life.

@ChrisandDebby

4 ай бұрын

56… you’re still young!! I’m sorry to hear things have gotten worse as you’ve gotten older. We all know getting older is no picnic. I think certain things are going to get worse as your body physically gets older. But… there are plenty of things that could actually improve. I think it’s really really important to take control of your life- who you hang out with, what you do for work, how much you work, how you spend your time, what you eat, how you support yourself (adjusting expectations and being fair and realistic with yourself), how much you sleep, how and what routines you set up, etc. Audhd can really suck, but mindset is essential for improvement. What are things that you really love doing? How much time do you spend each day doing them? Who do you love being around? How much time do you spend each day with them? How much do you plan and eat healthy food? What steps will you take to improve your sleep? I’ve got lots of videos on these issues coming and I truly hope they help. I wish more autistics knew how special they were.

@ChrisandDebby

4 ай бұрын

We gotta figure out ways to steer your AuDHD ship around!!

@ChrisandDebby

4 ай бұрын

I agree with this 100%!

Your story has me crying Chris. I truly admire you for talking about something that you obviously find difficult. I'm proud of you. For me, it was relief to be diagnosed (late). I had a pretty good idea that I was autistic when another family member was diagnosed, fifteen years before I was. She was the only person that ever made any sense to me, everyone else was from another planet. I never really looked into it much though and I should've done. Over the years I learnt that there were things that would help me out, but without that diagnosis I felt as though I couldn't ask for them. I tried asking sometimes, but was often met with ridicule or told I was being pedantic and awkward for the sake of it. I felt as though I was faking it or attention seeking when I said I thought I was autistic. Now everyone knows why I asked for some things or behaved in a way that they might not have liked. I don't use autism as an excuse, it's a reason and an explanation. I too am extremely exhausted from dealing with the world and am withdrawing from it more and more every day. Then I have to deal with the criticism and the guilt that that creates. After all, I was fine before the diagnosis (apparently!) But I'm tired, so, so tired.

I’m bawling. Chris, you are an extremely courageous man. Your wife is so intelligent! You are so lucky to have each other.

Thank you, sir. You sound like my twin. At this moment, no one is believing me. My parents, my wife, my siblings.

@ChrisandDebby

Ай бұрын

I believe you.

I was diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder in 1980. Last year, at 63, I looked it up to see what that was supposed to mean. It didn't sound like me. Autism sounded more like me, so last year I went to a therapist, who agreed I seemed to be autistic, but an accurate diagnosis at my age would be difficult and expensive, so we'll just go with it. So I have an official undiagnosis.

You are just amazing! Thank you for being here

Thank you so much for taking the time and huge effort to share your story. It has helped me - a 58yr old only just starting on this journey.

36, diagnosed at 34, and trying to learn more. You are helpful.

Covid gave me the opposite experience. Finally I was able to stay home and not be expected to be social and mask for the public all the time. I could even worry less about my facial expressions because I was able to cover my face w an actual mask rather than create one from the inside. It took my suspicion of autism to the next level, seeing how much less burned out I became. I finally got verification that it’s not ADHD alone, but also Autism about 2 weeks ago, also at the age of 41!

From the bottom of my heart - thank You for being You.

I'm 48 and have realized I'm autistic in the last few years. Diagnosed with ADHD during the pandemic and treating that led down the rabbit hole that ended up here. The first 9 months were very rough, but since then I feel so much more relaxed since I'm able to realize my needs and accommodate them. I've got a much better relationship with my spouse and my kids. The freedom to say no, I can't, or not right now has been amazing. I can't get an official diagnosis because of immigration reasons, but have had it confirmed thru my psychologist and psychiatrist. It's taken a huge weight of guilt and blame off of my shoulders. Thank you for sharing your videos and story.

You made me cry, your story is beautiful. Thank you again for sharing this for all of us to hear. ❤

Thankyou for sharing with such transparency and honesty. I felt very connected. I'm glad you have the gift of teaching and are reaching us with genuine gentleness, openness and honesty. It really helps. May you be blessed back by the LORD as you are a blessing, as is your dear wife ❤

Omg. Bro. So much respect. So many similarities diet etc. so many. Love the honesty. I needed that. I’m not an alien! There is others like me!!

Thanks for sharing about your best buddy. I have one too. His name is Azoth and I feel better about myself now. Thank you so much for sharing. You're changing peoples ideas about themselves and that is so important. 💖💖💖💖💖

I wanted to thank you for sharing this. It must have been so hard to film, but I can’t tell you how much it meant to me. Thanks for putting yourself out there, even the vulnerable parts. You and your wife are amazing

I got diagnosed with ASD this week at 33, after feeling lost and lonely my entire life. To now have a greater understanding of myself and what it means to be nuerodivergent is life changing. I had a younger Autistic brother, who had high support needs and I assumed that because I could function in society, that I couldn't possibly be autistic but now I understand that this is not the case. Rather that evidence suggests that this just made it much more likely, given the genetic research. It's amazing to watch this video to identify and relate to your experiences. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing your story 💜 Our whole generation has slipped through the cracks and it’s honestly so sad and appalling. I had a similar experience and was only diagnosed recently at 36. I hope you’re doing better now that you know. I am. Thank you for being part of the community and making content. Channels like yours are what helped me finally figure myself out and seek diagnosis. Channels like yours changed my life for the better

I am self diagnosed. I am old enough for the senior discount. I have different issues. I've always felt on the outside of conversations that involved more than 2 people. By the time I felt like I was able to add something, they had been done with that topic and I was 2 topics behind. If there was one absolutely inappropriate thing to say, it came out of my mouth. I can't handle air noise like fans or open car windows. My Dr diagnosed adhd explained some of that. Even with medication, I always felt there was something else. A diagnosis doesn't cure anything, but it helps to explain things all the way back to before kindergarten.

Thank you so much for sharing your story! The pandemic got me on the track to a diagnosis as well. I got invited into this private Discord server and a started to recognise a lot of the struggles others were sharing and it turned out almost all of them were neurodivergent. That got me thinking. Fast foward to the winter and I slipped into a pretty bad depression. I spoke to my GP about my suspicions and was put on the waiting list. Eventually, about a-year-and-a-half later I was diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD at age 44. Like you, I had always felt different from others, knowing I somehow experienced the world around me differently than most, as long as I can remember. As a result, I was bullied quite badly. Also like you, at first I was really sceptical about my ASD diagnosis, but over time got more comfortable with it. I'm still learning about the combination of having both ADHD and ASD on a daily basis, what can I say: it's a journey.

Im 20 now, I got diagnosed with Autism this January at 20. The way you explained everyone seeming to think you were a problem child, or just a person that needed to be fixed is so real. I was physically and emotionally abused my entire childhood for my “manipulative and bad behavior”, think ABA all day but up 1000% and physically abusive. My pediatrician thought I was a bad kid and a hypochondriac with my stomach and body issues, teachers begged my parents to medicate or homeschool me. I failed every class until I dropped out, I tried every medication, everything. I even left home and became homeless as a young teenager to get away from the pain and abuse of it all. But it kept following me, no matter where I went, I was still a failed and weird person. I eventually got a BPD Diagnosis that I immediately knew was a bit off, then years after I finally got my Autism diagnosis. You’re story touched me and I really do think for a lot of us, if we didn’t get that self realization or diagnosis of Autism, we wouldn’t be here.

BLESS YOUR HEART! Thank you for all of your videos. My husband and I are exploring the possibility of him having autism and your videos are helping to a great extent. Thank you, thank you

Thank you for this video Chris and I can only imagine how hard it was for you. You are so articulate and informative about autism - very helpful for those of us with autism in the family.

Sharing your story like this is so beautiful. I understand that it's hard to do. But it's very powerful for me to see the things we have in common, and the things we don't. It helps me very much, and I believe it has tremendous value for so many people. Thank you so much for this video.

@ChrisandDebby

3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for this, Ed! It was really really challenging but I’m glad I did it. Hope it can keep helping others better understand the challenges but also how very unique we all are! Glad you’re here on this journey too

You're lucky to have another person to help you.

Thank you for sharing!

My therapist thinks I have ADHD but can't formally diagnose it. I'm waiting for an appointment with my primary care provider and hoping for a referral for an actual diagnosis. After doing a lot of searching for tools and coping mechanisms for ADHD, it became fairly clear to me I am likely on the Autism Spectrum as well. Hearing other's stories helps me learn more about neurodiversity and how it impacts real actual lives vs vague medical language in the DSM.

Thank you so much for sharing this❤

Best video yet. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your story

Omg. Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m crying while watching

Amazing video you touched my heart.

Beautiful video- thank you for sharing ❤

Thank you for doing this.

My son (13) was diagnosed with autism last year after I asked he be tested for ADHD which I thought he might have. I was surprised it was autism. After that some things started to click for me as well. Me and my son are so much alike. I get him so well. We think alike. And while filling in his test forms a lot of the questions really resonated with me. Now I would like to get myself tested but I'm really scared to. I don't have my old rapport cards from school. And I don't remember much from when I was a kid other than being bullied and feeling alone and anxious a lot.. My husband who knows me best is willing to come with me.. Even though we're getting divorced after being together for 20 years (I'm actually happier now living alone than in my relationship) I can finally be myself..

So much gratitude to you for making this, Chris. You are an amazing person. Seriously considering ASD for the first time, at 70. All the very best.

I really appreciate ur videos. Thank u for this !

❤ Thank you for sharing your experience. It has been a great help to me.

Thank you for being here and talking about your journey. I think it helps many people. Thank you ❤❤❤❤

Thank you. This is so valuable. Such a similar story to my own.

Thank you so much for sharing. You’ve been through a lot. Glad for you to have more understanding now and a support network. Your wife sounds amazing and you’re a lucky man to have such a helpful, patient, and understanding wife! Best wishes to you both.

Can confirm, it does help. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you. This moves me to tears

I suggest researching about Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. A lot of people with Autism have it and it's also a reason for their several health issues. Thank you so much for opening up about your diagnosis. I got a diagnosis of autism in my late 20's after discovering I had EDS. I hope this helps!

Thanks for sharing! I am sure u can help other people who also might go through the same experience. ❤

This is such a beautifully truthful testimony. Thank you for sharing

Debbie sounds like a great advocate! 😊

It does help. Thanks for sharing.

I appreciate you. Im going to see about getting diagnosed in May.. so many things in my life are starting to make sense thanks to your videos.

You wont believe how much this has helped. I recognise everything you’ve said and It’s made me want to persevere towards getting a diagnosis at age 59. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to work out what’s been going on, but I’m so relieved to have an answer. But I just feel I need to have it made official before I can ‘come out’. It’s taken me most of my life to get the UK NHS to even listen . But I will continue . Thank you, thank you thank you so much. X❤

Thank you so, so very much for this video. I’m in my mid 60s, and as a child my mother loved to tell the stories about a couple of nurses asking if I was the "r" word, which was bandied about in those days. And, considering I was teased often about it, I believed I was.

Thank you for your channel and passion for helping adults learn about low support ASD. I’m not diagnosed but many aspects of what you’re describing ring very true for me… preferences, aversions, burn out, tension, you name it. Thank you and keep at it, it’s very helpful 🙏⭐️

I am so grateful to you both for your courage and perseverance. Sharing this video taught me so much. Thank you for your hard work and effort. Beautiful edits. Wonderful flow. So easy to follow and connect with.

Chris, you are amazing, as is Debby! Thank you for posting this video!!! Keep shining your light. I've recently self-diagnosed as AuDHD as well as realized both parents - one from Silent Generation and the other just made the Boomers also fall under the umbrella. The more we can post about our shared experiences - the better people will be able to understand why they are the way they are.

Thank you so so much for sharing your story. I'm so glad you hung in there, and that Debbie has been so supportive through it. I see a lot of parallels, so it's so important we share our stories. I was misdiagnosed bipolar, put on various meds that made it worse, had a psychiatrist who vehemently denied it could be autism .. but a case manager who saw it and called it for what it was. The thing is a really close friend with a diagnosed autistic kid told me a few years before she thought I was on the spectrum, and to just 'hold that thought'. I still have people who want to argue with me it cannot be, and my experiences cannot be real. Sadly, it seems like my story isn't the only one where we were failed by those higher up. By sharing our stories it may make it easier for others like us accept the diagnosis... And figure out what's next.

@Catlily5

3 ай бұрын

My case manager is the reason I am diagnosed with autism today. I got diagnosed last year at age 47. She kept on me to get diagnosed even though I was skeptical after being told I didn't have autism, just traits of it, in 2007.

@t3hsis324

3 ай бұрын

@@Catlily5 that sounds SO familiar. It was actually a call from my father, where he stated that both he and my mother thought I was autistic that was the tipping point. That next day I called to book the appointment, and then I was like to the psychologist assessing 'I have multiple people stating they think I'm autistic, and I just really need to know if that's the case...' Don't get me wrong... It wasn't because I thought it'd be wrong, but I was convinced they would of caught it when I was much younger. Nope. Apparently I'm just one of many, as well...

@Catlily5

3 ай бұрын

@@t3hsis324 When I was a child only the more severe forms of autism were caught. They knew I was not normal as a child. But I didn't have language delays. Social skills caused me to be delayed going to kindergarten. But that wasn't enough of a problem for an autism diagnosis back then.

Thank you for sharing your autism diagnosis journey and showing me who you are.... A brave person sharing your feelings. Your video definitely helps and your honesty helps me understand myself better, while trying to practice self acceptance and love even though I can feel like a bad person at times. Much gratitude.

Thank you for doing this difficult video. I am so touched. My 18 year old son has autism and I always want to understand more how to best support and understand him as he goes through life. I gotta say though the more I learn about autism the more I can identify with many of the things I learn. Maybe that’s why he and I have such a great connection.

Thank you, it helps!❤

I havent finished the video yet, but I wanted to say how much your description of the dark days of COVID touched me. My autism became really prevalent just when I developed a severely disabling neurological disorder in March 2020. Hard days for a lot of people. I am so glad your wife worked so hard to find answers! She truly sounds like an angel. My husband is one as well. ❤️

Thanks so much for sharing! I'm also 41 and just got diagnosed too. I can relate to so much of what you said. And I still haven't fully accepted or always believe my diagnosis.

hi Chris 🌸 i'm 62, and went through all the physical stuff you talked about. this video, i think, might help my husband see it, really see it. after decades of masking i know i 'don't appear' autistic, tried to get a diagnosis, but even after the tests i took my pnp says oh yeah you are definitely neurodivergent, but i still can't get an 'official' diagnosis without paying like $2,000... i don't have that.

This is almost exactly my 20 year old son’s story, and we also just started to figure things out. COVID was also a big turning point. Thank you so much for sharing your story and advocating, as an educator who missed so much as well I thank you.

@ChrisandDebby

13 күн бұрын

Thanks for this! Glad to hear you found this helpful - your son is lucky to have your support 😊

Hi Cris..it helped a lot!!

I am 4 minutes in and you are explaining my life! Thank you! (I was just diagnosed with autism a few days ago, in my late 30s) Such a good video so far...away to watch the rest👍 Edit: finished watching the video now and, I must say I really appreciate how open, honest and raw you were with this. It is so helpful to hear about your journey. I see many aspects in common with mine. Thank you again for this video.

I was diagnosed at 48 and when I listened to your video I felt like I was listening to my own life story. Thank you for sharing this and helping people like me realise we're not alone in the world.

It really does help ❤ I'm 37. Possibly misdiagnosed, at least under diagnosed.... I'm scared to seek diagnosis because of doctors not caring in the past, same as your story. I was told by a very close friend that I was on the spectrum and got VERY offended (again, same story). I did my own research and decided she was right all along.. it's been so hard to come to terms with, but I'm trying to embrace it as best as possible. Thank you for sharing your journey, it's nice to know I'm not alone.

You and I are a lot alike. You are definitely not alone... I married a DeadHead. I love music, all music. I am very musically inclined and play several instruments. However, concerts can be difficult. I don't like to be too close to people and I don't like heights so stadiums can be hard. Conversations can be awkward no matter where I'm at. I guess the best part is that I can stim all I want in this environment... and I do! I drum on anything I can drum on! The cool old lady drumming at that concert... it's me! I never thought my stimming would be seen as "cool"! After the concert, I am exhausted. I usually need a few days of quiet to allow my body and mind to settle down. We are going to one this evening and my stomach is already in knots! It is a surprise concert that my husband has deemed a "selfless act of kindness" towards me. It must be a band I really, really like. I feel ill! It is what it is. 😂😀 Your channel is awesome! I believe you are helping many people by putting it all out there, including myself. I am an autistic mother of an autistic mother of 2 adult autistic sons. I will definitely be sharing your channel with them. Thank you for all of the time and effort you and your family have put into this. I am grateful. Take care!😀

Thank you so much for sharing this, honestly and authentically. I live in a country where the full spectrum of autism, and particularly autism in adults, is viewed as something that either does not exist or needs to be hidden. I have a very supportive partner and he really tries, but I don't think he is fully comfortable with it all yet and I had to (and still have to) push and advocate for myself on my diagnosis journey. There is little to no support for autistic adults, particularly high masking or high functioning autistic adults, and I often feel like I'm being told that it isn't that bad for me, other people have it much worse, and I should just suck it up. Thing is, they don't see what they don't see. I also struggle with physical symptoms like stomach issues, bladder issues, headaches, etc. Mentally, I've realised that through all the jobs that I've had, it always starts out with me being a model employee and then after a few months, they get to know me and start to shun me out of the job and because I've hit severe burnout by then, I just end up quitting. I got my diagnosis last year at 28. The people that know, the people closest to me who I feel I can trust to at least try to understand, it feels like they are beginning to feel like it's been a year now, I should be better, but I am back in burnout again. It is difficult, complex, and a constant process of evaluation, which in and of itself is exhausting. And it is true what you said, people who don't experience it themselves, don't understand. It's just really hard some days.

Got my ADHD dx at 27, and autism dx at 36. Thank you for sharing your story and creating this channel. Just found you today, and I *love* your content. ❤Late Dx Club❤

I was not a difficult kid, because I was quiet, but I have to admit I did not know when I was masking and not masking. Masking seemed to be like a normal part of my life.

Thanks for sharing

I just found your channel, and so much of what you’ve said rings true to me. I started to think maybe I had Asperger’s but I don’t lack empathy. During my own research into that, I started learning more about what autism is and the wide spectrum it encompasses. One day, I’d like to get diagnosed, and understand things better but after the experiences I’ve had with doctors, I’m not willing to try again until I find someone that understands autism. Life has gotten better over the last 5-10 years, but much of that was finding medications that help mask better. Medications for my idiopathic hypersomnia, medications for my anxiety and OCD. Agoraphobia, IBD, the list goes on.

Thank you for sharing this and letting us know we're not alone! I am self diagnosed auDHD (awaiting official diagnosis), and your channel has become my go to for learning how to actually get through life day by day. ❤

@ChrisandDebby

Ай бұрын

It’s one heck of a roller coaster ride, but I wouldn’t trade my autism for anything. Thanks for being here!

Thank you for sharing. It took me years to come to terms. I'm comfortable with it now, that journey was not easy. I current think of some of our latent abilities 'superpowers'. It's a bit more fun to think of it that way.

I have been diagnosed with autistic disorder as a child. I have been diagnosed with adhd and tourettes as a child. I have learning disabilities as a child. I have expressive and receptive language disorder as a child. I have auditory processing disability as a child. I have a developmental coordination issues as a child. Your video was super helpful for me because I need to be rediagnose to get connected to the services I need. Doctors keep saying I have... One Doctor uses my scripting to say I have schizafective disorder. Um this was a neuropsychologist. As a child I remember repeating what I heard on TV. Like jaws when I went jump from the couch to chair and back at age 2 almost 3 and I have a scar on my eye to support this. I remember repeating things like power rangers and Thomas the tank engine in social interactions. Then I hear my parents argue because I didn't talk and was still in diapers and delays they blame my brother Mike for sexual abuse as a child. I repeated this. It didn't happen. In autism school I lost at 1st grade I fell apart with hit my head and hurt others because I lost the autism classes. This led me to be hospital at age 7 and 8 3 times in 1 year. I quickly got stable with no mental health meds just structured and consistent environment and supports with constant prompting. I repeat things that made doctors say I had PTSD. I remember they asked me if I had night mirrors that woke me up at night. I answered yes to everything even if I didn't understand it. But the answer is yes. I still do. It usually is the ocean I have night mirror like in jaws that I saw at age 2 or 3. I also have another dream I had the red barran and the news back in early 1990s with the war tanks and I dream of that. Or rollar coaster dream i had that woke me up. The thing is Nothing about abuse or real life things. My doctors didn't ask me and I had real hard time talk. The words I said were like on TV or I hear that I used in social situations. This I still do today. This is scripting. Psychiatrist say this in reports I have. This separate schizafective disorder from autism. I didn't talk to age 5. Have a language disorder and autism they can't use the disorganized speech as a symptom of schizophrenia. Something new I need to ask my doctors about the developmental coordination disorder I had as a kid that I am told can make it difficult to talk and plan motor skills and even my thoughts and words. I am aware of saying something different from what I was thinking of. This is a life long issues. And a doctor says I have bipolar as a kid then in the same mental hospital who said at age 8 ptsd didn't see bipolar, depression, or ptsd. They said all these delays and symptoms of autism and said I fake and personality disorder. The doctors ignore the school records of my learning disabilities and the children records the same hospital reported say I had severe cognitive and Communication issues. Both times the ink bot was done. However I had a hard time intrepting and processing social and environmental cues and what is being said. The thing is this is autism and visual and auditory processing issues that was ignored. Other child records show I have autistic disorder as a diagnosis. My school teacher got mad at me for a tick of mine that was sexual. The body order and pee and poop my diaper in school I got pick on for be fat kid who needed someone to wipe my butt and change me and get me dress and can make a weather forecast as smart. So people thought I was lazy and defiant. Especially when I called out people why can't I do that when you let me before or why he can do it and not me. This is used as argue with authority. I just didn't understand things. I love school and was in autism classes again after 3rd grade too. My parents got mad because I didn't want to go to school for be made fun of and sensory and need help. The teachers used to restraint me for my arm flap and rocking and my spin myself. I couldn't help it. This is why I didn't want to go to school. My family used it as I was disobedient. Just like they pick on me for be in diapers and need help changing my diaper. They say I am disobedient because I need this help. Dad tells me autism for babies. Autism is not for babies. I don't want to be in diapers. My dad picks on me because I need help 1 to 1 to clean a room and shower. My dad abuses me for ask for help. Then he abuses me when I do not clean. Then he has me sleeping on a hard floor and in dirty living room. He is mad at me for say my urologist says I am in diapers for my autism. He hates it. He said things like I never been in diapers. I then tells the same doctor that I was always in diapers how he feels bad how doctors say make fun of me for diapers and pee and poop and mistreatment me for carry a weight teddy bear around. The thing is dad then tells the urologist it's nerve damage. My doctor does test I didn't need and it show I had no nerve damage and it's autism. Then dad said I was sexually abused as a kid to that urologist just because he doesn't want to accept my diagnosis of autism. He gets so mad at me. I have all these doctors who satpy autism intellectual disability, adhd, language disorder, auditory processing disability, Tourette’s and autism that is cause me emotionally and behavior issues especially when dad uses his opinion to go at me criticize me and use to play victim of my behaviors so he doesn't have to clean and care for me. My dad abuses me and deny me help to get diagnosis and help I need. Because of this and just watch my videos on my channel to see for yourself. He uses that to argue his point. Then some doctors say this same thing. They use it as I want my way and get mad for no diaper change or shower or take my pills or help clean.

@AndysAutismLifeStory

13 күн бұрын

I boot my tablet in safe mode to make this comment to say how much this video help me. I have parent control for my safety and safety issues of social media. I am 38 today with no help or services.

Thank you for being so vulnerable! This will help many people 🌟

@ChrisandDebby

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for your encouragement - I really hope it can help other people too

@rosiecheeks.k

3 ай бұрын

@@ChrisandDebby 🙂🌟👍

Debby is an angel 🥹🥹⭐️

Your videos have been very helpful. My wife also tried to introduce the possibility of autism and I shut it down for a good 12 months. Now at 40 I’m accepting and it is hard. For the first time in 15 years I had to take time off work. I was just crying all the time. The meltdowns are happening much more and I feel a loss of control. The physical symptoms all ring true too so frustrating, but at least I now have an explanation.

Waiting for diagnosis l am 63 it explains everything

I’m enjoying listening to your videos. I find it ironic that you have little noises during them. Surely a video on autism would be best sans unnecessary popping sounds.

Chris, you’re so brave and I love watching your videos!! This is such a great video!! Thank you so much for sharing your story!! It truly helps those of us who are undiagnosed and misdiagnosed!! When I figured out that I am on the spectrum after my youngest adult son told me his diagnosis of autism, I went (and am still going) down this amazing rabbit hole and have learned so much from watching your videos and others who I relate with. Thank you a billion times for being so open and honest about yourself and your journey!! Bless you and your wife!! 🙌💜🌈

@ChrisandDebby

2 ай бұрын

I wish I could give you a big hug, and I don’t even like hugs! 🤗 Realizing you’re autistic as an adult is a roller coaster of a ride. You play things back from your past with a new lens. You also have to rediscover who you actually are, because you’ve been masking most of your life. It is an emotional journey, but you have many others on the same roller coaster with you! Im so glad you are enjoying our videos. We have lots more coming.😋😋

@rjparker2414

20 күн бұрын

@@ChrisandDebby I don't like hugs either, but virtual hugs are cool. A big virtual hug to Chris (and his green supportive buddy), and thanks again for this. Yes, it's a completely different lens to look back on one's life with - well said. More acceptance, and able to enjoy the "roller coaster" ride - now looking forward - with less fear, and more hanging on - with a smile.

Chris, listening to you talk about this is like hearing someone recount my life story, even down to itching skin, etc. Thank you for this channel. It is a blessing to me.

@ChrisandDebby

3 ай бұрын

I’m really glad to hear that! Sometimes making these videos is tough for me. I’m a very private person, so I struggle at times with posting these. I tell myself daily it’s important to help people and the times when I decide not to believe myself, I read amazing comments like yours, Wayne!

@rjparker2414

20 күн бұрын

I agree completely. I was astounded how much I identified with Chris' story, and am grateful for his heartfelt video.💕 Although I've been seeing therapists intermittently since age 12, some good, most not, with doctors often saying my complaints/ pains were "in my head", and inferring I was the "problem" (because they couldn't figure out what was "wrong" with me) ... it wasn't until this year, at age 69, that my current excellent therapist (originally for C-PTSD) figured out, and suggested my autism. She changed my life. 👍 Researching it intensively (science is one of my "special interests"), I've finally found that I "fit", into a wonderful community of delightfully neurodivergent folks. Chris' videos explain so much (like ADHD, and alexithymia - thanks for those too!). I'm very grateful, and embrace my AuDHD now.😜