Steph you are an inspiration to me. I dont have autism but I have social anxiety problems. And the only way I can leave me home is either putting my headphones in and listen to music, or go out with someone I know and they keep me grounded whilst out and about.
Well done. I suffer with lupus, arthritis, osteoporosis and a whole load of other chronic pain disorders. (Yay...) I also suffer with extreme anxiety and depression and after watching your video I absolutely can relate to so much of what you have spoken about. I like how 'normal' you are. Your not acting it up or dressing it down. It's hard to describe your self never mind look into and recognise traits and actions that aren't the norm and/or what other people see as the norm. Never mind beginning to analyse yourself. It's so confusing picking apart what makes you, you. And picking apart yourself into categories of normal or not. Adhd or not. I hope I have explained that right. After watching the video it has opened my eyes to other aspects of my mental health. Which I am going to look into. I have a lot of traits of autism which is something I never thought I would have said about myself. Not that I am ashamed. But a lot of the aspects you have spoken about I also have the same traits. I'm not saying I do or I don't but I think it's opened my eyes a bit more about myself. Don't be so hard on my self. I'm not (always) been awkward and odd. Makes me feel a bit more happy in my own head. Thank you very much. I am glad you did this video. It's very admirational (I don't even know if that is an actual word) 🤦♀️ Thanks again. Klaire xxx
Unfortunately it's very common for people to fall under the radar. I spent my school years being the "odd" one, no one understood me, I didn't even understand me. My struggles manifested into other mental health problems. School were very unsupportive so in the end I left and gained absolutely no qualifications. It was only when my son started being assessed for autism that his psychologist picked up on mine, she advised I got myself assessed too. After going through alot of family history it was queried whether or not my dad had autism, he committed suicide when I was 9 so we'll never know. You're very brave doing this video, I haven't made it public knowledge about my own autism because I'm too scared to.. not really sure why. Well done!
Everything you said resonated with me from feeling like you have no identity, to feelings overwhelmed in social situations and preferring 1 to 1 interactions, feeling like you’re mimicking people/learning how to be human and feeling suicidal. I’ve always struggled with putting it into words/explaining what I’m dealing with and seeing you speak about this so openly honestly makes me feel really proud of you despite not knowing you personally, I know how hard it is to even understand what it is you’re feeling for yourself let alone explaining it to someone else so for you to do this is so incredibly brave and helpful to ppl experiencing the same thing! it gives me hope seeing that if you can live a fulfilling meaningful life and find joy in the small things so can I and everyone else struggling with this, thank you for sharing your experience and all the best (p.s. let us know if you find any good coping strategies lol)
I watched this video 3 years ago when you first posted it and it sent me on my own journey. Now 3 years on I finally have an appointment for the beginning of my autism assessment. I have no doubt that this video changed my life. Thank you a thousand times over for sharing this. Edit: 2023 I got my diagnosis!! Thank you for this video. It truly has changed my life.
My partner has high functioning autism and we have two children together, I have been researching into it and watching videos like yours to try and help me understand him better and things you struggle with he is exactly the same. I found this video very helpful so thank you for opening up Steph ❤️
FearnTuckerBentley whatever😂😂😂 good for u. Cuz you’ve met everyone on this planet with autism right 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️. Everyone is different, the autistic spectrum is huge and obviously u don’t really know that. Your comment is extremely ignorant and uneducated, seems to be a repeating theme with u. Hope u never have the pleasure of raising a child with autism after that comment. I’ve met people on the more serious side of the spectrum and on the less serious. The people I have met with autism have been a delight however a lot of society dont see the kind ,lovable and amazing side of them because many people with autism are taken for face value which is clearly what u are doing. I don’t particularly blame u for your ignorance, I more so blame our society as many are not educated about special needs all together. I have autism, I am going to uni this year after I finish my A-levels in which I am predicted great grades. But I don’t t know my own name right??? I have an amazing support system in both my friends and family, which btw at my prom I won both the nicest person in the year and most inspirational award but I must be ignorant and I u able to love right???? There’s definitely a lack of intelligence here but it’s not mine hahaha, remember telling me u had Aspergers....well I’m sorry to tell ya but that means you’re in the autistic spectrum, awwww so sorry your just one of us “who dont know their own name are ignorant and can’t love in return” you need to really start loving yourself a bit more because u clearly have a huge insecurity that you feel like u have to make up for by acting like a fool on the internet. Just expect you’re not right and move on. It’s okay to be wrong. I’m sure you’d probably be a much kinder person face to face, I mean I hope u are anyways u obviously don’t like to be proven wrong and that’s like whatever, no one is perfect it’s probably just something u need to work on a bit over time. I can admit myself that I am really stubborn which is something I need to work on as I grow however I will always defend those that are being discriminated against because of something they cannot control. I’m sure you’d do this for people u care about right so please just stop spreading hate because u literally have no evidence to. backup most of your points and just except you’re not always right, you’ll probably feel a lot better tbh. Anyways hope u understand where I’m coming from, I’m only trying to defend people and hopefully make them feel better about u telling them they are wrong, I’m not just going out my way to go after u, that’s not what I want, all I want is for u to be kind and more understanding.
@@mollyellen273 I agree with you, except she's not even a nice person face to face. I've been having problems with her and she's been bullying my 14 year old autistic son recently. She also thinks PT, OT, speech, food and social therapies are fake. She says OT is for getting jobs and PT has nothing to do with autism. She claims by putting my son in those are abusive and that he belongs in a mental facility while i belong in prison. She does not have aspergers. She has a mental disability but its not that. She claims aspergers on her behavior and claims at 29 she has a 10-12 year old mentality and its why she's like she is. Even a judge didnt buy it and she did jail time for the horrific thing she did to Rosie Marcel. Though instead of being remorseful she claims that Rosie having her arrested and putting a restraining order on her (that she broke the very day it was told to her) that she now suffers from ptsd and its Rosie Marcels fault. You should read this. www.google.com/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/rosie-marcel-holby-city-star-1368230.amp
Tara Ionescu ohhhhhh damn!!! That just says it all really. It’s disgusting what she has said about u and your son. She Is clearly the only one that needs to put in a mental facility around here and I’m not even saying that with horrible intentions, she actually needs help cuz it’s became apparent that no one she speaks to is safe from her ignorance and complete inability to sympathies or care. Both for her sake and everyone else’s she need serious help. If she does have a genuine disorder although it’s difficult to believe seeing as she consistently lies I feel bad for her and hope she get the help she needs however her actions towards others I cannot condone even with whatever possible disability she may have because if u are constantly putting people down and bullying people it doesn’t matter if u have a disability or not u are still hurting and negatively impacting that person. I hate that she’s spread so much negative but your son clearly has a strong mom that knows hers stuff defending and protect him. Thank u for sharing her information with me. I really appreciate it, I hope u and your family are well 💛💛💛
I have found after being diagnosed with asd (aspergers) as an adult female that social situations are so much easier after my diagnosis because I understand why I find it so hard to be around people or in a social place. I'm not trying to fit myself into social expectations anymore and so the pressure has halved immediately. I hope you come to accept and embrace the diagnosis in time. To quote Anne hegerty from I'm a celeb in 2018 “I don’t suffer Asperger’s, I suffer from idiots”.
looking at these comments makes me feel like I’m not alone. When I was told I was on the spectrum I felt like such a freak. Knowing there are other women like me is so comforting. Thank you for this video❤️
Well done Steph. It’s not easy, so many of us get a late diagnosis of autism. It was a massive relief to me to get answers for why I didn’t fit in growing up and I struggled so much in my 20s. Much love to you xxx
@@davidc3696 And that's ok. You are you and you are wonderful! I have a son with autism. He's 14 and says the same thing you did. You might not be good at social things, but you are good at other things. Be proud. You're great! ♥
You are absolutely bloody amazing. The amount of courage this takes to put out there online is huge and we are all so proud of you. You have an army of people backing you up❤️
I’m a preschool teacher, and the kids with autism are always my favorite !! They’re so lovely, and happy, and hyper.. they just make me want to take them home and keep em 😂😂❤️❤️ they require a little more instruction because if not helped they’ll just sit there.. working with kids and taking psychology in college I’ve been seeing it in kids in other classes... it’s not really a bad thing as I see... Ive been doing a lot of research lately so I can help my students more effectively see it in my self a little bit but I rather not know if I’m in the spectrum fr. But I love people and kids with autism maybe a little cause I relate a bit
What does the national curriculum actually teach then? I haven't been to college or uni and my mind works just fine, I'm just a regular guy, once upon a time there was a teacher looked about just left school, I asked for homework or my child, out of about 10 trays I said give me some of that, that, that, and some of them, she said he won't beable to do those sums as he's not old enough lmao oh ok then IL just walk away cus the teacher is a teacher working in a state school dumbing down my kid and she thinks I'm none the wiser, Jane Elliott-anti racism and education activist taught me alot along with John Taylor ghatto and Charlotte iserbyt on compulsory schooling, not being funny but a state institutions doesn't mean it's right, it's just wether shits on paper or not but just cus I have a different job doesn't mean one doesn't know anything or that they see it as if the system tells us what to think we must think that way, I garentee the average teacher would get sacked if they really knew what their job was to be teaching with disabilities or not, this video is jus a girl waffling on she's functioning well enough to play a part in indoctrinating you kids to grow up in n out of fucked up relationships, lmao anxiety tablets how many kids guna listen to her talking then go to a text book doctor, if she's a really good person then IL be waiting for her to expose her industry she's in
This really helped me realise what I’ve been going through thank you I related to you so much,, it’s helped me see my own reality that I was trying to avoid
I also have high functioning autism and a mum of 3. 2 of them are also on the spectrum. I was diagnosed at 34 🙄 Previously misdiagnosed with bipolar and fed all sorts of crazy meds which made me worse than better. I totally get the comfort you feel from finally piecing together your whole life and can now understand who you are and why you react or behave as you do.... And to tell yourself finally. Yes, it's OK. You're not broken or defective or less. The obstacles you've overcome to get to this point show you just how strong and worthy you really are. A few tweeks here and there, it's amazing to see just how much you can amount to. I've abused all sorts in my past just to get by. I also had a painkiller addiction as it numbed down the overwhelming pressures and anxiety. I'm so glad you've spoke up and so bravely too. A big inspiration to the asd community. It's nice to know someone else just gets it and to not feel so alien. Is noise your only sensitivity? I hate too much movement, smells, noise and lighting can give me excruciating migraines. Enjoy this time of self discovery and keep that beautiful smile. Ps a few jaffa cakes won't harm 😉
I commend you for being so open Steph. Following your journey over the years, I think our mental health problems are similar and it's very brave of you to speak so openly about how you're feeling. It's on thing that really helped me in my journey. Just know that you've got so much support behind you. 👌🏼🥰
I’ve watched how other people react, behave, talk and express when talking or their reactions to situations ever since I was little and copied which ones were the most socially acceptable and popular, I didn’t realise I did it until a year ago and I’m 35 it’s soooo draining masking and trying to understand what people mean when they say things and then remembering what I should say back and how to express my face and tone of voice, now I feel confused thinking I’m a bundle of a piece of everyone I’ve met (copying them) so who am I? Because I’m always using others sentences etc It’s so bizarre to go through life not having a CLUE that I may be autistic to then realising and accepting that I am and then thinking bk over the years of oh yeah that’s why I use to feel like that or do that. All the best on your journey you brave lady you, be easy on yourself
We finished our sons assesments in march when he was diagnosed with autism. Hes on the lower of the spectrum. He has Autism, SPD (sensory processing disorder) and GDD (global development delay). Luckily we got the diagnosis early and he now has all the help he needs in school. Hes such a clever, kind and beautiful boy! Nobody should be ashamed of having autism. As our son grows we will try to explain it to him when he can understand as his mental age is around 18months to 3 years although hes 4 and a half. Unless youve been diagnosed yourself, have an autistic person in your family or have a child with autism nobody truly understands the struggles. We found help on a fb group for those with autism. The smallest milestone for others is huge achievements for autistic people. You should be proud your talking about it!
@Nikki Bentley Is My Angel unless you know her personally you wouldnt know 🤷♀️ we just have to go by what she says. As a parent of a autistic child, i know alot of the ins and outs. I know full well females can mask alot better than males. My cousin being one of those... in her 30s and just being diagnosed herself. Its alot harder to diagnose in girls
@melodymoonx comments like her dont bother me. Ive had comments about my son not 'looking' autistic 🤦♀️ like autism has a specific look... its hard for people to understand when they dont know the process of it. Im proud of every single person who tries to raise awareness of autism.
After watching your vlog all I can say is that you described me complete. As a 43 year old I think I need to research High Functioning Autism more. Everything you described hit home!
Why are you lying? I believe you mischaracterise autism as advanced evolution. It's more of a cognitive impairment for the most part, with select few individuals benefitting from Savantism. I'm also Autistic; very often people mischaracterise Autism, which takes away from what we currently know about Autism and does nothing to challenge perceptions of Autism but instead create false perceptions of Autism.
@@user-ec9yu1ep2j I am not lying.. you are simply just basking in the zone of acceptance, what we "know" or what we have accepted?? Coz it seems like you've accepted that. Well I haven't.
@@user-ec9yu1ep2j the false perception of Austism is that its a disadvantage, yes it is...if not incontrol, autism can be helped if you have the correct people and surroundings..
Which comes back to the , its evolution, you have an advanced brain, you was not born to fit in(acceptance in society) but to stand out ( be the change) the more the brain knows the more likely of auto immune responses and also cognitive flutters..it has to be trained
@@PastPresentandFuture "Basking in the zone of acceptance" Can you specify on that? Your argument here is that Autism is an evolutionary advancement of human intellect. That is verifiably false.
Thank you so much for discussing and sharing this. Been watching hollyoaks since 2009 and and Over the Rainbow, I'm now almost 22 and just going through being diagnosed with high functioning autism. It's amazing to have someone I've seen in media for so many years share something like this X
I am a performer on the spectrum as well. Isn’t it strange how we can be so vulnerable on stage, in front of the camera, etc. while also finding it exceedingly difficult to be genuine in what we perceive to be abnormal. Thank you for making this video! You’re quite inspirational.
I relate to this so much, thank you for making this video. I get anxious over the most stupid and smallest things, and the best way I feel like i cope with them is try not to think about the situation to much just go with the flow....well as much as I can. And even walking to work, I find listening to music helps and just speaking to someone on the phone. I have something coming up soon which I'm incredibly nervous about, i feel sick to the ground but I'm trying to pretend it's not real and im going to be fine 🤷♀️. Can I just say how amazing you are and you are absolutely beautiful. You got this chick 💪 xx
I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life, I won’t go to weddings, party’s, I can’t process things (failed all my exams due to that), I can’t deal with noise and I avoid leaving my house as much as possible. Watching this has made me realise how much in common I have with you. I haven’t been diagnosed with autism or anything because u haven’t been tested but this is making me think I should be. Thank you for this video x love you in hollyoaks btw and getting to know you outside of tv is so nice ❤️
I myself suffer from anxiety badly it only come along 3 years ago when I lost my dad. Keep your chin up it’s all in the mind and it can effect us all I’m 6.1 /18 stone big old lump of a bloke but I still know the way anxiety can be crippling and can be a nightmare day by day. Good luck in your crusade to beat it and merry Christmas.
Thank you for sharing. I’ve recently discovered I have high functioning autism. Your description of not being able to process someone else’s emotions in a 1:1 situation describes my experience. It’s worried me for a very long time. I’m going to cut myself a break now. 😊
Aw, thank you for doing this. My son has been diagnosed with high functioning autism and adhd. He has a wonderful and unique personality, i love the way his brain works. It's lovely to hear your experiences. We all need better understanding of what is your norm. Why should we all have pressure to conform.
@Nikki Bentley Is My Angel - You are either a troll or uneducated. Of course high functioning autism is a real thing. Loads of academic literature is available on the topic. Do some research instead of spouting nonsense.
@Nikki Bentley Is My Angel how dare you say that? It is a real thing and as someone with it I find it so so offensive that someone would be so ignorant as to say that all people who have autism are just making it up.
Rosie Cooper this person has no life, they have been commenting that on all the comments about high functioning autism saying it Aspergers which btw Aspergers and high functioning autism are literally the same thing, Aspergers is just an older term for it that is now not the correct medical diagnosis anyways because, the correct diagnosis is autistic spectrum so this person has no point because they are wrong going by their own logic. Yes high functioning isn’t the medical diagnosis but neither is Aspergers anymore, I was diagnosed with autism that was called high functioning because that’s a more simple way of explaining it and understanding it. This person just wants to spread negativity, don’t listen to them. You do you Rosie, do t let anyone bring u down!!!
Thank you for this! I have an 8 year old daughter who is autistic. She is also “high functioning”. I struggle with this term as high functioning implies less struggles/impact on life. She barely leaves the house. She is currently out of school. She has mental health issues- anxiety -and at times she has been so sad she says she wants to die. It’s great to see you talking about your autism. it really helps and literally everything you say rings bells. My daughter loves animals/nature. The sensory issues are real!! She’ll only wear crocs and wears a dressing gown most of the day 🙂 We’re trying to build up to going out a little more - you give me hope that this is achievable. Thank you ❤️❤️
Hi Laura, my Son was diagnosed with adhd and is going through the autism assesment. He always says he wishes he was dead and constantly wears a dressing gown. Once he started second school he refused to go, or kept running off ( he as trouble with the uniform). Also going out of the house is never a easy task.on a lighter not it Sounds like dressing gowns rule x
Amy McLellan I agree I was also diagnosed at 30 , autism is missed in girls especially high functioning autism, some of my friends were surprised when I told them I had a form of autism called Aspergers they said “ But you’re so normal.” I also think low functioning autism is a bit easier to spot than high functioning autism but they don’t see how we struggle.
@FearnTuckerBentley And you don't have aspergers or autism. Which yes, ARE 2 TYPES ON A SPECTRUM. THEY ARE VERY VERY SIMILAR! You have no education on this or experience. You STFU already! You're just a sociopath going to autism videos and bullying people with autism. You should have learned your lesson after going to jail for what you did to Rosie Marcel! But you didnt! Leave people alone! Just because you live a miserable life doesn't mean you have to bully others who already have difficulties in life.
Thank you!!!! My daughter has autism and the more High profile people who come forward the more people will learn about this. I hope she grows up in a world that accepts who she is. Thank you Stephanie xxxxx
Stephanie I don’t know If you’ve actually see this comment but It seems like you’re hyper sensitive. You have heightened senses. You’re very much more aware of your surroundings/sounds/smells ect ... Don’t fight It or question It too much. A lot of the things you’ve said are very relatable which Is now making me have a good think. Before I go on holiday, I google earth the hotel ect about 20 times to get a feel for it ... I’m glad I clicked on this video
Wayne Lucas my mum has Aspergers and will not go on holiday without spending hours on end over weeks and weeks on planning and checking out the surroundings of where we are staying etc 🙄🙄tbh tho it does mean we quite often know exactly where we are going and makes the holiday less stressful!
I have high functioning autism too, hey girl! Be proud, and don’t be ashamed! So many girls get miss being diagnosed or not diagnosed, I worked with an autism charity for a while and did some media work on it. Most women who have autism are so good at masking the symptoms that it can hide under the radar for so long, but it explains a lot; when I get overwhelmed I go into a shutdown mode, get really low in mood etc. I am trying to still understand myself, I’ve just started working with a psychologist and I didn’t quite understand how much the autism affected me. I get exhausted really easily get headaches when I have had a really busy social day, and need to hibernate for days, weeks and even months to recouperate. I’m not good at groups or being in groups, and have felt odd the one left out and I couldn’t even fit into university so after two months I dropped out, I couldn’t manage the social side of it and felt so alone. I don’t have any friends because nobody quite understood me, and I got bullied really badly because I was seen as an outsider. I copied what other people do, and because of the autism it makes us better actors, I pick up people’s accents really quickly and start speaking as if I was them. I got obsessed with singing and have always had a passion for it, and also I have an obsession with Demi Lovato and her music. I struggle with travelling and I get lost so easily and then get upset and cry because I get lost and distressed and overwhelmed. If you’d like to chat dm me - it’d be nice to speak to someone also going through this process. X
Thank the lord I found you. It gives me hope that I can get through this, thank you for being a torch at the end of a tunnel that feels so dark & lonely
I was diagnosed in June 2019 after a serious of problems relating to Depression, Social Anxiety, Social Isolation and refusing to talk when I am around a lot of people. I have had meltdown upto 3 a day at one point. I had no idea until early 2018 that I was autistic I went through my life thinking I was a weirdo. A diagnosis helped me understand a lot of things about me. Tapping my foot is a method I use. Can relate a lot.
Can totally relate to noises sounding unbearably loud, especially in coffee shops etc... Also with social anxiety and generalised anxiety especially in busy places and like familiarity and hate going to new places. People keep telling me to take an online autism test and I am beginning to think myself that perhaps I am on the spectrum. I'm certainly different from other people of my age. Thank you so much for this honest video xx
Your so brave doing this video. I don't have autism but I suffer from anxiety and a couple things you have said I can relate too. Your doing yourself and caben proud...keep doing what your doing your amazing and such an inspiration 😊🙌
My daughters not even 3 yet and has been diagnosed with autism. She has ‘obvious’ signs but when she’s at nursery she masks so well so I have to keep at them to bear in mind that she does mask but she still struggles. My brother is high functioning and gets very little help because you can’t tell. High functioning diagnosis for children is gone now they don’t give you a level where I live. Due to the fact that people classed as high functioning are not getting the help they need. I also got given a separate leaflet for women and girls diagnosed as girls tend to mask more than boys, hence why boys are diagnosed are more than girls. Well done Stephanie for talking about this because I’m sure there are a lot of women and men who struggle with this. I will continue to make sure my daughter is given all the support she needs.
I can relate to this with social events. especially going to bars I will get myself that worked up over it that I won't go. I've cancelled so many plans in the past because I just can't cope with the feeling of panic. If I do go I have to google and check out the place then once inside know where the toilets & exits are then try to relax
Hi, I had been diagnosed with high functioning autism about two years ago. Many of what u said in this video is exactly what I have experienced since I was very young. It has always been both a blessing and a curse depending on the situation. I retained information very easily however struggling in unfamiliar situations like meeting or talking to new people because I don’t know what to say or how to say it and become very distracted. However most people I talk to would never realise that I have high functioning autism unless I tell them because I have become very good at covering it up, this is because when I was in year seven the kids my age where horrible to me because they were uneducated on conditions like autism and therefore just picked on the kid that didn’t fit in because it was easy and funny to them. This is why I think videos like this are so imperative, they bring awareness as well as help others not feel completely alone. The way I have been dealing with whenever I’m uncomfortable or distressed about the tiniest of things is I have a very set structure that I can rely on and I often try to put my self in new situations to I guess familiarise myself bit by bit, I do this because otherwise I would end up in a little isolated box where I would never do anything new. Although overall I appreciate my autism, it is a part of me that I will never be ashamed or embarrassed about. Knowing about my autism has helped massively in itself because I now know why I feel the way I do most of the time and therefore have become better at improving the more negative sides that come with autism.
Nikki Bentley Is My Angel can u elaborate please. Was just voicing my experience with my autism and expressing how I deal with it as it might be of some use to others. Each to their own of course and it’s totally fine to disagree with me but this is my experience with autism and my experience is obviously going to be different from others. That does not mean I’m wrong or a “liar”. Challenge my opinion that’s fine but don’t insult me because insults for no justifiable reason instantly take meaning away from your point. What do u disagree with? I will be more than happy to have a mature conversation about it without any petty insults.
Nikki Bentley Is My Angel I do get you in the sense that high functioning autism isn’t a official medical term however when I got my diagnosis it was described to me and obviously many others as high functioning because it isn’t as severe as we can speak, read, write, and handle basic life skills like eating and getting dressed, the term “High functioning” is a more simple way of describing this as I’m sure u know how large the spectrum is. To say it doesn’t exist doesn’t really make sense to me, a medical professional who has studied for many years told me my autism was high functioning. What qualifications do u have to say it doesn’t exist?? Like I said it is a descriptive term that helps people understand their autism. You an no one have the right to take that understanding away so please be more thoughtful when commenting on something you don’t know enough about.
Nikki Bentley Is My Angel like I have repeatedly said now it is a descriptive term. But btw Aspergers is no longer the correct medical term and is also not a diagnosis anymore it is now just a term just like high functioning autism, the term Aspergers just like the term high functioning are non medical terms for the autistic spectrum. Srry but if I’m dumb and a liar by your logic then so are u.Go read the autisticsociaty website, it will explain in much more detail.u are getting to triggered about this because obviously u would rather turn a positive message into something negative. I will not repeat myself again and will stop giving u the time of day because u are clearly not mature enough to have a decent conversation without petty name calling. I hope you’re day, week or year gets better because it mustn’t have been to great for u to feel like u have to troll people online and oh yeh Aspergers is an older term that is no longer used by medical professionals, the correct term is now the autistic spectrum. Clearly not the dumb one here. I won’t be replying to u again so bye hun, hope I don’t see ya around 😂😂👋👋
I've been diagnosed with aspergers even when I was a child but never got the right support through primary all the way up to college, I literally got no GCSE's and I was failing to attend my studies because of anxiety disorder aswell. I needed 1 to 1 but back then unless you was climbing on the tables or throwing stuff or being destructive you didn't get a referral to a school to properly help you. I do believe girls on the spectrum get overlooked 😔 The only thing I love and can actually focus on is singing and that's all I want to do. I find it so inspiring that you have made it far with acting and coping with autism ❤ being in the lime-light must be tough for being on the spectrum too
My husband was diagnosed over a year ago. It’s something we’re still trying to work out now. Some days can be an absolute struggle for him, but other days he’s on top of the world. We take the rough with the smooth but show the world we can make it through
Thank you for being so strong! I have struggled so much growing up and even now at 28 I've always felt I wasn't good enough and I don't belong. I've been on and off medication but now you've inspired me to really get help. My anxiety gets so bad at the silliest things like being in groups, seeing people that I know don't like me for me, going new places, driving places I don't know, things that people take for granted but I find them so so hard. What I find helps me is writing a diary as my head gets so jumbled up but writing it down makes me think straight. I also write a list of all the things I feel bad enough and then on the page next to it I would write the same amount or more of things I'm happy with or proud of. I am also a huge fan of writing lists, to-do lists, plans for the day. It helps to keep me grounded and not overthink things. Thank you so much for you video for saying that you are proud of who you are. It makes me want to try harder to believe that I do belong and I am worthy. Becca xxx
well done steph! i struggle with going to new places, going on a public transport when its busy and i also struggle with emotions i dont know how to tell people how i feel etc when im upset i dont cry infront of people.
I do too. So do all 3 of my kids. Believe me, I KNOW what you are talking about. I questioned you being in the spectrum a long time ago but didn't want to say anything. You are an Aspie like me and my kids! 😉😊😊🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️😘😘 Socially I really struggle with friendships. Depression? Don't even get me started. We have very similar lives. I'm 34 now and I'm still trying to figure myself out. ❤️❤️ Autism can be very isolating. I don't trust easily either. X
Well done to you for revealing you have Autism you are very brave and I admire your honesty with the struggles you have been through. My daughter Grace is 10 and has autism and she struggles with social situations, sensory and concentration issues. She is the most sweetest and caring child ever she is my world. She loves singing and dancing and not shy at all 🥰. I love Hollyoaks and the recent story you have just done you were amazing xx
We use headphones when is too much noise outside, and for new places firstly go with someone if not possible just Google an have someone who you can phone, Bless you Stephanie wishing you all the best wishes for your future Titch an Tan xx
This is such an honest and real video Steph. Well done for having the courage to talk about this. This goes to show, people hide the biggest battles and hide it well. And with you being a public figure, on a well known show like Hollyoaks, you become succumbed to putting on a facade, to the rest of the world and that becomes such a normal thing. Nevertheless as a supporter of you, I’m so proud of you. And I don’t have autism but I do have anxiety, you should feel okay to talk about your situation in a public scale. So much love for you right now. ♥️♥️
Recently diagnosed myself at 34, only sought a diagnosis whilst waiting for a referral for my eldest son who is 9. It’s great more people are “coming out” as autistic. It’s what we need for awareness and acceptance. Well done ♾
Stephanie Davis is one of the strongest, most iconic lady i've even seen on and off screen. Watching her on Hollyoaks portray the strong Sinead who overcomes harsh circumstances, then seeing her in real life as Stephanie going through similar circumstances but bring unable to just stop after a half hour is just mind blowing. She has gone through so much but has never stopped showing her true colours. I love the honesty Stephanie brings. Much love to her for all shes does in the coming years xx
Listening to you speak about it makes go “Me! 100% me!” Especially when it comes to routine and planning. I never realised it until I was about 21 and visiting family when my aunt and uncle wanted to pick me and my brother up at 08:00 from where we were staying to spend the day with them, I completely lost it because I had my routine in the morning from 07:00 - 09:00 (Wake-Up, Drink tea while reading/watching RUclips, shower, relax and read more, etc) and to have the idea of it being disrupted not due to my doing made me have a breakdown which my other aunt had to try calm me down from and I’m still like that to this day and I’m now 24. Since that flare up I thought “oh I’m fine I don’t have any form of autism or anything” BUT I just recently went on holiday with my partners family and weeks before the trip we had a plan but yet everyday I would wake up and say “Okay what are we doing?” To confirm the plan and after each thing I would ask what next to make sure it was exactly according to plan but again if the planned changed for the slightest reason I had a breakdown. So as I’m listening to you explain not just this point but most if not all of them I’m beginning to wonder why no one has diagnosed me yet or suspected it amongst my other diagnoses like OCD, ADHD, Anxiety, DID.
You should never be ashamed of having any type of mental health you should be proud of yourself for sharing your experience just don't set a high expectation for your self there is goals in life we all want to achieve baby steps one step at a time one day at a time and remember never try to deal with anything on your own it's ok to ask for help and support love you Stephanie xx
I hope u see this Steph. Can’t tell u how much this video has helped me come to the realisation about myself. I’ve gone through my whole life feeling there is something just not quite right like my life has always been a struggle. I’ve always called myself a die hard introvert, that I can adapt to others around me ( copying ), I have many ocds and extreme social anxiety among so many other things. I’ve thought I’ve had bpd, bipolar disorder trying to find what’s wrong with me but I’ve also hid all there feelings from everyone. My 2 children are diagnosed autistic and I can’t believe it but until this video I have NEVER made the connection with myself. I’m going to see the doctor and take it from there but just wanted to say thanks. I’m rewatching now from when you 1st posted and since then I actually feel better within myself, I’ve give myself the emotional break I’ve needed all my life, like a huge sigh of relief lol. I can’t explain that properly but it’s helped so much. Much love to u beautiful 💕 thank you
Hi Steph, wow this vlog will help loads of people with autism, ocd, and other social issues, you are an inspiration, to open up about your private life, my nephew has autism he goes to an austistic school, he's very loving but struggles with communication, he's quite high on the austistic spectrum, good on you 😊💖⭐️
Hi Stephanie. As a Mum of a 20 yr old Son who was diagnosed age 7 with Aspergers Syndrome I feel you on this. Firstly, well done on being brave enough to put this out there. I really hope this helps you and many others. You are you and you are unique. Give your Mum a big hug from me too. It's so easily done for our kids to slip under the radar for a years. So pleased you're getting some support and talking about this more. Sending lots of love from someone who knows your journey.
You don’t even realise how much this video has helped me!! My therapist had an idea I may also be struggling with this but I could never put it into words and you’ve just helped me be able to do this! Everything you’re saying is literally me! And I’m struggling with dealing with all of this currently, it’s sent me into a very dark place and this has defiantley lifted me knowing I’m not alone, hats off to you!!!💖
Well done Stephanie! No amount of press can destroy this unique blog. Keep talking about it! Autism and ADHD are really common yet severely misunderstood! You're not alone ❤❤❤
I was & have been feeling down alot these past 3 months, I've never watched any of your videos before, this is the first time coming across your youtube page, I also watched this from start till finish, & the last bit of what you was saying about living your life, laughter, made so much sense, made me feel so much better, actually crying now lol after that speech, litually thanks for that, every time I feel down, I'm gonna rewatch this video, be so proud of yourself, you really do have such a good heart, ❤️
Thanks for sharing an insight Steph really helpful to understand others but its strange on how many levels I can personally relate on almost everything you have mentioned how does one know to distinguish between autism and just being a result of the world around
Your so brave darling, the ocd is defo defo the reason you try to do something especially the cleaning all in one day! Ocd is awfull I can help if you ever need anything ❤️
I have been diagnosed with a lid tof mental health conditions but never autism. My son is autistic and I've never felt I relate more to someone than my own child. Your comment of feeling you're an alien and you wasn't meant to be here!! Omg. Have said this so many times in therapy. I'm certain I am autistic and knowing this has really helped me understand myself more. Thanks for sharing because as a woman in your industry its so much harder than for someone like me. X Feel like you've described me!!!
God bless you darling, my 13year old is severely autistic and non verbal, i do believe i have it too, I've never spoke to anyone about it but obviously with my son and his struggles with social anxiety has made me question my own struggles. I can't deal with public places and transport. It's really effected my life. Well done for talking about it and i wish you all the happiness in the world xxxx
Hi Steph, thank you for this.... my daughter has got Aspergers (high functioning Autism) Lots of what your saying is her. She copies of Girls her age (14) she doesn’t like to talk about it. So we don’t. We have learnt to adapt our whole house just for her. We have to eat the same meals each week, she has to have a certain knife & Fork. She has anxiety. She’s struggles socially. She does the same routine everyday and if it changes she can’t cope. She has OCD. She also had anorexia. I hope one day that she will be as open as you! Good Luck for the future. Just remember YOUR smashing this. Lots of Love 💕 xxx
Sharron Liddle Is there any chance it could be the tastes and textures of food that make her not like it so she eats less? Aspies can get misdiagnosed as having anorexia due to avoiding food because they can't handle certain types because of their sensory issues. It could be worth trying to ask her. Please understand i'm absolutely not trying to say she does not have anorexia, i just thought i'd mention it in case it hasn't crossed your mind.
Maz thank you for your reply... she was diagnosed with Anorexia a few years back, she was severely under weight. We have that under control now. They told us about 2 years ago that they thought she had Aspergers. They told us that girls often get Anorexia before they get diagnosed with Aspergers. She actually only got diagnosed in January this year. It took so long as the waiting list was a year long. My daughter definitely has an issue with tastes and textures, so I think that’s why she has the same thing. But that also has to do with her Aspergers as she has to have routine. As we’ve had this for years now, we’re just so used to it. She also eats just enough, won’t eat a big portion, if I put more in the plate than normal, she won’t eat anything, she’s funny about food touching each other. The list is endless, I just wish she would talk a loud it a bit more.... x
Sharron Liddle I'm glad you got it under control. Yeah, i'm in a waiting list, the Dr said it'd be at least 6 months, probably more before i get seen. The thing about her not liking food touching each other i never though of as being an Aspie thing, its interesting though as i've always separated foods such as bolognaise and spaghetti whereas everyone thinks i'm boring or weird for it. I guess the simplest way to try to get her to talk about it more would be basic questions like 'Do you like...?' Or 'what don't you like about....? There will be plenty if tips and ideas online about how to approach certain things and maybe things you haven't tried.
I was diagnosed this year. I'm 50. What that effectively means is that for all that time I, family and friends thought I was at best, awkward, but mostly obtuse, difficult, self-sabotaging, eccentric, attention-seeking, inconsiderate, uncommitted, lazy, intolerant....and the list goes on...I was constantly trying to squeeze myself into social norms with disastrous results. I found school excruciating, and university worse. At social gatherings I've hid under tables or in bathrooms, had too many meltdowns where I was as confused as those around me. I sold my soul to be accepted, but I was just 'different'. The dominoes I set up always fell, and projects were always difficult to finish. I could only success for a limited period before crashing. I am now crippled with low self-esteem. I wonder what life might have been like of I'd had the support when younger. Autism isn't the problem, not being diagnosed is. I'm so happy that children are being diagnosed so that, by understanding your reactions, you are not perceived as a problem. Love to all. ❤️
Takes a lot of courage to talk about it. Thank you for sharing. I too have High Functioning Autism. Embrace it. When I got diagnosed i was extremely relieved and cried my heart out. The diagnoses will bring you a lot of peace within yourself and you will hopefully start to embrace who you are. I can relate to a lot of what you're saying. We are not alone. All the best.
I know I'm late with a comment but the story that you told about being in the coffee shop really resonated with me. I'm also a high functioning autistic person and I find coffee shops to be a sensory nightmare.
My son has non verbal autism and I never knew how common it was until his diagnosis! Well done for speaking out! Autism isn’t a disability it’s a different ability🧩
Much admiration forand respect for you laydee, your courage and strength will help people just by making these videos. I see so much of myself in your fabulous Quirks. Don't ever let anyone dull your shine baby cakes. Big hugs xxxxxxxxxx
Wow, I apologise deeply for seeing stories and photos of you in the tabloids and making assumptions about you, this is video is heartfelt and without going into any details is something that has helped me massively. I wish you all the very best on your journey and thank you for sharing.
Well done for speaking out on this.. so many people feel they have to keep it too themselves and they really dont have to. So happy I came across this video xxxx
I watched you for years on Hollyoaks and always loved your character. Well done for opening up about this and mentioning mental health conditions. You're so brave and will no doubt help others.
Hi Steph thanks for making such an open and honest video. I got diagnosed as autistic with ADHD last year after a lifetime of struggling, and I also used alcohol as a coping mechanism. I'm still learning how to adapt to the diagnosis but I'm so glad that I was able to discover why I found so many things so difficult. It's difficult to be autistic in this world, but finding out and being able to find healthy ways to self-sooth has been good for me. As for dealing with noisy environments I have different strategies for different situations. I use small earplugs for shops, the cinema and other public places as they're pretty discreet, I also have noise cancelling headphones, and I've just started using my mp3 player with small noise cancelling earphones which gives me some control over the noise I use, and music helps me with focus. I also use my car which is helpful for getting around and blocking out noise. Mostly I tend to avoid busy noisy places if possible because I've learnt that too many different sounds, lights and other things are just to overstimulating for me and leave me totally depleted afterwards. I've learnt that autistic people experience elevated levels of fatigue so I'm trying to learn to manage my energy levels. Good luck to you you've been through some tough times, but it sounds like you've gained a huge amount of personal insight!
Nothing wrong with you sweetheart, it’s just this mad house we all live in, all that matters is what’s in your heart. Be you, tell the truth and put yourself first x
this video and comment section has me in tears bless you and I really wish you a stress-free life and I hope you find peace, your beautiful and you seem really down to earth and caring, if videos help you deal with it definitely carry on it’s nice to see how positive people can be and helping, lots of love from north east x
Well done for talking about Autism and raising awareness. I totally understand where you are coming from as my Dad has autism and he has ever since he was a child. Obviously mental health affects everyone differently but from my own experience and also my Dad's experience with mental health the best advice I can give you is to accept who you are and learn to love the person you are because those who are real in your life will love you no matter the issues you face. You need to be able to support someone at their worst in order to deserve them at their best and that's just the truth. You are amazing and I know you can be even greater but you need to put yourself first and stop letting other people bring you down because other people are irrelevant. ❤️
Steph you are an inspiration to me. I dont have autism but I have social anxiety problems. And the only way I can leave me home is either putting my headphones in and listen to music, or go out with someone I know and they keep me grounded whilst out and about.
Well done. I suffer with lupus, arthritis, osteoporosis and a whole load of other chronic pain disorders. (Yay...)
I also suffer with extreme anxiety and depression and after watching your video I absolutely can relate to so much of what you have spoken about.
I like how 'normal' you are. Your not acting it up or dressing it down. It's hard to describe your self never mind look into and recognise traits and actions that aren't the norm and/or what other people see as the norm.
Never mind beginning to analyse yourself. It's so confusing picking apart what makes you, you. And picking apart yourself into categories of normal or not. Adhd or not.
I hope I have explained that right.
After watching the video it has opened my eyes to other aspects of my mental health. Which I am going to look into.
I have a lot of traits of autism which is something I never thought I would have said about myself. Not that I am ashamed. But a lot of the aspects you have spoken about I also have the same traits.
I'm not saying I do or I don't but I think it's opened my eyes a bit more about myself. Don't be so hard on my self. I'm not (always) been awkward and odd. Makes me feel a bit more happy in my own head.
Thank you very much. I am glad you did this video.
It's very admirational (I don't even know if that is an actual word) 🤦♀️
Thanks again.
Klaire xxx
Unfortunately it's very common for people to fall under the radar. I spent my school years being the "odd" one, no one understood me, I didn't even understand me. My struggles manifested into other mental health problems. School were very unsupportive so in the end I left and gained absolutely no qualifications. It was only when my son started being assessed for autism that his psychologist picked up on mine, she advised I got myself assessed too. After going through alot of family history it was queried whether or not my dad had autism, he committed suicide when I was 9 so we'll never know. You're very brave doing this video, I haven't made it public knowledge about my own autism because I'm too scared to.. not really sure why. Well done!
Sorry for your loss with your dad:(++ and totally understand+
Bless you Chelsea! You keep being brave sister!
My story is relatively similar to yours. I was failed to be noticed by everyone and got diagnosed at 14
@@tallulahwring1678 Hey sister, just pray quietly to Jesus and he will help you. God bless you sister and I will pray for you😀👍🇦🇺🙏
@@growlerthunder5171 why do i need praying for!!!
Everything you said resonated with me from feeling like you have no identity, to feelings overwhelmed in social situations and preferring 1 to 1 interactions, feeling like you’re mimicking people/learning how to be human and feeling suicidal. I’ve always struggled with putting it into words/explaining what I’m dealing with and seeing you speak about this so openly honestly makes me feel really proud of you despite not knowing you personally, I know how hard it is to even understand what it is you’re feeling for yourself let alone explaining it to someone else so for you to do this is so incredibly brave and helpful to ppl experiencing the same thing! it gives me hope seeing that if you can live a fulfilling meaningful life and find joy in the small things so can I and everyone else struggling with this, thank you for sharing your experience and all the best (p.s. let us know if you find any good coping strategies lol)
Should be so proud of yourself! You’re raising so much awareness to this and it’s really going to be helpful for people who are struggling also
I watched this video 3 years ago when you first posted it and it sent me on my own journey. Now 3 years on I finally have an appointment for the beginning of my autism assessment. I have no doubt that this video changed my life. Thank you a thousand times over for sharing this.
Edit: 2023 I got my diagnosis!! Thank you for this video. It truly has changed my life.
My partner has high functioning autism and we have two children together, I have been researching into it and watching videos like yours to try and help me understand him better and things you struggle with he is exactly the same. I found this video very helpful so thank you for opening up Steph ❤️
Madison Brown have you seen the show the good doctor?
This is so lovely to hear. You’re a beautiful soul for doing everything you can. Thankyou. God bless you and your family.
FearnTuckerBentley whatever😂😂😂 good for u. Cuz you’ve met everyone on this planet with autism right 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️. Everyone is different, the autistic spectrum is huge and obviously u don’t really know that. Your comment is extremely ignorant and uneducated, seems to be a repeating theme with u. Hope u never have the pleasure of raising a child with autism after that comment. I’ve met people on the more serious side of the spectrum and on the less serious. The people I have met with autism have been a delight however a lot of society dont see the kind ,lovable and amazing side of them because many people with autism are taken for face value which is clearly what u are doing. I don’t particularly blame u for your ignorance, I more so blame our society as many are not educated about special needs all together. I have autism, I am going to uni this year after I finish my A-levels in which I am predicted great grades. But I don’t t know my own name right??? I have an amazing support system in both my friends and family, which btw at my prom I won both the nicest person in the year and most inspirational award but I must be ignorant and I u able to love right???? There’s definitely a lack of intelligence here but it’s not mine hahaha, remember telling me u had Aspergers....well I’m sorry to tell ya but that means you’re in the autistic spectrum, awwww so sorry your just one of us “who dont know their own name are ignorant and can’t love in return” you need to really start loving yourself a bit more because u clearly have a huge insecurity that you feel like u have to make up for by acting like a fool on the internet. Just expect you’re not right and move on. It’s okay to be wrong. I’m sure you’d probably be a much kinder person face to face, I mean I hope u are anyways u obviously don’t like to be proven wrong and that’s like whatever, no one is perfect it’s probably just something u need to work on a bit over time. I can admit myself that I am really stubborn which is something I need to work on as I grow however I will always defend those that are being discriminated against because of something they cannot control. I’m sure you’d do this for people u care about right so please just stop spreading hate because u literally have no evidence to. backup most of your points and just except you’re not always right, you’ll probably feel a lot better tbh. Anyways hope u understand where I’m coming from, I’m only trying to defend people and hopefully make them feel better about u telling them they are wrong, I’m not just going out my way to go after u, that’s not what I want, all I want is for u to be kind and more understanding.
@@mollyellen273 I agree with you, except she's not even a nice person face to face. I've been having problems with her and she's been bullying my 14 year old autistic son recently. She also thinks PT, OT, speech, food and social therapies are fake. She says OT is for getting jobs and PT has nothing to do with autism. She claims by putting my son in those are abusive and that he belongs in a mental facility while i belong in prison. She does not have aspergers. She has a mental disability but its not that. She claims aspergers on her behavior and claims at 29 she has a 10-12 year old mentality and its why she's like she is. Even a judge didnt buy it and she did jail time for the horrific thing she did to Rosie Marcel. Though instead of being remorseful she claims that Rosie having her arrested and putting a restraining order on her (that she broke the very day it was told to her) that she now suffers from ptsd and its Rosie Marcels fault. You should read this. www.google.com/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/rosie-marcel-holby-city-star-1368230.amp
Tara Ionescu ohhhhhh damn!!! That just says it all really. It’s disgusting what she has said about u and your son. She Is clearly the only one that needs to put in a mental facility around here and I’m not even saying that with horrible intentions, she actually needs help cuz it’s became apparent that no one she speaks to is safe from her ignorance and complete inability to sympathies or care. Both for her sake and everyone else’s she need serious help. If she does have a genuine disorder although it’s difficult to believe seeing as she consistently lies I feel bad for her and hope she get the help she needs however her actions towards others I cannot condone even with whatever possible disability she may have because if u are constantly putting people down and bullying people it doesn’t matter if u have a disability or not u are still hurting and negatively impacting that person. I hate that she’s spread so much negative but your son clearly has a strong mom that knows hers stuff defending and protect him. Thank u for sharing her information with me. I really appreciate it, I hope u and your family are well 💛💛💛
I watched this from start to finish and I just want to give you a massive cuddle. Well done darling your one amazing woman!
I have found after being diagnosed with asd (aspergers) as an adult female that social situations are so much easier after my diagnosis because I understand why I find it so hard to be around people or in a social place. I'm not trying to fit myself into social expectations anymore and so the pressure has halved immediately.
I hope you come to accept and embrace the diagnosis in time.
To quote Anne hegerty from I'm a celeb in 2018 “I don’t suffer Asperger’s, I suffer from idiots”.
@FearnTuckerBentley O I'm sorry I didn't realise you were in my appointment when I was diagnosed, how rude of me!
I was lucky in the respect my daughter got diagnosed with autism at an early age and she's now 19 well done on been so open about it
Karen lmao
So lucky
Thank you so much for sharing this❤️
looking at these comments makes me feel like I’m not alone. When I was told I was on the spectrum I felt like such a freak. Knowing there are other women like me is so comforting. Thank you for this video❤️
Nikki Bentley Is My Angel Who told you this? Autism is very real and there is a spectrum. Educate yourself
She’s been commenting on everyone’s and sending pm’s just ignore her , clearly she has issues.
We all fall somewhere on the spectrum.
Nikki Bentley Is My Angel yes there is everyone lays somewhere on it that’s why it’s called a spectrum.
Nikki Bentley Is My Angel are you ok mentally .
Well done Steph. It’s not easy, so many of us get a late diagnosis of autism. It was a massive relief to me to get answers for why I didn’t fit in growing up and I struggled so much in my 20s. Much love to you xxx
Ive got autism aswell, we are unique, we can acsess parts of our brain wich normal people cant, hope ur ok ❤️
But we’re not good on the social side and understanding people’s actions
@@davidc3696 And that's ok. You are you and you are wonderful! I have a son with autism. He's 14 and says the same thing you did. You might not be good at social things, but you are good at other things. Be proud. You're great! ♥
I have autism and your very brave to give the advice and your thoughts over how you feel and it's great you should be proud ❤
You are absolutely bloody amazing. The amount of courage this takes to put out there online is huge and we are all so proud of you. You have an army of people backing you up❤️
I’m a preschool teacher, and the kids with autism are always my favorite !! They’re so lovely, and happy, and hyper.. they just make me want to take them home and keep em 😂😂❤️❤️ they require a little more instruction because if not helped they’ll just sit there.. working with kids and taking psychology in college I’ve been seeing it in kids in other classes... it’s not really a bad thing as I see... Ive been doing a lot of research lately so I can help my students more effectively see it in my self a little bit but I rather not know if I’m in the spectrum fr. But I love people and kids with autism maybe a little cause I relate a bit
@kissesandavocuddles awww the description of autistic girls 😢😢
Tugged at my cold heart for some reason.
What does the national curriculum actually teach then? I haven't been to college or uni and my mind works just fine, I'm just a regular guy, once upon a time there was a teacher looked about just left school, I asked for homework or my child, out of about 10 trays I said give me some of that, that, that, and some of them, she said he won't beable to do those sums as he's not old enough lmao oh ok then IL just walk away cus the teacher is a teacher working in a state school dumbing down my kid and she thinks I'm none the wiser, Jane Elliott-anti racism and education activist taught me alot along with John Taylor ghatto and Charlotte iserbyt on compulsory schooling, not being funny but a state institutions doesn't mean it's right, it's just wether shits on paper or not but just cus I have a different job doesn't mean one doesn't know anything or that they see it as if the system tells us what to think we must think that way, I garentee the average teacher would get sacked if they really knew what their job was to be teaching with disabilities or not, this video is jus a girl waffling on she's functioning well enough to play a part in indoctrinating you kids to grow up in n out of fucked up relationships, lmao anxiety tablets how many kids guna listen to her talking then go to a text book doctor, if she's a really good person then IL be waiting for her to expose her industry she's in
This really helped me realise what I’ve been going through thank you I related to you so much,, it’s helped me see my own reality that I was trying to avoid
I also have high functioning autism and a mum of 3. 2 of them are also on the spectrum. I was diagnosed at 34 🙄 Previously misdiagnosed with bipolar and fed all sorts of crazy meds which made me worse than better. I totally get the comfort you feel from finally piecing together your whole life and can now understand who you are and why you react or behave as you do.... And to tell yourself finally. Yes, it's OK. You're not broken or defective or less. The obstacles you've overcome to get to this point show you just how strong and worthy you really are. A few tweeks here and there, it's amazing to see just how much you can amount to. I've abused all sorts in my past just to get by. I also had a painkiller addiction as it numbed down the overwhelming pressures and anxiety. I'm so glad you've spoke up and so bravely too. A big inspiration to the asd community. It's nice to know someone else just gets it and to not feel so alien. Is noise your only sensitivity? I hate too much movement, smells, noise and lighting can give me excruciating migraines. Enjoy this time of self discovery and keep that beautiful smile. Ps a few jaffa cakes won't harm 😉
I commend you for being so open Steph. Following your journey over the years, I think our mental health problems are similar and it's very brave of you to speak so openly about how you're feeling. It's on thing that really helped me in my journey. Just know that you've got so much support behind you. 👌🏼🥰
I’ve watched how other people react, behave, talk and express when talking or their reactions to situations ever since I was little and copied which ones were the most socially acceptable and popular, I didn’t realise I did it until a year ago and I’m 35 it’s soooo draining masking and trying to understand what people mean when they say things and then remembering what I should say back and how to express my face and tone of voice, now I feel confused thinking I’m a bundle of a piece of everyone I’ve met (copying them) so who am I? Because I’m always using others sentences etc It’s so bizarre to go through life not having a CLUE that I may be autistic to then realising and accepting that I am and then thinking bk over the years of oh yeah that’s why I use to feel like that or do that. All the best on your journey you brave lady you, be easy on yourself
We finished our sons assesments in march when he was diagnosed with autism. Hes on the lower of the spectrum. He has Autism, SPD (sensory processing disorder) and GDD (global development delay). Luckily we got the diagnosis early and he now has all the help he needs in school. Hes such a clever, kind and beautiful boy! Nobody should be ashamed of having autism. As our son grows we will try to explain it to him when he can understand as his mental age is around 18months to 3 years although hes 4 and a half.
Unless youve been diagnosed yourself, have an autistic person in your family or have a child with autism nobody truly understands the struggles.
We found help on a fb group for those with autism.
The smallest milestone for others is huge achievements for autistic people. You should be proud your talking about it!
@Nikki Bentley Is My Angel unless you know her personally you wouldnt know 🤷♀️ we just have to go by what she says.
As a parent of a autistic child, i know alot of the ins and outs. I know full well females can mask alot better than males. My cousin being one of those... in her 30s and just being diagnosed herself. Its alot harder to diagnose in girls
@melodymoonx comments like her dont bother me.
Ive had comments about my son not 'looking' autistic 🤦♀️ like autism has a specific look... its hard for people to understand when they dont know the process of it.
Im proud of every single person who tries to raise awareness of autism.
Thank you Stephanie for opening up to us! ❤️
After watching your vlog all I can say is that you described me complete. As a 43 year old I think I need to research High Functioning Autism more. Everything you described hit home!
It’s evolution, you have an advanced brain, you shouldn’t try to fit in, you was born to stand out!!
Why are you lying?
I believe you mischaracterise autism as advanced evolution. It's more of a cognitive impairment for the most part, with select few individuals benefitting from Savantism.
I'm also Autistic; very often people mischaracterise Autism, which takes away from what we currently know about Autism and does nothing to challenge perceptions of Autism but instead create false perceptions of Autism.
@@user-ec9yu1ep2j I am not lying.. you are simply just basking in the zone of acceptance, what we "know" or what we have accepted?? Coz it seems like you've accepted that. Well I haven't.
@@user-ec9yu1ep2j the false perception of Austism is that its a disadvantage, yes it is...if not incontrol, autism can be helped if you have the correct people and surroundings..
Which comes back to the , its evolution, you have an advanced brain, you was not born to fit in(acceptance in society) but to stand out ( be the change) the more the brain knows the more likely of auto immune responses and also cognitive flutters..it has to be trained
@@PastPresentandFuture "Basking in the zone of acceptance"
Can you specify on that?
Your argument here is that Autism is an evolutionary advancement of human intellect.
That is verifiably false.
Thank you so much for discussing and sharing this. Been watching hollyoaks since 2009 and and Over the Rainbow, I'm now almost 22 and just going through being diagnosed with high functioning autism. It's amazing to have someone I've seen in media for so many years share something like this X
I am a performer on the spectrum as well. Isn’t it strange how we can be so vulnerable on stage, in front of the camera, etc. while also finding it exceedingly difficult to be genuine in what we perceive to be abnormal. Thank you for making this video! You’re quite inspirational.
I relate to this so much, thank you for making this video. I get anxious over the most stupid and smallest things, and the best way I feel like i cope with them is try not to think about the situation to much just go with the flow....well as much as I can. And even walking to work, I find listening to music helps and just speaking to someone on the phone. I have something coming up soon which I'm incredibly nervous about, i feel sick to the ground but I'm trying to pretend it's not real and im going to be fine 🤷♀️. Can I just say how amazing you are and you are absolutely beautiful. You got this chick 💪 xx
Sammie Sweetie I DO THAT.
I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life, I won’t go to weddings, party’s, I can’t process things (failed all my exams due to that), I can’t deal with noise and I avoid leaving my house as much as possible. Watching this has made me realise how much in common I have with you. I haven’t been diagnosed with autism or anything because u haven’t been tested but this is making me think I should be. Thank you for this video x love you in hollyoaks btw and getting to know you outside of tv is so nice ❤️
I myself suffer from anxiety badly it only come along 3 years ago when I lost my dad.
Keep your chin up it’s all in the mind and it can effect us all I’m 6.1 /18 stone big old lump of a bloke but I still know the way anxiety can be crippling and can be a nightmare day by day. Good luck in your crusade to beat it and merry Christmas.
I’m so sorry got your loss🙏🏼Thank you merry Christmas
Thank you for sharing. I’ve recently discovered I have high functioning autism. Your description of not being able to process someone else’s emotions in a 1:1 situation describes my experience. It’s worried me for a very long time. I’m going to cut myself a break now. 😊
It took me a year to tell my family and even then was because I broke down, it's one of the hardest things I've ever done. Well done opening up.
You’re so lovely. What a beautiful person you are. Wishing you nothing but love.
Sending my love to you and all the ppl in the comments who are going through the same xxx
Iram Rahman good lad💙
Aw, thank you for doing this. My son has been diagnosed with high functioning autism and adhd. He has a wonderful and unique personality, i love the way his brain works. It's lovely to hear your experiences. We all need better understanding of what is your norm. Why should we all have pressure to conform.
@Nikki Bentley Is My Angel - You are either a troll or uneducated. Of course high functioning autism is a real thing. Loads of academic literature is available on the topic. Do some research instead of spouting nonsense.
She is commenting on lots of the comments and sending pm’s. just ignore her.
@Nikki Bentley Is My Angel twat
Thank you so much. I have high functioning autism and it made me really happy to see someone talking about it.
@Nikki Bentley Is My Angel how dare you say that? It is a real thing and as someone with it I find it so so offensive that someone would be so ignorant as to say that all people who have autism are just making it up.
Rosie Cooper this person has no life, they have been commenting that on all the comments about high functioning autism saying it Aspergers which btw Aspergers and high functioning autism are literally the same thing, Aspergers is just an older term for it that is now not the correct medical diagnosis anyways because, the correct diagnosis is autistic spectrum so this person has no point because they are wrong going by their own logic. Yes high functioning isn’t the medical diagnosis but neither is Aspergers anymore, I was diagnosed with autism that was called high functioning because that’s a more simple way of explaining it and understanding it. This person just wants to spread negativity, don’t listen to them. You do you Rosie, do t let anyone bring u down!!!
@@mollyellen273 thank you it's been rly stressing me out
Thank you for this! I have an 8 year old daughter who is autistic. She is also “high functioning”. I struggle with this term as high functioning implies less struggles/impact on life. She barely leaves the house. She is currently out of school. She has mental health issues- anxiety -and at times she has been so sad she says she wants to die. It’s great to see you talking about your autism. it really helps and literally everything you say rings bells. My daughter loves animals/nature. The sensory issues are real!! She’ll only wear crocs and wears a dressing gown most of the day 🙂
We’re trying to build up to going out a little more - you give me hope that this is achievable.
Thank you ❤️❤️
Hi Laura, my Son was diagnosed with adhd and is going through the autism assesment. He always says he wishes he was dead and constantly wears a dressing gown.
Once he started second school he refused to go, or kept running off ( he as trouble with the uniform).
Also going out of the house is never a easy task.on a lighter not it Sounds like dressing gowns rule x
Sheshell x Hi.. def dressing gowns rule🙂
I’ve not been fully diagnosed yet but everything you said is me!
shanice589 same
Me too :)
I got diagnosed earlier this year at 32 with aspergers! Also struggled with my mental health since being young, it's so missed in females!!
Amy McLellan I agree I was also diagnosed at 30 , autism is missed in girls especially high functioning autism, some of my friends were surprised when I told them I had a form of autism called Aspergers they said “ But you’re so normal.” I also think low functioning autism is a bit easier to spot than high functioning autism but they don’t see how we struggle.
@FearnTuckerBentley And you don't have aspergers or autism. Which yes, ARE 2 TYPES ON A SPECTRUM. THEY ARE VERY VERY SIMILAR! You have no education on this or experience. You STFU already! You're just a sociopath going to autism videos and bullying people with autism. You should have learned your lesson after going to jail for what you did to Rosie Marcel! But you didnt! Leave people alone! Just because you live a miserable life doesn't mean you have to bully others who already have difficulties in life.
Thank you!!!! My daughter has autism and the more
High profile people who come forward the more people will learn about this. I hope she grows up in a world that accepts who she is. Thank you Stephanie xxxxx
Stephanie I don’t know If you’ve actually see this comment but It seems like you’re hyper sensitive. You have heightened senses. You’re very much more aware of your surroundings/sounds/smells ect ... Don’t fight It or question It too much. A lot of the things you’ve said are very relatable which Is now making
me have a good think. Before I go on holiday, I google earth the hotel ect about 20 times to get a feel for it ... I’m glad I clicked on this video
Guido
Wayne Lucas my mum has Aspergers and will not go on holiday without spending hours on end over weeks and weeks on planning and checking out the surroundings of where we are staying etc 🙄🙄tbh tho it does mean we quite often know exactly where we are going and makes the holiday less stressful!
Wil Thomax ??
I think ur a lovely lady U can do it
I have high functioning autism too, hey girl! Be proud, and don’t be ashamed! So many girls get miss being diagnosed or not diagnosed, I worked with an autism charity for a while and did some media work on it. Most women who have autism are so good at masking the symptoms that it can hide under the radar for so long, but it explains a lot; when I get overwhelmed I go into a shutdown mode, get really low in mood etc. I am trying to still understand myself, I’ve just started working with a psychologist and I didn’t quite understand how much the autism affected me. I get exhausted really easily get headaches when I have had a really busy social day, and need to hibernate for days, weeks and even months to recouperate. I’m not good at groups or being in groups, and have felt odd the one left out and I couldn’t even fit into university so after two months I dropped out, I couldn’t manage the social side of it and felt so alone. I don’t have any friends because nobody quite understood me, and I got bullied really badly because I was seen as an outsider. I copied what other people do, and because of the autism it makes us better actors, I pick up people’s accents really quickly and start speaking as if I was them. I got obsessed with singing and have always had a passion for it, and also I have an obsession with Demi Lovato and her music. I struggle with travelling and I get lost so easily and then get upset and cry because I get lost and distressed and overwhelmed. If you’d like to chat dm me - it’d be nice to speak to someone also going through this process. X
Thank the lord I found you. It gives me hope that I can get through this, thank you for being a torch at the end of a tunnel that feels so dark & lonely
I was diagnosed in June 2019 after a serious of problems relating to Depression, Social Anxiety, Social Isolation and refusing to talk when I am around a lot of people. I have had meltdown upto 3 a day at one point. I had no idea until early 2018 that I was autistic I went through my life thinking I was a weirdo. A diagnosis helped me understand a lot of things about me. Tapping my foot is a method I use. Can relate a lot.
Can totally relate to noises sounding unbearably loud, especially in coffee shops etc... Also with social anxiety and generalised anxiety especially in busy places and like familiarity and hate going to new places. People keep telling me to take an online autism test and I am beginning to think myself that perhaps I am on the spectrum. I'm certainly different from other people of my age.
Thank you so much for this honest video xx
Your so brave doing this video. I don't have autism but I suffer from anxiety and a couple things you have said I can relate too. Your doing yourself and caben proud...keep doing what your doing your amazing and such an inspiration 😊🙌
Not copying but same I have anxiety
My daughters not even 3 yet and has been diagnosed with autism. She has ‘obvious’ signs but when she’s at nursery she masks so well so I have to keep at them to bear in mind that she does mask but she still struggles. My brother is high functioning and gets very little help because you can’t tell. High functioning diagnosis for children is gone now they don’t give you a level where I live. Due to the fact that people classed as high functioning are not getting the help they need. I also got given a separate leaflet for women and girls diagnosed as girls tend to mask more than boys, hence why boys are diagnosed are more than girls. Well done Stephanie for talking about this because I’m sure there are a lot of women and men who struggle with this. I will continue to make sure my daughter is given all the support she needs.
I'm actually about to send this video off to MY Mom. This sounds so, so familiar.
You're not alone. Thanks for sharing.
I can relate to this with social events. especially going to bars I will get myself that worked up over it that I won't go. I've cancelled so many plans in the past because I just can't cope with the feeling of panic. If I do go I have to google and check out the place then once inside know where the toilets & exits are then try to relax
Hi, I had been diagnosed with high functioning autism about two years ago. Many of what u said in this video is exactly what I have experienced since I was very young. It has always been both a blessing and a curse depending on the situation. I retained information very easily however struggling in unfamiliar situations like meeting or talking to new people because I don’t know what to say or how to say it and become very distracted. However most people I talk to would never realise that I have high functioning autism unless I tell them because I have become very good at covering it up, this is because when I was in year seven the kids my age where horrible to me because they were uneducated on conditions like autism and therefore just picked on the kid that didn’t fit in because it was easy and funny to them. This is why I think videos like this are so imperative, they bring awareness as well as help others not feel completely alone. The way I have been dealing with whenever I’m uncomfortable or distressed about the tiniest of things is I have a very set structure that I can rely on and I often try to put my self in new situations to I guess familiarise myself bit by bit, I do this because otherwise I would end up in a little isolated box where I would never do anything new. Although overall I appreciate my autism, it is a part of me that I will never be ashamed or embarrassed about. Knowing about my autism has helped massively in itself because I now know why I feel the way I do most of the time and therefore have become better at improving the more negative sides that come with autism.
Nikki Bentley Is My Angel can u elaborate please. Was just voicing my experience with my autism and expressing how I deal with it as it might be of some use to others. Each to their own of course and it’s totally fine to disagree with me but this is my experience with autism and my experience is obviously going to be different from others. That does not mean I’m wrong or a “liar”. Challenge my opinion that’s fine but don’t insult me because insults for no justifiable reason instantly take meaning away from your point. What do u disagree with? I will be more than happy to have a mature conversation about it without any petty insults.
Nikki Bentley Is My Angel I do get you in the sense that high functioning autism isn’t a official medical term however when I got my diagnosis it was described to me and obviously many others as high functioning because it isn’t as severe as we can speak, read, write, and handle basic life skills like eating and getting dressed, the term “High functioning” is a more simple way of describing this as I’m sure u know how large the spectrum is. To say it doesn’t exist doesn’t really make sense to me, a medical professional who has studied for many years told me my autism was high functioning. What qualifications do u have to say it doesn’t exist?? Like I said it is a descriptive term that helps people understand their autism. You an no one have the right to take that understanding away so please be more thoughtful when commenting on something you don’t know enough about.
Nikki Bentley Is My Angel like I have repeatedly said now it is a descriptive term. But btw Aspergers is no longer the correct medical term and is also not a diagnosis anymore it is now just a term just like high functioning autism, the term Aspergers just like the term high functioning are non medical terms for the autistic spectrum. Srry but if I’m dumb and a liar by your logic then so are u.Go read the autisticsociaty website, it will explain in much more detail.u are getting to triggered about this because obviously u would rather turn a positive message into something negative. I will not repeat myself again and will stop giving u the time of day because u are clearly not mature enough to have a decent conversation without petty name calling. I hope you’re day, week or year gets better because it mustn’t have been to great for u to feel like u have to troll people online and oh yeh Aspergers is an older term that is no longer used by medical professionals, the correct term is now the autistic spectrum. Clearly not the dumb one here. I won’t be replying to u again so bye hun, hope I don’t see ya around 😂😂👋👋
I've been diagnosed with aspergers even when I was a child but never got the right support through primary all the way up to college, I literally got no GCSE's and I was failing to attend my studies because of anxiety disorder aswell. I needed 1 to 1 but back then unless you was climbing on the tables or throwing stuff or being destructive you didn't get a referral to a school to properly help you. I do believe girls on the spectrum get overlooked 😔
The only thing I love and can actually focus on is singing and that's all I want to do. I find it so inspiring that you have made it far with acting and coping with autism ❤ being in the lime-light must be tough for being on the spectrum too
My husband was diagnosed over a year ago. It’s something we’re still trying to work out now. Some days can be an absolute struggle for him, but other days he’s on top of the world. We take the rough with the smooth but show the world we can make it through
Thank you for being so strong! I have struggled so much growing up and even now at 28 I've always felt I wasn't good enough and I don't belong. I've been on and off medication but now you've inspired me to really get help. My anxiety gets so bad at the silliest things like being in groups, seeing people that I know don't like me for me, going new places, driving places I don't know, things that people take for granted but I find them so so hard. What I find helps me is writing a diary as my head gets so jumbled up but writing it down makes me think straight. I also write a list of all the things I feel bad enough and then on the page next to it I would write the same amount or more of things I'm happy with or proud of. I am also a huge fan of writing lists, to-do lists, plans for the day. It helps to keep me grounded and not overthink things. Thank you so much for you video for saying that you are proud of who you are. It makes me want to try harder to believe that I do belong and I am worthy. Becca xxx
I think this is amazing you speaking like this my daughter has same an I have social anxiety your so fab for being honest girlie xxx
well done steph! i struggle with going to new places, going on a public transport when its busy and i also struggle with emotions i dont know how to tell people how i feel etc when im upset i dont cry infront of people.
I do too. So do all 3 of my kids. Believe me, I KNOW what you are talking about. I questioned you being in the spectrum a long time ago but didn't want to say anything. You are an Aspie like me and my kids! 😉😊😊🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️😘😘 Socially I really struggle with friendships. Depression? Don't even get me started. We have very similar lives. I'm 34 now and I'm still trying to figure myself out. ❤️❤️ Autism can be very isolating. I don't trust easily either. X
I got diagnosed a few years ago, I’m 24 now and still tryna figure this all out, social exhaustion is real
Well done to you for revealing you have Autism you are very brave and I admire your honesty with the struggles you have been through. My daughter Grace is 10 and has autism and she struggles with social situations, sensory and concentration issues. She is the most sweetest and caring child ever she is my world. She loves singing and dancing and not shy at all 🥰. I love Hollyoaks and the recent story you have just done you were amazing xx
We use headphones when is too much noise outside, and for new places firstly go with someone if not possible just Google an have someone who you can phone, Bless you Stephanie wishing you all the best wishes for your future Titch an Tan xx
This is such an honest and real video Steph. Well done for having the courage to talk about this. This goes to show, people hide the biggest battles and hide it well. And with you being a public figure, on a well known show like Hollyoaks, you become succumbed to putting on a facade, to the rest of the world and that becomes such a normal thing.
Nevertheless as a supporter of you, I’m so proud of you. And I don’t have autism but I do have anxiety, you should feel okay to talk about your situation in a public scale.
So much love for you right now. ♥️♥️
Recently diagnosed myself at 34, only sought a diagnosis whilst waiting for a referral for my eldest son who is 9. It’s great more people are “coming out” as autistic. It’s what we need for awareness and acceptance. Well done ♾
Well done for doing this Steph, very brave, my son is autistic 💙 x
Stephanie Davis is one of the strongest, most iconic lady i've even seen on and off screen. Watching her on Hollyoaks portray the strong Sinead who overcomes harsh circumstances, then seeing her in real life as Stephanie going through similar circumstances but bring unable to just stop after a half hour is just mind blowing. She has gone through so much but has never stopped showing her true colours. I love the honesty Stephanie brings. Much love to her for all shes does in the coming years xx
Omg that Santa doll thing terrified me when I realised it was there...
Just Using how did u miss it
I know so scary
Same
U are a lovely funny person be happy u go girl don’t be bothered about anyone else xxx
Listening to you speak about it makes go “Me! 100% me!” Especially when it comes to routine and planning. I never realised it until I was about 21 and visiting family when my aunt and uncle wanted to pick me and my brother up at 08:00 from where we were staying to spend the day with them, I completely lost it because I had my routine in the morning from 07:00 - 09:00 (Wake-Up, Drink tea while reading/watching RUclips, shower, relax and read more, etc) and to have the idea of it being disrupted not due to my doing made me have a breakdown which my other aunt had to try calm me down from and I’m still like that to this day and I’m now 24.
Since that flare up I thought “oh I’m fine I don’t have any form of autism or anything”
BUT
I just recently went on holiday with my partners family and weeks before the trip we had a plan but yet everyday I would wake up and say “Okay what are we doing?” To confirm the plan and after each thing I would ask what next to make sure it was exactly according to plan but again if the planned changed for the slightest reason I had a breakdown.
So as I’m listening to you explain not just this point but most if not all of them I’m beginning to wonder why no one has diagnosed me yet or suspected it amongst my other diagnoses like OCD, ADHD, Anxiety, DID.
You're so raw and just genuine and real you should be proud of yourself 💜💜💜💜
You should never be ashamed of having any type of mental health you should be proud of yourself for sharing your experience just don't set a high expectation for your self there is goals in life we all want to achieve baby steps one step at a time one day at a time and remember never try to deal with anything on your own it's ok to ask for help and support love you Stephanie xx
I hope u see this Steph. Can’t tell u how much this video has helped me come to the realisation about myself. I’ve gone through my whole life feeling there is something just not quite right like my life has always been a struggle. I’ve always called myself a die hard introvert, that I can adapt to others around me ( copying ), I have many ocds and extreme social anxiety among so many other things. I’ve thought I’ve had bpd, bipolar disorder trying to find what’s wrong with me but I’ve also hid all there feelings from everyone. My 2 children are diagnosed autistic and I can’t believe it but until this video I have NEVER made the connection with myself. I’m going to see the doctor and take it from there but just wanted to say thanks. I’m rewatching now from when you 1st posted and since then I actually feel better within myself, I’ve give myself the emotional break I’ve needed all my life, like a huge sigh of relief lol. I can’t explain that properly but it’s helped so much. Much love to u beautiful 💕 thank you
its absolutely incredible that you had the courage to share this, lots of love 💕💕
You're just you, whatever what you're diagnosed with. You are beautiful 🤗
Hi Steph, wow this vlog will help loads of people with autism, ocd, and other social issues, you are an inspiration, to open up about your private life, my nephew has autism he goes to an austistic school, he's very loving but struggles with communication, he's quite high on the austistic spectrum, good on you 😊💖⭐️
Thank you for doing this video, it helped me. I have been through a few similar things to you but i dont have autism. You were so brave to do that x
Hi Stephanie. As a Mum of a 20 yr old Son who was diagnosed age 7 with Aspergers Syndrome I feel you on this. Firstly, well done on being brave enough to put this out there. I really hope this helps you and many others. You are you and you are unique. Give your Mum a big hug from me too. It's so easily done for our kids to slip under the radar for a years. So pleased you're getting some support and talking about this more. Sending lots of love from someone who knows your journey.
You don’t even realise how much this video has helped me!! My therapist had an idea I may also be struggling with this but I could never put it into words and you’ve just helped me be able to do this! Everything you’re saying is literally me! And I’m struggling with dealing with all of this currently, it’s sent me into a very dark place and this has defiantley lifted me knowing I’m not alone, hats off to you!!!💖
Well done Stephanie! No amount of press can destroy this unique blog. Keep talking about it! Autism and ADHD are really common yet severely misunderstood! You're not alone ❤❤❤
I was & have been feeling down alot these past 3 months, I've never watched any of your videos before, this is the first time coming across your youtube page, I also watched this from start till finish, & the last bit of what you was saying about living your life, laughter, made so much sense, made me feel so much better, actually crying now lol after that speech, litually thanks for that, every time I feel down, I'm gonna rewatch this video, be so proud of yourself, you really do have such a good heart, ❤️
Thanks for sharing an insight Steph really helpful to understand others but its strange on how many levels I can personally relate on almost everything you have mentioned how does one know to distinguish between autism and just being a result of the world around
Keep on smiling Steph. Applaud you for your honesty x
Your so brave darling, the ocd is defo defo the reason you try to do something especially the cleaning all in one day! Ocd is awfull I can help if you ever need anything ❤️
I have been diagnosed with a lid tof mental health conditions but never autism. My son is autistic and I've never felt I relate more to someone than my own child. Your comment of feeling you're an alien and you wasn't meant to be here!! Omg. Have said this so many times in therapy. I'm certain I am autistic and knowing this has really helped me understand myself more. Thanks for sharing because as a woman in your industry its so much harder than for someone like me. X
Feel like you've described me!!!
God bless you darling, my 13year old is severely autistic and non verbal, i do believe i have it too, I've never spoke to anyone about it but obviously with my son and his struggles with social anxiety has made me question my own struggles. I can't deal with public places and transport. It's really effected my life. Well done for talking about it and i wish you all the happiness in the world xxxx
Hi Steph, thank you for this.... my daughter has got Aspergers (high functioning Autism) Lots of what your saying is her. She copies of Girls her age (14) she doesn’t like to talk about it. So we don’t. We have learnt to adapt our whole house just for her. We have to eat the same meals each week, she has to have a certain knife & Fork. She has anxiety. She’s struggles socially. She does the same routine everyday and if it changes she can’t cope. She has OCD. She also had anorexia. I hope one day that she will be as open as you! Good Luck for the future. Just remember YOUR smashing this. Lots of Love 💕 xxx
Sharron Liddle
Is there any chance it could be the tastes and textures of food that make her not like it so she eats less?
Aspies can get misdiagnosed as having anorexia due to avoiding food because they can't handle certain types because of their sensory issues.
It could be worth trying to ask her.
Please understand i'm absolutely not trying to say she does not have anorexia, i just thought i'd mention it in case it hasn't crossed your mind.
Maz thank you for your reply... she was diagnosed with Anorexia a few years back, she was severely under weight. We have that under control now. They told us about 2 years ago that they thought she had Aspergers. They told us that girls often get Anorexia before they get diagnosed with Aspergers. She actually only got diagnosed in January this year. It took so long as the waiting list was a year long. My daughter definitely has an issue with tastes and textures, so I think that’s why she has the same thing. But that also has to do with her Aspergers as she has to have routine. As we’ve had this for years now, we’re just so used to it. She also eats just enough, won’t eat a big portion, if I put more in the plate than normal, she won’t eat anything, she’s funny about food touching each other. The list is endless, I just wish she would talk a loud it a bit more.... x
Sharron Liddle
I'm glad you got it under control.
Yeah, i'm in a waiting list, the Dr said it'd be at least 6 months, probably more before i get seen.
The thing about her not liking food touching each other i never though of as being an Aspie thing, its interesting though as i've always separated foods such as bolognaise and spaghetti whereas everyone thinks i'm boring or weird for it.
I guess the simplest way to try to get her to talk about it more would be basic questions like 'Do you like...?' Or 'what don't you like about....?
There will be plenty if tips and ideas online about how to approach certain things and maybe things you haven't tried.
I was diagnosed this year. I'm 50. What that effectively means is that for all that time I, family and friends thought I was at best, awkward, but mostly obtuse, difficult, self-sabotaging, eccentric, attention-seeking, inconsiderate, uncommitted, lazy, intolerant....and the list goes on...I was constantly trying to squeeze myself into social norms with disastrous results. I found school excruciating, and university worse. At social gatherings I've hid under tables or in bathrooms, had too many meltdowns where I was as confused as those around me. I sold my soul to be accepted, but I was just 'different'. The dominoes I set up always fell, and projects were always difficult to finish. I could only success for a limited period before crashing. I am now crippled with low self-esteem. I wonder what life might have been like of I'd had the support when younger. Autism isn't the problem, not being diagnosed is. I'm so happy that children are being diagnosed so that, by understanding your reactions, you are not perceived as a problem. Love to all. ❤️
Takes a lot of courage to talk about it. Thank you for sharing. I too have High Functioning Autism. Embrace it. When I got diagnosed i was extremely relieved and cried my heart out. The diagnoses will bring you a lot of peace within yourself and you will hopefully start to embrace who you are. I can relate to a lot of what you're saying. We are not alone. All the best.
Love you steph ❤️ remind me so much of myself. Thank you for doing this x
I know I'm late with a comment but the story that you told about being in the coffee shop really resonated with me. I'm also a high functioning autistic person and I find coffee shops to be a sensory nightmare.
My son has non verbal autism and I never knew how common it was until his diagnosis! Well done for speaking out! Autism isn’t a disability it’s a different ability🧩
Much admiration forand respect for you laydee, your courage and strength will help people just by making these videos. I see so much of myself in your fabulous Quirks. Don't ever let anyone dull your shine baby cakes. Big hugs xxxxxxxxxx
I have ADHD and i can relate so much with what you are saying....
Wow, I apologise deeply for seeing stories and photos of you in the tabloids and making assumptions about you, this is video is heartfelt and without going into any details is something that has helped me massively. I wish you all the very best on your journey and thank you for sharing.
Absolutely loved this vlog, so raw and so honest, it was s lovely to see the real you. Please keep vlogging, your so brave and inspirational xxx
Well done for speaking out on this.. so many people feel they have to keep it too themselves and they really dont have to. So happy I came across this video xxxx
I watched you for years on Hollyoaks and always loved your character. Well done for opening up about this and mentioning mental health conditions. You're so brave and will no doubt help others.
I get what you mean about feeling like an alien.
Plain and simple - you’re amazing Steph 💖
Hi Steph thanks for making such an open and honest video. I got diagnosed as autistic with ADHD last year after a lifetime of struggling, and I also used alcohol as a coping mechanism. I'm still learning how to adapt to the diagnosis but I'm so glad that I was able to discover why I found so many things so difficult. It's difficult to be autistic in this world, but finding out and being able to find healthy ways to self-sooth has been good for me.
As for dealing with noisy environments I have different strategies for different situations. I use small earplugs for shops, the cinema and other public places as they're pretty discreet, I also have noise cancelling headphones, and I've just started using my mp3 player with small noise cancelling earphones which gives me some control over the noise I use, and music helps me with focus. I also use my car which is helpful for getting around and blocking out noise.
Mostly I tend to avoid busy noisy places if possible because I've learnt that too many different sounds, lights and other things are just to overstimulating for me and leave me totally depleted afterwards. I've learnt that autistic people experience elevated levels of fatigue so I'm trying to learn to manage my energy levels.
Good luck to you you've been through some tough times, but it sounds like you've gained a huge amount of personal insight!
Nothing wrong with you sweetheart, it’s just this mad house we all live in, all that matters is what’s in your heart. Be you, tell the truth and put yourself first x
this video and comment section has me in tears bless you and I really wish you a stress-free life and I hope you find peace, your beautiful and you seem really down to earth and caring, if videos help you deal with it definitely carry on it’s nice to see how positive people can be and helping, lots of love from north east x
I love how genuine and real you are. Xx
Well done for talking about Autism and raising awareness. I totally understand where you are coming from as my Dad has autism and he has ever since he was a child. Obviously mental health affects everyone differently but from my own experience and also my Dad's experience with mental health the best advice I can give you is to accept who you are and learn to love the person you are because those who are real in your life will love you no matter the issues you face. You need to be able to support someone at their worst in order to deserve them at their best and that's just the truth. You are amazing and I know you can be even greater but you need to put yourself first and stop letting other people bring you down because other people are irrelevant. ❤️