Masking in Autistic Females | AUTISTIC MASKING 

2:27 "Anyone on the autism spectrum who masks deserves an Oscar." I guess I got one. My husband's name is Oscar lol 😂

This is why I am exhausted after socializing. I have no clue how to act and spend the whole time trying to mimic other people and then worry about if I'm doing it right.

The most stressful times are when you meet people from your different social groups together somewhere, the anxiety of not knowing who you should be in front of them.. like a chameleon on tartan.

Wow I remember sitting and copying someone's handwriting in school because I thought it was so cool. I also used to think I had multiple personalities because I was so different around different people. I thought I was crazy! ahhhh nope, just Autism :)

I just got diagnosed in October 2020 at 65yrs! I was exactly like you all my life and was variously, wrongly, diagnosed with many different mental health problems... I suffered bouts of depression throughout my life and couldn’t understand why. I’m a mother of four and have 9 grandchildren. I’ve held down a very stressful professional job as a frontline medical practitioner due to my high level of masking which inevitably caused burnouts, meltdowns, and PTSD. I finally took early retirement because the intense stress of living like this caused a heart condition; but that didn’t really help much until the realisation that I might be autistic and payed for private assessment. Because it’s still so new I am, like you, still trying to come to terms with my identity crisis. But, I am still so very thankful that I have been diagnosed, even though it is late in life. I have a chance now of being authentic and I now understand why I have spent my whole life feeling like an alien! Thank you so much for your videos. It is so important for the world to see and understand what autism in females looks like. I really look forward to your videos, keep up the good work! ❤️

My way of coping is to say as little as possible. I’m really quiet because I don’t want to say the wrong thing, don’t know what to say or have nothing of value to add. I recently started to see that I may be on the spectrum and my past behaviour makes so much sense now. I didn’t even realize I was making. Like, I always joke that “I’m really good at pretending to be a normal person “. Yeah...not so funny anymore. I mostly mask emotionally (acting like I’m fine, when in reality I’m being crushed under the weight of my stress)

Great work Olivia. I am 72 and was diagnosed 3 years ago. A explains every second of my very strange life. It is such a relief to know. Just imagine: I have been falsely attributing every memory I have to a neurotypical person who does not exist. I am now an archeologist in a world of one.

I changed my writing CONSTANTLY in high school, I would always mimic friends and even change the way I spoke. My best friend had a thick Jersey accent that I would pick up on and certain phrases. Even as a kid, I would mimic accents and mannerisms. Makes me think a bit.

Getting my dx at 48 made me have to rethink every choice, every interaction trying to figure out who I was. I gained a new understanding of my life and forgiveness for my mistakes.

I'm almost in tears hearing this. I had been feeling like I was a weak person for not knowing who I am, or not being able to function even though I think I am a capable person. Thank you so much... just thank you. You have explained my life. Thank you 😢😢🙏🙏🙏❤️

This explains so much! I have this repetitive personal thought, "I feel like a fake. I feel like a liar." I feel like I fake my way through social interactions most of the time, and that leaves me feeling sometimes like no one knows who I am.

Only my boyfriend and a few friends have ever seen me without my mask on. I feel like my family expect me to act a certain way, a neuro-typical kind of way I suppose, and so my interactions with them are oftentimes exhausting.

I grew up with my best friend, who was "odd" I thought she was perfectly normal. I practically lived with her growing up. When I see you on screen I see her. When you explain how autism is to you, I hear her. It's the same stories. Her mom told me in high school that she has autism but her mom never got it diagnosed because she thought it was hinder her in School. When I was finally able to talk with her, she did research and just like you that puzzle piece just clicked. Listening to you is amazing I understand her a lot better and I was able to be her person. I'm so lucky to she her without her mask

I’m obviously so skilled at masking. I’m 40 and was diagnosed today.

i’ve always said i was a chameleon since middle school, i’ve never had a solid friend group and i’ve been able to get along with anyone i talk to. lately i’m realizing it’s because i just mirror themselves back to them and that’s why we get along so great, and also why social situations terrify me because i can’t be multiple people at the same time

I grew up in an extrememly strict, fundamentalist religious setting, and found that to be an EXCELLENT environment to live a life of masks. The consequences of not measuring up were so dire, and I fell so far short of behavioral goals that masks were the only way to go. I've never been diagnosed as autistic, but I'm 68, and don't want to bother with changing my life at this point.

I am so struck by the example you gave of being obsessed with other people's writing style. I've never heard anyone say that before. I was obsessed in the same way. I absolutely went through the cutesy, more rounded "girly" writing style, I did the full caps too, print stye and cursive and I still struggle with my a's, the 2 versions you listed!

I turn 26 at the end of this month and I've only just got the courage to ask to be assessed for autism. Previously I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorders, bpd and bipolar.

Oh my goodness…. This is so me… I always could hang out with other groups and get along with anyone. I just started watching your videos and at 28 it all is starting to make sense. I have an autism son and only am realizing my own struggles/personality and why and didn’t like to do things that other people did. I am highly sensitive to people’s emotions so I can pick up on when someone’s annoyed, mad, happy quicker than my spouse. When I go out in public it drains me because I act like I’m supposed but I also see deep into people’s face/eyes which is very draining because I don’t know how to deal with seeing everyone’s deep state. I do that a lot go over conversations how I should have acted or things I should or shouldn’t have said.

OMG....so right on!! Im 53 and was diagnosed 1.5 years ago. I am a different person with all my groups. Including my family!!

When I brought up to my dad that I think I'm also autistic (my brother is autistic) ... he laughed and said "there's no way" because my brother is high needs.. and I don't compare to him by any means. But I'm starting to learn I probably, more than likely am.. and I'm about to talk to my physician about it. Crazy to think my childhood and growing up (I'm about to be 23) has been so odd and messed up all because I've gone undiagnosed all these years. I thank you and all the women standing up to make sure we are educated about autism, especially in women. ♡

I relate completely to this. I just got my diagnosis and now I understand my whole life. I think I am having that identity crisis, as not sure how to be me without masking. But I got burned out after masking for decades and I need to find a way to live that is less exhausting. Videos like this help to understand autism so thank you for this.

Before I was diagnosed with ASD, I was always confused as to why I preferred to be around straight-fwd, "Real" type personalities when I, myself always seems to fake who I was around everyone else. After learning about masking it all made sense.

Hi Olivia!! First off, GIRL OMG. I relate to this on a divinely spiritual level. Like this was literally my same experience, down to having different masks for different friend groups and even strangers. It's WILD. And omg don't get me started on masking burnout after a long day in classes or at work.... I feel so blessed to have found your page and to hear from someone who is just like me

When I was a young child, my mum told me to mimic the other girls in my grade in order to fit in and make friends. It didn't work and it was exhausting. I did this all throughout high school too, and finally stopped when I finished high school and it was such a relief to realise that I didn't have to do that anymore.

Hi!! I'm an SLP and I work with many young 3-5 year old girls who I suspect are autistic .. some of the teachers I work with wouldn't agree with me because these little girls don't have enough "stereotypical" autistic characteristics. I subscribed to your channel and hope to learn more! I would love to hear about your early childhood experiences.

I’m bi-polar and I find this very interesting because I have many of the same tendencies you describe. I definitely think we are all on the spectrum ranging from Neuro - normal to Autistic. I also feel people that are theoretically Neuro - normal can learn a lot from this about their own cognition because to some degree most of us will experience some element of this.

Thank you so much for sharing this Olivia! I can definitely relate to having a different mask for every friend group and I 100% agree that masking is often the reason we go undiagnosed. When I told my dad I was autistic he literally replied “no way, you’re way too social!” and that’s just one example! LIKE NO I AM NOT SOCIAL I just learn the script and know to NOT speak my mind because it always seems to be taken the wrong way when I do!

The handwriting part got me. Wow 😳

When researching autism I figured out, after looking back at my life, that I've been masking and apparently doing it so well that my friend didn't believe my diagnosis, and still doesn't. I feel like I cannot unmask and finally be myself because everyone will think I'm over exaggerating my traits or making it all up. People though I was seeking attention when self harming and trying to end it all but I wasn't, I hate being the centre of attention it's uncomfortable. I do hope one day I can just be me without being accused with 'putting it on'.

Omg they called me "social butterfly" when I was younger I kinda floated around the different lunch tables of a few very different groups not really being friends with everyone in each group but one or two that would be friendly to me and we talked or played games or drew together just different stuff but I was very shy at the same time I didn't fit in and struggled learning was told I was slow "ret∆rded" but I am really starting to wonder if I am on the spectrum I scored a 38 on the autism spectrum quotient and have been asked before by a stranger about myself and my son and we actually just got his diagnosis starting to think I should ask somebody

Hi Olivia, THANK YOU!! I have an autistic granddaughter age 10 and you are helping me to better understand her autistic behaviors. I am so grateful for the insights you provide through your videos. Keep up the good work. You are an amazing young woman.

This is so funny and sad for me at the same time! I can 💯 relate to everything! From copying writing to learning social scripts to being a chameleon. I am finally at a point of understanding after my 56 years on earth.

12:40 ‒ that's actually a thing all introverts normally do. People think introvertion is about avoiding any social interaction at any circunstance. But it's not. Introverts can still enjoy being around a group they feel confortable in and can "appear extroverted" for the layman eye, we just have to recharge alone later.

Oh wow. I was thinking about how I would do the writing thing while you were talking about the makeup....then lo and behold you mentioned the writing thing!! I relate to so much of your content it's very surreal but also very validating. Thank you for bringing us your experiences. ❤️ Self diagnosed 52yo.

Oh my gosh, I totally identifi myself with you, It’s so amazing tô finally be like someone , I feel like crying and laughing at the moment, thanks a lot 🥰🥰

Discovering this channel was life changeing and the stress of masking had taken a toll on my physical health before I knew what it was

Im 21 and have just recently been looking into the fact that I might be autistic, and watching these videos feels so…wow…like I have never felt so understood before. I remember changing my handwriting so often that when i look back I cant even find my original handwriting. I constantly mimic behaviors from the people around me, even repeat what they say often, Assimilating my personality and likes to match those around me. Its absolutely mind blowing to me that i might’ve actually found other people who do the same things and feel that way🤎Im currently diagnosed with Depression, general anxiety, PTSD, Borderline Personality, and ADHD. In the past ive been diagnosed with OCD tendencies and bipolar, and none of these ever felt completely right for me, but the more i watch your videos and others on youtube, the more autism fits. Thank you for your channel and all your videos

Gosh, this is so exhausting! I’ve been socially isolating and avoiding people for the last 8 years, and I’m 21. To try and get out there to have a livelyhood is so hard… accepting your boundaries yet getting forward and trying to be yourself all at once is not easy.

Great vid Olivia! I'm big on this. I tend to change my voice, the words I use, my body language, the cultural references I have, the interests I pretend to have, etc. And yes to the idea of having a fragmented identity/personality...I totally get that too.

What an eye opener for me! May I remind you again what a blessing you are! Your communication skills and teaching ability are such a gift. At 68 I am finally understanding myself. Jesus loves us ♥️☘

I feel this, every time I go out I think, who am I going to be today? It all depends on who I'm with. In childhood I found a friend and stuck to them like glue copying everything they did.

This is an amazing video! I think the way it is presented also makes it the perfect video for autistic people to show loved ones, so they can better understand specific parts of autism and what it's like. I think a lot of your videos are like that but this one is especially good for this purpose. Thank you for creating such valuable resources for fellow autistics!

Are you saying that everyone DOESNT do this? I'm not making a joke, I dont understand. I thought everyone did all of this? I relate to this so strongly i'm scared. I've always felt like an alien trying to learn social things.

I'm watching your videos because I suspect my daughter is on the spectrum, however, I myself relate to the masking thing, and going over conversations after the fact. I usually can't fall asleep after a social event because I am reliving it over and over trying to pick out what I said wrong or what someone might be thinking about what I said. Usually I come to the conclusion that I said too much but in the moment I can't help it.

I relate to all of this, especially identity struggles and multiple masks. I am 27 years old. I have not found a way to completely take off my mask even at home. I have been even more super exhausted than usual lately. I am not diagnosed yet. Trying to get the bravery to pursue a diagnosis this year. Thank you so very much for sharing. Your videos are so helpful. P.S. I did the copying handwriting thing all through my school years. I never thought that it could be related to autism. It does make quite a lot of sense though.

Masking is exhausting...i feel so much happier now that i am online schooling but in person school was so difficult with autism,adhd and severe anxiety and the occasional depression. Everyone would say i was such a bubbly person but that last year i was in person was torture for me and i sas so unhappy and so depressed and no one saw it cause i got so good at masking and put so much effort i would be exhausted after school and lay in bed for hours. It was so polarizing that one class i would be the social butterfly and the happiest person and the loudest person to make everyone happy then the next class i was sitting alone most times not saying a word in the class and feeling at peace. I would get so burned out that i hated school. Then when march came and corona hit i was met by the huge relief and i felt really free and good and started expressing myself better and wasnt really sad over covid. even now i feel great bring in online for over a year but i know i want to go back to in person school for my junior year and my parents are trying to get me on anxiety medications before next august. But i am so nervous that i will fall back into my habit cause i do it with everyone in my life. Its so extremely isolating. I feel the constant need almost instinctively to put on a smile or laugh even if my famiky member died i do it and i hate it so much. What can i do? i cant lower the mask cause of how i will be percieved by others and judgement. Its a nasty cycle...

Goodness, this is so informative, thank you!!!! Collecting info for my precious girl who is so little and masks very hard. I see how she has to hustle so much and it breaks my heart. BUT God continually guides us into wisdom and insight. ❤

Oh my god. When you shared your story about mimicking people's writing I felt like I was hit with a brick. I have that exact story, capitals included. Additionally lettering is one of my special interests. It feels so incredibly validating to hear you share that story. Thank you so much.

Heck, I think this video just changed my life. I did all of this growing up not knowing this is part of autism. 😩

I'm 54 now and I believe I'm on the 'Spectrum' although I've never been diagnosed. I started working with autistic people around 14 years ago and began to suspect then that many of my problems were similar to theirs. The more I researched the more convinced I became especially when articles began to appear more recently about differences between males and females one the spectrum and in particular females being misdiagnosed because of masking. It took a long time to develop a mask that worked for me. Throughout school I was plagued with verbal bullying and never understood why. I made every effort to be conventional, wore my uniform exactly as specified, followed all the rules and was never in trouble. I didn't understand this made me even more of a target for the bullies. It was entirely by accident when I was about 14 that I discovered appearing eccentric and maybe a little bit scary seemed to keep people away. I got very into Adam and the Ants and started trying to dress like that and although people teased me about it it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been before when I didn't understand what their problem was. It's much more comfortable being 'The whacky one' than the weird socially awkward one. And i also have an autistic trait which I don't think you've mentioned which is special interests. I get obsessed with things such as bands, TV programmes, books, artists etc. which I sometimes have to control myself with but I also get a lot of pleasure out of. Heavy Metal is one of my passions and dressing to that style gives me a shield against the world when I go out. Geeky T shirts are a wardrobe staple as well as I can't wear metal monsters to work because they trigger some of my clients. Thank you for this video as it is the best explanation of masking that I've found so far and explains why I feel so exhausted after being around people for any length of time. I'm hoping to take semi retirement next year and I'm looking forward to it because the masking I have to do at work is so exhausting even when I like the people I'm working with.

Thank you so much for this. My daughter was just recently diagnosed at 7 years old, and initially I was in denial because she is SO empathetic, a little quirky but it's just endearing, and I truly only thought it was just ADHD (which she also has). Well, now I'm taking a serious look at myself and I SO identify with everything you are saying. I have always had social anxiety, but always felt I had to put on a mask and act a certain way around various people and felt like if I could just fake it till I made it I would be fine. Pair that with difficulty sustaining long term relationships, saying random things I shouldn't have said, thinking and re-thinking social interactions, feeling just plain worn out after socializing, and all of my various sensory sensitivities with noises I feel like at my next MD appointment I'll be requesting a referral for a neuropsych eval. Thanks again for being so open to talking about high masking autism in women!

I just self-diagnosed as on the spectrum for autism . Your video made me cry. So true. I can be very productive as a high-achiever, but most don’t see the days I have no energy.

It’s astounding how much I relate to everything you said in this video

I have heard on many occasions that we're better at masking than boys with autism are. My brain must not have gotten the memo because I'm even more "obvious" than most males and I can't mask at all except online where I can take a long time to plan out what I want to say. Before COVID, I would walk up to someone and say hi and start talking. I used to believe that people were interested in what I was talking about until I found out they were just humoring me which made me sad. I can never figure out what to talk about, I can't talk about things I'm not interested or knowledgeable in. I like to talk about things I'm interested in but I've been told I'm not a good listener although I try to be. I also have issues with excessive saliva (I lack an automatic swallowing reflex) but I also keep my hands on my hips constantly (I need to have my hands placed on my hips or else everything feels wrong until they're back there) which means I sometimes drool and don't think to wipe it away. I just like to talk to people about things and I wish other people were interested, too.

Thank you Olivia, I’m thrilled that I found you. Thank you for making the content that you do on your channel, it is so meaningful and kind and generous of you to do so! I don’t have a diagnosis for autism, I have a small suspicion I may be though. Regardless, it’s really nice to see more representation and advocacy for awareness surrounding this incredibly important subject. So yay, for you and others who are doing similar work!

You explain things so well Olivia and articulate exactly how I (and many of us, no doubt) feel. I really love that you discussed the copying handwriting thing as that was something I did too. Even the letters A as you described. I remember my mum telling her friend about this as she found it so odd! I still have many different writing styles actually and it depends on what mood I'm in, the pen, the paper.....

This was a great synopsis of masking! You're an excellent public speaker and the way you outline the topic makes it very easy to follow along. I feel like I am learning a lot! Thank you for being so brave and sharing your personal experience, I imagine you are helping many, many people. Thank you for creating this channel!

I think you were masking during this video too ;)) we tend to smile when we would rather be something else ..since I mask less after realising being autistic and not surrounded by much people I'm a different person, so shocking.....

Hi, I did not bother to get diagnosed, but all my friends who did, and another friend who is a doctor tell me that I am autistic. I am over 40 now, and what I wanted to tell you is that you will succeed in taking your mask off, and even if you feel you do not know who you are now, you are so smart that you will find out soon. I loved your video. Cheers from France.

I had a counselor tell me my hand writing changed. My response was yeah is that strange? it depends on how I feel. And now this is kinda confirming more that it's not usual.

You are amazing. These videos are so intense. Hearing details about my experienced explained/high lighted like you do is profound and also like I can only watch about 5 minutes at a time because the processing it brings up is so intense. I super appreciate that you already do shorter videos so that's it's not too hard to find my place again if my computer forgets.

You are the best you tuber I’ve seen talking on the subject. Well done... you will literally be saving lives.

Wow, crazy, I never thought of this, I mask constantly. I thought it was the socializing that exhausted me but maybe it's the masking of being "perfect."

I relate to this video so much. Great description. I have a script in my head for every situation and the overanalysis of every conversation is spot-on.

Perfect video for sharing to help neuro-typicals understand us. Thank you!!...(I'm a 45 year old mom undiagnosed formally at this time, my husband was diagnosed last fall). We thought our marriage was over and we sought help...everything made more sense when he got diagnosed. But working on our problems, mistakenly thinking I was neuro-typical, didn't help us make much progress. We started educating ourselves, and I kept seeing myself and our children in the books and videos. I can see myself in every video you've shared with us so far. Please keep up the good work when you're able and you'll be a blessing to countless others! 💓

You're videos are so well done and so informative. Every time I watch one, I can identify with the signs of being on the spectrum. This one on masking has really hit home.

Your videos help me to better understand my daughter who is now 22 and was diagnosed with what was then termed High Functioning Aspergers when she was 12. She still struggles with her identity, socializing, and holding down a job. I have shared many of your videos with her. Thank you!

Thank you for posting! It’s encouraging me to start the conversation with my doctor sooner rather than later.

I have went thru most of your videos and have opened my eyes. My adult daughter is on the spectrum and my older daughter should get evaluated as should I. Me and my girls are expert maskers never actually realizing that we are pretending to be "normal". You have been such a support and a real look into female autism. I thank you so much.

Thanks much Olivia...I'm learning so much. You are a dynamic teacher.

Whelp, you explained that beautifully. I am discovering at the age of 49 I am autistic....it is the first time anything has made sense...my head has been spinning for months. I am so grateful and also processing alot of grief for not knowing earlier. It has certainly caused alot of unnecessary pain and heartache and a bit of a mess of a life that needs tending, but at least I have the right tools now thank goodness. Anyway, this is the second video of yours I watched. I just sent along to my mom, who is trying to understand, sister and a few friends. Thank you!

Every time I watch one of your videos, you describe things that I completely relate to. Changing my demeanor to suit the current social group, changing things about myself to mirror those that I admired. Yup, that was (and still is, to an extent) me.

Thank you so much for your videos, they've really helped me understand myself better than anything I've ever heard. I always just thought I was a major weirdo and that's why I had such a hard time pretending to be "normal". I've always just said I have a "social battery" that got drained because I have to think about every single thing I did. I'm so happy you're helping other women so much by sharing these videos. I never thought I could be autistic my whole life until your videos, because I didn't have a lot of the traits that males have, and I didn't know it differed so much between males and females. Thank you so much! -love, another autistic female :)

You are very high functioning with a small business and a you tube channel. Congrats on your success in overcoming some of life's difficulties and finding your own special way.

I was diagnosed when I was 18, but my parents suspected that I had it. I have struggled a bit with masking. Not so much now, but it's more so that if someone is happy, I more so feel happy. I pretty much reflect what they feel.

I enjoy watching your videos. I was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in November at 38. I've learned so much from you. Thank you, Olivia.

I totally understand masking issues. I was diagnosed with ASD a few weeks ago at age 21 but I have known for years.

Thank you, Olivia. This video is SO INFORMATIVE. I entered some 'ceramic heads' in an art show, once some called them my 'masks'.

It's amazing- I just watch your videos like, wow, she's describing my life!

Thanks Olivia, btw I’m 63 and male, I really admire what you are doing being yourself in public, it is so brave. I enjoyed your act, posing as you with different social groups, and knew the people in those groups only know you that one way, and that many would regard your truth with skepticism. You are very brave. In my life I have encountered much rejection from individuals and groups when attempting to let them know who I am. My life now is easier knowing this is because of my autistic thinking. I am grateful to you for telling your truth which helps me understand mine. Keep being you :0)

I know what you mean. After I finally get home alone after being around others, I just collapse. I need a shower and to unwind with listening to music, playing a game or reading a book then a nap once I calm down a bit. If I don't get that rest now and then, I have a meltdown. I lost jobs because of burnout, stress related sicknesses etc. I avoid socializing as much as possible because it is just too exhausting. Trying to act and behave in ways I think people want to see is so tiring. Good video.

Hi Olivia, one of the 61 year olds here! This really struck a chord as I am currently going back through my life trying to spot the masking (it's so second nature now I have NO idea when I'm doing it so I assume all the time!) It's really fascinating working out who I am - mostly so far it's been about giving myself permission not to join in conversations if I'd rather just listen. And it's been incredibly helpful with my chaotic eating - finally I can just say, "Yeah you can have that, but you really don't HAVE to! You're just feeling emotions in your hunger." Keep up the good work! Gill (UK)

Thank you for sharing your experience as a person in the spectrum. I actually have done so many behaviors from which ones you mentioned. It was the reason I only understood my patterns later in my life.

Who are you, Olivia? An intelligent, honest, sincere and very talented person! Well above average. Thank you for this it has helped me understand my 21 year old niece

Your videos have opened up my eyes so much. I never realized anybody else felt the same frustrations and trials that i have. I didn't know masking was even a thing, but now everything makes so much more sense. Thank you for your guidance ♥️

I actually commented in a post on one of the Aspie groups on FB, where they asked if it was common to have bad handwriting. Mine is atrocious but personally I think the reason so many struggle with it is cos our brain goes so much faster than our hand can lol. I'm just trying to keep up, I don't have time to make it fancy.

I feel like you are the most authentic, genuine being on this planet…..I can’t imagine you with a mask…but I do believe you wear them… And maybe you have a whole collection….but even so…..it’s refreshing watching you now on you tube , luv your honesty…..xo

Sitting here thinking.... not everyone is like this??? It's all making so much sense and I'm kind of sad. Going to binge your videos now!

Omg I love you! I was laughing and tearful throughout your video because I identify with so many things you were talking about. You are awesome, and thank you for these videos.

I was misdiagnosed in highschool with DID. It's so crazy now learning that all the shit I do is because I have autism. I'm definitely feeling that like fear of not knowing who I actually am since I've been masking my whole entire life. This video has been really helpful. Thank you :)

Thank you so much for liftning this masking-topic. Only a few months ago I realized that I have autism and I am waiting for an investigation. This masking thing is much bigger than I could have imagined. Now it's time to get to know myself - at the age of 46 🙏🏼❤️ Wish you all the best / Heidi from Sweden 🌸

What a brave young woman Olivia.god bless you for being so open to help others. You are a shining star!

Without getting too personal on a social platform, I cannot express how much this hits home. Thank you for making this video. You're very fortunate to have people to be able to unmask with. I cannot do that - even with my own immediate family.

I just want to say that I think you're HILARIOUS!! This entire video, not only did I relate on such a deep, heartfelt level, but I was laughing the entire time! Funny how it's only fellow autistic girls who do this to me! We're all so quirky and offbeat like that, I love it. I love us. 💕

Your videos have been such an eye opener. I have been diagnosed with so many mental disorders, some fit, some dont. But I truly believe I have been misdiagnosed and am seeking help and support and finally feel like I have an answer for what is wrong with me

Thank you! I relate to the social aspect 100 percent, up til last year I masked. I used to write scripts and topics for whenever I had to make a phone call.

WOW - how many times have I explained to people that drama class was about the MOST useful class I ever took?! And I learned conversation organizing from stand up comedy.

Butthole! I love it. I can mask my way through anything. I have only just now realized that I am definitely autistic, thanks to watching your videos. I am everything you describe. I am at a point of being so stressed and suffering with severe panic and anxiety that I'm getting very angry and I don't know who I am at all! I used to stay in the bed for days on end. This is all so eye opening listening to you. I feel a lot better knowing. I never look people in the eye, but can talk a mile a minute. I went to a psychiatrist for a year and a half and she would just look at me like I was crazy 😧 I am a different person around different people also and can fit in with any type of people. Thank you so much for making these videos! I'm on my 4th video now. I am 52, divorced after 19 years and feel completely alone.

Thank you so much for this video! You're describing yourself, but it feels like you could just as well be describing me. As someone who was very recently diagnosed (at age 31), it means a lot to know that others have had similar experiences.