In April I made the phone call and said: "I have been thinking about this for two years now, doing a lot of research, and I think I might be autistic." Earlier this week my nurse told me, after checking out all the questionnaires I had took, that "there is definitely something". That was incredible to hear. In Finland it's going to take a couple of years but I am staying patient. Wish me luck!
Morgan, thank you so much for sharing. As others have said this was so relatable. I just got my diagnosis last week, at the age of 41. My little brother (who passed away this year) should also have had this diagnosis; instead they diagnosed him with alphabet soup because it was the 90s. I think the attitude then towards kids who didn't "behave" or fit the norm was that they were being deliberately naughty. At least, that is how they treated him. I saw what was happening for him and learned to hide my weirdness, apparently even from myself. I had no idea that I had sensory issues and didn't recognize lifelong anxiety until January of this year. It's amazing how we've been able to camouflage all these years, but at what cost? Even now, when I am learning how/why pushing myself constantly to Do All the Things robs me of energy and pushes me into meltdowns and shut downs, I end up with serious health issues when I forget to slow down. As the mother of two young girls on the spectrum I still feel I have to push myself to meet their needs, to be functional. One of the feelings I identified in myself that had been a challenge since my first child was born was the feeling of having to be "on" all the time. On duty, paying attention, ready for action, instantly in fight or flight every time a "crisis" was happening. It made sleep impossible and there was never enough down time to fully recover before having to do it all again the next day. Only now, after my diagnosis, has my anxiety receded enough that I can see how much it was affecting my energy and ability to get things done without causing myself more stress. I also think I finally landed upon a good supplementation combo that truly helps me to feel more serenity and calm. Natural, food-based L-dopa, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, and 5HTP. There is a little bit if research about why you need all of these (if you only have 1 or 2 they deplete each other) but I haven't found any single product that has all of them together. If anyone knows of such a product I would love to hear about it! Anyway, thanks so much for opening up and sharing your truth, letting yourself be seen. Your story will help so many. ❤️
Girls, but especially Black girls, are so left out of studies on Autism. The research has focused on white boys. This is a huge thing, to be able to take care of yourself and find this diagnosis.
In the world according to "girlietube" ONLY females become paralyzed,ONLY females develop cystic fibrosis, ONLY females develop ulcerative colitis and NOT males. According to the laws of "girlietube" I shouldn't be on the autism spectrum (yet somehow I am) and I should have NO RISK of becoming paralyzed because I'm NOT a female. The truth is that females post about their afflictions via social and recommendation media because females are hardwired to seek out attention from other females in their never ending quest to maintain popularity among their female peers. I am so sick of the negative and false stereotype presented by females on social media that ALL medical afflictions are exclusive to their gender when in reality they're not. There are just as many males with the SAME medical conditions it's just that they don't feel the need to post about it nonstop on social media just to maintain a popularity contest among their peers.
I've also found that my Autism wasn't picked up as a girl growing up in the 90s. I was only diagnosed 1.5 years ago, and still have lightbulb moments too, Morgan! Thank you for sharing.
Oh wow, yea! It’s wild how much has changed this then and I am so grateful that more of are being able to get answers and support now. I agree - still having lightbulb moments and will continue to I’m sure! Thank you for sharing as well!
As a 52 year old female autistic dx at age 48 this is so relatable. I have come to think that the older you get with autism snd having to push yourself through things on your own, the harder it gets as you seem to use up extra energy NTs don't have to use. Getting my dx was so enlightening. Thanks for sharing and best of luck on your journey! 💜
Oh wow thanks for sharing this! these are such wise words and a great reminder to me that I am not alone in learning how to ask for help. ♥️ hoping all the best for you!
@@guriausa The problem is that there was nothing known about ASD when we were growing up. I'm going on 50 in a couple of months myself but only got my DX in 2007/2008. I was labeled as learning disabled during my school years as a result and had I not sought treatment for depression that had set in around that time period I might never have gotten a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately there's not much in the way of services for adults on the spectrum in my immediate area....instead the focus is primarily on children.
I’ve watched two of your videos so far and they have both resonated with me immensely. I was diagnosed with A.D.D. (It’s all considered A.D.H.D. in this new age of time) in the third grade. I’m currently 35 years old and waiting on my therapist to help set up a referral for evaluation. As of the present, with the way I am and research on ASD, I self diagnose as autistic. It definitely feels like “home” where nothing else has before. However, there is that part of me that can’t to the fullest because my brain needs a yes or no answer. And because I’m not a professional that is certified to give that answer for myself. I’m going to try to find a way to follow you here on UA-cam (I’m not tech savvy these days, I used to be when I was younger, but somewhere along the line something changed and I couldn’t/can’t catch up. Thank you for this video and your poem “INK”, these are amazing work!
I remember when you announced your diagnosis because I had just been diagnosed myself at 36. It was so affirming to find someone I had been following is also autistic. It's truly a revelatory experience, and thank you so much for sharing yours!
Thank you for sharing. I can relate to your story a lot. Like a lot. I was also diagnosed this year in January when I was 31. I’m 32 now. I haven’t told my parents or any of my family members yet. But hoping to soon. Thank you for this video.
You Inspire me more than I can put it into words.. your art, your songs, the kind of person you are! So graceful! Thank you for being humble and open! Love you!
Super relatable. I’ve self-diagnosed as autistic and was diagnosed last year with ADHD. As you said, it was life changing. And day to day, I’m still learning and processing…thank you for sharing your experience.
As an autistic woman who was diagnosed at 18 I found everything you said incredibly relatable. I am also, stil, accepting and learning about my autism. Its tough to unlearn a lot of negative thoughts about myself and my capabilities but I’m getting there and I hope your are too. Wish you the best! 🌸
Thank you so much for sharing this Morgan. My son is 37 and is on the same thing and I am just now starting to understand him by listening to other people’s stories. Thank you for The Story Teller. ❤️God Bless
Thank you for sharing, I was thinking that it took us to long for our 16 year old daughter to get diagnosed but now I see so many people go far to long without the resources and answers they need. Thank you for bringing awareness and encouragement to the world. God blessed you. 💜
I relate to this so much, always feeling like I was gonna grow out of my issues but it was honestly a relief to get diagnosed and finally accept that I wont grow out of these things. But it's good because now I can accept it and move forward in a way I didn't expect. Thank you for sharing
I was brought here by Yo Samdy Sam's channel and I'm so glad to hear your story. I was diagnosed last year, at 31 as well, and I relate so much to everything you shared in this video! It's great to listen to similar stories, makes me feel less like an outsider. Thank you for sharing! 🥰
Thank you for this video Morgan, I can relate so much. I was diagnosed 3 months ago at 46. Your video, and how you beautifully and peacefully expressed the things I too have been experiencing, made me happy.
Morgan, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story. Right after I heard you were diagnosed, I felt inspired to get my own evaluation done. It came back that I was, but I wasn't. Apparently I had signs of being on the spectrum, but apparently I wasn't autistic enough for them. I appealed the decision, and I'm still waiting on them to make a decision. It's been beyond frustrating to know you have it, but nobody seemingly believes you because you're not "severe enough".
I love how the STORYTELLER is continuing to unfold the depths of all that is hidden within you. You radiate the sincere heart of Christ. Thank you for your transparency.💜 You are truly a light to the world.❤
Thank you for sharing! After speculation, I got diagnosed this April as well at 32. I definitely relate to what you're saying about the adulting thing. It just seemed like all of my friends were way ahead of me and seem to understand things a lot better about certain things than I do. I will say, receiving a diagnosis was such a relief because it explained so many things about me and why I am the way I am.
Thank you for sharing your story MHN. I had this feeling there was something about you that I couldn't quite define, I thought to myself maybe you're really reserved. I'm glad you've made progress in your journey of understanding you, I pray you'll always find God close enough to lean on, trust in and defining your sufficiency. You're enough because God made you in his image and he's recreating you into Christ Jesus. ❤️
Morgan, you really are the gift that keeps on giving ❤️. Thank you so much for sharing this. I can't even begin to imagine how exhausting it's been pushing through upto this point. Thank you so much for sharing so honestly about some of the things you've been using to get support.
You are so brave to find your solutions to your burning questions. You have been one of my top Contemporary Artist since the "Storyteller" song. I so love that song every time I hear it. I was shocked that your career did not blow up because that song won every award in my heart. So happy you are living your best life as you are putting pieces together that finally fit. Bless you.
2:27..Totally understand. I’m self diagnosed, as of November 2020. I was 49. I had had my suspicions, and even asked my older sister. She said :” Oh no! You were a happy, responsive child..” But my realization revealed my lifetime of masking. I had an undiagnosed but more “typical” (socially awkward, eccentric, brilliant insight with politics /world events) autism spectrum BFF for 25 years. I didn’t see myself..I thought I was just a patient friend who understood, lol. Now I realize a neurotypical who wasn’t a relative probably wouldn’t have spent that much time! With my self diagnosis, I’m slowly reassessing patterns, assumptions, thought processes, my hazy goals, realistic expectations. I want to wish you all the understanding, dignity, love, support..everything. Best to you.
I’m self diagnosed too. I’ve known for years. but am hesitant to seak an official diagnosis because of the time and money involved. I’m 37 and feel like people just wouldn't believe me. I’m also totally blind, which complicates things because people say I act the way I do because of my visual impairment. but I know myself and I know the difference. I’m also hesitant to say officially that I am autistic because I’m not officially diagnosed and I don’t wanna take something away from somebody else. but I am confident that I am and if I were to get that diagnosis it would say as such.
I usually have such a hard time explaining me being autistic and my experiences to ppl. You are so spot on with everything. I want to show this video to the next person who asks "how are you 41 and just being diagnosed with autism?". This is it!
Thank you for this video. As a 54 year old only being diagnosed 5 years ago I found this very relatable. Growing up feeling like I wasn't quite what I should be. And the special interests like astronomy and rubik cubes that no one else wanted to talk about etc. It's always good to hear that there are other people like me and that actually we are not weird. We are fine to be who we are.
People like you openly speaking about this is so refreshing! Thank you so much. The longer ago my diagnosis took place, the less and less I'm starting to look at myself as autistic and more and more as just another variant of human species, intently made that way by God, that maybe I am less like 'an average person', but I know I am Loved dearly! And that in my case the label autistic is more about the difficulties I experience in relating to society and my environment. Accepting myself in this aspect and also speaking about it has brought me so much freedom! When on my own those difficulties seem much less, so to say. God bless you on this journey, Morgan!
I'm so happy to see this! I recently found out I had autism at 22. I fully embrace it and am happy to be the way God created me. It's feels nice to "take off the mask."
I have autism (dx age 18) and Tourette’s (dx age 21), and you and your sister were a huge part of my high school years, so to now be able to follow y’all not just for the Jesus part but also the mental health part as I’m 21 now is an incredible blessing. Thank you so much for being brave enough to be vulnerable and say you can’t do everything in the world like it feels like NTs can. I’m in that same boat, but unfortunately I’m on such a level where I can’t work more than 15 hrs a week and I’m having to apply for SSI Disability and get a service dog just so I can live on my own. Currently still living w my parents.
Your video is so beautiful, thank you for sharing!! I got diagnosed as well this year around your age (unfortunately by a very ableist clinician, idk what they were doing working w ASD being so obviously ableist, but it sounds like you had a good clinician, I’m glad!!), & I resonate so much w what you said about the #ActuallyAutistic TikTok community & the release of years of shame after learning I’m just built differently than others! 💖Thank you so much for sharing & for your art, too!
I was diagnosed as an adult too. I relate to so much of this! I have auditory processing issues so I have started asking for communication via text when making dentist appointments and such and it helps a lot! I also grew up in the 90s and was obsessed with LOTR too. I had a pen pal in Australia I wrote to about it! I remember those preteen years feeling really lonely. We would have been besties! I’ve been diagnosed for a few years now and I find a lot of those communication issues melt away when I am talking to other neurodivergent people. Thank you for sharing your story!
I was diagnosed with ASS last December at age 26. You have no idea how good it feels that an amazing person as you are speaks about autism. I am looking for Christians with ASS to relate to. So thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing this! So happy that you found a practitioner who would truly listen so you could be diagnosed. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on how personality constructs like the enneagram intersect with neurodivergence (especially type 5 and being autistic).
Thank you for sharing, I so appreciate learning from others" struggles, especially when I sense something is different or difficult and I want to ask but don't know how. God's blessings to you 🙏
Thank you for sharing this. I recently was diagnosed with autism as a 20 year old. It makes my whole life and childhood make sense. I can now give myself some grace for things I struggle with, and compare myself to my peers less.
wow, this video is inspiring to me. I am going on 3 years in my research on autism and myself, but i haven't had the courage to tell my parents. This video really encouraged me, i think i want to talk to my parents soon.
I was also diagnosed a few months ago at the age of 35. Although the signs were very obvious in my childhood, it was never picked up. Late diagnosed but happy to know there's nothing wrong with me. It explains a lot. On the plus side, I think I may not have accomplished as much if I had known earlier. I had to push myself so much harder to try to keep up with others and knowing that I am autistic, I can now look back and appreciate what I had accomplished and not constantly beat myself up for not being able to do what others deem simple. It has also helped me navigate and learn how to communicate with others.
Oh dear me oh my. On the spectrum as is said now, aspergers as was known. Am pretty fed up with expectations too. Now it is hey, I am ok with me, some things are easier, some more difficult. Your relaxed self acceptance and clear communication are inspiring. Thx for courage. Drew
Thank you for sharing this video. I believe I am autistic and identify as self-diagnosed autistic. I suspected that I may be on the spectrum about a year after my son received his ASD diagnosis. I was evaluated by a psychologist who has more experience with children than adults and she told me I couldn’t be autistic because I had a good imagination and could think abstractly. Instead she diagnosed me with generalized anxiety disorder and a referral to see a neurologist for an auditory sensory disorder which doesn’t describe everything that I am experiencing. The entire process was too much to put myself through again. I might see someone else one day but I don’t have the emotional energy to go through the process again.
I’m watching this video again two years later, as I recently got the diagnosis of Autism too. I’m 28. I pray that the people who recently got diagnosed and even Morgan remembers that God doesn’t make mistakes. He created us with disabilities for a purpose. I feel like this a conversation that needs to be had in the church. Unfortunately, a lot of Charismatics would claim that Autism is a demon. I pray we as Christians cling to the fact that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, as Psalms 139 tells us, and that our disabilities are not a sin, but to draw us closer to the Lord. 🙏
Oh I knew I knew your name but couldn't figure out exactly how but finally realized I'm following your art on the society6 website. I just got diagnosed in June at age 41. I may share your video with people who I choose to "come out" to in the future. Thank you!
I’m autistic I was diagnosed when I was 4 years old and I am now 19 I don’t let my autism define who I am I define my autism. I started advocating for autism awareness around my freshman year of high school
@@itsAngona Hi Marsha I may not personally know you but that doesn’t mean that growing up with Autism hasn’t been hard for me when I was little I still had to have speech therapy,occupational therapy I took hypo therapy to help me with my fine and gross motor skills and I struggled in elementary and middle school and some in high school I got bullied and harassed because I learn differently and was in a couple special Ed classes and then some in mainstream classes sometimes I got bullied because I happened to have a paraprofessional with me in some of my classes in school some classes I didn’t need a paraprofessional with me to help me in some of my classes Just because I don’t do everything or learn the way that others do I advocate for others who have autism regardless if it’s high functioning or low functioning autism I even advocate for everyone even your son and for families and parents like you who have kids or a family member or even a friend who has autism I even advocate to people who don’t have autism or don’t even know what Autism is by spreading awareness about autism so they can also know that we are all equal and we are capable of doing anything we may do things and learn things a little bit differently but that doesn’t mean we are are worth less than or better than anyone else. Being a Christian and follower of Jesus who is Living with Autism has made me realize that God made me and makes everyone in his image we are all different we are all fearfully and wonderfully made That is why I don’t let my autism define me because I define my autism and God defines who I am in his image my identity in him is not autistic my identity in Jesus is Loved,A child of God. I am not defined by my disability I am defined by Christ God doesn’t make mistakes we are all his children and he loves us all the same. And I will be praying for you and your son I know God is going to keep doing amazing things in you and your son’s life and Through everyone else’s lives don’t lose heart God’s got you and your son in his hands he won’t ever let go of you and he has a plan and a purpose for your son’s life and for his future
Calling to order takeout.takes.so.much.energy. At 55…the suck it up and deal method is not working. It never did, but can’t manage the stress of it anymore.
makes me think that you really shouldn´t judge a person based on their looks. they can really have big struggles in life ... believe them. I am not believed often enough too. It´s exhausting.
Its no doubt in my mind im on the spectrum. Or jn the very least have aspects of autism. My hypersensitivity to certain sounds,repedative sounds, words/speech specifically. I cant listen to certain songs or tev shows they will repeat in my mind for days or bother me so much emotionally I find it hard to function afterwards certain subjects are too intense for me. Which also coincidences with adhd which i was diagnose with. But my biggest issue is social. Ive trained myself over many years to respond to certain social queues with certain words or phrases. But when i get too comfortable with past friends I would often forget about those things and say something offensive to them or in the wrong timing. Which is why i kinda dont bother with making friends unless its natural. But i CANNOT be around people for long periods of time. I cannot be in large crowds too long the various conversations and volume of talking alone makes me want to pull my hair out and retreat lol. Being around all that energy for hours and hours when I get home all I want is a quiet room for days. Or if am listening to something it has to be nature related or something soothing. I often use THC to curve these intense anxieties. But right now I cant afford healthcare so going get a test done is out of the question. But maybe one day ill get a real answer in this. Because if I dropped the wall of learned behavior and social cues people would notice theres something not quite right about me. And im just not ready for thay tbh.
I mourn very much that you don’t yet have a formal diagnosis. I hope you know that you don’t have to doubt yourself, your the only one that will ever know you best. I will be praying for you that you get a formal diagnosis, support from the healthcare community, your friends, and family soon, without challenge or sacrifice. You deserve it!
I suffer with many conditions and the last time I went to see somebody they said I might be on the spectrum. I have bipolar schizo affective manic bipolar actually and major depressive disorder. Not entirely sure what this means for me but it was very hard for my family dealing with someone with a chemical imbalance.
I am also in the Atlanta area and would be interested to know the name of the specialist who diagnosed you. I have been having a hard time finding one that diagnoses adults. Thank you.
Where are the instructions for how to use Emojis? We need a style book like for grammar and punctuation but for how to select the correct Emojis and when. I use them maybe once or twice a year, I'm totaly serious here!
Love you so much sister. Forever inspired by you.
😌♥️♥️😌
ua-cam.com/video/TZQqTvCSoZA/v-deo.html
In April I made the phone call and said: "I have been thinking about this for two years now, doing a lot of research, and I think I might be autistic." Earlier this week my nurse told me, after checking out all the questionnaires I had took, that "there is definitely something". That was incredible to hear. In Finland it's going to take a couple of years but I am staying patient. Wish me luck!
Luck
Morgan, thank you so much for sharing. As others have said this was so relatable. I just got my diagnosis last week, at the age of 41. My little brother (who passed away this year) should also have had this diagnosis; instead they diagnosed him with alphabet soup because it was the 90s. I think the attitude then towards kids who didn't "behave" or fit the norm was that they were being deliberately naughty. At least, that is how they treated him. I saw what was happening for him and learned to hide my weirdness, apparently even from myself. I had no idea that I had sensory issues and didn't recognize lifelong anxiety until January of this year. It's amazing how we've been able to camouflage all these years, but at what cost? Even now, when I am learning how/why pushing myself constantly to Do All the Things robs me of energy and pushes me into meltdowns and shut downs, I end up with serious health issues when I forget to slow down. As the mother of two young girls on the spectrum I still feel I have to push myself to meet their needs, to be functional. One of the feelings I identified in myself that had been a challenge since my first child was born was the feeling of having to be "on" all the time. On duty, paying attention, ready for action, instantly in fight or flight every time a "crisis" was happening. It made sleep impossible and there was never enough down time to fully recover before having to do it all again the next day. Only now, after my diagnosis, has my anxiety receded enough that I can see how much it was affecting my energy and ability to get things done without causing myself more stress. I also think I finally landed upon a good supplementation combo that truly helps me to feel more serenity and calm. Natural, food-based L-dopa, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, and 5HTP. There is a little bit if research about why you need all of these (if you only have 1 or 2 they deplete each other) but I haven't found any single product that has all of them together. If anyone knows of such a product I would love to hear about it! Anyway, thanks so much for opening up and sharing your truth, letting yourself be seen. Your story will help so many. ❤️
ua-cam.com/video/TZQqTvCSoZA/v-deo.html
Girls, but especially Black girls, are so left out of studies on Autism. The research has focused on white boys. This is a huge thing, to be able to take care of yourself and find this diagnosis.
In the world according to "girlietube" ONLY females become paralyzed,ONLY females develop cystic fibrosis, ONLY females develop ulcerative colitis and NOT males.
According to the laws of "girlietube" I shouldn't be on the autism spectrum (yet somehow I am) and I should have NO RISK of becoming paralyzed because I'm NOT a female.
The truth is that females post about their afflictions via social and recommendation media because females are hardwired to seek out attention from other females in their never ending quest to maintain popularity among their female peers. I am so sick of the negative and false stereotype presented by females on social media that ALL medical afflictions are exclusive to their gender when in reality they're not. There are just as many males with the SAME medical conditions it's just that they don't feel the need to post about it nonstop on social media just to maintain a popularity contest among their peers.
I've also found that my Autism wasn't picked up as a girl growing up in the 90s. I was only diagnosed 1.5 years ago, and still have lightbulb moments too, Morgan! Thank you for sharing.
Oh wow, yea! It’s wild how much has changed this then and I am so grateful that more of are being able to get answers and support now. I agree - still having lightbulb moments and will continue to I’m sure! Thank you for sharing as well!
@@MorganHarperNichols Mine wasn't diagnosed until my mid 30s.
As a 52 year old female autistic dx at age 48 this is so relatable. I have come to think that the older you get with autism snd having to push yourself through things on your own, the harder it gets as you seem to use up extra energy NTs don't have to use. Getting my dx was so enlightening. Thanks for sharing and best of luck on your journey! 💜
Just turned 51 yesterday...was officially diagnosed 3 weeks and 1 day ago...so freeing/ so overwhelming
Oh wow thanks for sharing this! these are such wise words and a great reminder to me that I am not alone in learning how to ask for help. ♥️ hoping all the best for you!
@@MorganHarperNichols I wish the same for you 💜
I realized at age 47 that I was on the spectrum. Amazing how long this can be hidden in females.
@@guriausa The problem is that there was nothing known about ASD when we were growing up. I'm going on 50 in a couple of months myself but only got my DX in 2007/2008. I was labeled as learning disabled during my school years as a result and had I not sought treatment for depression that had set in around that time period I might never have gotten a proper diagnosis.
Unfortunately there's not much in the way of services for adults on the spectrum in my immediate area....instead the focus is primarily on children.
Very relatable story, beautifully told
absolutely true
ua-cam.com/video/TZQqTvCSoZA/v-deo.html
I’ve watched two of your videos so far and they have both resonated with me immensely. I was diagnosed with A.D.D. (It’s all considered A.D.H.D. in this new age of time) in the third grade. I’m currently 35 years old and waiting on my therapist to help set up a referral for evaluation. As of the present, with the way I am and research on ASD, I self diagnose as autistic. It definitely feels like “home” where nothing else has before. However, there is that part of me that can’t to the fullest because my brain needs a yes or no answer. And because I’m not a professional that is certified to give that answer for myself. I’m going to try to find a way to follow you here on UA-cam (I’m not tech savvy these days, I used to be when I was younger, but somewhere along the line something changed and I couldn’t/can’t catch up. Thank you for this video and your poem “INK”, these are amazing work!
Loving your Book! Diagnosed when I was 46. Welcome to the Spectrum. Thank you for your art, warmth and work. You have helped me immeasurably.
I remember when you announced your diagnosis because I had just been diagnosed myself at 36. It was so affirming to find someone I had been following is also autistic. It's truly a revelatory experience, and thank you so much for sharing yours!
Thank you for sharing. I can relate to your story a lot. Like a lot. I was also diagnosed this year in January when I was 31. I’m 32 now. I haven’t told my parents or any of my family members yet. But hoping to soon. Thank you for this video.
Another voice to add to my growing playlist of autistic creators talking about autism!
You Inspire me more than I can put it into words.. your art, your songs, the kind of person you are! So graceful! Thank you for being humble and open! Love you!
I love your art so much! Thank you for sharing. You are wonderful. God bless you
Super relatable. I’ve self-diagnosed as autistic and was diagnosed last year with ADHD. As you said, it was life changing. And day to day, I’m still learning and processing…thank you for sharing your experience.
As an autistic woman who was diagnosed at 18 I found everything you said incredibly relatable. I am also, stil, accepting and learning about my autism. Its tough to unlearn a lot of negative thoughts about myself and my capabilities but I’m getting there and I hope your are too.
Wish you the best! 🌸
Thank you so much for sharing this Morgan. My son is 37 and is on the same thing and I am just now starting to understand him by listening to other people’s stories. Thank you for The Story Teller. ❤️God Bless
Thank you for sharing, I was thinking that it took us to long for our 16 year old daughter to get diagnosed but now I see so many people go far to long without the resources and answers they need. Thank you for bringing awareness and encouragement to the world. God blessed you. 💜
We love you, Morgan. Thank you for your testimony. God bless you.
Thank you for sharing your story Morgan. Your grace, compassion and beauty continues to shine. 💖😘
Thank you for sharing! I was diagnosed this year at 27 and it has been life altering.
I relate to this so much, always feeling like I was gonna grow out of my issues but it was honestly a relief to get diagnosed and finally accept that I wont grow out of these things. But it's good because now I can accept it and move forward in a way I didn't expect. Thank you for sharing
I was brought here by Yo Samdy Sam's channel and I'm so glad to hear your story.
I was diagnosed last year, at 31 as well, and I relate so much to everything you shared in this video!
It's great to listen to similar stories, makes me feel less like an outsider. Thank you for sharing! 🥰
Thank you for this video Morgan, I can relate so much. I was diagnosed 3 months ago at 46. Your video, and how you beautifully and peacefully expressed the things I too have been experiencing, made me happy.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and story with us Morgan Harper Nichols. You are brave, beautiful, and God's light in this world.
Morgan, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story. Right after I heard you were diagnosed, I felt inspired to get my own evaluation done. It came back that I was, but I wasn't. Apparently I had signs of being on the spectrum, but apparently I wasn't autistic enough for them. I appealed the decision, and I'm still waiting on them to make a decision. It's been beyond frustrating to know you have it, but nobody seemingly believes you because you're not "severe enough".
I love how the STORYTELLER is continuing to unfold the depths of all that is hidden within you. You radiate the sincere heart of Christ. Thank you for your transparency.💜 You are truly a light to the world.❤
Thank you for sharing! After speculation, I got diagnosed this April as well at 32. I definitely relate to what you're saying about the adulting thing. It just seemed like all of my friends were way ahead of me and seem to understand things a lot better about certain things than I do. I will say, receiving a diagnosis was such a relief because it explained so many things about me and why I am the way I am.
Thank you for sharing your story MHN. I had this feeling there was something about you that I couldn't quite define, I thought to myself maybe you're really reserved. I'm glad you've made progress in your journey of understanding you, I pray you'll always find God close enough to lean on, trust in and defining your sufficiency. You're enough because God made you in his image and he's recreating you into Christ Jesus. ❤️
Morgan, you really are the gift that keeps on giving ❤️. Thank you so much for sharing this. I can't even begin to imagine how exhausting it's been pushing through upto this point. Thank you so much for sharing so honestly about some of the things you've been using to get support.
Wow!!! Your music inspires me a lot. God bless you❤
Thank you for this video, and welcome to the world of autistic adults! So glad to have you with us. 💛
You are so brave to find your solutions to your burning questions. You have been one of my top Contemporary Artist since the "Storyteller" song. I so love that song every time I hear it. I was shocked that your career did not blow up because that song won every award in my heart. So happy you are living your best life as you are putting pieces together that finally fit. Bless you.
You are so inspiring! Thank you for sharing 🧡I’m autistic as well! I struggle with many every day struggles that many people don’t struggle with.
Your very good at articulating this topic - one of the best I’ve heard🌸🌸🌸🌸
Thank you and to all of the creators who are putting this out there!!!
2:27..Totally understand. I’m self diagnosed, as of November 2020. I was 49. I had had my suspicions, and even asked my older sister. She said :” Oh no! You were a happy, responsive child..” But my realization revealed my lifetime of masking. I had an undiagnosed but more “typical” (socially awkward, eccentric, brilliant insight with politics /world events) autism spectrum BFF for 25 years. I didn’t see myself..I thought I was just a patient friend who understood, lol. Now I realize a neurotypical who wasn’t a relative probably wouldn’t have spent that much time! With my self diagnosis, I’m slowly reassessing patterns, assumptions, thought processes, my hazy goals, realistic expectations. I want to wish you all the understanding, dignity, love, support..everything. Best to you.
I too am self diagnosed and am confident in that diagnosis.
Wow, amazing to see multiple women commenting here that like me were diagnosed or self die in their late 40s.
I’m self diagnosed too. I’ve known for years. but am hesitant to seak an official diagnosis because of the time and money involved. I’m 37 and feel like people just wouldn't believe me. I’m also totally blind, which complicates things because people say I act the way I do because of my visual impairment. but I know myself and I know the difference. I’m also hesitant to say officially that I am autistic because I’m not officially diagnosed and I don’t wanna take something away from somebody else. but I am confident that I am and if I were to get that diagnosis it would say as such.
I usually have such a hard time explaining me being autistic and my experiences to ppl. You are so spot on with everything. I want to show this video to the next person who asks "how are you 41 and just being diagnosed with autism?". This is it!
Thank you so much Morgan for sharing this with us. It’s so inspiring .
My story is similar to yours ❤️ thank you for sharing your story. So glad you shared
Thank you for this video. As a 54 year old only being diagnosed 5 years ago I found this very relatable. Growing up feeling like I wasn't quite what I should be. And the special interests like astronomy and rubik cubes that no one else wanted to talk about etc. It's always good to hear that there are other people like me and that actually we are not weird. We are fine to be who we are.
I loved this video so much! I teared up because I relate so much to your experience! I was diagnosed this year im 28 😓 Thank you for this !
I can relate to everything you've said, Morgan. Thank you.
People like you openly speaking about this is so refreshing! Thank you so much. The longer ago my diagnosis took place, the less and less I'm starting to look at myself as autistic and more and more as just another variant of human species, intently made that way by God, that maybe I am less like 'an average person', but I know I am Loved dearly! And that in my case the label autistic is more about the difficulties I experience in relating to society and my environment. Accepting myself in this aspect and also speaking about it has brought me so much freedom! When on my own those difficulties seem much less, so to say. God bless you on this journey, Morgan!
I'm so happy to see this! I recently found out I had autism at 22. I fully embrace it and am happy to be the way God created me. It's feels nice to "take off the mask."
Hey... I'm 22 and just realized today.
Thank you so much for sharing. You are so brave! I know God will keep you and strengthen 🤍
I have autism (dx age 18) and Tourette’s (dx age 21), and you and your sister were a huge part of my high school years, so to now be able to follow y’all not just for the Jesus part but also the mental health part as I’m 21 now is an incredible blessing. Thank you so much for being brave enough to be vulnerable and say you can’t do everything in the world like it feels like NTs can. I’m in that same boat, but unfortunately I’m on such a level where I can’t work more than 15 hrs a week and I’m having to apply for SSI Disability and get a service dog just so I can live on my own. Currently still living w my parents.
Your video is so beautiful, thank you for sharing!! I got diagnosed as well this year around your age (unfortunately by a very ableist clinician, idk what they were doing working w ASD being so obviously ableist, but it sounds like you had a good clinician, I’m glad!!), & I resonate so much w what you said about the #ActuallyAutistic TikTok community & the release of years of shame after learning I’m just built differently than others! 💖Thank you so much for sharing & for your art, too!
Thank you so much for sharing. Happy u did
My nephews are autistic... I can only imagine what goes on in a autistic brain . Much love to you morgan.
Beautiful video Morgan 💓👍Congratulations on getting your autism diagnosis, I'm so happy for you 😊
I love the way you talk about special interests! Thank you for talking about this!
Thank you for sharing your story! You are so cute! I really relate to your story; I am plucking up the courage to seek out an autism diagnosis.
I was diagnosed as an adult too. I relate to so much of this! I have auditory processing issues so I have started asking for communication via text when making dentist appointments and such and it helps a lot! I also grew up in the 90s and was obsessed with LOTR too. I had a pen pal in Australia I wrote to about it! I remember those preteen years feeling really lonely. We would have been besties! I’ve been diagnosed for a few years now and I find a lot of those communication issues melt away when I am talking to other neurodivergent people. Thank you for sharing your story!
I absolutely love your song "Story Teller"❤️
I was diagnosed at 30 years old. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thankyou for sharing ❤️
Morgan you are Blessed! Speaking life and love over you. God is love❤
The storyteller, I love you.
I was diagnosed with ASS last December at age 26. You have no idea how good it feels that an amazing person as you are speaks about autism. I am looking for Christians with ASS to relate to. So thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing this! So happy that you found a practitioner who would truly listen so you could be diagnosed. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on how personality constructs like the enneagram intersect with neurodivergence (especially type 5 and being autistic).
You pretty much described my social struggles. That is awesome.
Thank you for sharing, I so appreciate learning from others" struggles, especially when I sense something is different or difficult and I want to ask but don't know how. God's blessings to you 🙏
Thank you for sharing this. I recently was diagnosed with autism as a 20 year old. It makes my whole life and childhood make sense. I can now give myself some grace for things I struggle with, and compare myself to my peers less.
wow, this video is inspiring to me. I am going on 3 years in my research on autism and myself, but i haven't had the courage to tell my parents. This video really encouraged me, i think i want to talk to my parents soon.
I was also diagnosed a few months ago at the age of 35. Although the signs were very obvious in my childhood, it was never picked up. Late diagnosed but happy to know there's nothing wrong with me. It explains a lot. On the plus side, I think I may not have accomplished as much if I had known earlier. I had to push myself so much harder to try to keep up with others and knowing that I am autistic, I can now look back and appreciate what I had accomplished and not constantly beat myself up for not being able to do what others deem simple. It has also helped me navigate and learn how to communicate with others.
I love the self reflection, I think one of my family members is Autistic. I want to follow more Autistic people.
Oh dear me oh my. On the spectrum as is said now, aspergers as was known. Am pretty fed up with expectations too. Now it is hey, I am ok with me, some things are easier, some more difficult. Your relaxed self acceptance and clear communication are inspiring.
Thx for courage.
Drew
God bless you l am 72 years old and at the age of 50 l realised that I have dyslexia had a hard time as I was growing up I live in Uganda
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank you for sharing this video. I believe I am autistic and identify as self-diagnosed autistic. I suspected that I may be on the spectrum about a year after my son received his ASD diagnosis. I was evaluated by a psychologist who has more experience with children than adults and she told me I couldn’t be autistic because I had a good imagination and could think abstractly. Instead she diagnosed me with generalized anxiety disorder and a referral to see a neurologist for an auditory sensory disorder which doesn’t describe everything that I am experiencing. The entire process was too much to put myself through again. I might see someone else one day but I don’t have the emotional energy to go through the process again.
I’m watching this video again two years later, as I recently got the diagnosis of Autism too. I’m 28. I pray that the people who recently got diagnosed and even Morgan remembers that God doesn’t make mistakes. He created us with disabilities for a purpose. I feel like this a conversation that needs to be had in the church. Unfortunately, a lot of Charismatics would claim that Autism is a demon. I pray we as Christians cling to the fact that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, as Psalms 139 tells us, and that our disabilities are not a sin, but to draw us closer to the Lord. 🙏
Oh I knew I knew your name but couldn't figure out exactly how but finally realized I'm following your art on the society6 website.
I just got diagnosed in June at age 41. I may share your video with people who I choose to "come out" to in the future. Thank you!
I love you Morgan! You are such an inspiration! Please do a video of your hair, thanks.
Thank you for sharing sis. ☺️
Love this video. I so relate.
I’m autistic I was diagnosed when I was 4 years old and I am now 19 I don’t let my autism define who I am I define my autism. I started advocating for autism awareness around my freshman year of high school
Hi Alison, great story. As a child when were you fully verbal? My son was diagnosed at 2.5 years he's still non verbal
@@itsAngona
Hi Marsha I may not personally know you but that doesn’t mean that growing up with Autism hasn’t been hard for me when I was little I still had to have speech therapy,occupational therapy I took hypo therapy to help me with my fine and gross motor skills and I struggled in elementary and middle school and some in high school I got bullied and harassed because I learn differently and was in a couple special Ed classes and then some in mainstream classes sometimes I got bullied because I happened to have a paraprofessional with me in some of my classes in school some classes I didn’t need a paraprofessional with me to help me in some of my classes Just because I don’t do everything or learn the way that others do I advocate for others who have autism regardless if it’s high functioning or low functioning autism I even advocate for everyone even your son and for families and parents like you who have kids or a family member or even a friend who has autism I even advocate to people who don’t have autism or don’t even know what Autism is by spreading awareness about autism so they can also know that we are all equal and we are capable of doing anything we may do things and learn things a little bit differently but that doesn’t mean we are are worth less than or better than anyone else.
Being a Christian and follower of Jesus who is Living with Autism has made me realize that God made me and makes everyone in his image we are all different we are all fearfully and wonderfully made That is why I don’t let my autism define me because I define my autism and God defines who I am in his image my identity in him is not autistic my identity in Jesus is Loved,A child of God. I am not defined by my disability I am defined by Christ God doesn’t make mistakes we are all his children and he loves us all the same.
And I will be praying for you and your son I know God is going to keep doing amazing things in you and your son’s life and Through everyone else’s lives don’t lose heart God’s got you and your son in his hands he won’t ever let go of you and he has a plan and a purpose for your son’s life and for his future
Thank you for sharing!
You are wonderful ❤❤❤
Calling to order takeout.takes.so.much.energy. At 55…the suck it up and deal method is not working. It never did, but can’t manage the stress of it anymore.
Can relate in many ways..Im 51
Thank you so much for speaking out and sharing your experience. We to hear more Autistic people of colour voices.
Good for You!
I have a similar story in pushing myself beyond my capabilities and struggling the older I get. I just uploaded my story.
You're awesome and brave!
#Good for You!
makes me think that you really shouldn´t judge a person based on their looks. they can really have big struggles in life ... believe them. I am not believed often enough too. It´s exhausting.
Its no doubt in my mind im on the spectrum. Or jn the very least have aspects of autism. My hypersensitivity to certain sounds,repedative sounds, words/speech specifically. I cant listen to certain songs or tev shows they will repeat in my mind for days or bother me so much emotionally I find it hard to function afterwards certain subjects are too intense for me. Which also coincidences with adhd which i was diagnose with. But my biggest issue is social. Ive trained myself over many years to respond to certain social queues with certain words or phrases. But when i get too comfortable with past friends I would often forget about those things and say something offensive to them or in the wrong timing. Which is why i kinda dont bother with making friends unless its natural. But i CANNOT be around people for long periods of time. I cannot be in large crowds too long the various conversations and volume of talking alone makes me want to pull my hair out and retreat lol. Being around all that energy for hours and hours when I get home all I want is a quiet room for days. Or if am listening to something it has to be nature related or something soothing. I often use THC to curve these intense anxieties. But right now I cant afford healthcare so going get a test done is out of the question. But maybe one day ill get a real answer in this. Because if I dropped the wall of learned behavior and social cues people would notice theres something not quite right about me. And im just not ready for thay tbh.
I mourn very much that you don’t yet have a formal diagnosis. I hope you know that you don’t have to doubt yourself, your the only one that will ever know you best. I will be praying for you that you get a formal diagnosis, support from the healthcare community, your friends, and family soon, without challenge or sacrifice. You deserve it!
So inspirational
relatable
❤
If the comments are any indication...we are not alone! 💕
I suffer with many conditions and the last time I went to see somebody they said I might be on the spectrum. I have bipolar schizo affective manic bipolar actually and major depressive disorder. Not entirely sure what this means for me but it was very hard for my family dealing with someone with a chemical imbalance.
This is awesome, thank you for sharing! I would love help with email too. Who or what service do you use for that?
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Yay!
I am also in the Atlanta area and would be interested to know the name of the specialist who diagnosed you. I have been having a hard time finding one that diagnoses adults. Thank you.
If not your family doctor, how did you get an assessment?
I was so obsessed with LOTR and would even reread them in times of stress ! I would carry the books with me but hide them in my bag
Hey fellow sister ,😀😉
Where are the instructions for how to use Emojis? We need a style book like for grammar and punctuation but for how to select the correct Emojis and when. I use them maybe once or twice a year, I'm totaly serious here!
More autism videos please!!!!!!! ❤️