High Functioning Autism Aspergers Symptoms 

When you mentioned “the big secret” i started uncontrollably crying. I’ve never had any words for this feeling and the idea that everyone else just sort of “knows what to do” but i can’t seem to figure it out has completely dominated every space of my being since i was born. Thank you so much

I go through everything you you mentioned! I'm a 68 year old lady who isn't diagnosed yet. I do take things for depression, anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy , and other things. I wish there were more on RU-vid with older adults with these things. I have very few friends and spend most all my time home to cope. I have never had a job to earn money , at least not much. I'm so out of touch with this world!

Thanks for sharing. I am ASD & ADHD & HAVE SPD. I would also like to say to please continue what you are doing and to scroll on from anyone that is not supportive. Constructive criticism is quite healthy (as long as you don’t take it on as gospel and only consider it worth to you), but anything less is not. Please don’t ever let anyone undo the good that your intentions are making. We are sensitive souls And need to remember to honour our needs. May you always know that your input matters. Blessed Be. 🙏🏻❤️

I am very happy to have found this video. It is giving me a little peace.

Hi I am an autistic person, my name is Marcelle and I identify with everything you say a 100%! It made me feel better about myself to know all these traits are common to someone else with autism .I would love to discuss and exchange experiences with you. I don't post videos Myself. I'm glad I'm not alone in my world. Thank you

I don't think ocd, it's a self-soothing mechanism. The anger/aggression is self-protective. Flight or fight. I have a lot of respect for you discussing these topics, please continue. self-perception is important. I am also a very late diagnosed Aspie, age 44 and have CPTSD issues as well, due to environmental factors (social cruelties), we need to know ourselves better. Ty. God bless. I plan to continue watching.

When explaining myself to a co-worker a few months ago, she relayed to me that those were symptoms of Aspergers. I’ve been up watching videos and every thing everyone is describing is me. 🥺🥺🥺 I’ve always been called dramatic when I react to noises, especially when it’s a late reaction. When I’m given verbal instructions it’s usually goes in one ear and out the other and I immediately forget. But the way you described it as still processing the first makes so much sense. I’ve always felt like an outsider watching everyone live their life. I hate meeting people. If I leave a room I offer recite everything that happened to see if I did something weird. I hate weird noises and cover my ears with loud music. I avoid crowds. A lot of times I’ll stand back and just wait patiently. I hate being touched and hugged. I’ve had problems with eye contact, but over the years I made myself improve with it. Sometimes if I can’t “see” the words it just flows. Other times I just clam up when I can’t express myself. I have a hard time showing empathy and the feelings that I feel deeply. There have been times when I started to cry uncontrollably and everyone would ask me why are you crying, and I didn’t even know why. Thanks for sharing ❤️❤️

My son is you to a tee. I think people with aspergers are very special and bring a unique perspective to the world. They are very interesting people and are good to be around.

I also have a big problem with tight clothes. I usually wear XL-baggy clothes, not because I like that style, but because I am obsessed with comfort. Other people just cannot understand this! I am glad to see I'm not the only one facing this issue.

Thank you for posting such an informative video about autism. I have an adult son who was diagnosed with PDD - NOS at age 26. During his teenage years he was diagnosed with OCD, anxiety and depression. This medical intervention was done when I recognized routine behaviors, anxiety, depression that I felt were not attributed to teenage progression. This experience has helped me to be very effective working with my students, as there are a lot of undiagnosed children under the autism spectrum.

I've just been diagnosed with Autism as an 'adult',I'm 46 yrs old, Also I suffer bi polar 2,I've never felt like I've belonged in the world,and everything good happens to other people,never me, Your video was very true to a whole lot of things I feel, Thank you,

Hello there. I was diagnosed in my mid 20's with Asperger's now know as high functioning autism. My name is Melody and I have just recently watched your video and everything from clothing textures, and highly sensitive to loud noises such as firecrackers and balloons will causes issues, as well as not understanding social cues and having anxiety in large crowds. I am glad to know that there are other individuals willing to be open about how this has affected their lives and especially yours. I wish you all the best.

Hi ! I have just found your videos, and most of what you explain is how I find things... And your words " Feels like wading through mud" is a perfect way of explaining things. I have been trying to do as much research on my problems as possible, and find similarities with other people, but you are so far the closest I have found to how I am... Thank you so much for sharing... it is VERY much appreciated, and SO helpful for my notes for my appointment in July for a diagnosis.

I live in 100% social isolation in a patch of woodland.No friends,nothing..At 53 yrs of age,I now - thanks to people like you - know I'm probably undiagnosed autistic spectrum.

We could be twins. Thank you for making this video. I think you did an excellent job explaining the difficulties and feelings we have as high functioning autistic people. I wonder, though, how does your description sound to an unaffected person? Can they comprehend at all from hearing your descriptions of your experiences? I would be interested to hear how unaffected people relate, if they do. My biggest frustration is in getting unaffected people to understand or to take seriously that I can't help the way I feel or communicate. They think I'm a jerk and can be very mean to me, not realizing that I mean no harm to them or anyone. Of course, their being mean to me only compounds my problems. Anyway, again, thank you for your great effort in making this excellent video!

Hi Steve, I just wanted to say that I find you and your video truly beautiful. You are so honest and open about your vulnerabilities that it touches the soul. If only everyone were so open! Thank you for reaching out to us all in this profound and courageous way. I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you, Kerry.

I've never been diagnosed but I can absolutely relate to many of the things you talk about in this video. The OCD, bad social anxiety, sensitivity to noise and not knowing the secret to life. A break from my normal routine completely throws me off too.

Thank you for uploading this video! I got diagnosed with Aspergers when I was 7 (I'm not 15) and I totally agree with all of this! My friends don't really understand my Aspergers or me (because I have Aspergers) so it's hard to talk to them about it. I often think about this stuff and am over analystic. I went to my friends house and I couldn't eat the food at her house because her plates were dirty (it was literally the littlest crumb) but I couldn't deal. I'm quite observant

Steve...Thank You. Keep up the good work my man. I will pray for you. My son Gabriel is 3.5 years old and he is autistic non-verbal. I am still mourning the fact because this is a very cruel world. Autistic children are the most abused minority in the world. I am 49 years old and have a very short time to prepare him for this cruel world. People are very ignorant and indolent when it comes to children with autism. My whole family and my wife's family turned their backs on us. I bless you Steve.

I got the AS diagnosis 2 years ago when i was 37. I have been struggling with depression ever since my teenage years. Various traumas, like my mother committing suicide and the loss of the rest of my family when i was expelled from Jehovahs witnesses, put me into a depression and the "professionals" in the health care sector just focused on that. So i went through many years of psychotherapy and various medicines before i got the diagnosis. With this new knowledge, very much is falling into place now when i look back at my childhood years, my life up til now and they way i tackled (or didnt tackle) things that happened to me. There is a bitterness ofc, and anger, when i think about how late i got this revelation. As a person with high functioning AS i can at the same time understand that my surroundings in the past interpreted me as someone who just has problems with people, someone who can say harsh and awkward things in social situations, someone who rather read books or sit by the computer instead of being an outgoing person, someone who is intelligent but over-analyze things and work in a bit slower pace than other people, etc. Through the years i have become quite good at building this facade of a strong and secure person and it works in fleeting moments when i meet people, so that might also have been part of the reason why my personality disorder has been hard to detect. I am still trying to grasp my late diagnosis and in the region i am living in there isnt much expertize or help for AS persons. But i am glad that i got the diagnosis later rather than never. Hopefully this will lead to other ways of treatment, advice and understanding from the health care and other instances when it comes to work, education etc. If nothing else, it has been enlightening and helpful for ME, at least! I have always been very disturbed by silence, especially when sitting in a room with a lot of people. I feel like everyone is watching me and listening to my breathing. And i get very aware of the smallest of noices around me. A very intense feeling that many times has caused me to just flee the situation, soaked in sweat. I have always had difficulty with verbal instructions and i am getting really mad when there is some kind of inconsequence in instructions i get, or when i come across exceptions from the rule of things. I hate contradictions. I get irritated by silly little things, such as if a person uses a word very often when he speaks or if he or she has some repeating manner. Irrationality is something i am very sensitive to, probably because i think i can be irrational myself and i dont like it. I am always looking for patterns everywhere around me, even though i think i have becoming better with age at stopping myself when i get into that loop. But the reflex, or instinct, is always there. When i meet new people i often find myself drawing up a mental blueprint of how they are, what they think and feel. Probably because i have a hard time reading people. Its like a scientist, getting satisfied with just his assumptions and his own theories rather than actually being empirical about it. And this can lead to quite a few misunderstandings, understandably:) My input on the matter.

Wow, thank you so much for posting this. I have always grow up with my sister teasing me i had "autism" i would always have meltdowns unable to control my agner and even know as an adult. I have every single aspect you point out and can relate to with difficulty just speaking,

Hi Steve, My journey of discovery, regarding Aspergers, began about 7 years ago, when an online friend suggested to me that I could be on the spectrum. I got my diagnosis confirmed yesterday. Im a 46 year old male. Once I began to read up on the condition, all the 'boxes' that had confused me right through life, were finally ticked. I came across your videos about a year ago and related so much to many of your experiences. Thanks for your courage and openess :)

"the big secret" is spot on - and often hearing "get with it" from neurotypical people in terms of social communication just thinking you're having an off day.

when a group aproaches you always go to the right

Wow! So impressed with how much personal perspective you have. I believe that that is half the battle won already. My husband struggles with most of what you mention as well. The hardest thing for me as a NT wife, is all of his scary highly critical melt downs that occurred over about 17 years in our relationship. My strong Boundaries that I have put in place however, have now helped him finally get these more under control. But your valuable perspective is absolutely imperative to help us NTs to understand the complexities and the emotional struggles of those on the high functioning spectrum and who cope with this on a daily basis. I think you are doing much better than you realise sir. Pertaining to this, I find that my husband cannot be ‘wrong’ in anyway, so perfectionism seems to be part of this profile. If any suggestions or deeper conversation is initiated, he will sadly take it more as a criticism of who he is, instead of accepting another point of view and growing in mutual understanding. I find him to be especially hard on himself with very high expectations, which is ultimately counterproductive in finding his own peace and self acceptance. Thank you again for this transparent and revealing aspect of your own struggles. That takes courage and I’m sure so many can relate, and will appreciate your efforts to convey your personal experience. Very insightful. Much appreciated. M

I find that I am especially affected by speech problems. I am a prolific and above-average writer, so it is especially frustrating when I am attempting to communicate my thoughts with people in person and find that I simply cannot find and form the words. It's like I'm swimming through a pool of molasses.

Ive been going through horrible depression and anxiety that has caused me to isolate myself from society for the past 7 years. I posses nearly all of these issues and many more. Its hard to accept that you might have some sort of disorder, especially after growing up in an upper middle class home that had good medical coverage. Its easy to get caught up in denial when your symptoms werent caught at an early age. Thank you for sharing.

My son has this as well. It is very complicated ; even the professionals couldnt diagnose him. It took 16 years. Just realize you have extreme gifts and focus on those positive qualities. The Bible says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are not alone. There are soo many not even diagnosed . When things are brought into the "light " you can get help and healing!

Thank you for your courage to share your feelings and challenges. I REALLY appreciate your description of issues with crowds. This is a big thing for me. I call it crowd anxiety, but people don't seem to take me seriously when I tell them how I feel angry in crowds. I hate not being able to understand people's expectations of how I should move in crowds, and I hate being bumped into.

Hi Caleb My motivation for making these videos was to get my thoughts out there, and share experiences with other people. It has been great to compare symptoms with others. It make us feel not so alone. I totally relate to how you've described your problems. It feels good to know that there are other people that know how it really feels. Regards Steve

Hi charissa I don't see autism as an illness as such. But having a diagnosis meant that I now know what all these symptoms/traits were about and I could begin to understand myself a lot better. As someone that works professionally in the arts I have not found any downsides to knowing I have autism. In fact I have found a lot of comfort in understanding myself better. Regards Steve

Spot on description in my opinion, thank you for sharing. I find it very difficult to communicate/explain to people what's it like for me but this video helps a lot, thanks.

I agree with everything you have said! Hi my name is Matt I'm from Pennsylvania USA, and I have both high functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome and I also stutter too. And it's not fun. But the one thing I've learned from dealing with it for years, is that you have to not be afraid to be yourself. We may have diagnosis they do not, but we are still people. And don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. I almost have to let things go at first, and prepare for the future anxiety. It almost comes in bursts.

The meltdowns and aggressive behavior in people with moderate and high functioning ASD usually goes away when puberty ends

Hi ghodium, Yes these things can really hold us back in life. People sometimes say how can you be autistic you seem so "normal" and you can do so many things. Well we are not all Rainman ! Sometimes I find it very to explain how High Functioning Autism feels.

Hi Thanks for watching my video, it is great to make contact with so many people around the world that have similar symptoms. I find it very useful to find out as much as possible about autism. It helps me to gain self awareness and understanding. This is of great benefit and made my life generally better. Best wishes Steve

Hello. I experience every single thing you listed. Thank you for posting this. Your list was so right to the point. I could relate to every single emotion. As a matter of fact, i have written them down in the past. It is so good knowing i am not the only one who lives with these emotions every day.

Hey there, I am so glad that you posted this vid, When I was a kid, I had horrible separation anxiety. Even when my parents would leave me with my auntie and uncle to go out for dinner, I apparently sat at a window, just waiting for them to come get me. I also had skin sensitivities when I was a kid... I had to wear my socks inside out so the seams weren't as bothersome, and I always needed to have tags removed.

Thank you for sharing some of your experiences. They sound very similar to what my friends with ASDs describe, and some of your experiences I can relate to myself as I have some traits myself. I like the way your video comes across - you don't seem at all 'weird' to me (many people seem to think people with ASDs are all weirdos or something). Using the list was a great idea, as your video is quite easy to follow. Thanks again.

Yes. I experience these things and the way you describe it there is a ‘light bulb’ going off for me as I am 59 and self diagnosing by researching. Thank you so much for your courage to make this video. Such relief and freedom coming in as I finally have a true understanding of myself. I am not alone. 🙏 thank you

I also have great difficulty with a majority of the issues you mentioned. I as well believe that the more informed we are as individuals and as a community the easier it will become to one day cope with some of these things. I am open to any questions or discussions. With many of us receiving such a late diagnosis maybe we have learned different techniques or ways of dealing with certain issues or stressful situations. Thanks Again!

Hi Deb thanks for your message. I was quite embarrassed about doing these videos at first, but I have had really nice comments from people so hopefully they are helping in some way. It can be a great relief to finally get a diagnosis that explains why you have struggled with life so much over the years, I hope your nephew can view his diagnosis in a positive way and go about life in a way that feels more comfortable for him. Best wishes Steve

My son is 8 and he has been diagnosed with asbergers also My son has Adhd, sensory disorder, behavior problems and anxiety. He takes meds in the morning and meds at night or he don't sleep. Their are times that I don't think I can Handel him.. but I love him so much and I want him to succeed! Everything you said in this video is what I deal with every day with my son.. just keep smiling that's what keeps us going..

Thank you for making this. I've been living with this for so long and just didn't understand why till my 5 year old started having problems and I started doing research

I really like the way you communicate. You explain yourself very well. I am diagnosed with Asperger's and have several issues. I am also diagnosed with mild OCD. I would love to speak with you more about Autism vs. OCD. It is not often the I find people that I can properly speak on this subject with. Most of the time if I am speaking to a NT my words don't seem to sink in. I would love to talk to you because you would understand exactly where I'm coming from. I hope you continue making videos.

Between me and her mom I found ways to convey an understanding of people that she could understand. People do lie. Sometimes for harmful reasons. But sometimes people lie for themselves. We smile to make ourselves feel better when we are sad. It's not to decieve others, it's to fight what we feel inside. We complain about things because complaining is catharsis. Getting rid of the stress and finding common ground in others with the things we complain about is just social interaction

Thank you for posting this- my father has almost the exact symptoms as you described! Anyway, I love my dad the way he is. But, it would help for him to take a communications class or public speaking class. (What he would find is that is okay to be the listener, and to let the other person do the talking, the majority of the time. Because by doing this, you can learn how to socialize/talk/create speech etc.). Good luck!!

Thank you for sharing this video. I'm sure it was difficult for you. My nephew was just diagnosed with Asperger's and he is 19. He's suffered all his life not knowing why he is different than other children, and I hope to share this video with him to give him some hope. God bless you.

I have problems with walking in crowded areas too. The best thing to do, I have found, is to always go to the right if you meet people head on, and to try to stay close behind someone if you are having to push through.

I am undiagnosed. But, I have a child who is diagnosed. Anyhow, I know exactly what you're talking about with the clothing thing. I often get irritated with tags on the neck of shirts. Or feel as though my shirt is twisted, or, maybe the seams were sewn crooked? I also have some ocd type issues. I cannot handle my bed sheets being crooked, or laying down and finding that I am laying on a fold in my sheet. I usually get pretty angry, and, end up ripping my sheets off, and obsessively correcting the problem. Speech issues, like, tripping on my words, or stuttering. It's worse on some days than others. Sometimes, I can speak just fine. But, the times when I'm tripping on words, I feel like My tounge doesn't want to cooperate, or something. Sudden, or loud noises... I will isolate myself in my room a lot of the time because of noises. Social anxiety is aweful! I won't even go into that right now! Thank you for your video. It really helps me feel more normal. It's comforting to know that I'm not alone.

Thank you for your post. It is very helpful for me as the mother of a highly functional autistic son. I would love to understand how he perceives the world, and hearing your story has given me some insight. He is lucky to live in an age where there is more support and a community of individuals like him. I look forward to sharing this with him when he is older.

Hi GnaReffotsirk You're welcome, Generally speaking-creating a peaceful space is really important with soft lights,low noise with objects and colours that make the person feel comfortable and inspired. It may take a few go's to get it right but its definitely worth the effort in the long run. It is also good to have a sensory area somewhere in the house where they can take regular breaks to clear the mind. This really helps me. Best wishes Steve

I have aspergers and this video definitely will help people who associate with many of your bullet points seeking psychiatric evaluation. Although there is no cure for aspergers or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) a general practitioner or primary care provider can lead to a psychiatric professional for evaluation.

not been out for two years, never been happier about not seeing anybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thankfully i see my spouse.

Wow, wow. 41 years old, and you pretty much summed me up. I am having a meeting at work where they want to give me a written warning for offending people. The last thing I mean to do is offend, but I just can't seem to figure out where the line is. I like your comment that other have "the secret to life". Thanks so very much for posting this, I'm off to find out more.

I have all of these symptoms and have had since I can remember. I’ve been diagnosed with OCD, social anxiety, ADHD, being highly sensitive and also been told I’m high maintenance or fussy. In order to be in crowds I need to wear headphones, when I can’t escape, let’s say for work social events, it’s like my brain goes haywire. Too much noise can’t focus can’t keep up in conversation. Truly I think deep down I am on the spectrum. From all the cognitive difficulties I’ve had that no one can explain to not being able to function in social situations. On the outside i look completely normal and I believe there is a common theme that being on the spectrum “looks a certain way.”

My god, you describe my life. I'm undiagnosed at 32. Waiting 6 months for a diagnostic appointment. Too bad I already lost my job and don't qualify for benefits. Thank you for posting this.

Just have to say, brilliant video, very informative. What I find interesting is how people like me with just OCD and those with Aspergers still have a couple of things in common. It makes me wonder where the blend ends with the two being intrinsically linked, but I know not all Aspies have OCD. Interesting! I too have executive function problems with verbal instructions, but due to 'memory hoarding' rather than cognitive processing & also have 2 create a picture of my words, but am gettin better

I am an adult autistic woman with autistic children. I was diagnosed after they were. As to the things you said in your video/wanting feedback I can say that for myself and my children, clothing is a HUGE issue. Clothing tags, the material the clothing is made of, the length of the clothing (producing drag on the body), if the clothing is too tight (we all prefer loose clothing, but not so loose that it pulls on us), and even the color. I wear only black, my oldest prefers shades of green (though he will wear other colors), my next oldest prefers monochrome patterns and the colors black, white, purple, red..... my third child strongly prefers only to wear shades of blue, and my youngest prefers shades of orange/red. OCD issues--yes, we all have them. For some of us, its a matter of 'germs' and excessive hand washing and excessive cleaning of things is necessary...for my oldest, its more an obsession with the logical progression of tasks/the way things are done/the order,...I myself have to check things I've done over and over to be sure I actually did them/did them correctly. My youngest will even organize his play things in particular ways and can have a meltdown when they are rearranged. Planning/Instructions--Ugh, just hate it. For myself, I can organize things perfectly FOR OTHERS, and lack the ability to do so for myself. I believe I could run a small country smoothly--but fail utterly at getting to an appointment or keeping to a day's plan...there are simply too many steps and if there is added anxiety around having to deal with NT's (NeuroTypicals) it's even worse. I have learned to arrive somewhere up to two hours earlier than needed just to be sure I make it at all. My daughter utilizes a planner to help her get through her day, but even then, can completely forget it. One of my sons will flat out forget an appointment or something he needs to do moments after being told/etc...another son is hyper organized and will not only make an appointment but will count down the days and MUST be there on time. Yes, we all feel disconnected to the NT world--not one of us has ever felt that 'fitting in' or 'rightness' among others. I have always felt out of step with time itself and have been often commented upon as being 'other-worldly'. My children have experienced the same, being singled out as 'odd', 'different', or 'old-fashioned'...for our part, we fail to understand why people lie so much to each other...why social 'rules', that no one seems to actually believe in any way, are so important. We don't understand why we as Autistic individuals are singled out as being 'broken', 'damaged', or incapable of change....when to us, it appears like it is the NT's who can't bend...lack adaptability, and insist on things their own way. Noise/Light...yes again. we are all sensitive to both. I am particularly sensitive to light...flickering lights and florescent lighting in particular drives me mental. I prefer things to be dim overall and sunlight I avoid as much as I can. I once had an autism worker for my children visit my home and ask me if I felt 'depressed' simply because i kept the house dim in terms of window light. I was not depressed, its just that light makes me nervous. My youngest is the same. My daughter, myself, and my youngest all have perfect pitch and are extremely sensitive to noise. Several of us utilize earbuds or headphones (we prefer headphones) to drown out the noise around us. One of my sons cannot abide music in cars. Crowds/touch/sides of the street-- are nightmares for me. I avoid them whenever possible. I often grocery shop at night to avoid both sunlight and people, though at times some of the electronic lights...streetlamps, displays, can make me feel a bit wonky. None of us like crowds and we feel like aliens among them. We don't like being touched and jostled--one of my sons experiences the aggression feeling you remarked upon in your video about this. We don't like being stared at and often find people in crowds expect random conversation and eye contact, smiles, etc from us....it is exhausting. Teachers that, trying to be supportive, would put their hands on my children's shoulders would bother them immensely. I don't like it either. We are all hypersensitive to touch. It makes us uncomfortable, sometimes angry, and often just wanting to be elsewhere. I never know what side of the street to go on....or the grocery isle...etc... I always seem to choose 'wrong' and then have to endure either social smiles/quips, or irritated looks. My daughter and at least one of my sons has said the same. Emotions--while many people claim that Autistics lack emotion, empathy, etc... I say the opposite. We don't lack anything of the kind. If anything, we have them...in spades. We have tidal waves of them and often, multiple and conflicting emotions at once--it's dealing with all of that and expressing it when/where the social norms dictate we should that is the real issue in my opinion. Speech--I was a quiet child. I didn't like to speak up in class even though I almost always knew every answer--not that my test scores showed this. I can remember reading as early as 3-4 years old...but everyone thought until late in the second grade that I could neither spell, nor read. I had a speech impairment and mispronounced many words when I did speak. Much later in my adult life, I would go to college--and made honor roll, getting A's in every class but one...Speech 101-Interpersonal Communication......I got a C in that class. My children were nearly silent as infants....babbled a bit in early toddlerhood, and then stopped talking around 18 months only to speak in full sentences around age 3. All of them needed speech therapy. I taught two of them basic sign language and we used that for a while. None of them like to speak at school/in public. Neither do I. I hope I didn't miss anything and thank you for making the video. You came through perfectly clear to me and it was nice to hear someone say things that I too have thought/felt for years.

I get most of these symptoms since birth because I have a birth defect in my pancreas. I get massive amounts of insulin every time i eat. I'm supposed to eat a tiny bit every two hours. So i live on an emotional roller coaster. My life has been a terrible challenge but God is with me.crumbling plastic or potato chip bags i cannot stand to hear it. I wake up in the middle of night with my blood sugar crashed(low) & i wake up every morning feeling hung over like I've been drinking alcohol all night long . the sugar highs& lows have ruined my life. Maybe 3 times a year for an hour I feel very normal and i cry tears of joy because my mind is so clear and I'm not depressed. If only i could feel this stable and happy every day ? I could become the pharmacist that i wanted to be instead of the janitor i was.i was a meat cutter for 24 years but i never moved up to management because my mind is on a roller coaster because my blood sugar crashes non stop since birth and your brain does not function properly when blood sugar is low,you can't think properly. People laugh at me because it makes me act like I'm drunk when my sugar drops so needless to say i am an introvert because i know how i am . i became suicidal at age 16 before I found out about my birth defect. Then I learned to stop gorging on sweets, by the way i crave sweets 4 times more than an average person because of the insulin and yes sugar is like a drug to me because when i do eat it i need & crave more,more,more now!! Then i have to crash eventually and walk the line with my diet. Sound weird ? It is. Its not nice feeling drunk most of the time. I hope this helps you🌎✌❤🙏

yes i also have these symptoms .... very well explained for us high functioning aspes

Hi Steve, I feel a mix of hapness to know and being able to understand more and discovering another part of me and understing myself. That helpful in the way that I can get help from the right ressource and getting the right knowledge. I'm glad to find videos and other aspies experience on youtube it'S really help too and keep making video about issue it'S really helpful and it'S help to accept yourself and not feel to isolated!

@adultswithautism thank you it is the translation of both of my names into belize and german!I care alot for people perhaps to my detriment, but I agree we are a team and a shared experience, and social animals so of course some people don;t understand that and they don't appreciate the need to adapt to different types of people, or styles of communication,I found that communicating through body language has helped me along, and most people don't say what they really mean so perhaps ur a gem!

Thank you for sharing this video. I always welcome the insight of an adult with Aspergers. My 11-yr old son got his diagnosis about five years ago, and that has helped our understanding of his plight. I always worry about his future, but videos like yours lend hope that he will turn out alright.

I want to thank you for your video it really helped my son understand he was not alone in his feelings!

@adultswithautism Thank you, I'm going to use this video to explain to ppl how I feel. I can't believe how ridiculously spot on you were. When you talked about the "secrets" thing I almost shivered it was so unbelievably like me. I swear this is just amazing and the best part is you're actually making me REALIZE things about myself that I didn't even know! I fond myself thinking "ahhh, so THAT explains why I do this..." on what particular occasion. Thank you.

I want to commend you for making these informative videos and being proactive in helping others as well as yourself. I cannot express how helpful these videos have been in the process of finally obtaining the answers I have been searching for all these years. As a teenager I was diagnosed with ADD first, then Social Anxiety, and next with Selective Mutism. Not until now, at almost 30 have I received the diagnosis and answers I could never obtain. The diagnosis of OCD came next, finally ASD.

Hello everyone, I have more videos that I will be posting over the next 2 days concerning adults on the autistic spectrum

Verbal instructions are incredibly hard for me to remember. I have asked myself about the big secret. Anger seems to come out of no where with me. it comes from when plans change from someone has already told me. I get that in my head, and when something changes, all hell breaks loose in my head.

Hi jhwkleen Thanks for watching. Yes It would be good for him to find a class that can help Autistic people learn how to listen to other people and take turns in a conversation. I often tend to just ramble on about everything that has happened that day and not always realise the other person may not be interested! It takes some self awareness to begin to change this. I am still working on it. Regards Steve

I love the secret example...so true. Always go to the right of people. Don’t be mad when someone gets too close. Some people just aren’t paying attention. :)

I have found understanding my self better helps me understand others better! I take things people say literally often! When my doctor says I'll be back he or she doesn't mean that!

Hello there...i was watching some of your videos and they are very well done. This one hits close to home with me about the classic meltdown. I've had a number of them at work when things get stressful, and lots of little things build up into a huge explosion, where i scream at people and say some truly awful things, and cannot figure out why they dont do things properly, or the way i want them done. This is classic white rage that you cannot see when you are having a meltdown. It doesnt' last long, and i feel truly terrible the next day for having hurt someone or made them cry. Anger and emotional control is a tough thing for Aspies, but i'm on medication to try dealing with it.

Hi Steve, I believe that "it" coupled with my poor self esteem and low confidence are the root of all problems in my life so far.

You have made a whole load of really strong points. There's tonnes of people having these difficulties. I can relate to a lot of what you say. Sounds especilly and I can't be touched and most certainly cringe at the thought of a hug. NTs do seem to have a secret. However, I wonder if the secret is more to do with all the 'social conventions' that they propagate often without being able to explain why. They use people's responses to judge and arrange un-anounced social heirarchy. It's bizaar!

Hi, Here are some of the similarities I have with what you have stated: 1) Tight Clothes, Itchy clothes: I feel suffocated 2) I have to plan things, if i'm off the plan then I can't function at all If I can't control some outcome I begin rearranging everything around, stack things neatly, that calms me 3) not very connected to people/ don't socialize very well 4) I completely avoid crowded places 5) I don't answer calls, I always insist on texts or emails

I was diagnosed with Asperger/ADD at age 39, although I've always known I'm somehow different from other people. I have exactly the same the same symptoms with the addition of having a really hard time getting things done if they're outside of my interests.

The Secret, oh my gosh yes this is my biggest problem. I would feel so terrified or stressed by crowds, but the biggest feeling was an overwhelming loneliness of being isolated within a crowd. So ironic that you feel loneliest when you are among the most people. Jealous of others who have such social fluidity. Such trouble making spoken conversation, or trying to keep track of fast complicated verbal descriptions. Overwhelmed by emotional situations.I have found much can be overcome by practice.

Thank you for your video! We have a six year old son who has recently been diagnosed with Asperger. We are now trying to get as much info as possible to understand how he perceives the world and what we can do to help him cope as much as possible. It really helps to hear 'first hand' :)

more important question than "how to deal with situations" is "how to deal with situations when they fail" ... because what's wrong with failing? it can be funny when you don't feel guilty or ashamed. just say "sorry" maybe and smile when you feel like smiling.

Hi I know lots of people through work but tend to mostly choose to be alone. It feels much comfortable like that. Steve

It's good to know that other people can relate to and understand the issues I raised in the video. One problem seems to be that most psychologists I have met do not have more that a very basic/laymans knowledge of Autism and are mostly unable to distinguish between OCD symptoms and Autism. Because of this it seems that trying to find "holistic professional" help for the problems we are describing is not available (in my experience).

Is there any kind of research with psychoactive drugs on asperger patients? I used to have a few of these symptoms, since I have been taking LSD occasionally I have gotten better at reading people emotions (empathy). And the horrible experience of talking through the phone has been more manageable.

Hi hilarisima I think you almost described me! If he needs to find some quite space from time to time please try not to feel like you may have done something "wrong" he may just need to calm his thoughts. If he has an angry outburst, just know that it will often pass once he has got it out of his system. But he will also have to learn that you have feelings as well, it can't just be you that has to do all the understanding. It will be good for him to learn new social skills. Keep in touch. Steve

Aspies are beyond intelligent. We are gifted. There is nothing wrong with you. There is something wrong with the world. So know I am going to stand with you. God bless you homie.

Hi Tina Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, I've had a lot of messages to reply to. Thanks for watching, it sounds as though we are very similar in our symptoms. Before I had my diagnosis I thought I was just a not very good type of person, but through the great comments I have had I now realise that there are lots of us out there and actually we are very worthwhile people. Best wishes Steve

i've not been diagnosed with anything but still i experience some things on your list day to day. from what you've described it seems like we both experience the same difficulties with instructions, speech, social anxiety, mental health issues, the inability to control my anger, noise hypersensitivity.When you described 'the secret of life' i felt this gigantic relief, I've felt like this my entire life and i've not been able to describe it to anybody, but now i don't feel so alone.

Hi Tony Yes you are welcome to post a link. It's good to spread awareness. Best wishes Steve

Hi Apostle Jeremiah I love your positive thinking! I think the world needs more people that are not scared to be different. Best wishes to you. Steve

I'm not diagnosed though I do go through most of what you mentioned. I have mastered walking down hallways- always stick to the wall & keep your head down when possible. If you stick to one path, it makes it easier for everyone else to anticipate your movements and there isn't so much of "oh should I go to the right or left." And sticking to the wall sort of lets you go through the crowd with a bit of stealth. It's like driving a car. Stay on the right side of the road (or left in Britain)

Thank you! I hadn't realised what executive function was and that has made it understandable for me.

Ability to see visual detail and categorize quickly. Able to sit still and concentrate for hours and hours. able to feel texture intensly or conversly the ability to withstand pain. able to monolog on many subjects at length. direct, truth is more important than manners. the ability to see patterns. good visual memory. sometimes easy to shop for because we are specific in our tastes in food and clothes..

Hi Kylee I do sympathize with you a lot. It sounds like you are the start of becoming more aware of yourself and this is a very good thing. I try to teach the autistic people I work with to become more self aware and to make life choices based on how they feel about themselves and what will make them happy. Please try not to feel as though you have to be like everyone else. I know it's not easy. But being true to yourself and your own feelings is, in my opinion,more important. Best wishes Steve

online friends (one of which had Aspergers which I didn't know) & they kind of acted like it was some special club and I didn't fit the criteria (these are ppl I've only ever talked to online, how would they know), so I stopped researching it. Until now. Your videos are very useful & eye opening to me!

To mrfitness2008. When you say "naughty" you may have just not known how to react to your surroundings and not quite understood the social "rules" I was the opposite of a naughty child and was terrified of everything! It's great that you are now taking control of your life. It may take a while but don't give up. Try to find a life style that really works for you and please remember that you don't have to be like everyone else, Its easier said than done but it is what I am trying to do

Thank you for your video. I am a 65 year old Aspie. I have all of the things you mention. Plus I often have low energy, lack motivation. My only child, 33 yo son, also Aspie, took his life 5 years ago. My grief is complicated and also have anxiety in that I prefer being home instead of going out. I have no family left, none at all. That is very hard. My husband of the past 5 years has cancer and it is quite serious. I've known him since childhood and he is most understanding of how I am. Someone like that is hard to find. I am a nurse at a prison. Do not know how much longer I can keep working. Not sure what to do or where to go from here. After my son died my Unity Church closed, my synagogue closed, we were in a rollover car accident. I was driving. Mom was airlifted to hospital. She came home after one month but went down hill and died. My uncle who helped raise me died. So in 8 months family all gone. I feel like I must have slipped into a parallel universe or something. My heart rate was so fast I was diagnosed with A-Fib and one year ago took a stroke. Now on blood thinners. Then husband's cancer. Do other Aspie's feel so overwhelmed they just want to hide? Sorry if this seems depressing. I just don't get to talk about it with anyone. Thank you.

Steve....I will keep you informed. Please do not get lost. Keep in touch buddy and keep up the good work.

You've just described my life. All bar the navigating through crowd that is. I find that relatively easy, i just treat the people as mobile objects and it's a problem of optimising my route through a set of mobile objects.

Hi I really agree with what you say about researching online and learning about yourself. I have also found this to be a great help. Self awareness I think is the key to self healing. Steve

I've also learned that letting go of 80% of your fear for everything, will help. It almost makes me feel like I'm more under control and it helps significantly with anxiety