This video really spoke to me. I wasn't diagnosed with autism until 30 years old and looking back on my childhood feels similar to how you describe looking back on yours. It's the knowing there's a reason for it all and not just still trying to fix or change everything or punish myself for it. The relief of knowing yourself better and accepting yourself for exactly who you are. Thank you for being open and honest for us. 💝 I wish I could "like" this video 100 times!
I'm so thankful that you have found it helpful! I'm so pleased you have your autism diagnosis. IT can feel frustrating looking back and realising that things could have been different if it was picked up sooner, but I hope with a growing understanding of the spectrum that we can enable more people to get recognised sooner. I couldn't agree with that feeling more, the frustration of just wanting to be 'like everyone else' but it not working... my diagnosis has helped me realise that different is okay (and actually, wouldn't life be boring if we were all the same?!). Thank YOU for your kindness. So much love
Hi Fi, Great video, I am 58 i found out i was autistic at the age of 57. Nothing has made more sense to me in my whole life. Suddenly i made sense, my life made sense and i had so much more appreciation and acceptance of who i was and I was no longer my own worst enemy. All my life prior to my diagnosis i always felt like i was on the outside looking in, like there was an invisible screen between me and the rest of the world that i couldn’t get through I no longer feel the need to strive to be like everyone else, and for the first time in my life i realised i was never going to be, and the person i really was, was more than fine. I also wish i was diagnosed much earlier in my life, oh how different my life would have been, but i can’t go back in time so i am just going to keep moving forward and enjoy my life just being me. Autism is not a processing error, its a different operating system. I am like a Mac in a room full of PC’s, just wired differently, not incorrectly. Thank you for this video, there is such a stigma around autism and thats through lack of knowledge, so by opening up the conversation about autism helps to overcome this. Knowledge is power! Take Care Fi.
Hello lovely! I'm so pleased you have discovered you are autistic - it can change... well everything! I totally understand what you mean, that pervasive feeling of being different, wrong, an outsider. My diagnosis just meant I understood why, and it reduced that feeling. I LOVE that analogy - a different operating system. I agree, and always say that autism is not wrong, at all. It is different, and different is okay. In fact, if we were all the same, wouldn't life be boring?!! Thank you so much for your comment. So much love
thank you for speaking about this :) i have suspected i am autistic for a year now and watching videos like these really help me feel not alone. please make more autism videos in the future!!
Absolute beautiful explanation as to how it has helped you. A great quote I once heard says “why fit in when you were born to stand out”., this world would be boring if everyone was the same. To me, it’s just another quality someone has to make them stand out over the crowd. You are beautiful just as you are Fi❤ Thank you yet again for sharing 🙏❤️
I LOVE that quote - we have it on our walls in our house! I totally agree. How boring life would be! Thank you for being so understanding, kind and accepting. It means an awful lot
Thank u for making this video, its really important to talk about autism in girls. We often get so many other diagnosis but the main issue autism is sadly not taking seriously. Lots of love from another autistic/ Sara 💝
You are most welcome Sara! I couldn't agree enough. Mis or undiagnosed autism is still such a prevalent issue. I hope to raise awareness and an understanding of how it can present differently. Lots of love
Aww Tina! I am so pleased you are on a waiting list, I hope it is going as smoothly as possible and I hope it is able to give you an understanding about yourself. So much love
I am 47 years old and have always felt different and frustrated because I wasn’t like everyone else. I am very socially awkward and don’t always understand other people. The way you described how you felt hit home to me. I have never been diagnosed as autistic but I am seriously wondering if I am. Following your journey has touched me and I want to find the courage to talk to my doctor about it. Thank you for being so open to all of us about your struggles.
Hello Stephanie. It can be so difficult feeling that way - tiring and confusing. I would encourage you to look into it, it may provide you with answers to how you are feeling. Getting my autism diagnosis didn't change anything huge for me, it just gave me that 'why'... which I guess did change everything for me. I'm so thankful that I can help at all xxx
Thank you for sharing your diagnosis! I've also found understanding my autism has helped my eating disorder! Wishing you well every day 💓 you're a wonderful inspiration that life is better after your ED.
You are most welcome! It can bring about so much understanding, I'm so glad you have also found that level of understanding through your diagnosis too. I hope you are doing as well as possible, sending lots of love your way
I agree. I saw your turning point when you received your diagnosis. Yes you had a period of acceptance and adjustment but you started to open up. You became the owner of your decisions. I could see you learned to "use" your differences. You were able to adapt and steer your life on your own. I had the same experience when I learned that many of my behaviors were due to a lack of a chemical in my body. Once you can understand are not "wrong" it is so much more controllable. You learn what makes things different or difficult and then you will continue to learn coping skills. I think a great injustice of this world is the need to look and feel like everyone else. When honestly no one feels the same. There is no normal. I'm so happy for you sweet Fi that you got your diagnosis because you are thriving!!! Much love as always from my heart to yours.
I can't agree with this enough. Like I said in the video, my diagnosis didn't change anything externally... but it changed my understanding of, well everything, which changed everything for me. Exactly as you say - if there is a chemical imbalance, or a processing difference, just understanding that can be huge. So much love, you truly are wonderful. Your comments always bring me happiness
Thank you so much for sharing this video. I feel so seen because it‘s how I‘ve experienced the world since I was little. It helps to hear you talk about it especially since I just got my autism diagnosis and am trying to process it all.❤
Thank you for talking about this. I’m not autistic but actually it’s through you talking about your noise sensitivities that made me realize I have massive noise sensitivities and it explains some of my unconscious behaviour. I also recently discovered I was asexual which feels exactly like the kind of ‘holy shit now everything in my life makes sense’ feeling that you discuss. It’s an amazing and empowering feeling discovering things about yourself, especially things that aren’t ‘typical’
Bravo Fi ❤️ What an important video this is ! I am a Mother of an autistic son and you have helped me navigate him in our everyday life. Hannah writing an itinerary is a brilliant idea that I am now going to do for my son on our outings! Much Love as always, My Dear Fiona ❤️
Aww Lisa, thank you so much. I'm so pleased to hear I can help at all - that helps me :') Planning is the way we do things in this house, and it works. I will do a whole thing about more adaptations like that that we do, I hope it helps! Lots of love
Hi Fi! You are handling things so well with such a great attitude. I give you the greatest amount of credit, you are such a strong person and youre doing wonderful! Youre hair looks beautiful! Knowing where you stand, and knowing how to move forward is very helpful. Beating ourselves up make things so much harder, and things become more tiring than usual. Keep up the good work! You should be very proud of yourself! sending lots of love,loren
Hello lovely Loren! Aww thank you my love. I think it has been so important having that level of understanding, knowing who I am to help me move forward. So so so much love
@@Finding_Fi Accepting who we are helps. Knowing we have people who love and care about one another helps even more!!! Thanks Fi for your kindness. Love,Loren❤🩹
I am so blessed u have invited me into your world. I can relate to lots of what u spoke to . I have traits at the same time just some of what u said will continue to help me on my healing journey. U are so amazing as u are . I hope u can wrap your mind the gifts u are giving to others by doing your videos . U are a true gift to all around u and those in our community . GOSH I AM SO PROUD OF YOU AND ALL THE VIDEOS YOU HAVE MADE FROM THE GET GO . If u ever want a anything from nyc please let me know. Hugs
I felt the exact same for many years I didn’t fit in at school and some work places too but since having a partner in my life and support has really helped I think for me I need support too your amazing Fiona cx
Hi Fi i really resonate with a lot of things you talk about on this video. I ’m neurodivergent too was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome when I was 21 so I didn’t know until then the reason why I struggled so much There is so much I don’t understand either I also have sensitivity to noise and bright lights. I do believe that I’m also autistic not diagnosed though. I have some amazing friends who are autistic too . I have been following you and your story for a long time now. Sending you lots of love ❤❤
Hello my love! I'm so glad you got your diagnosis, and possibly is it worth pursuing an autism diagnosis too? Sensitivity to noise and bright lights are things I have found difficult, all sensory processing differences. Understanding them allows me to accomodate for them though, which really helps. So much love
Fi thank you for speaking about. I have also a hidden struggle and it helped me understanding why eating d. was so strong a long time! I would like to hug u! XXX Lou 🌺
As alway Fi I enjoyed this video. It is so wonderful to watch you grow into a more self confident young woman. You are doing and are going to do amazing things in this world!!! ❤❤❤
Thank you Fi. I’m awaiting diagnosis and will be 59 in August. I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome 8 years ago and the two spectra apparently run close together xxxx
I'm so pleased to hear you are pursuing a diagnosis, I really hope it helps you (and you are doing as okay as possible with the journey of getting such - it can be difficult and tiring). They do, I've read a lot about it! Lots of love xxx
Hello beautiful! I am so happy that you’re speaking out about this❤️🔥 I am goin vate message you, you let me know the best way to do that. My granddaughter Olivia and grandson Spencer are two different forms of autism I also have a form of autism but I have not been clinically diagnosed yet. But I believe that you are such an inspiration and you are so strong and your words are so powerful and heartfelt that I want to share Your story with these children because I believe it will help them. You’re amazing I sincerely love you I am here for you through the good the bad the ugly and the beautiful bright blessing sweet lady Fi
1:11 I understand the sadness of not being diagnosed earlier, I would have had a lot less self hate and would’ve learnt to deal with emotions a lot better and potentially prevent my battle with anorexia and also the need for support at school particularly secondary school (it was a v tough time especially socially) but what’s happened has happened and since I’ve realised I was autistic and gotten diagnosed I’ve had wonderful lecturers and personal tutor at uni have helped me make plans so I am achieving my potential and I’ve been getting mostly 1sts for the past 3 years compared to primary and secondary where I was In the bottom of the class. Still struggle socially but that’s just me I guess but at least I have had a couple gems of friends and if you don’t like me cos of my autistic traits, that’s my problem that’s yours
I'm so sorry to hear you went through such a difficult time at school. There are certainly a lot of social concepts to grasp, especially in secondary school, which can be exhausting. I am SO pleased to hear your uni are so good though. What fantastic results! It is amazing how much support can help. Friends who allow you to just be you, are wonderful
I was diagnosed at the age of 13 but the journey has been difficult,I find that people just think I'm strange and can't understand why I am the way I am and let's face it they can give a diagnosis but can't offer the help and support we need for later life.
It is difficult, it really is. Unfortunately there is not much support post-diagnosis, though I was offered a group which I hope to attend soon, and psychoeducational things about autism. I hope you are okay
Hi Fi🌻,lovely to see you again. So glad you're sharing this.I wasn't diagnosed until much later in life. That feeling of 'wrongness ' haunted me for decades.As did my self loathing & frustration. So happy you are able to understand yourself better. I'd be interested in how you manage the hypersensitivity to noise? I still really struggle with it.I look forward to seeing further chats about Autism. You will be helping so many more people allow themselves to simply 'be'. Love & best wishes to you today and every day Fi 💓
Hello lovely Catherine! It can be so difficult, managing that feeling of 'wrongness'. Exhausting, lonely and frustrating. My diagnosis just helped me understand it, and with time, it has eased. I was hoping to have the video about just that out last weekend, only I've got a nasty chest infection and lost my voice. So hopefully, soon! Thank you for being so kind, as ever
Thank you so much for making this video and for the future ones about autism! I look especially forward to you speaking about those traits that you have been told are typical for autism and which strengths you have "from" it, since I am coming to terms with the idea that my kid is very probably autistic and I really want to understand them more and give them the knowledge that they are unique but not alone in how they perceive the world. And I _love_ that you put a quote from yourself in the end screen!! Go Fi!! 💚
Aww you are most welcome Annie! Ah there are so many, somedays I feel like I spend my entire day thinking 'wow... that as well!'. I hope you are all okay. Getting a diagnosis can be long and difficult, so be gentle with yourselves. One of the quotes we love in our house is 'why try to fit in when you were born to stand out' :) Lots of love
Thank you so much for this - one I could relate to. I'm so grateful for the way you described the relief of understanding why you felt and existed as you do, and how you're seeing diagnosis as a positive thing. It's something I'm really working towards - sometimes I feel it, sometimes I struggle, but this has really helped today, so thank you so much for sharing. What was the book you read that helped things click into place? And if ever you felt like sharing, were there any other resources, books, channels etc, that have helped you make sense of it? Obviously, not pressure to answer these :)
Aww Grace! Thank you so much. I definitely see it as a positive thing. I've had numerous diagnosis over the years that have always felt like... well that they didn't fit, but also like they were problems. My autism diagnosis helped me feel okay in myself. So the book is a whole series by Tally Scott, the first one is 'do you see me' - absolutely amazing. I've listened to podcasts and generally just spent time looking at my life and seeing traits from childhood etc! Xxx
prior my anorexia diagnosis, my parents had a meeting with some of my mental health workers. it was the first time when my mother mentioned that she's suspecting me to have some sort of issues with eating. her concerns were brushed off as nothing, the workers did not believe it (six months later i got hospitalized, so my mum was right). later on my mother told me, that in that meeting the workers suggested that i might have aspergers, which in turn was something my parents denied. i still don't know, if i'm on the spectrum or not. some things would suggest that i might, but as an adult i've never really mentioned it to my current therapist or psychiatrist. i fear that they probably wouldn't believe me, bc at times i've dropped hints, mentioned little things, but they've always just blamed it on the eating disorder.
Oh my love, I'm so sorry you have been through so much. It can feel scary to bring it up with people, especially if it has not been handled well in the past. But you deserve to feel you have a safe space to talk these things through. I wrote a lot of it down which helped me, and then gave that to my team. Perhaps this could help you? Sending love your way
Im definitely interested to hear your adaptations(sp) to your eating disorders treatment because im really struggling with my treatment and not sure they are being that accommodating of my autism atm. Id love to know how they adapted your treatment to help you better please. X
Of course. I was planning on making it this week but frustratingly have a chest infection and no voice, but it will be on its way soon. I'm sorry to hear you are finding things so difficult. As an interim measure, I recommend the PEACE website - it has so many helpful resources. Sending love your way xxx
I embrace my autism. This is why I'm so creative and obsessed with beauty nature, honey bees wasps hornets ants flies. Mosquitoes for my goldfish. People that are not autistic bore me. They are drones. Do what they're told to do. Me I do what I want to do. That's why I make the big bucks. When it comes to roundabouts versus intersections I'm the most obsessive person on the world. Einstein was autistic. Aristotle was considered to be in the most artistic person in the world at his time. The people did not know how to label it. I have joined the ranks of autism and embrace it, autism is not what the average stupid human thinks. The average stupid human thinks everything is wonderful I have a job I'm bored. I'm making money blah blah. Autism says energy equals the time served and properties thereof, but wait there's more,,........ I have to go pee
Thank you so much for this video, Fi. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for you to open up and speak about it but I am so grateful that you did because you’re story is going to inspire and help so many people. I personally don’t have autism, but I have an 11 year old sister who just got diagnosed later in her life like you. I have a question that I would be very interested in knowing your opinion on if you are comfortable. We haven’t told my sister that she has autism and we are getting a lot of different advice. Would your recommend we tell her she has autism or do you think we should not tell her and just tell her her brain works differently? Answer only if you’re comfortable and have time. Thank you so much! Remember: You are Beautiful. You are Worthy. You are Loved. 💗
@@Finding_Fi I understand. But I am so so proud of you for pushing yourself and opening up about it. You inspire me and so many other people so much! Thank you so much for your opinion. I understand everyone is different. But I appreciate you explaining your personal experience. I really appreciate it. Sending you lots of love and hugs! Remember: You are Beautiful. You are Worthy. You are Enough. 💗
Can you tell me what section book you are referring to? I would love to read it. You are the greatest Fi and this video was so helpful! I cannot wait for further autism videos
Of course! Any of the books by Tally Scott - I believe the first one is 'do you see me', it just spoke to me like nothing I've felt before. Thank you :')
I got referred from my community mental health team. I then got put on a waiting list for an assessment. Initially we had to fill in a lot of questionnaires about what I found difficult, what I did well in, how I experienced the world. My parents had to do the same about how I was throughout my childhood. About half a year before my assessment, my Mum had an assessment type thing where they asked lots of questions about how I was as a child. Then I got my assessment, where they gave me the diagnosis
@@Finding_Fi thank you so much for sharing this, I appreciate you taking time to reply! Ps love your videos and Instagram account so much! Really helped me more than you will ever know and I’m sure so many other people too so thank you so much for everything 💕
This video really spoke to me. I wasn't diagnosed with autism until 30 years old and looking back on my childhood feels similar to how you describe looking back on yours. It's the knowing there's a reason for it all and not just still trying to fix or change everything or punish myself for it. The relief of knowing yourself better and accepting yourself for exactly who you are. Thank you for being open and honest for us. 💝 I wish I could "like" this video 100 times!
I'm so thankful that you have found it helpful! I'm so pleased you have your autism diagnosis. IT can feel frustrating looking back and realising that things could have been different if it was picked up sooner, but I hope with a growing understanding of the spectrum that we can enable more people to get recognised sooner.
I couldn't agree with that feeling more, the frustration of just wanting to be 'like everyone else' but it not working... my diagnosis has helped me realise that different is okay (and actually, wouldn't life be boring if we were all the same?!).
Thank YOU for your kindness. So much love
What a lovely comment x
Would it be possible to message me privately? I would love to hear more!
Jesse
Hi Fi,
Great video,
I am 58 i found out i was autistic at the age of 57. Nothing has made more sense to me in my whole life. Suddenly i made sense, my life made sense and i had so much more appreciation and acceptance of who i was and I was no longer my own worst enemy. All my life prior to my diagnosis i always felt like i was on the outside looking in, like there was an invisible screen between me and the rest of the world that i couldn’t get through
I no longer feel the need to strive to be like everyone else, and for the first time in my life i realised i was never going to be, and the person i really was, was more than fine.
I also wish i was diagnosed much earlier in my life, oh how different my life would have been, but i can’t go back in time so i am just going to keep moving forward and enjoy my life just being me.
Autism is not a processing error, its a different operating system. I am like a Mac in a room full of PC’s, just wired differently, not incorrectly.
Thank you for this video, there is such a stigma around autism and thats through lack of knowledge, so by opening up the conversation about autism helps to overcome this.
Knowledge is power!
Take Care Fi.
Hello lovely!
I'm so pleased you have discovered you are autistic - it can change... well everything! I totally understand what you mean, that pervasive feeling of being different, wrong, an outsider. My diagnosis just meant I understood why, and it reduced that feeling.
I LOVE that analogy - a different operating system.
I agree, and always say that autism is not wrong, at all. It is different, and different is okay. In fact, if we were all the same, wouldn't life be boring?!!
Thank you so much for your comment. So much love
You sound so confident and assured. So happy that you can talk about it. You should, it's all about who you are. Sending you a virtual hug. Nx 💕
Thank you Nicola! What a lovely comment :') sending lots of love your way
Fi thank you for continuing to share your life journey. You are doing fabulous.
Thank YOU for your kind comment Amy :') xxx
thank you for speaking about this :) i have suspected i am autistic for a year now and watching videos like these really help me feel not alone. please make more autism videos in the future!!
Aww you are most welcome lovely! I will, thank you for helping me feel good about it. Lots of love :') xxx
You are such an inspiration! Keep on going girl! You're going to change the world ❤.
Aww thank you Sarah! This made me smile so much :') xxx
Absolute beautiful explanation as to how it has helped you. A great quote I once heard says “why fit in when you were born to stand out”., this world would be boring if everyone was the same. To me, it’s just another quality someone has to make them stand out over the crowd. You are beautiful just as you are Fi❤ Thank you yet again for sharing 🙏❤️
I LOVE that quote - we have it on our walls in our house! I totally agree. How boring life would be! Thank you for being so understanding, kind and accepting. It means an awful lot
Great video Fi, so incredibly proud of you with your recovery journey 💞
Aww thank you so much Annabelle
Thank u for making this video, its really important to talk about autism in girls. We often get so many other diagnosis but the main issue autism is sadly not taking seriously. Lots of love from another autistic/ Sara 💝
You are most welcome Sara! I couldn't agree enough. Mis or undiagnosed autism is still such a prevalent issue. I hope to raise awareness and an understanding of how it can present differently.
Lots of love
Yes yes yes! I relate to all you’ve said. I’m 46 and just joined a wait list for a formal diagnosis. Thank you for talking about this x
Aww Tina! I am so pleased you are on a waiting list, I hope it is going as smoothly as possible and I hope it is able to give you an understanding about yourself. So much love
I am 47 years old and have always felt different and frustrated because I wasn’t like everyone else. I am very socially awkward and don’t always understand other people. The way you described how you felt hit home to me. I have never been diagnosed as autistic but I am seriously wondering if I am. Following your journey has touched me and I want to find the courage to talk to my doctor about it. Thank you for being so open to all of us about your struggles.
Hello Stephanie. It can be so difficult feeling that way - tiring and confusing. I would encourage you to look into it, it may provide you with answers to how you are feeling. Getting my autism diagnosis didn't change anything huge for me, it just gave me that 'why'... which I guess did change everything for me.
I'm so thankful that I can help at all xxx
Thank you for sharing your diagnosis!
I've also found understanding my autism has helped my eating disorder! Wishing you well every day 💓 you're a wonderful inspiration that life is better after your ED.
You are most welcome! It can bring about so much understanding, I'm so glad you have also found that level of understanding through your diagnosis too. I hope you are doing as well as possible, sending lots of love your way
I agree. I saw your turning point when you received your diagnosis. Yes you had a period of acceptance and adjustment but you started to open up. You became the owner of your decisions. I could see you learned to "use" your differences. You were able to adapt and steer your life on your own. I had the same experience when I learned that many of my behaviors were due to a lack of a chemical in my body. Once you can understand are not "wrong" it is so much more controllable. You learn what makes things different or difficult and then you will continue to learn coping skills. I think a great injustice of this world is the need to look and feel like everyone else. When honestly no one feels the same. There is no normal. I'm so happy for you sweet Fi that you got your diagnosis because you are thriving!!! Much love as always from my heart to yours.
I can't agree with this enough. Like I said in the video, my diagnosis didn't change anything externally... but it changed my understanding of, well everything, which changed everything for me.
Exactly as you say - if there is a chemical imbalance, or a processing difference, just understanding that can be huge.
So much love, you truly are wonderful. Your comments always bring me happiness
Thank you so much for sharing this video. I feel so seen because it‘s how I‘ve experienced the world since I was little.
It helps to hear you talk about it especially since I just got my autism diagnosis and am trying to process it all.❤
You are most welcome; thank YOU for this comment. It is a lot to process, and it takes time. Be gentle with your wonderful self
Thank you for talking about this. I’m not autistic but actually it’s through you talking about your noise sensitivities that made me realize I have massive noise sensitivities and it explains some of my unconscious behaviour.
I also recently discovered I was asexual which feels exactly like the kind of ‘holy shit now everything in my life makes sense’ feeling that you discuss. It’s an amazing and empowering feeling discovering things about yourself, especially things that aren’t ‘typical’
Bravo Fi ❤️ What an important video this is ! I am a Mother of an autistic son and you have helped me navigate him in our everyday life. Hannah writing an itinerary is a brilliant idea that I am now going to do for my son on our outings! Much Love as always, My Dear Fiona ❤️
Aww Lisa, thank you so much. I'm so pleased to hear I can help at all - that helps me :')
Planning is the way we do things in this house, and it works. I will do a whole thing about more adaptations like that that we do, I hope it helps!
Lots of love
Hi Fi! You are handling things so well with such a great attitude. I give you the greatest amount of credit, you are such a strong person and youre doing wonderful! Youre hair looks beautiful! Knowing where you stand, and knowing how to move forward is very helpful. Beating ourselves up make things so much harder, and things become more tiring than usual. Keep up the good work! You should be very proud of yourself! sending lots of love,loren
Hello lovely Loren! Aww thank you my love. I think it has been so important having that level of understanding, knowing who I am to help me move forward. So so so much love
@@Finding_Fi Accepting who we are helps. Knowing we have people who love and care about one another helps even more!!! Thanks Fi for your kindness. Love,Loren❤🩹
I am so blessed u have invited me into your world. I can relate to lots of what u spoke to . I have traits at the same time just some of what u said will continue to help me on my healing journey. U are so amazing as u are . I hope u can wrap your mind the gifts u are giving to others by doing your videos . U are a true gift to all around u and those in our community . GOSH I AM SO PROUD OF YOU AND ALL THE VIDEOS YOU HAVE MADE FROM THE GET GO . If u ever want a anything from nyc please let me know. Hugs
Aww Erin! What a lovely comment. Thank you so much. That is so kind of you! I hope you are doing well, sending hugs your way
We love you so much hon! ❤️ I'm looking forward to learn about what you have to share. Always praying for you dear one 🙏🏻 ❤️
Aww thank you so much my love :') this means so much to me
I felt the exact same for many years I didn’t fit in at school and some work places too but since having a partner in my life and support has really helped I think for me I need support too your amazing Fiona cx
It can be so difficult being with that feeling. I am so thankful you have your partner who helps you feel supported. Lots of love
@@Finding_Fi Thank Fiona so much that’s so kind of you lots of love xx
So much love to you, Fi ❤❤❤
So so so much love
Hi Fi i really resonate with a lot of things you talk about on this video. I ’m neurodivergent too was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome when I was 21 so I didn’t know until then the reason why I struggled so much There is so much I don’t understand either I also have sensitivity to noise and bright lights. I do believe that I’m also autistic not diagnosed though. I have some amazing friends who are autistic too . I have been following you and your story for a long time now. Sending you lots of love ❤❤
Hello my love! I'm so glad you got your diagnosis, and possibly is it worth pursuing an autism diagnosis too? Sensitivity to noise and bright lights are things I have found difficult, all sensory processing differences. Understanding them allows me to accomodate for them though, which really helps.
So much love
Fi thank you for speaking about. I have also a hidden struggle and it helped me understanding why eating d. was so strong a long time!
I would like to hug u!
XXX Lou 🌺
Aww you are most welcome Lou! I'm thankful to hear you've also had something that helps you understand - that can be so important. Lots of love xxx
As alway Fi I enjoyed this video. It is so wonderful to watch you grow into a more self confident young woman. You are doing and are going to do amazing things in this world!!! ❤❤❤
Andrea
Thank you Fi. I’m awaiting diagnosis and will be 59 in August. I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome 8 years ago and the two spectra apparently run close together xxxx
I'm so pleased to hear you are pursuing a diagnosis, I really hope it helps you (and you are doing as okay as possible with the journey of getting such - it can be difficult and tiring). They do, I've read a lot about it! Lots of love xxx
What a great informative video Fi. You truly are amazing for sharing your life with us xx
Aww thank you so much :') thank YOU for being here with me
Hello beautiful! I am so happy that you’re speaking out about this❤️🔥 I am goin vate message you, you let me know the best way to do that. My granddaughter Olivia and grandson Spencer are two different forms of autism I also have a form of autism but I have not been clinically diagnosed yet. But I believe that you are such an inspiration and you are so strong and your words are so powerful and heartfelt that I want to share Your story with these children because I believe it will help them. You’re amazing I sincerely love you I am here for you through the good the bad the ugly and the beautiful bright blessing sweet lady Fi
Hello my love! Aww thank you so much
1:11 I understand the sadness of not being diagnosed earlier, I would have had a lot less self hate and would’ve learnt to deal with emotions a lot better and potentially prevent my battle with anorexia and also the need for support at school particularly secondary school (it was a v tough time especially socially) but what’s happened has happened and since I’ve realised I was autistic and gotten diagnosed I’ve had wonderful lecturers and personal tutor at uni have helped me make plans so I am achieving my potential and I’ve been getting mostly 1sts for the past 3 years compared to primary and secondary where I was In the bottom of the class. Still struggle socially but that’s just me I guess but at least I have had a couple gems of friends and if you don’t like me cos of my autistic traits, that’s my problem that’s yours
I'm so sorry to hear you went through such a difficult time at school. There are certainly a lot of social concepts to grasp, especially in secondary school, which can be exhausting.
I am SO pleased to hear your uni are so good though. What fantastic results! It is amazing how much support can help. Friends who allow you to just be you, are wonderful
I was diagnosed at the age of 13 but the journey has been difficult,I find that people just think I'm strange and can't understand why I am the way I am and let's face it they can give a diagnosis but can't offer the help and support we need for later life.
It is difficult, it really is. Unfortunately there is not much support post-diagnosis, though I was offered a group which I hope to attend soon, and psychoeducational things about autism. I hope you are okay
Hi Fi🌻,lovely to see you again. So glad you're sharing this.I wasn't diagnosed until much later in life. That feeling of 'wrongness ' haunted me for decades.As did my self loathing & frustration. So happy you are able to understand yourself better. I'd be interested in how you manage the hypersensitivity to noise? I still really struggle with it.I look forward to seeing further chats about Autism. You will be helping so many more people allow themselves to simply 'be'. Love & best wishes to you today and every day Fi 💓
Hello lovely Catherine!
It can be so difficult, managing that feeling of 'wrongness'. Exhausting, lonely and frustrating. My diagnosis just helped me understand it, and with time, it has eased.
I was hoping to have the video about just that out last weekend, only I've got a nasty chest infection and lost my voice. So hopefully, soon!
Thank you for being so kind, as ever
Thank you so much for making this video and for the future ones about autism! I look especially forward to you speaking about those traits that you have been told are typical for autism and which strengths you have "from" it, since I am coming to terms with the idea that my kid is very probably autistic and I really want to understand them more and give them the knowledge that they are unique but not alone in how they perceive the world.
And I _love_ that you put a quote from yourself in the end screen!! Go Fi!! 💚
Aww you are most welcome Annie! Ah there are so many, somedays I feel like I spend my entire day thinking 'wow... that as well!'.
I hope you are all okay. Getting a diagnosis can be long and difficult, so be gentle with yourselves.
One of the quotes we love in our house is 'why try to fit in when you were born to stand out' :)
Lots of love
Thank you so much for this - one I could relate to. I'm so grateful for the way you described the relief of understanding why you felt and existed as you do, and how you're seeing diagnosis as a positive thing. It's something I'm really working towards - sometimes I feel it, sometimes I struggle, but this has really helped today, so thank you so much for sharing.
What was the book you read that helped things click into place? And if ever you felt like sharing, were there any other resources, books, channels etc, that have helped you make sense of it? Obviously, not pressure to answer these :)
Aww Grace! Thank you so much. I definitely see it as a positive thing. I've had numerous diagnosis over the years that have always felt like... well that they didn't fit, but also like they were problems. My autism diagnosis helped me feel okay in myself.
So the book is a whole series by Tally Scott, the first one is 'do you see me' - absolutely amazing. I've listened to podcasts and generally just spent time looking at my life and seeing traits from childhood etc! Xxx
You are very strong love!
Aww thank you lovely! Xxx
prior my anorexia diagnosis, my parents had a meeting with some of my mental health workers. it was the first time when my mother mentioned that she's suspecting me to have some sort of issues with eating. her concerns were brushed off as nothing, the workers did not believe it (six months later i got hospitalized, so my mum was right). later on my mother told me, that in that meeting the workers suggested that i might have aspergers, which in turn was something my parents denied. i still don't know, if i'm on the spectrum or not. some things would suggest that i might, but as an adult i've never really mentioned it to my current therapist or psychiatrist. i fear that they probably wouldn't believe me, bc at times i've dropped hints, mentioned little things, but they've always just blamed it on the eating disorder.
Oh my love, I'm so sorry you have been through so much. It can feel scary to bring it up with people, especially if it has not been handled well in the past. But you deserve to feel you have a safe space to talk these things through. I wrote a lot of it down which helped me, and then gave that to my team. Perhaps this could help you? Sending love your way
Perhaps you said it and I missed it, but I was wondering what the name of the book you read was? The one at 15:24
Thank you for this video x
I didn't mention it, I should have! It is a series by Tally Scott. It spoke to me like nothing has before. Thank you for your comment my love
Im definitely interested to hear your adaptations(sp) to your eating disorders treatment because im really struggling with my treatment and not sure they are being that accommodating of my autism atm. Id love to know how they adapted your treatment to help you better please. X
Of course. I was planning on making it this week but frustratingly have a chest infection and no voice, but it will be on its way soon.
I'm sorry to hear you are finding things so difficult. As an interim measure, I recommend the PEACE website - it has so many helpful resources. Sending love your way xxx
I embrace my autism. This is why I'm so creative and obsessed with beauty nature, honey bees wasps hornets ants flies. Mosquitoes for my goldfish. People that are not autistic bore me. They are drones. Do what they're told to do. Me I do what I want to do. That's why I make the big bucks. When it comes to roundabouts versus intersections I'm the most obsessive person on the world. Einstein was autistic. Aristotle was considered to be in the most artistic person in the world at his time. The people did not know how to label it. I have joined the ranks of autism and embrace it, autism is not what the average stupid human thinks. The average stupid human thinks everything is wonderful I have a job I'm bored. I'm making money blah blah. Autism says energy equals the time served and properties thereof, but wait there's more,,........ I have to go pee
Thank you so much for this video, Fi. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for you to open up and speak about it but I am so grateful that you did because you’re story is going to inspire and help so many people.
I personally don’t have autism, but I have an 11 year old sister who just got diagnosed later in her life like you. I have a question that I would be very interested in knowing your opinion on if you are comfortable. We haven’t told my sister that she has autism and we are getting a lot of different advice.
Would your recommend we tell her she has autism or do you think we should not tell her and just tell her her brain works differently?
Answer only if you’re comfortable and have time. Thank you so much!
Remember: You are Beautiful. You are Worthy. You are Loved. 💗
Thank you so much Nora
@@Finding_Fi I understand. But I am so so proud of you for pushing yourself and opening up about it. You inspire me and so many other people so much!
Thank you so much for your opinion. I understand everyone is different. But I appreciate you explaining your personal experience. I really appreciate it.
Sending you lots of love and hugs!
Remember: You are Beautiful. You are Worthy. You are Enough. 💗
Can you tell me what section book you are referring to? I would love to read it. You are the greatest Fi and this video was so helpful! I cannot wait for further autism videos
Sorry, typo! *fiction book
Of course! Any of the books by Tally Scott - I believe the first one is 'do you see me', it just spoke to me like nothing I've felt before. Thank you :')
@@Finding_Fi Thank you!!! Ordering now, I cannot wait to read it.
Hi Fi. Which book were you speaking of re: autism near the end of this video?
It is a series by Tally Scott, the first is 'do you know me'. They're all absolutely amazing
Aww thank you
@@Finding_Fi you'r welcome
Can I ask how old you were when you got diagnosed ❤
It was just last year that I got my official diagnosis xxx
Was the book Oliphant ?
No, a series by Tally Scott x
What is the procedure for getting diagnosed? Xx
I got referred from my community mental health team. I then got put on a waiting list for an assessment. Initially we had to fill in a lot of questionnaires about what I found difficult, what I did well in, how I experienced the world. My parents had to do the same about how I was throughout my childhood. About half a year before my assessment, my Mum had an assessment type thing where they asked lots of questions about how I was as a child. Then I got my assessment, where they gave me the diagnosis
@@Finding_Fi thank you so much for sharing this, I appreciate you taking time to reply! Ps love your videos and Instagram account so much! Really helped me more than you will ever know and I’m sure so many other people too so thank you so much for everything 💕