I'm Autistic, and Here's How People React To My Autism 

If this video is popular I can make more about being on the Autism Spectrum! ♾️ Thank you all for supporting my animations by watching them! ❤️ I'm trying to reach 4K watch hours so if you haven't seen my other animations, give them a look too! 👀

"You don't _look_ autistic" _Thanks, I've been practicing my entire life! It's extremely exhausting!_

fun fact: when i was like 6-7 and i was feeling sad my mom tried to explain to me that i was autistic and what that meant. she said something along the lines of “you have autism so your brain processes things differently.” and somehow my younger self understood this as “it's an illness and you'll die.” and my younger self was not upset about this at all, i just went along with it 😭

I just love the "you don't look autistic" line. One time I got "we're all a little autistic" as if actually autistic experiences don't matter. Loved that.

I was talking to this rude girl that said she had ADHD, OCD, and PTSD. I didn't mind and wanted to connect with her, I said "oh, I have anxiety, ADHD, and OCD" . For some reason she looked jealous and said in a bratty tone "um well, I don't consider anxiety as a mental disorder since almost everyone has it". That made me feel like my feelings aren't valid, or like I'm being dramatic. People, anxiety is both an emotion and mental disorder.

I first told my online friends in a vc that I was autistic, and when I did, one of my friends said that she was too. Tbh that just made me happy that someone could relate to me, but I was also like “wait more people can relate to me holy shiz-“

There’s also the reaction “we’re all a little autistic” coming from the most socially adept person you know. It’s frustrating that some people don’t realize it’s a disability because the world is designed for neurotypical people. It’s like how the world isn’t designed for blind or deaf people. They have disabilities that should be accommodated because the world hasn’t considered them otherwise.

My mom hid from me that I was autistic until the end of middle school because she thought it would make me sad, when I found out by accident via a doctors note I was so confused and a bit angry she hid it from me, and when I found out it made so much make sense and I understood myself and why I was different besides my adhd diagnosis. Moral of the story Don’t hid diagnosis from your kids.

"don't say that about yourself" that's my literal diagnosis???

I remember one of the funniest reactions I've ever seen when I've told someone I'm autistic was without any doubt, my cousin. I said "hey did you know I'm autistic?" And he just went like "NO WAAAAY THIS IS SOO COOL BRO YOU'RE SO COOL!" and it's kind of funny because I've been never told that before

Yeah, it's usually the "you don't look autistic" like, what is that supposed to look like? There's also the folks who won't say anything, but will treat me like I'm dumber or inferior. While I may have troubles processing things, doesn't make me dumb.

"WE'RE EVERYWHERE!" is actually the most encouraging autism support phrase I've heard. Congrats on sharing being autistic with your audience! I love being autistic and love seeing other autistic people being proud of themselves too💜

I told a friend that I got diagnosed with autism and she said “why?” I was like “lmao what do you mean why??” I told one of my autistic coworkers and he said “congratulations” and we both laughed. I told one of my neurotypical coworkers and she was kinda just confused and then said “oh okay”

I've had plenty of different reactions of me opening up about being autistic but most of them just don't fully understand what autism is. I just explain it as "I'm just built different"

The bit about Sheldon Cooper goes to show that representation matters, but ONLY IF ITS ACCURATE

A family member of mine is on the spectrum. Learning more about autism has helped me to understand him more. He often takes things really literally and gets easily stressed out if things don't go as planned. The more I learn about how autism works the more I'm like "Yeah, that makes sense, actually."

The "that explains a lot" response is the same one me and my friends had when I was diagnosed with ADHD🤣

I was professionally diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. When I was in high school, I told a fellow student with whom I hung out with occasionally that I was autistic. Or maybe I didn't. I really don't remember. Anyway, she said I reminded her a lot of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, which might have been in it's second or third season at that time. Still relatively new, still relatively successful. Even my group therapist tried to show us the first episode. I saw none of myself in Sheldon, from the first episode. He just seemed unlikeable. All the characters on that show are unlikeable. Anyway, one other student with whom I was much more friendly and familiar thought I played World of Warcraft, which I did not know how to take. Other than saying that I did not. And one of my managers from a job I had said I reminded her of Robin Williams, which I took as a compliment. In any case, most everyone with whom I've ever interacted, in one way or another, knew there was something... *waves hands around*... different about me. Yeah, no kidding. I'm autistic. Anyway, great video. Keep doing what you're doing.

When I often said I am Autistic (Or 'I have a disability' when I was younger) I mostly got 2 reactions: 1: They looked at me stunned, being irritated that I have a disability and claiming that 'I behave normal' 2: *"What is that?"* Like, they really don't knew what that was - It's kinda shocking to think about it

I'm an autistic 13 year old girl and sadly i lost my friends and i don't go to school because of the noise and other stuff and i have selectic mutism and other stuff (But thats private) but yesterday i was talking to my mum and she said that there was this women who talked to her on twitter and she said her 10 year old daugther was the exactly the same as me! So were gonna meet next week! Wish me luck! :D

“You don’t look autistic” “Oh, I’m sorry!” *Starts making a random face and yelling stupid things

I told my mum that I was pretty sure I was autistic and she just went „Yeah me too.“ Didn’t know if I should’ve been offended or grateful in that moment

3:29 I'm autistic too and never told my friends, and I feel like I'm really good at hiding it (I do it because I'm afraid I'll be treated differently if I say it). I remember this one time where me and some friends started talking about autism and at one point I said "you know, a lot of autistic people don't openly say they're autistic, and you wouldn't know if you're near one. For all we know there may be some in this group of friends, you could secretly be autistic, _I could secretly be autistic_ in fact maybe all of us are autistic." I said it jokingly but It was really funny how I just did the biggest foreshadowing of my life like that. (They still don't know). Also, they actually knew that autism wasn't entirely a bad thing, I'm glad I didn't have to argue about it because it would have made me suspicious

I'm autistic and one time one of my friends told me he is too. I then realised why half our conversations were him infodumping about capybaras and me respomding by infodumping about seals

My best scenario for coming out as autistic was where the other people replied with same! I was fairly new to the school, very nervous to actually be making new friends. I was also very nervous about being too weird for people to handle, but it turned out the people I'd managed to befriend were mostly autistic too :] I find it funny how while one can't just tell if another is autistic, we manage to gravitate towards each other anyway. To those who haven't yet found their people, I guarantee they are out there.

When I was diagnosed as a toddler, they told my parents I'd probably never speak. Yet here I am, going to college.

And it really sucks for girls because we're so good at masking that people sometimes think we aren't Autistic. No we are, we're just a little better at acting normal most of the time because if we act "weird", we're told "Stop being dramatic".

2:51 we are, in fact, everywhere. some of us are gingers. never let your guard down.

i remember when I told my closest friend about my diagnosis of me being autistic and he reacted with "neat" and moved on. That still remains the best way I have had any non family react.

Yo, this has happened to me! I’ve been told by some that I don’t ‘look’ autistic. Saying autism has a specific look is like saying water has a specific taste… in which I mean, it does not. There are some amazing insights here (& it’s also a visual delight). Can’t wait for more Cy! 😁❤️

I love your animation style. It goes perfectly well with the storytelling I can't think of any notable stories to share on my end aside from my sis going "Yep, I knew it..." when I mentioned it years ago. Surprised most of the reactions to me mentioning I am autistic here have been civil so far although still get the dumb comments here and there

as an autistic person, Ty so much for talking about this!!! It’s great to hear other people like me talking about their experiences and being creative with it!

2:39 can't believe i actually thought you were calling the dog autistic for a moment there

This video really made me feel happy,Because I am Autistic too and I’m really happy too see a story time animator have autism,it makes me feel like I belong and I’m not alone.❤️

My two favourite "Why Would You Even Say That" responses to me telling someone something about myself: A) When I came out as agender to someone I thought of as a good friend, they responded without missing a beat, "Why didn't you tell me this sooner? I'm trustworthy!" Cue 5 minutes of placating his hurt(?) feelings, regarding something not about him. Fun times. 2) It came up in conversation with my cousin's ex that I'm autistic and deaf. After moments pause as he looked me over, he says, "Wow, you're disguised as a normal person really well." WT-actual-F. lol.

Came out to my primary school friends whom I've grown up with last year that I was autistic, and one of them said I don't look autistic too. Before I could even say a word, another friend just went "that's why it's called a spectrum" 😂 I don't blame that friend for saying that btw, she's still one of my rlly good friends and I know she didn't mean it ❤

I had a substitute teacher not believe about my autism. He got fired after that

It’s good that you came out as part of the spectrum. I’m autistic too. Autism shouldn’t be treated as a terminal condition like cancer or dementia. It’s more like a Side-Grade with it’s own set of strength and weaknesses to each individual. You’ve won my interest and I’m waiting for more to come from you on your journey on RU-vid! 💚

It is pretty weird. I always thought it was weird when people think we are all the same. For me, it was hard to cope with how rapidly school would expect everyone to quickly chew information and sit it out on a test. I just couldn't do it because I need to swallow all the information so I could internalize it forever and never let it go. It's not my fault that I turned out as the evil genius way. Weird how it was a handicap for me in school, but a secret tool for me in college is such a huge relief. I thought I was worse than everyone else, but it turns out that I actually formal knowledge even better, I just didn't know how to as a child. We are all different, and we are all beautiful.

My personal favourite is when I tell somebody i'm autistic and they respond with "I don't care, that's no excuse". And they say that we lack empathy...

I have Autism/Aspergers, ADHD, ADD, and OCD. It can be very overwhelming at times 😅.

In my personal experience, my diagnosis of ASD was more helpful to my own perception of myself rather than for other people's perception of me after finding out. It answered pretty much every question on why I had a hard time connecting with others on a personal level and why certain subjects interested much more intensely than others. For other people learning that fact about me though, it was mostly met with "Well, I would have had no idea!" or "yeah, I had you figured as one"; just unhelpful comments followed by more of the same, just people wondering how I know so much about things like Italian history without knowing about special interests or hyperfixations and why such interests fascinate people on the spectrum more than others, or how I can't help but pace back and forth when talking to people, and other such quirks. It's more helpful to just tell people they're little quirks about myself rather than it being a part of me having ASD. To be fair, there's very little good information about ASD that's common public knowledge, as most people will only ever think of Sheldon or Rain Man as their benchmark examples as you've shown. People are mostly unwilling to learn more than what they've been exposed to through media, so it's been mostly unhelpful for other people to know I'm on the spectrum. My diagnosis has helped with understanding myself much more immensely than other people's understanding of me. You could say my diagnosis helped me to better mask myself in the public eye, as before I didn't know why people thought I was such a weird kid growing up. I do hope that more exposure will finally see people with ASD as just people who think and act on a different wavelength, rather than it being seen as us being broken or aberrant in some way. Even the little things such as your videos help in their own way in getting that message out there, so thanks!

The worst thing about autism is that some people don't get official diagnosis, or even realize they're on the spectrum because they don't have any significant negative impacts on their life until after childhood. I myself had a 'good' childhood (essentially was having my needs supported without anyone realizing that they were non-typical sorts of needs) until my late teens (after a move and losing all of the childhood friends I had), I began to really stress about my inability to socialize until I decided to accept I was just 'unable to make friends.' Only now, in my 20s, having come across actual informative information about autism, that it is something that has been impacting me for my entire life and became a source of trouble later on. The most that people know is what misinformation is fed to them by things such as news media. It's really unfortunate as neurodivergence is so much more nuanced than that, but that information has to be researched, so the result is that most people have misconceptions of what autism really can entail, and then choose to not believe someone when they reveal that they are autistic, and tell them that they're wrong. (Which is a horrible thing to do, it can really be damaging to the person trying to 'come out' about themselves)

2:53 You can not escape us

i think this is the first time I've heard the phrase "coming out as autistic", and it simultaneously fits and doesn't at the same time, i can't quite put my finger on why

As someone with autism who was diagnosed at the age of 3, i can relate to this video a lot. Sometimes when i tell someone im autistic some people be like “You don’t act autistic.”

As someone who has autism, I genuinely really like this video. I’ve come out as autistic multiple times over on Instagram and Amino and all that and I’ve personally never had anyone say “I don’t believe you” but maybe I’ve gotten lucky lol. Either way though. This is a great video.

I'm actually self diagnosed, but at this point, I've looked through my childhood, and everything makes sense now. Why I always felt so ostracized and different from my family.

🎀 I like the way this video's made. No distracting music, no overwhelming edits and dopamine injecting stuff, just chill and to the point, it feels refreshing compared to a lot of other stuff on this site. Also art cute :>

Sometimes when I tell people that I’m on the autism spectrum, they start to treat me differently, and would talk to me as if they were talking to a toddler

In my late 20's when I discovered that I was Autistic (and had ADHD) my reaction was lot like your friend in 3:40. "Holy crap, now it all makes sense!"

"You don't look autistic" HOW DO YOU LOOK LIKE YOUR BRAIN!!!!

Preach to the choir! I love this video and I can relate to some of these experiences. I'm excited to see what you make next and have a great Autism appreciation month!

1:53 me in a nutshell My friends: **talking about something** Me: yeah yeah, did you know the 1000th Pokémon is a cheese stick made of gold

"You don't look Autistic" "Oh sorry, what would you like Autistic to look like? I can recite facts about Trains for 3 hours, or I can run headfirst into a wall, or I can just let out a Primordial screech? Or did you have a specific request?"

Someone described brains to me as: *"You're brain is like a computer. Yours is wired differently"* and I like that!

My best friend is autistic, and she is on very different side of the spectrum than anyone else who I knew at the time. I didn’t know much about autism before I met her, and seeing such a wide range of how it affects people was initially surprising since the only person I’d ever known who told me was autistic was very different from her (plz don’t get mad, I was very uneducated). It really put things into perspective for me, and I’m so glad I know more about it now

It is always nice to see content from you, Thank you for your insights!

2:33 You're not speaking English, you're speaking facts!

As a autistic person I can relate with some of this stories, a lot of people have reacted saying “you sure? You don’t look like” and I just stared at them like “do you challenge the medical institution that analyzed with dark magic how I think??” But I just answered “yes.”.

Honestly coming out as autistic is very similar to coming out as lgbtq+. In my experience, nobody knows how to react to either one, when as you said, the best response is "cool" or "okay" followed by business as usual.

I am also on the spectrum. For the longest time I felt alone because I never really met anyone else on the spectrum. This video has made me realize that I am not alone. Thank you.

I can't belive that friend hit her with the "Nuh uh!" 😭

During my school years I had this friend I got to know in 7th grade. He was nerdy like me, and we had some good times, but over time miscommunication happened, and he didn't realize when I tried to express that something was going too far. I recently got to know a term that explains what happened quite well (Cassandra syndrome). In 8th grade I got my autism diagnosis, and in 9th grade I told the class about it with a presentation. A special needs helper there to support me in class explained to the class what autism is, and I, to the best of my abilities, followed her facts up with my personal experiences. When I sat back down after the presentation, the first thing the friend said to me was "I understand you much better now".

Your comics on twitter explaining different things about autism makes me so happy. And I am happy you were able to reveal it here on your channel.

One time, I was on a walk with a friend, I've had known from school and he said in a soft convincing tone, like parents do it, when they try to explain something to you, that they think is maybe overwhelming for you, that he thinks that maybe my doctor was wrong and that he thinks I shouldn't believe, that I'm autistic. And don't remember what exactly I answered, but I think it was something like: "Yeah... I'm sure I'm autistic." Another friend I had just told some friend of him that "He's autistic, but he is totally fine as a person". Like if he needed to tell the person he was talking to, that autistic people aren't just these people, that don't talk and starting to have a mental breakdown, when they have a problem. Anyways, great video, I love your stuff^^

When I tell people I have it, it’s either “oh that’s cool” or “I knew you were a r-tard” people call me the R world a lot.

I've had so many people respond blankly with, "no you're not"... like what even am I supposed to say to that

once i was chatting away in a groupchat with one of my friend and she said the r slur, i dont really remember what the context was but i told her that its a slur and she shouldnt say it her response pretty much was "oh, ok. wait its a slur??" then she apologised she didnt know that it was in fact a slur so i forgave her, shes actually a really nice person

I'm autistic too! I've always been considered unusual by people and the media is doing a pretty bad job representing autism.

This made me smile to watch. I like seeing videos like this that spread awareness in such a wholesome way, I hope these misconceptions are on their way out in society.

I had this happen to me on multiple occasions my whole life. I remember this one time, where I was working at a job and I told the manager that I had Autism, he looked at me for a few mins and said "you don't look Autistic, are you sure you're not faking it?" I said no, and I was telling him for the job, it gotten so bad, at that point I quit the job. I decided to hide the fact that I had Autism to protect myself in some way. But with the help of my family, I managed to embrace that side of me again. This video is so cute. Happy Autism Awareness Month. ❤️

It's hilarious to me the fact that since I found out the term "autism", people would describe it to me and I would feel related to most of the "criteria" (? But then I heard a lot the phrase "autistic people see the world in a different way", so I immediately assumed that if that was the case, then I could not be autistic by any chance because I saw the exact same things (same colors, environment, people) as my family, classmates, etc. It wasn't until I became interested in psychology, specially in autism, that I realised I took that phrase TOO literal...

This really makes me feel good for who I am. As an autistic person myself I can say that this is very true that not a lot interactions are normal when talking about yourself being autistic. It feels great to know that you're autistic. I had selective mutism and couldn't talk till I was 6. I was pointing at stuff that I wanted. One time I was in the shower alone and was left there for one hour not realizing that I was left there my grandma came and realized that she left me there for one whole hour. But at least I'm doing alright. Like I said this really makes me feel good for who I am. Even though I'm different I accept myself for I am and that is what makes me special. Thanks for doing this video Cy

This video really shows how nice Autistic people can be. I myself am Autistic and I have not seen any other video like this. I’m so happy that you had enough courage to come out! People like you honestly give me hope for society, as well as the Autism Community, and I can’t wait to see more content from you! People tend to treat Autistic people as jokes but we’re so much more than that. No matter what mental illness, race, religion, or gender you are, we’re all human! Autistic or not!

My personal experience with Autism... Whenever I told people in the Internet that I was Autistic, I usually got mean stuff headed at me. So later on my life I avoided telling people I was Autistic because I was scared people would bully me for it. But in person, I've always gotten treated like a person who couldn't think for themselves and always needed help even when they clearly don't need it. It's made me really uncomfortable in the past few years. I appreciate when people acknowledge my Autism but they only think of it as that I can't do anything for myself. Sometimes, people wouldn't even notice I was Autistic because of how much 'normal' (in the sense of everybody) I was compared to any 'Autistic' (in the sense of a crayon, glue eating special ed white guy) person at all. I get compared to Sheldon from time to time. I've always had struggles trying to talk to people or socialise, not because I'm scared of talking to them but I don't want to say something out of line. I've even had stomachaches just from knowing the fact that I have to talk to people and one time when I didn't have enough money to buy something, I remember being really frustrated and embarrassed since it was in public, to the point where I fainted. I had to get an MRI and it turns out it didn't have anything to do with Epilepsy or anything so... cool. I've been made fun of several times, as both my Primary and High School (Secondary for some of you) had an area for childrens with disabilities (Or for my Aussies, Support Unit), etc. I was not in those areas because I was deemed 'Normal' but I've been told by people that I belong there instead because of my Autism sometimes. But there were times people were too defensive for me which made me really uncomfortable as I didn't really need it. I can fend for myself. I (Most likely) have depression and still (Most likely) do which came from personal reasons I would not like to specify. However, It was dismissed as me being lazy despite me constantly saying that I was too unmotivated to even go to School which worsened my quote on quote depression. For years I received no therapy (Thanks Mom) from my experiences and even came close to Suicide a few times which thankfully I managed to get out of but the feeling still comes from time to time. The Internet somewhat served as my therapist and my parents since I had close friends there who helped me through my shit even in my worsts and bests. I really liked watching this video too, it's tough to tell people that you're autistic without receiving some harassment or overprotection.

I found this relatable. People that I told I am autistic say “l’m ok” but I think they meant that I was not severe . Sometimes I don’t understand what people mean. I have came out as autistic to a few classmates and friends and I would like to come out to my whole class aswell but the problem is a lot of people use the word “disabled” as a joke and I really don’t like it so I’m not sure how other people would react. Also I can’t reveal that I am autistic to my family (aside from grandma and aunty) because there is a fear their attitudes will change once they hear about this. Thanks for the relatable video though.

"I'm white" "I don't think so" Also same brO

I once told a friend I was autistic and she went ‘I am too!’ And it turns out she dot her diagnosis like a month before I did. We are very similar and I thought she might be autistic because of how similar we are, and I was right about that.

Speaking as an autistic person myself, I found this very relatable from personal experience and I'm so thankful to see another youtuber spreading the word out on autism awareness.

I'm autistic too, I was diagnosed at age 4, but my family knew something was up from pretty much the moment I was born (I was very alert and turning my head towards every sound I heard instead of crying like "normal" babies), and they learned about autism and that there was a very VERY high chance I was autistic when I was 2 thanks to a friend from my dad's work who suggested I get tested after my parents told that friend about me and how I was so different from everyone else my parents ever knew (not going into specifics here because there's way too much). It then took two years on a wait list before I could finally get tested and diagnosed at a busy children's hospital out of state. I personally prefer to be more open about my autism because I struggle a lot in society and need help and support with lots of things, and I have meltdowns often, which ARE NOT TANTRUMS and I'm so sick of people saying that they are. I actually started writing a book about my experiences as an autistic person last year. I write better than I talk (in terms of communication methods, not actual handwriting...my handwriting itself is terrible), so I can say things through writing that I would never be able to say with my voice. I'm writing the book to share my story and also to hopefully help people understand autism at least a bit better.

My ex was like “Oh. Cool!” And then like 10 minutes later tried to tell me that autism and Down Syndrome are the same thing 😀 then said he understood that it wasn’t later but def acted like he didn’t believe me.. glad he’s gone

Idk why this video suddenly popped up on my home page after a year, but just by watching this video I already like you as a person 😭 your voice is so calming and ur art is so cute omg

i first told my gf about my autism during school and she was so supportive and nice about it and even before if i had it she wouldnt treat me diffrently luv her

I’m autistic and I can’t stand when people say I don’t look or act autistic because autism doesn’t have a specific look!

The best response I ever got when telling one of my friends that I had autism was, “what’s that.” To some people it might not be but the fact that she was going to know what autism is from an autistic person them rather someone with out autism was a win for me.

omg, i told my friend i was autistic and she was like 'REALLY? OH, YOU DONT SEEM AUTISTIC. I DUNNO", a pretty similar reaction to your friend, and most likely many others.

I am a self diagnosed autistic because I don’t have any recourses to get a diagnosis but it is important even if you aren’t professionally diagnosed to realize why you do certain things and how to get around them and make your life easier. My family won’t let me get therapy or see a psychiatrist so I can’t get diagnosed with any of the disorders I have. Not to mention it is expensive and super long to get an autism diagnosis. Self diagnosis is valid

As a person with autism, I used to tell too much people I had autism, cos idk how they'd think of me. But now I feel more confident with telling people.

Need I say, bless you for putting it out there. And this is coming from one of many currently alive autistics who’ve grown up on the spectrum! 👋 and yes, those “you don’t look” or “I’m sorry” kinda feel irritating… patronising… need I go on. And the little anecdote you included about your coming-out at a classroom confirms this: you made one student on the spectrum feel less alone. Because if there’s anyone that a fellow autistic would need in life, it’s more than a role model. Strength from Melbourne AUS!

I have a lot of friends on the spectrum, and have been told I should get tested for it myself, so I really think the sorta content you make is actually very helpful! Thank you for this sorta informative content

this is a sweet and informative video! i also love your art style of the characters and backgrounds, the colors seam together in a cohesive and soothing way c:

My older brother is on the autism spectrum, and i’m really glad that people can relate to him so he won’t feel alone or like an outcast. He is the best brother i could ever have 💙

The friend that paused and said that makes sense ... hahahaha they love u

One time I “came out the closet” ( say I’m gay ) and my best friend(my crush as well ) just said ‘that explains everything but that’s fine I’m here for you’ and proceeded to act the exact same as if it never happened

things like “I don’t think so” is such a wack response. like what. I’ve straight up lived it, yo. I should know.

Haha, I feel this video so much. I often get the "no you're not" or "you don't LOOK autistic" responses (even by new therapists!) when I mention it. I was diagnosed when I was 14 and I've had... many years to learn how to mask effectively and 'pass' as neurotypical. But when I was 14, I was considered a textbook case of autistic. I had dropped out of school due to bullying over my 'weirdness', and was considered 'bright' but 'lazy and distracted'. I had a lot of sensory issues with light, sound and textiles. I had a hard time with eye contact, and when I did try, I was accused of staring or 'giving the evil eye'. I was terrified of basic interactions like buying something in a shop because I needed a script to follow, and other kids my age thought the way I spoke was stilted and strangely formal. My obsessions (special interests) took over my life. I was Autism (tm). I've since managed to graduate school, go to college, move abroad and get married. So I seem... pretty well-adjusted compared to my childhood. But when people say that I don't seem autistic, I wish I could open a time portal to my teenage self and ask what they thought about THAT person. I didn't stop being autistic as an adult. I just learned some social and life skills rather late, and mask the rest. Of course, I'm an adult on the Internet with the same Sonic avatar I've had for 15+ years, so maybe it's at least a little obvious online. But the point is, yeah, you can't tell an autistic person "yo, you're not autistic - you don't LOOK autistic!". It doesn't work that way. Autism looks different for every person, but it's still a disability we live with, and invalidating that based on what YOU (the outsider) think we should look or act like is just rude and uninformed.

I never tell people I'm autistic and they never realize it until the conversation about it comes up and I casually mention it

Omg the amount of times ppl tell me "but you don't look autistic". love this video! it really means a lot

I have autism as well! I was diagnosed late (I was 13) and it took me a while to a fully understand what I had, I was a little nervous if how my friends were gonna react when I told them, and they were perfectly fine with it. They just said: “Really? Cool.” And kept going with whatever we were talking about. I was so happy :))