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Diagnosed with Autism as an Adult

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  • Опубліковано 17 сер 2024
  • Diagnosed with Autism as an Adult
    Today's video is a personal one...I'm going to be talking all about my autism; what autism is and how it affects me.
    For more information on autism:
    www.autism.org...
    www.aane.org/w...
    www.nhs.uk/con...
    Thanks so much for watching and supporting me - it means so much
    SOCIAL MEDIA:
    Instagram - @rachaelthomasmua
    Snapchat - rachstephbeauty
    TikTok - @rachaelsteph

    All music is downloaded from a royalty free source.
    For business enquiries, please contact me at : rachael_stephanie@hotmail.com
    #asd #autism #adultautism

КОМЕНТАРІ • 436

  • @BooklightManor
    @BooklightManor 4 роки тому +227

    Yesterday, I knew you as a beautiful soul who likes makeup and has a UA-cam channel. Today, I know you as a beautiful soul who likes makeup, has a UA-cam channel, and happens to see the world a little differently than I do. This video may help countless people. Thank you for being you and for sharing this side of who you are with all of us.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +17

      Thank you for listening. There are so many wonderfully open-minded and accepting people in the world 💗

    • @masonnix9566
      @masonnix9566 3 роки тому +1

      @@RachaelStephanie You are not autistic.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  3 роки тому +10

      @@masonnix9566 that’s funny! 😅
      Thank God there are strangers on the internet, who have never met me, who can give me armchair diagnoses 🤣

    • @masonnix9566
      @masonnix9566 3 роки тому +1

      @@RachaelStephanie People with autism lack empathy,you seem to have a degree of empathy which is not an autistic trait.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  3 роки тому +8

      @@masonnix9566 this is quite an outdated theory. Autistic people certainly can and often do have empathy, but most find this harder than the average person.

  • @antonijabukovcan2450
    @antonijabukovcan2450 4 роки тому +85

    I will tell you something: Different people are the best!!!

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +15

      Would be a boring world if we were all carbon copies of each other 🙌🏼

    • @antonijabukovcan2450
      @antonijabukovcan2450 4 роки тому +5

      Yeah! 🥰

    • @abeautygurumademedoit
      @abeautygurumademedoit 4 роки тому +2

      Well said Antonija!!! Love you Rachael!!

    • @jonbowzy511
      @jonbowzy511 4 роки тому +3

      we are the normal ones its everyone else who is different lol.

    • @alexc2265
      @alexc2265 3 роки тому +3

      Sad it can take us forever to see that

  • @SSJVNN
    @SSJVNN 3 роки тому +48

    You also having the "Social hangover" thing was mind-blowing to me. I completely understand :)

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  3 роки тому +4

      My neurotypical friends find it difficult to relate to but they understand that it’s a real thing for me. That’s enough for me 🥰

  • @girlsrnotwimps
    @girlsrnotwimps Рік тому +2

    Thank you. You’ve explained it perfectly. I have only recently realized, at 57, what to call what I’ve been trying to figure out my entire life.

  • @corbinprydwen4130
    @corbinprydwen4130 3 роки тому +20

    Thank you for making this video. I am 45 years old and have recently discovered I’m autistic. Your description of how autism affects you are a lot of the same things that I’ve dealt with and pretty spot on. It’s so eye-opening and a huge relief to understand why I’ve always been different, and felt different.

  • @JessicaLee.3
    @JessicaLee.3 4 роки тому +88

    My son is autistic and he doesn't have a learning disability either. In fact he is scary intelligent. I actually see quite a lot of similarities to your personality and personal description to his behavior. Thank you so much for sharing this part of you with us.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +15

      It’s a shame that a lot of people think make assumptions of what somebody’s intelligence is based on their diagnosis. I really hope the world is more accepting and aware by the time he gets to my age! 💗

    • @sacuster1
      @sacuster1 4 роки тому +6

      Savants are super geniuses and many of them are also autistic to one degree or another.

    • @sayusayme7729
      @sayusayme7729 3 роки тому +2

      Mine too, just brilliant. We’re so similar 🦋

    • @alexc2265
      @alexc2265 3 роки тому

      @@sacuster1 half are, according to a program I saw

    • @alexc2265
      @alexc2265 3 роки тому +3

      “Scary intelligent,” yeah, that made things weird for me growing up. People fear what they don’t understand.

  • @swisslions
    @swisslions 4 роки тому +50

    Autism affects one in thirty people. I can tell it was stressful but freeing for you to make this video. I'm glad you found some answers. Well done.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +13

      Thank you! Yeah, i felt like I was hiding it. And I don’t want to feel like that. I’m not ashamed and some more representation may help someone 🥰

  • @nicoleleanne4442
    @nicoleleanne4442 3 роки тому +52

    I'm in tears right now, I'm undiagnosed, actually I was misdiagnosed when I was an adolescent I was only 14 diagnosed bipolar had a lot of issues I thought it all had to do with being adopted and reactive attachment disorder but as I'm 31 now, reading about autism especially in women, everything is starting to click as I look at my life when I was younger all the way till now...I'm not done watching your video yet, I just had to say thank you for sharing this

    • @ElaineWalker
      @ElaineWalker 2 роки тому +6

      I’m 53 and hope to get diagnosed in January. It’s incredible how many ASD women get misdiagnosed as bipolar. They are such different things. When I was a troubled teen (“perfect” until 8th grade then everything was extremely surreal and I started getting bullied and skipping school, etc..) the therapist was baffled and decided I must have been seeking attention from my father. That diagnosis made no sense. The same therapist still works down the street. I just left her a message that I’m ready for my “follow up.” LOL
      I have a half hour video talking about my own traits and symptoms and have a playlist called “aspie” of my favorite adults with ASD. It helps so much to watch them. I relate a lot to this video. Just added her!

    • @smickers52
      @smickers52 2 роки тому +4

      I was also misdiagnosed with bipolar. It’s so painful to fight against professionals to try and have your voice heard

    • @JB-hj2vj
      @JB-hj2vj 6 місяців тому

      Being adopted would complicate things with autism being genetic and possibly not knowing your biological family.

  • @kaciwells5868
    @kaciwells5868 4 роки тому +31

    i've been a shift lead at mcdonalds for almost a full year, and i've been working for this franchise for nearly 5 years because it's safe and i know it. it took me three years to even get comfortable working around customers because i struggled so badly with interacting with people. i hate it, though, because when i get home i'm so exhausted all i can do is shower and sleep. i don't have the energy for a social life when i get off from work. it sucks, too, because when i finally admitted it to my kitchen manager she didn't really believe me. she was nice about it, but she basically said "you dont seem like you're autistic" and i know most people who say that mean well but it comes off really insulting. "you don't seem like you're autistic" is exactly why so many of us are so exhauste nall the time. we shouldnt feel like we HAVE to mask just to get through life, but we do.
    i didn't mean to turn my commend into a rant. i really am happy to see another autistic individual in the same community i've loved for years. i just wanted to add that yes, autistic individuals are everywhere, even if "we don't seem it".

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +7

      That’s sounds so difficult! It’s so tricky, because hearing the words “you don’t seem autistic” makes me think that others are saying we’re too “normal” to be autistic but yet too different to be like everyone else. It’s a bit of backhanded compliment but I think a lot of people are just trying to be nice like you say. That’s why education is so important. 💗

    • @MsLPSFOREVER
      @MsLPSFOREVER 3 роки тому

      This is basically my life. I feel for you.

    • @wintergray1221
      @wintergray1221 2 роки тому

      @Kaci Wells Working for McDonald's is what flagged the autism possibility for me. I found myself copying my co-workers' personalities. I got very peeved at being interrupted. (What do you mean, "Hop on table?" I'm not finished mopping.) I got into screaming matches with Karens because I'm not that great at controlling my emotions, and if someone wants to act like a 3-year-old, I'll treat them like one. Honestly I don't know how I wasn't fired. But I left during the early days of COVID because at the time they weren't letting us wear masks since it might "scare the customers." Well, that and the pay is utter BS. I couldn't tell you how many meltdowns or just shutdowns I had after coming home completely exhausted in both body and mind.

    • @kaciwells5868
      @kaciwells5868 2 роки тому

      @@wintergray1221 i finally left the franchise six months ago and started working as as overnight shelf stocker. i finally couldn't take it anymore. between being treated like shit from upper management and being treated like shit my customers and being treated like shit from my own crew? i felt like i was going insane and i was so angry and frustrated all the time because there was nothing i could do about it. changing jobs has helped a lot, but i'm still stuck in my fear of being cycled into an unhealthy work environment. even this job isn't great, but it pays better and my hours are relatively set. plus, my customer interaction is limited, too. i don't feel so socially and emotionally burnt out every single day

    • @steveneardley7541
      @steveneardley7541 Рік тому

      I recently had this conversation with a friend--"No you're not autistic." He even laughed at me. I got angry, and said "I've done a huge amount of research on this, and you don't know a damn thing about it. I don't value your opinion on this subject one. bit." I've run into enough of this that I just don't bring it up any more.

  • @emilyruribe
    @emilyruribe 4 роки тому +58

    I resonate with a lot of the things you mentioned! Especially social anxiety and feeling exhausted after socializing and discomfort with eye contact. I've never really fit in anywhere either! 😕 It's hard... I'm glad you've accepted and embraced it. I'm always feeling like something is wrong with me. 😔 I think I am just extremely introverted, but I wonder..

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +17

      It can be so difficult in the social situations! I am sure there are so many girls and women out there who are on the spectrum but just fell through the net. Rest assured, whether you are naturally introverted, or on the spectrum, you are just the way you’re meant to be 💗

    • @emilyruribe
      @emilyruribe 4 роки тому +4

      @@RachaelStephanie Aw, thank you Rachael! I appreciate it. 🥰 Love you and your channel!

  • @Kristen242008
    @Kristen242008 3 роки тому +16

    I'm 37 years old. I didn't get diagnosed until last year. I only discovered that I may be Autistic, because my 10 year old daughter was diagnosed. Learning about her, and Autism in girls, I found out that that was also exactly how I was as well. So I went through the process, and got my diagnosis. Everyone thinks that Autistic people will always be a wiz at math and science. I do love science, but I hate math. I just don't get it. I can do everything until you get to fractions and decimal points. From that point on, I'm useless. English was my best subject in school. I've always been keenly interested in Video Games. The Legend of Zelda in particular. I have played each and every one multiple times. I can tell you every fact about each game, what year they came out, and which timeline they are in. There is so much more to say about my traits, that no one noticed. Mostly because, when I was a kid, they didn't think girls COULD get autism. It was seen as strictly a male disability. It's videos like this that finally lead me to getting diagnosed. So, thank you for putting this out.

    • @xokhaliah
      @xokhaliah 2 роки тому +2

      wow….I relate to literally everything you said and just came to such a huge realization…except the fact I’m a 19 year old college student with no kids lol (thankfully). But wow even down to the hating math but loving science, but always excelling in English. been an obsessive reader since the third grade and my days literally feel incomplete if i don’t read atleast one thing. I got almost a perfect score on my English and Reading standardized testing but still was average for math lmao. And wow the interest in video games and especially Zelda! Ever since I was around 11 I was obsessed and also memorized every game name, year released, and the entire timeline. Completely absorbed by all there was to learn about the series….And literally no one in my life has noticed or even wondered why I act so different either. It’s so frustrating how people are so stuck on the stereotypical view they have of neurodivergent people

    • @neurodivtries4101
      @neurodivtries4101 2 роки тому +1

      Omfg, i am 30 and considering getting an autism assessment. The point about being good at science but not maths is absolutely true for me too. Hope you get help and thrive.

    • @Kristen242008
      @Kristen242008 2 роки тому +1

      @@neurodivtries4101 If you get a diagnosis, go to an Autism specialist if at all possible. Sometimes general psychiatrists don't have all the latest info and research data, and you could get a false diagnosis. I was sent to a psychiatrist first, got diagnosed with 4 things (OCD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, (Primarily Inattentive ADHD, and Schizoid personality disorder). Then I went to the same Specialist that diagnosed my kids, and was diagnosed with Autism there. He said "There is no point in diagnosing you with all these different things, when 1 diagnosis of Autism encompasses all of that."

    • @neurodivtries4101
      @neurodivtries4101 2 роки тому +1

      @@Kristen242008 Your story is quite relatable. I already diagnosed with ADHD, Treatment resistant OCD, Depression and anxiety. The more i learn about Autism the more i feel home. I am going to see an Autism specialist soon. Thanks for your input. Hugs to you. 😇

  • @sayusayme7729
    @sayusayme7729 3 роки тому +22

    Thank you so much for this, I’m going through accepting that no one knew in my childhood.
    Grateful to have survived to 60.
    Now it’s time to paint 🎨

  • @DanniesMakeup
    @DanniesMakeup 4 роки тому +66

    Thank you for being vulnerable and for sharing this with us. I have several people in my life who have been diagnosed with ASD and I could picture different aspects of each one of them as you were talking. The biggest one that stood out for me is not being able to tell when someone is joking. That is definitely something each person I know struggles with. You did a great job explaining autism and sharing how it affects you. Very eloquent.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +6

      Haha, it can be annoying some times because then people laugh at you, because you didn’t catch on to it, 🤣 I don’t seem to learn either, I fall for it every single time...my other half asks why I don’t pick up on it, and I just say “it doesn’t occur to me that you would say something you don’t mean!” 🤣

  • @Minuszka21
    @Minuszka21 3 роки тому +3

    I'm sitting on the couch and cry because I got all the symptoms you mentioned. I'm 27 and got diagnosed with ADD as a kid. I feel that all my symptoms get worse the older I get. My next step is to find a therapist and get diagnosed with autism. And I'm scared as hell, not only for the diagnosis, but also how my life is gonna be. I know you can live a good life with autism but it is still so scary for me to think about, especially how it will affect my social and work life (I'm at university), now that I actually see how much masking I do on a daily basis - it is so damn exhausting.Thank you for this eye-opener.

  • @haydenwinfield5397
    @haydenwinfield5397 3 роки тому +2

    I Have Autism I Was Diagnosed With Autism At Age 14 I'm 27 Years Old Now Iv'e Been Living Interdependently On My Own For 3 Years So Far

  • @visionvixxen
    @visionvixxen Рік тому +1

    I always knew this and after years of wondering why ADD, Bipolar, Etc etc diagnoses and treatments haven’t “worked,” I’m ready to get a diagnosis and be vindicated from EVERYTHING I’ve had to explain about myself and still be disbelieved. Long story short, I hope that a diagnosis will allow me to be more respected for getting out there and will also allow me to go to school and not have to be kicked out when something goes wrong.

  • @4-a-e
    @4-a-e Рік тому +1

    'Cause I finally knew what I suspected by whole life. . .that I'm different from other people. Absolutely beautiful line that made me well up with tears. Rachael should be a writer.

  • @simoncarter6281
    @simoncarter6281 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Rachael , you are a doing very well . As an Adult with Autism at the age of 56 , yes 56 . And I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 47. Rachael you are so correct with every thing that you have said . As my late father said , "You have a gift " . But being single it can a challenging , but I do have a lot of friends . Rachael keep up the good videos . All the Best . Simon x

  • @sashasasha9598
    @sashasasha9598 3 роки тому +3

    I am sooo proud of you♥️ You managed everything in life. I couldn't... I am a 36 year old women, opioid addict and I don't drive a car because it is very stresfull for me... I never finished my studies even though I have been one of the best students. I just couldn't cope with stress and my anxiety when having to present my work infront of people etc... Because of my addiction I never had kids, so now I live with my best friends, my cat, my dog, my two rabbits😄

  • @YautjaSpacePirate
    @YautjaSpacePirate 2 роки тому +1

    I am glad you came forward. Not very many people would be brave enough to come forward to say they have autism on social media. I was diagnosed with ADHD and autism too.

  • @Christ_Is_Life10-10
    @Christ_Is_Life10-10 3 роки тому +5

    Thank you. I relate being “high functioning “ autism just diagnosed this week. I feel relieved.

  • @juliapurdum8783
    @juliapurdum8783 3 роки тому +5

    I have always dreaded getting my hair done because the hairdressers expect small talk and I don't want to offend them

    • @thejourneyofme1479
      @thejourneyofme1479 3 роки тому +1

      Same! I learned how to cut my own 🙈😂

    • @Catlily5
      @Catlily5 3 роки тому

      I hate it because of sensory issues. I don't like them touching my head. I also hate the cut hairs itching my neck.

  • @Eggo2341
    @Eggo2341 2 роки тому

    im undiagnosed by a medical professional but i self diagnose as autistic because i meet almost every single diagnostic criteria. looking back in my life i can see so many behaviours that should have been properly addressed by the adults that were present, but were never acknowledged and so have left me struggling with blaming myself for most of my life.
    when i was 2, i had a vanity mirror toy with doors on the mirror. i would spend up to an hour at a time just opening and closing the mirror doors as entertainment. that was the first sign of my autism as a form of repetitive behaviour.
    as i went into primary school it was obvious i had social issues. the kids would pick on me and exclude me, and i never had any friends that stayed for more than a couple of weeks. the longest friend i had at the time was a girl called Katie, who stayed for 2 weeks and suddenly stopped talking to me. i asked her why and she said i hurt her feelings by saying something about her sister. i dont remember what i said but i remember that when she told me what i said she was hurt but i didnt understand why my comment was rude and hurtful, even though i never meant to hurt anyone. that was the second sign.
    the third sign was that i was very sensitive to loud noises and bright colours. i joined army cadets when i was 12 and when we would do shooting exercises the loud guns would cause me to flinch and cover my ears and rock in my seat. they gave me 2 sets of ear muffs(they gave all kids the headphone ear muffs, but for me they gave me the foam pieces you put inside your ears as well as the protective ear muffs) and i remember that once we were outside and doing shooting exercises we were all shooting at once and i could hear everyone else's rifles going off and i only managed to fire 2 rounds before the jolt from my own rifle, the sounds of the other rifles and all the pretend shouting caused me to crawl into a small dirt bank and i curled into a ball and started crying. i also remember my favourite thing there was drill marching, and i would spend my break times going back and forth doing these marching drills repetitively. all the other kids would be there buying drinks and sweets and chatting but i would be outside marching back and forth on my own. i also have an extreme fear of balloons, mainly the loud popping sound that im scared of happening at any moment but also i hate the texture of the rubber and how it bunches in my fingers and the elastic sound it makes when people touch them. i completely avoid them at all costs now.
    ive also been sensitive to food textures and smells. beef mince is the biggest issue for me, the smell while its cooking is so disgusting to me i cant even be in the kitchen while its cooking, and my parents need to shut all the doors to stop the smell getting to me. the beef mince cant be in long meat strands otherwise it makes me gag, and the sauce cant have anything added to it, just plain tomato sauce. I also cant drink full sugar carbonated drinks because they're fizzy and they sting my mouth, i have to get the ones with sweetener because they have a softer fizz that tingles but doesn't sting me.
    I've always preferred doing things on my own instead of being with other people. I remember when I was in secondary school and we would do science experiments, they were normally supposed to be group projects but I would always ask the teacher to let me do it myself and I always worked better on my own than with others. I think the reason for this was because I spent so long trying to mask my autistic traits that when I had work to do with other people it put extra stress on me trying to hide my autism traits and do the work at the same time, so when I did work on my own I didn't need to hide my autism traits because there was no one there to notice them.
    I've also always taken things very literally and not understood phrases properly. For example in the song tick tock there's a line that says 'boys blowing up our phones', and it took me literally years to realise the boys were not actually exploding the girls phones, just texting them. I always wondered why the girls didn't seem to care that the boys had destroyed their phones. It's pretty funny but at the same time it was a very clear indicator of my autism
    I have also had a lot of special interests that have become obsessive. Some examples of my special interests have been invader Zim, The Last Airbender, Skyrim, How to Train Your Dragon and Minecraft. I have become obsessed with finding out everything there is to know about these subjects and been obsessed with understanding the messages and themes. Invader Zim is the most interesting to me as I personally relate to the main character feeling out of place in the world like an outsider looking in, and no matter how hard he tries to blend in, is seen as weird and out of place. The main character Zim is also very eccentric and expressive so I find it a lot easier to understand his emotions and thoughts, and I relate to him personally because in the real world I feel 'alien'.
    These are just a few of the reasons why I am self diagnosed as autistic but there are so many others that I could mention. The sad thing is if I try and tell someone I'm self diagnosed they going to think that I am just looking for attention, despite the fact that autism affects my everyday life whether I am diagnosed professionally or not. People seem to think I'm not autistic until a doctor diagnoses me and I magically become autistic, and people don't realise that even when I am diagnosed that autism has still always been there and it's not like autism magically appears once a doctor has diagnosed me. It's really upsetting that people will always want proof that I'm autistic and there are so many things that I could tell them but because of my autism giving me bad communication skills I won't be able to formulate the right words to tell them.

  • @ithacacomments4811
    @ithacacomments4811 4 роки тому +1

    I suspect that my 46 yr old daughter is on the autism spectrum.
    She has never had a diagnosis. She refuses to embrace getting an official diagnosis.
    She says..."this is me" ..."this is how I think"...
    She is very intelligent. Has a good job. Has never dated. Has friends. Loves cats. Needs tons if alone time.
    Has difficulty with household chores...laundry, cleaning, trash and such.
    Is very artistic and creative.
    As her mom, I grieve that I didn't understand what she was struggling with since her birth.
    I wish, as all moms do, for her to have the help and support that she needs to thrive in her life.

  • @estellefollet7861
    @estellefollet7861 2 роки тому +1

    I was diagnosed with autism and adhd few weeks ago. Since then, I learn a lot about it and it feels like putting on glasses after leaving with a blurry vision my all life. It all finally makes sens.
    Everything felt normal to me. My brother told me that he think since several years that he was adhd too and I'm pretty sure my mother too (with or without ASD) and that's also part of why it didn't occurred to me. The closest person in my life have the same struggle, so it felt even more normal.

  • @alyshagregory9941
    @alyshagregory9941 4 роки тому +7

    Thank you so much for sharing! My son is autistic. He does have a learning disability and is nonverbal. He's also one of the most interesting and amazing humans I've ever met (and I say that not just as his mom). I love hearing from other autistic people because it really does help me understand and detect things within my own child, so thank you again for sharing!

  • @The_loud_r
    @The_loud_r 2 роки тому +1

    Was diagnosed a few days ago, and I was the same, very angry and gutted that this wasn’t picked up when I was younger. But at the same time, it was magical because I felt like I can understand why I am like I am.
    Hopefully the next generation will be able to be diagnosed a lot quicker than ours.

    • @livaallolia
      @livaallolia Рік тому

      Please can you guys help me how to get diagnosed and what is the possible treatment available I’m going through a lot, can’t go to college/ unable to complete my degree because of extreme social anxiety😢

  • @Riverchild27
    @Riverchild27 4 роки тому +25

    Thank you for sharing and being so open, and you’ve put together a great video.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +2

      It wasn’t easy, I’ve been nervous about it! I try not to script videos if I can help it but my previous footage was so rambly and unfocused that it was really necessary! 😅

    • @dollymamabeauty6114
      @dollymamabeauty6114 4 роки тому +1

      Rachael Stephanie you did an amazing job and articulated everything so well, and I learned so much. I think the biggest take away for me is having a broader view of the spectrum and understanding how there are many different ways autism effects people.

  • @lunaraven1908
    @lunaraven1908 Рік тому

    6:14 I have to do the same, and it is SO uncomfortable. As a teenager, I didn't know why I was like this. It was only in the past decade I wondered whether or not I was autistic. I am now taking the first steps into a formal diagnosis because all signs are pointing to it. The self diagnosis alone is a relief to me, an explanation at long last, and it has made me embrace who I am even more. The formal diagnosis is only for accomodations in daily life.

  • @johnholton252
    @johnholton252 Рік тому

    amazing thank you for this video. I'm a 40 year old man and I've just been diagnosed with autism and been having a hard time about it but watching your video I've recognised a lot of myself and the way I am in what you have said and thank you

  • @dailygrindentertainment1402
    @dailygrindentertainment1402 2 роки тому +1

    THANK you so MUCH! I'm a 42year old man that just got diagnosed with autism, I FEEL the EXACT same WAY! TALKING to PPL IS eguisting & awkward for me & then it gets worse when I look them in THE EYE, I FEEL they can see all! My FLAWS or that theirs judging me...I'm obsessed!! With creating art & I LIKE that side of it but! (Autism) to THE PPL on THE outside looking in it looks LIKE I'm DEPRESSED or something but its ACTUALLY the opposite, I just DON'T answer my door or phone because I'm SOOOOOOOOO zoned in on CREATING NEW art DAILY!! thanks for THE vid it helps..MUCH LOVE FROM CANADA

  • @shak4009
    @shak4009 4 роки тому +17

    Thank you for doing this video - was very educational and is very brave of you to share this much about yourself. As for questions - I’m curious about what made you seek out a diagnosis if that is something you’d care to cover in a future video.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +15

      If enough people want to hear my diagnosis journey, I’m sure that is something i can do. There is a lot more to the story, but briefly summing up....I didn’t seek out a diagnosis....I was in treatment for something else and It was my therapist who spotted it. She broached the subject very delicately, did some screening tests and referred me. Turned out she was right 💗

  • @girlgonewireless5359
    @girlgonewireless5359 2 роки тому +1

    I got diagnosed this morning with autism & can absolutely relate ro the social situation challenges & bein uncomfortable with eye contact amongst other things. I kinda knew before I had my assessment what the result was goin to be but I find it's comforting to know that all the years I've got frustrated & upset with myself because of certain things I do that it's not me bein weird it's just who I am & it's a part of my personality that I can't help. Also it's good to know that if there is ever a situation in the future where someone might think I'm bein rude or antisocial that I finally have an answer for it

  • @malcolmlugg9843
    @malcolmlugg9843 4 роки тому +5

    Me too, 2 years 6 months since diagnosis. Keep at it, knowing yourself and finding out more about yourself will help you knit this in with your life and bring greater personal understanding. Also the National Autism Society has a lot of resources

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому

      I’m looking forward to continuing the journey of self discovery. The National Autistic Society has been so helpful🤗

  • @joannabudgen9050
    @joannabudgen9050 4 роки тому +1

    Great to see a woman so clearly putting across what being autistic is like for her... I was diagnosed with ADHD at 58, and as autistic last year at 60. At first i felt validated and vindicated, especially for all the years of struggles with my mental health, but i also feel sad for the child that didn't get any support, and the teenager who didn't fit in. I found my grammar school reports yesterday and it was interesting to see how i went off the rails, getting 3% in my 4th year history exam when it used to be my favourite subject, and not handing in any homework at all for another subject... I would hope that if that happened now someone would notice the signs and try to help, unfortunately back in the 1960's that didn't happen. I can remember the fear i felt and that has stayed with me, and it really is hard work 'pretending to be normal', even as an adult, so i totally get the 'people hangovers'. Keep up the good work Rachael, and thanks for sharing your story :¬)

  • @Pebelz75
    @Pebelz75 4 роки тому +6

    I hope you actually do a series on this topic, this was really eye opening... almost makes me wonder if I’m on the spectrum as well as certain other people in my life

  • @lindalambert8727
    @lindalambert8727 2 роки тому +1

    Can relate! I am exhausted by people too. I can’t do two social things in the same day or several days in a row of social activities.

  • @bethanytunmire1719
    @bethanytunmire1719 2 роки тому +1

    I'm going for an assessment next month, but honestly it's been hell since realizing I might be on the spectrum because I always have to see my research to the end. I have to answer the question, but when I have to wait and rely on someone for information, it feels like I am having an anxiety attack until the question (my current obsession) is explained. Honestly, watching videos like this is helping me during this time, so I wanted to thank you. I hate being in front of cameras, but I've always wanted to put out content. I really like how you use a script to stay on topic!! It's such a good idea because I often go off topic, or just freeze up and turn pink. :( It can be so embarrassing as a grown woman and mother to not be able to present and stand up for myself. Also, not being able to express my interests like everyone on on youtube makes me sad sometimes. Thank you so much for the inspiration. Your content is much appreciated.

  • @MrsEsStories
    @MrsEsStories 4 роки тому +1

    My son is almost 5 and was diagnosed with Autism almost a year ago. Since then I have done so much research to learn about the diagnosis. The more I read, the more I feel that I too am probably Autistic. I'm 40 years old. I'm so thankful continued awareness has grown becauae my son is getting the help he needs to know that he is different and it's okay.

  • @devencarlton5007
    @devencarlton5007 4 роки тому +1

    OMG!!!THANK YOU!!! I have two kids with autism one that is high functioning 13 years old daughter who people dont believe shes that has it until they really get to know her... i aslo have a 9 year old son that is severely effected and people dismiss my daughter because my they see my son and say she doesn't have atusim !!im going to have her wacth you and show her that she can follow her dreams and do anything she wants to do just as you have.. im sitting in tears seeing my daughter in the future!!!thank you for giving this mother bigger dreams!!! I would love to find her a mentor like you!!!!!

  • @jacquiventurini7877
    @jacquiventurini7877 Рік тому

    I resonate with you completely. It’s an invisible disability, and sometimes I just give up trying to convince people I am autistic. When I explain my struggles they just say “so your shy, doesn’t mean you’re autistic, your clumsy doesn’t mean your autistic, you’re awkward, bit weird, blunt etc.”

  • @sonyaharper7293
    @sonyaharper7293 4 роки тому +3

    Thank you for sharing - it’s extremely brave of you to open yourself up and be vulnerable ❤️ My son was diagnosed on the spectrum when he was 7 in Junior school (now 17) as having Aspergers...I know that this has since been eradicated as a clinical diagnosis, and is now simply classed as ASD, however his daily struggles and frustrations match your description entirely. Everyone on this earth is different in many aspects of their being, but we’ve always explained the ASD vs NT differences as being an Apple Mac in a Windows world - each performs fairly similar functions, but the processing that sits behind the screen goes about things in a completely different way x

  • @lechini4827
    @lechini4827 2 роки тому

    I have been maintaining eye contact really well. But if I have to give a meaningful answer I can't. I self diagnose and I think I have asperger's but I was referred only 2 days ago and there is a waiting list. Itll prolly take 6 to 7 months I was told.
    I'm oversharing and that gives me a lot of trouble. My entire family (meaning my ex and my grown children) completely abandoned me.
    Videos like yours help countless people. Please continue. Btw I'm 63. Thank you 🙏

  • @caddieohm7059
    @caddieohm7059 Рік тому

    I'm newly diagnosed with autism an found my new special interest in binge watching channels on autism. Out of all female autistic UA-camrs you're the most relatable to me. Thanks for this video it helped me a lot accepting my diagnosis more.❤

  • @scotteichin7103
    @scotteichin7103 3 роки тому +1

    I enjoyed your video! Thank you! I am currently in the process of being evaluated for high functioning autism. I have suspected autism for about 8 years now and finally reached out to a specialist to provide me with closure as to why I am different and why I have struggled to maintain employment for so many years.

  • @visionvixxen
    @visionvixxen Рік тому

    The social situation difficulty is the reason I try not to do things alone.
    Having others around allows you to relax and not carry the conversational through line, but still enjoy joining in without all the pressure.
    The anxiety and depression because of nonstop performing is very real.
    I can’t stand going places alone if my person isn’t there. If I’m awkward or left out, I’d rather walk away and never come back
    Always went to places on time or late so there’s no awkward waiting space in which we have to talk.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  Рік тому

      Yes same! I always like to make sure I have someone around me I’m comfortable with. It makes things much less stressful. I can very much relate to timing things to avoid waiting around also. My morning routine is timed to the minute so I don’t have to kill any time before leaving the house.

  • @ashleyfarrell3576
    @ashleyfarrell3576 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for sharing this. I am 31 and preparing to seek a diagnosis. I, too, have always known something is different about me but autism never occurred to me. I’ve worked for years with autistic children. It’s astounding to me that I am just now coming around to recognize these characteristics in myself. Anyway, thank you for being open and honest. This is what the world needs!

  • @supposeyounever675
    @supposeyounever675 4 роки тому +20

    Wow thank you so much for posting this! I myself have always thought I was on the spectrum the way you describe social hangover is absolutely spot on for me too sometimes I will sleep for like 2 days after having to be alert and outgoing with people I definitely need a lot of alone time. What happened to make you want to get more info or determination? Don’t have to answer if you don’t want to of course but again thank you for posting this! 💜

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +8

      Yeah that sounds very similar to me! I always suspected there was something different about me, and I’ve had various periods of depression and mental health difficulties during my life....doctors always treated the depression etc but never looked into it deeper. I wasn’t pursuing a diagnosis, I was in treatment for something else and It was my therapist who spotted it. She broached the subject very delicately, did some screening tests and referred me. Turned out she was right 💗

    • @nataliekhalilrealtor
      @nataliekhalilrealtor 3 роки тому +1

      Child is being screened and I’m starting to think I might be. I have social hangovers

    • @Catlily5
      @Catlily5 3 роки тому

      @@RachaelStephanie My therapist spotted Autism in me also. I live in the USA and ended up being diagnosed in the most strange way.

  • @NormalZebra
    @NormalZebra 2 роки тому +1

    Just been diagnosed a few days ago myself at the age of 40 and was searching through videos basically wondering 'what now', so stumbled across this. Great video & described a lot of the same things I do and difficulties I've had growing up. In a place like Liverpool, where so many people are chatty, outgoing, often very loud and friendly it can be so hard growing up like this and trying to 'learn' how to interact with them so it's been great to get confirmation.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  2 роки тому +1

      Agreed! I grew up in Liverpool too. Getting laughed at for trying to do all the usual interaction is brutal. It’s not easy growing up wondering why you don’t fit in, even when you’re trying to do what everyone else does. I hope your diagnosis shines a light on your struggles and makes things easier going forward

  • @hijabee80
    @hijabee80 4 роки тому +18

    Hi, Rachael, I just wanted to say that you’re an amazing, creative, talented person and one of my favorite UA-camrs. I for one had never noticed anything different about you from your videos, and learning that you happen to have autism did come as a bit of a surprise to me, to be honest. I love your outlook on things in general, and I commend you on how you handle certain issues that may be a struggle for you. Keep being your lovely, positive, bright self!

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +3

      What a lovely comment...Thank you so much. Nothing about me has changed with the diagnosis but I’m definitely more self-accepting 💗

    • @hijabee80
      @hijabee80 4 роки тому +2

      @@RachaelStephanie I totally understand; and I agree with you, you're the same person we enjoy watching on YT and that doesn't change at all. You never know; your video may have inspired someone who may be struggling right now, and help them to understand and accept their issues. So kudos to you for being forthcoming with your experiences 💚
      (Edited to correct a typo 😳)

  • @Maya_Ruinz
    @Maya_Ruinz 5 місяців тому

    I have similar problems, going to public spaces in the day or having to interact with people just completely wipes me out physically. Nothing sets me off quicker then having to make appointments outside my routines, so it’s something I try to plan way in advance so It doesn’t cause my mind and body to stress.

  • @josephlevesque439
    @josephlevesque439 2 роки тому

    Thank you for sharing this educational video. I was diagnosed inadvertently by a couple of individuals with whom I worked with in 2013, however, it was my place of employment, so there were extraneous factors involved. They couldn’t inform me that I was autistic, just allude to it. On 4/16/21, I discovered I was autistic. Long story here. I was well educated, attended top universities, acquired a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and was gainfully employed throughout my career. I’m 53 and never once considered myself autistic. It wasn’t a thought in my head, since I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. I attributed everything to that disorder. I was excited to finally be diagnosed with ASD, even though it was a self-diagnosis, with plenty of evidence to support my diagnosis. My adoptive parents are deceased but they deserve tons of credit for raising me. I was not an easy child/teenager to raise, though I had definite issues at the time. Ironically, I graduated from college in 1994, when the diagnosis became a viable diagnosis within the framework of the DSM. Perhaps I could have benefited from a diagnosis when in college, but it wasn’t available at that time.

  • @christiedugal279
    @christiedugal279 4 роки тому +7

    As soon as I saw your video, I clicked immediately! I really appreciate that you’ve shared with us and educated those of us who are unaware of the mild side of the autism spectrum. It makes so much more sense why you were so overwhelmed with the move and everything going on at that time. I’m so happy that you made this video! As others have said in the comments here, it won’t ever change the fact that you’re one of my favourite UA-camrs that I look forward to watching and chatting with every week. 💕

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks Christie, that’s so sweet! 💗 yes, the move was so stressful....I struggle with small changes, never mind a major life event 😅

  • @tucsonwilly
    @tucsonwilly 3 роки тому

    After having a couple of kids on the spectrum and getting educated about autism I can see a family history of it. No wonder my life sucked so bad in areas of social skills, work and mental health issues. Thank God a girlfriend got me into a tech program to learn to become an x-ray tech. Even though I hated touching people or talking to them I got through it and have made a life and had a career. Fake it until you make it is my motto. I will do everything in my power to make sure these kids have a better life than I had and give them a clearer picture of the world than I was given. Currently my wife is home schooling them so they aren't bullied, abused or ignored. Both kids love school and they are progressing well. Thank you for this lovely video.

  • @katebeautyx8393
    @katebeautyx8393 4 роки тому +2

    I am glad you are telling your story! I strongly believe my son is autistic. He also has speech delay and it took me years to even been listened to despite obvious signs. I am a nurse myself and I understand how hard it can be to get the right care and the right people to listen to you. Just be you! You are wonderfully made. 😻

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому

      Thanks for watching and listening to my story. If you think he is, I fully recommend getting him assessed, if that is accessible to you (I know it’s not possible everywhere). If he is on the spectrum, having a formal diagnosis allows him access to further support too 💗💗

  • @hollyblais6496
    @hollyblais6496 4 роки тому +1

    I am a special education teacher, and I did not realize you were autistic. You are very self aware of your challenges and have developed remarkable coping skills. You are a poised, successful young woman. Thank you for your bravery in telling your story. I hope you make more videos like this.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +1

      Thank you for watching and hearing what I have to say. I’m touched by the number of open minded people who have watched and commented.

  • @kida746
    @kida746 2 роки тому

    I was diagnosed a few months ago at age 29. I hope to reach a point where I can also say that “I like being autistic because I wouldn’t me without it”. Instead it’s been a huge struggle processing it - like it’s rewriting everything I thought I knew about myself so I’m happy I know the truth but I’m also feeling lost. Part of me hates it. I finally know what has been wrong with me all these years and I find myself transferring the blame I used to aim towards myself (self hatred) and towards the autism itself. It just cause a lot of unnecessary pain that wouldn’t be there otherwise. Thank you for sharing your story. People like us need it.

  • @fluffyivy1846
    @fluffyivy1846 2 роки тому

    Dear Rachel,
    Just came across this and I'm on the brink of middle age - and been diagnosed after literally bipolar, depressive, borderline, adhd, GAD, well shit, I've lost count - and I'm one day into finding out. So angry. So confused. But hopeful.... now, so much hope, realizing what the future could hold. Thank you for your honesty. The world needs a dose of THAT!!! Hugs (unless they're weird for you, too!) XD xx

  • @azureruiz78
    @azureruiz78 3 роки тому

    "It can be hard for me to focus on what I am trying to say or what somebody is saying to me whilst they are staring into the depths of my soul." Omg I laughed out loud! That is a brilliant way to put it, and I can relate so hard

  • @VIsionsOfJenna
    @VIsionsOfJenna 4 роки тому +3

    ❤Thank you so much Rachael!
    My four boys are all on the spectrum (7, 5, 3 and 18 months). They are all language delayed and in the process of learning to communicate with me and my husband.
    It REALLY helps to see successful adults living with autism. I'm really grateful you decided to share your diagnosis.

  • @ceciliajohnson8812
    @ceciliajohnson8812 4 роки тому +1

    I watched this excellently put together video days ago, and have been meaning to type a message back to you, thanking you for making this, as society greatly misunderstands autism.
    My husband got diagnosed last year with Aspbergers. He had already worked out he had it, and it was a relief to him to actually get a diagnosis. Like you, he doesn't have a learning disability but I think he thinks he does. He has had full on meltdowns in parking garages when the ' Payment' machine don't make sense to him, and he won't let me explain the wording used on the machine, because his meltdown is just so ugly, he just wants me to agree with him, and not try to bring him 'back' to normal. But the signs make sense to me (ie I can join the dots so the Payment machine, while not perfectly worded, still makes sense to me; whereas he seems genuinely unable to understand the wording). Having said that, he has a law degree and an accounting degree, so where situations are black and white, he excels.
    You actually described him, when yourself. You got me giggling with the story of your dad holding an imaginary 'Joke' sign as that is something I do with my hubs!😂
    I never guessed you have autism and it matters not one jot, anyway. You are wonderful and perfectly made, and God made you with Autism to add colour to this world. I think you are amazing, and a light in this world.
    😘 🌟🙌

    • @ceciliajohnson8812
      @ceciliajohnson8812 4 роки тому

      I meant: you described him when you described yourself.

  • @opheliebordes9656
    @opheliebordes9656 3 роки тому +2

    I kind of had the same life path ...i've had my diagnosis at 28 i can relate so much with your video

  • @tddinhlv
    @tddinhlv Рік тому +1

    1. Listening to song on loop: every NT swiftes with Blank Spaces
    2. Rigid morning routine: every NT Wall Street worker
    3. Sensory overload: every NT on subway when an Indian enters their car during summer

  • @jbug884
    @jbug884 Рік тому

    I feel like I’m constantly wishing my life away. I never look forward to an event, but look forward to it ending! I’ve somehow managed to muddle through life like this, but at 44, I’m getting knackered. I suppose I should seek help, but too scared and set in my ways at this stage 😢

  • @katinalast4955
    @katinalast4955 2 роки тому

    Thank you! A lot of autistic people talk about being exhausted after socializing, but you're the first I've come across who has talked about post-socializing depression. Before I knew I was autistic, I was dumbfounded to find that not a single other member of my college friend group of fellow weirdos would be depressed and exhausted rather than energized after hanging out with friends. I actually think they were a bit befuddled and offended. It's nice to have someone else talk about that depression. It's so hard to explain to people that you love them and want to spend time with them, and the fact that you can't do so much and come out depressed and exhausted means diddly in how you think and feel about them. It just is. It's a practical limiting factor, not something that says anything about your love for them or what you think about them.

  • @thejourneyofme1479
    @thejourneyofme1479 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks so much for this! I'm awaiting my asd assessment which should be happening within the next 6 weeks. I've been feeling just like you described my whole life. Didnt fit in, different, sensitive and exhausted from too much people-ing. I'm almost 29 so we are the same age only now getting this seen to! All that wasted time! I wish you loads of luck !

  • @sarahsmith203
    @sarahsmith203 4 роки тому +2

    I bet it feels like the weight of the world is off your shoulders. Thanks for sharing. I remember when I learned my middle child was autistic I cried for months. Now I know this will set him apart & is all part of God's plan for him & he's going to be just fine.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +3

      It can be a major shock. Diagnosis can be a life changing event, and it’s ok to struggle with that. There’s no manual on how to deal with it. Your son is just the way he is meant to be and I hope the world is more aware by the time he is my age.

  • @SweetiePieTweety
    @SweetiePieTweety 3 роки тому +1

    Excellent video. Thank you. I’m thankful you were given the opportunity and elected to pursue a diagnosis! For many it helps dramatically to know the “why” and empowered to move forward with information for acceptance and growth. 🤗❤️

  • @dollymamabeauty6114
    @dollymamabeauty6114 4 роки тому +6

    OMG I LOVE YOU! This video is so important. Thank you for being brave and sharing who you are. 💙💙💙

  • @XxLaceynessxX
    @XxLaceynessxX 3 роки тому +1

    I'm so glad you said your sensory issues don't affect you as much, I'm on a waiting list for a diagnosis but I've been worried that I'm wasting my time as my sensory issues don't seem as bad as other autistics

    • @Eirini80
      @Eirini80 3 роки тому

      Oh my god.I have the imposter syndrome because the same thing you mentioned

    • @Catlily5
      @Catlily5 3 роки тому

      I have Autism but I don't need as much routine as most Autistic people. But I do have sensory issues. One thing that doesn't fit doesn't negate the whole diagnosis.

  • @TheWinnie9611
    @TheWinnie9611 4 роки тому +2

    First of all i want to start of by saying thank you for sharing your story, i'm autistic myself and i can tell you that i related to what you were saying almost to the t. I was too diagnosed much later in life ( im 24 now and i was diagnosed when i was 19 i think ) and it definitely was such a relief but also i have questioned what my life would've been like had i been diagnosed earlier. I never felt like i fitted in and it can too for me be so draining to be around other people for a long time especially when i don't know them, it makes me uncomfortable. i don't have a learning disability either and can really retain a lot of info and tend to know more about certain topics when i like them than what most would consider the norm i guess, that just like you were saying about conversations with people for me is the same but also if i know you i just don't know when to stop talking about this topics i like and im not aware when the other person doesn't care. So it can definitely be challenging for me to keep or make rather connections with people for sure. A huge issue for me is showing affection, is pretty hard for me to share my affection towards someone cause it makes me overwhelmed to have to hug someone or kiss someone or say i love you you know? so just learning today about your story and what you went through made me feel more understood and im so thankful for that. im really grateful i came across this video of yours and just the mere fact that i was able to see myself in you means a lot. You truly are a beautiful, creative, soul and im happy to be a subscriber of yours. I hope you are having a great day Rachel. :)

  • @simoncarter6281
    @simoncarter6281 2 роки тому

    Hi Rachael , can I just say that your video was great , and we'll done . I'm Simon and also a young looking 56years old , I only got diagnosed with autism only eight years ago , as I was having problems at work . I totally understand and respect what you are saying, because I think that some people just don't want to understand . But there are people out in this world who do understand about our condition , and as now Autism is getting out in the community . So Rachael please don't forget you are not alone , there are alot of people who are in the same boat as you . If you need help there are some groups , or even leave a message for me . In fact I'm associated with the Lamborghini Club here in the UK , and I'm treated in the same way , as other members . Autism is great , and I'm pleased when I got diagnosed . Any way , all the best Simon

  • @babybirdhome
    @babybirdhome 3 роки тому

    I loved this video, but I have to “complain” a little bit about the very end. Honestly I would like very much to be here for more than 40 minutes and hear you going on and on about this. I watch so many videos from autistic people because all my life I’ve felt (and literally said) that I must be from a different planet because I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere, no matter where I went or what I did. But when I hear autistic people talk, it really _feels like_ these are my people! I just feel so relaxed and calm and at ease and at home listening to you talk about how you experience life. It’s like you’re living in my shoes and in my head and living my life. It makes me want to find a professional and finally get a proper diagnosis, although I’m not really sure what it would change, if anything.

  • @littlehouseontherock
    @littlehouseontherock 4 роки тому

    Thank you for this video. I am sure it will help many people.
    I am not diagnosed and although I always felt different I never suspected autism. Until we started diagnosing my younger daughter at age of 11. And then suddenly everything started to make sense - it's nothing wrong with me, I am just autistic, what a relief.
    I work as a personal trainer which is very rewarding but also very exhausting and I need time alone to recharge my batteries. Last couple of years I am cooperating with local Autism organisation and I am training young people with various spectrum of autism.
    I change CD in my car every month or two ;-) but can listen to one song over and over again for days. My biggest strugle is social aspect. Personal training is more than enough of socializing to me and it alows me to ineract with people without feeling to awkward as we can focus more on physical aspects. I don't necessary have a set, rigid routine, but I can be extremly anxiuos if I have to change what I planed to do for a day, to the point of the emotional meltdown. And please don't ask me to name my emotions ;-)
    Sorry for mistakes, English is not my first language.

  • @mariongonzalez164
    @mariongonzalez164 4 роки тому +2

    Thanks so much for opening up. I can relate to most of what you've said. I'm 28 and have been thinking about getting diagnosed myself for a couple of years.
    I have always felt that there was something a bit different, odd about myself but like you, I (and pretty much nobody around me) didn't take any of those 'signs' seriously up until recently. When I was in kindergarten, a school doctor once warned my parents that I might be autistic but for them, that couldn't be possible because I wasn't "stupid" i.e. I have always been a fast-learner and never really struggled at school... except socially.
    Thank you again so much. x

    • @malcolmlugg9843
      @malcolmlugg9843 4 роки тому +1

      I don't know about the USA, but I have mentioned above about the UK. I have to say not a day goes by I regret going to find out because the not knowing is worse

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому

      If you can relate, or think you may be on the spectrum, and want to find out, I fully recommend pursuing a diagnosis, if that’s something that is accessible for you. Even if it’s just to learn more about yourself, that is priceless and means you can start adjusting your life to work for you 💗

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому

      Malcolm Lugg I agree - for me the positives of finding out far outweighed some of the negative parts.

  • @katego370
    @katego370 4 роки тому

    You courageous woman! Well done for speaking up about being autistic without all the stereotypes. I come from a family with autism. My father was diagnosed in his 40's, my sister also has autism and my youngest brother also has autism so clearly, it runs in the family. As the second oldest of 6 children, I've watched my little sister and brother grow up with autism and I was old enough to understand what it was when my dad was diagnosed. Needless to say, I know what autism is like when the person does not have trouble speaking, learning, functioning,... and the stereotypes are insane. I have anxiety, specifically social anxiety, and every time I've spoken about to a doctor that is not my regular physician, the first thing they ask me if I have autism. I've been tested for autism multiple times, every time I don't "have my life together" people tell me I probably have autism, but I don't have it. It makes me mad when people assume that I have autism, just because I don't "have my life together" and my father, sister, and brother have autism. It does not make me mad because I feel insulted, it's because it shows the ugly side of society. It shows that my sister has reason to keep her autism quiet when she meets new friends and boyfriends, that my father only tells his closest friends and that my brother tries to be "cool" in school so he won't be called "the autistic kid". In our society, autism is NOT the problem, it's society itself. Society as a whole seems to view Autism Spectrum Disorder as a label that de-valuates a person and THAT is the problem. I recognize that not every individual is as lucky as you and my family are, I know there are severe cases, but it shouldn't be the stereotype. Thanks for making this video, I'm sure it will help and assure many people with autism. The psychiatrist that diagnosed my father told him: "You don't have to change yourself, you just have to get to know yourself better. Don't try to change the autist to fit into society. It will not work. Change society for the autist to fit in." Those sentences have always stuck with me, it's the truest thing anybody has ever said about autism in my opinion.

  • @mariar3715
    @mariar3715 4 роки тому +3

    Thanks for sharing! I love learning more about the people i watch regularly on youtube.
    I can for sure sympathize with you with awkward social experiences and being exhausted after socializing for too long. Im not autistic, but for sure struggle with those things on the regular.
    I do ultrasounds for a living and when you said you have a script of questions you ask people, that got me! I have a routine set of questions i ask almost every patient i scan. Ive not known anyone who admits to doing that.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +1

      Oh wow! It makes things so much easier for me. I would bet there are a good number of people (who don’t admit it)who do that too.

  • @missdollwonderland6240
    @missdollwonderland6240 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you for this video, you really explained it well and show some light on autism. It was eye opening and very informative. This has to be my favorite video you have done, thank you for speaking about it ❤️

  • @charlottezealey5460
    @charlottezealey5460 4 роки тому +17

    How did you get your diagnosis did it take longer because your an adult? Has anything changed since you found out. Thank you for making this video you really didn’t have to share this xx

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +13

      I was referred by my therapist to my local adult autism team. I expected to wait years for an appointment but I was seen within 5 months; I was shocked! I think I have learned to cut myself more slack and those around me who know have made little changes too which have helped massively

  • @1Kladdkaka
    @1Kladdkaka 4 роки тому +1

    Such a well made video! You are on of my favourites here on youtube! I'm a highly sensitive person so partly on the opposite side to autism but I also get overwhelmed by too much stimuli and social interactions which result i fatigue. I'm a MD so I have good use of my hypersensitive side at work but it is also the reason I picked radiology in the end. Undiagnosed autism and ADD is common in women and is a common cause for burnout in women because they have to spend so much more energy compensating. So it is excellent that you take care of yourself! Thank you so much for sharing, I belive it will help many!

  • @rcirae20
    @rcirae20 2 роки тому

    Thank you for posting your personal story here. I’m in tears now. I got my diagnosis late last night. Right before sleep. I’m turning 41 in two weeks and just got my written diagnosis. Every single word you said in this video resonates so deeply for me. I never thought anyone could see my perspective. Thank you.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  2 роки тому +1

      Welcome to the club! I hope the diagnosis is helpful for you. You’re not alone and there are a lot of people who do understand how you see and experience the world. Obviously, no two people are alike but I seem to just click with other autistics. When I moved to my area, There are two people I know personally that I just really hit it off with, more so than others I met and i later found out that they are on the spectrum too. I think we can have a sixth sense about it and see it in others without even realising.

  • @thatrunningirl
    @thatrunningirl 2 роки тому

    i was also diagnosed as an adult, i'm 35 now and was diagnosed a few years ago. the diagnosis has been life-changing :)

  • @rdprice3028
    @rdprice3028 2 роки тому

    Hi Rachael, thank you for sharing this video. Even though I am a male I am basically 90% you. I unfortunately do have a learning disability as I cannot comprehend any type of verbal instructions. On the other side I have been compensated with the ability to recall vast amounts of data at will. As an account manager I easily memorized over 1000 ten digit alpha numeric customer numbers without any effort at all. The other account managers in my company always come to me to get the account numbers for their customers. I do understand what you say about acting just to try to fit in socially and I have become a very good actor. Thank you again, I really appreciate hearing your story.

  • @hanakadlecova
    @hanakadlecova 4 роки тому +5

    This video was amazingly made, you have done a great job on informing about the issue. Thank you for sharing your story!

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks very much for watching and listening to what I have to say 💗

  • @leeheralph1
    @leeheralph1 4 роки тому +4

    You are such an inspiring person by sharing this! Such a positive msg and amazing way to use your power as an influencer to influence and educate others. xoxo

  • @rhondacollette3253
    @rhondacollette3253 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you Rachel, great job!
    After hearing some of the issues of autism, I am wondering about myself. Some of the traits you described also describe me. Thank you for spreading the awareness. I am very proud of you🦋🦋

  • @LittleTinyOwl
    @LittleTinyOwl 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much for being open and honest! I relate to everything you said, especially struggling with eye contact and small talk, the need for routine, repetitive music, needing my own space to recuperate and how exhausting mimicking "normal" behaviour is. I'm 27 and have suspected I might be on the spectrum for the past few years (my dad and boyfriend are pretty certain of it), but I have no idea how to get a diagnosis. As a child I was always "shy and socially awkward", which later turned into a diagnosis of general and social anxiety disorders (although I feel there's much more to it than just anxiety!). A few years ago, my therapist tried to gently bring up the topic but I immediately shot it down, and he never mentioned it again. I regret that so much, because I now know that if I was diagnosed back then it would have helped me so much throughout university!

  • @littlemisslipstick2999
    @littlemisslipstick2999 4 роки тому +5

    Thank you so much for sharing. I know that it must have been really difficult and I think that you are so brave for doing so. Much love!!!

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +2

      Thank you for watching and listening to what I have to say. It wasn’t easy but I didn’t want to hide my authentic self and it may help someone 💗

  • @SarahNH978
    @SarahNH978 4 роки тому

    I was diagnosed with aspergers first around 5th grade (by like a psychologist or someone who even gave me an IQ test too) and then at school, more officially I guess later in 8th grade, so somewhat later than some that are diagnosed as young children but my mom read something about autism in a magazine or something and that's what sparked the idea that I may have autism. I love things ranging from makeup to heavy metal to some video games so I'm constantly watching makeup videos as kind of a special interest (and I have way too much free time during the summer in quarantine especially lmao) and love watching panning related videos and I even made a makeup inventory and stuff in excel just out of boredom/curiousity/to be able to pick random things from my collection to focus on, etc. which is pretty satisfying. I, like you, don't really seem to be autistic but just with the way I can fixate on some things for longer than "normal" and such shows that I have it, along with my trouble making new friends and such (kind of like shyness but I just don't really know how to go about making friends in college and almost don't care to cause it's too much work and too much anxiety? idk)

  • @TheJukeboxwidow
    @TheJukeboxwidow 4 роки тому +3

    Thank you for sharing, I have loved watching your videos and you have always come across as a genuine young lady who enjoys makeup and likes to share her passion. I think it is adorable that your dad has an imaginary I'm joking sign.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +1

      Thank you! I love sharing my passion for makeup, it’s so fun! Haha - he uses it at least once every time he sees me. He has a jokester personality so he loves how he gets twice the mileage from the joke - the first laugh from everyone who got it and then the second laugh at me for taking him seriously 🤣🤣😅

  • @aldilamasmejor
    @aldilamasmejor 4 роки тому +5

    Thanks for sharing! I like to know more things about yourself and you seem a lovely person :)

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks so much for listening 💗that’s lovely

  • @colleenshaw1607
    @colleenshaw1607 4 роки тому

    welcome to the tribe =) confirmed female at 33. always knew i was different too and honestly had no clue what face blindness was until someone recommended a show called lie to me. Had no clue that i was clueless on reading boredom, contempt or undisclosed/secret thoughts (its blinking more that usual). i knew there were times i made a mistake that others didnt understand why and they gave me a look but i had no idea what the look meant, so i just assume a face i don't know how to read is negative and to not engage or reduce my interaction with that person. it is exhausting to run through facial simulations in your mind of what each small facial movement could mean or help me "read between the lines" of another's emotions. Also, in some ways me being somewhat emotionally tone deaf makes me really good at being a tier 2/help desk/resolution desk customer service person. granted, i still have a hard time telling when its my turn to talk and the rationale that would comfort me when something goes wrong isnt quite the same for someone else. (please dont hate me, we all ride out these plague days staying busy with something and mine just happens to be work) for example, i currently work for a company that has a major retailor as a client... let's just say, june was absolutely insane... it was like 10 years of black friday and all delivery vehicles were lost in the bastard child of hurricane andrew and katrina combined with a side of for real starving people because they couldnt get their food to come. thank you jesus the system is better and more adapted to manage the tsunami of relentless orders. so, icing on the cake of the june from hell was....people's transactions for the client didnt completely process until randomly 3 months later. grrr. so, just a bit of "shop talk" when you place an order for something, the money is just "on hold" until its shipped and then the "hold" goes back to the customer after all the boxes are shipped or cancelled. but everyone thinks the charge was completed and goes about life, which now has people with the worst unemployment rate in 100 years, evacutees from the most dangerous california wild fires and hurricane laura is having a fun time reviving the PTSD of katrina with a whole new layer of trauma. so, since the system never actually "took" the money until 3 months later when shit hit fan harder, people were getting nsf, panicking thinking someone stole/hacked their accounts... let's say just not a good time for anyone involved. There was someone i had today who had a mammoth 450 order back in june that her order "hold" was stuck without her knowledge and then the system bug finally forced through the last 3 box payment of about 130. i kept trying to tell her good news, your 450 will be available in your account soon but was just so pissed about the 130 and said there's no way her 450 was just pending ergo the company owed her that 450 and not 130 that was just collected. i just don't understand why someone would be mad when they are told they are getting something better and that what they want or better than they asked for is going to happen. *shrug. i really dont' understand people being upset after someone solved their problem as well as tried to make it better for them.
    anyway, sorry to bore you on the anecdotes of plague days customer service. tl;dr:
    how does autism affect your emotional regulation?
    myself, i am highly sensitive when it comes to matters of right and wrong on how it effects me positive or negative, but especially negative. I have a very different or lacking response to danger; i see it more of a choice and analysis of cost/benefit management, and have learned voice training since often my actual emotions or expressions could be seen as inappropriate for the situation. the few things that make me angry is because i let it make me angry and the anger often subsides quickly unless i was "wronged" on a special interest, with my response usually a logic based one rather than reactionary with emotions like most. I know in some ways this does sound a lot like my job training but tbh, it's just more of how i am.

  • @SartorialisticSavage65
    @SartorialisticSavage65 3 роки тому +3

    You hit on all of the key points that I go through.

  • @laurajustloves9047
    @laurajustloves9047 4 роки тому +3

    This is a great video, well done for being so open and honest. I've always thought you were lovely and relatable anyway, but this makes you even more so xx

  • @RandomJane104
    @RandomJane104 3 роки тому

    This is so reassuring in a weird way. I'm 90% sure I'm autistic but no one believes me because I function well. I'm 48 and in the US where mental health visits are expensive, so I haven't bothered to seek an official diagnosis.
    I had a therapist once ask if life was difficult in a different context and my answer was that literaly every minute of my life has felt like a struggle.
    Just because I struggle enough to defy it, doesn't mean I'm not autistic.

  • @juliawoker9554
    @juliawoker9554 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much for sharing this personal video! It was very informative and eye opening. I didn’t know that autism could also be so undetectable - so I am very glad to learn about that! ❤️ 👍🏻

  • @TheFitTherapist
    @TheFitTherapist 2 роки тому

    I appreciate you making this video. I would very much like to find more experiences of people who appear to “have their shit together.” I was recently diagnosed, in my 30’s. I have an advanced degree and run a business. I don’t really relate to many of the people posting their stories or experiences. I relate to your story more than others.

  • @NachoAE360
    @NachoAE360 Рік тому

    I can relate to quite a bit of this- especially the social hangover. We have had family stay with us off and on the past few months because we moved 5 hours away- experiencing a social hangover while also trying to host was a level of difficulty i didn’t expect

  • @dianalowrie
    @dianalowrie 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m seeing now I might be on the spectrum. It’s videos like these that are finally giving me clarity on life.

  • @yolandiemuller5923
    @yolandiemuller5923 4 роки тому +2

    Hi hun. Is that what is wrong with me?? My father in law once said that he has never seen anybody so constantly afraid of everything as I am. You described me in this video. Thank you.

    • @RachaelStephanie
      @RachaelStephanie  4 роки тому +1

      I’m not sure lovely! I’m not a medical professional - you are best consulting with your doctor, but I do personally suffer a lot of anxiety myself! Sorry I can’t help with this, but I’m not qualified!