Am I Autistic? (VLOG)
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- Опубликовано: 1 июн 2024
- If you have some time to spare, have a listen to something important I've been wrestling with this year. This is a video I've wanted to make for a few months, but I was far too busy with Virtual Choir #15 and all my other responsibilities. The answer isn't straightforward, so I hope you'll forgive me for the long running time!
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Welcome to the tribe. We're always glad for new members. The biggest asset of figuring out I was autistic for me was finding my people, and finding out that who and what I am is part of God's design for me. I'm not broken--I'm just neurodivergent. God made me this way, and He doesn't make mistakes. I hope you'll be able to find the freedom I have in this area.
Agreed!
As your mother, I am very proud of you. Your childhood and teen years were not easy - the traits were much stronger then, and you had to endure a lot of “social training”, but you have come a long way in overcoming some of your challenges. And being identified as a gifted child by the educational system just added to the challenges.
I know you really hated it when I suggested you had strong Asperger traits, (and knowing how much autism there is within the extended family) but what I see in this video is a greater peace in you than what I have ever seen in your life. You will now understand yourself better, can accept yourself for who you are, and move forward with new understanding. And I feel vindicated, lol - just kidding!
I believe Theon will do well, first of all because he is brilliant, but secondly, he has you to help him understand things. God has been with you through all the difficulties, and He has blessed you; and I believe the same for Theon.
Wow, how wonderful to hear from David's Mom! David is a very special young man, I am so blessed to have stumbled upon his videos. His music ministry is so powerful and the perfection of his singing and instrumentation is super amazing! Only a person this gifted can produce such perfect music. What a blessing to the world!
The current trend in medicine is "diagnosis and treatment", as you as a medical professional know very well. So psychologists are always ready to apply a label. All I can say to you is never, ever doubt who you are or who God made you to be, or your children. You have been for me over the last eight years a constant worship leader and one who always leads me to the throne of grace. During the darkest days of my life when I prayed every night to not have to see another day, I listened to you every night reminding me how great the Father's love for us is. And your influence/encouragement has only grown more over the years. God is using you in ways you can not imagine.
Much appreciated. Let’s not totally discount these labels, especially if they get people the help they need.
I am halfway through your video, David. I will return to it once I've made my comment. I think your autism has been a gift to you and a gift to us. I am an introvert. I went from a medium introvert to a raging introvert (a bit hyperbolic but Oh Well) because of the pandemic. I feel so lucky to be free from 70+ years of easily understanding others but rarely being understood. I listened to your descriptions of all the possible attributes of the autism spectrum. Nope. Not me. Certain intelligent, creative people can be hard for those whose train of thought follows the same track and whose life chugs along in predictable ways. You are a gift. I am a gift. Cheers.
AMEN! 😀
Thank you for your openness. I do encourage you to get an official diagnosis. I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age 58. I find that most people have outdated assumptions on these things so it is not very helpful to tell others, but it is immensely helpful to be aware of my own tendencies and how I need to adapt to others (or when I should not).
I have family members who are Autistic (Aspergers, IMHO) and others who are ADHD, and many who are both. We are all intensely musical.😊 The ability to tolerate chaos (in music and in life) is a characteristic of ADHD, which coexists happily with Autism in many people. Don't get caught up in stereotypes, every person is unique, with or without Autism. Your own particular constellation of traits is unique and perfectly suitable to the good works that have been prepared in advance for you to do.
Go and do. Excel. Thrive. Glorify God.
We have experienced the same thing, regarding the music, in our family, with a lot of members who have similar symptoms. I agree with your closing sentences. 😀
Thank you for trusting us enough to share your story and journey so far. I work with autistic kiddos in schools as a 1:1 instructional assistant. Aside from their blunt honesty (which we all need from time to time, I believe), they have some of the biggest hearts and are capable of so much. They teach me as much as I teach them.
I have listened to your music for years and have some of your songs as shortcuts for my daily worship time. The title to this video caught my eye so I watched it out of curiosity. I was surprised to realize that as you were running through your list of characteristics, that I have some of them. Not on an extreme level, but they are there to some degree. I reflected on my school years and realized, that as you said about yourself, that if some of my limitations had been recognized I would have struggled less. I believe the Lord led me to find out this information about myself as an encouragement. Thanks so much for your thorough and thoughtful explanation.
Well articulated! Your gifts and characteristics make you an incredible blessing to others. Love to hear of your nursing experiences. (From a semi retired Instructor of Nursing ☺️!) And your gifts of music and technology are exceptional!
2 brothers with autism here 😊 one focused on trains and one on dinosaurs but both focused on the Lord and giving Him all the glory! 🤗
Thanks for sharing and God be with you,
Archie
Hi David,
Thanks for sharing your ASD traits. Since stumbling on you pre-COVID and my active contribution to your biggest VC 6 (The Solid Rock), I have been following your journey closely and thank God for your life. I am a psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have been immersed in mental health for almost 30 years and started running my private psychiatric clinic here in Australia over the last 18 months (post getting my licence to diagnose, prescribe and treat). It is INSANE how much we don't know about neurodiversity and my own experience in practice has opened my eyes to the severity of Adult ADHD out here. The unfortunate fact, is that most people were NOT DIAGNOSED at all. Guess what? The idea was that children would eventually grow out of it. Since starting my private clinic, over 180 people are receiving treatment from the clinic for Adult ADHD. The amount of people with ASD that can't access treatment is heart breaking. ASD/ADHD has been underestimated for so long, that it is even looked down on by medical experts, who rate depression, anxiety, bipolar as the REAL disorders. Hahaha! What I found is, ASD/ADHD is never alone. It is often travelling with these REAL disorders and the giveaway is when someone who is supposedly diagnosed with depression is not responding to various types of antidepressants! What that tells me is neurodiversity. Think of a trampoline. Kids jumping on a trampoline. Often times in psychiatry, we focus on the kids flying high from the trampoline and attempt to treat those visible jumping problems. But the main issue is the LEVERAGE, giving those jumping kids the base to jump. Often times, the ROOT CAUSE is the base. The trampoline itself. And often times, it is ASD/ADHD that needs to be addressed first. This is what I have learnt. Post-COVID, opened things up. Eyes became opened. Now I have to find a way to manage my growing clinic. But I am glad I am able to help out in my own little way.
Awesome. Thanks for the professional insight.
Really appreciate this, especially the part about being musically inclined and not wanting to come across as snobbish
Look at what wonderful things you have accomplished! God has blessed you with so many talents. I don’t know you personally, but I see and hear what you have done. I know you have touched so many lives just from your songs/videos. Every one has touched my heart. They provide peace. You are a great example for those wanting to serve the lord.
David, I have not experienced this 1st hand. However, I can say this... you have a skill level not many can achieve and I follow your page because of the awesome music you produce. So, all I can say is thank you for sharing who you are and thank you for the music ... IM STILL WATCHING! Sing on brother
Nice, I found this out about myself a year ago around this time. It doesn't define me, as others try to argue, instead I now feel comfortable with myself and who I am when before I just thought I was weird.
We can still be weird too!🤣
@@DavidWesley Yes, I probably still am, but really "weird" is a term people use when they don't know how else to classify you. But it doesn't have to be a bad thing either 😃
Change weird to unique. My son is austic. I don't see weird as a negative word, but unique is a better way to describe it. 👍
@@davidt01 Agreed.
The ADHD part of me allows me to thrive in chaos
SAME! I am AuDHD!
Dear David, .... kudos to you foe even considering doing a video on this issue!! You are a gifted/talented and professional singer/musician.... and maybe your giftedness in music has something to do with the possibility of your being autistic!!.... However, even if you had never decided to do this video!! You are an amazing , talented man!! No matter what!! ❤
You are amazing, David! I'm so grateful for you! God bless yo< and your family. Jane❤🙏☺️ Thank you for sharing your gifts with us! Love from SC Jane
This was so insightful. Diagnosis or not one thing I do know for sure is that you are gifted. Prayers going up for you, Theon and the rest of the family. Much love...🥰
Thank you for speaking on this topic and being open with us!! As a gymnastics coach/teacher (while I don't like labels and boxes for people) it has been helpful when parents are open about their children's behavioural and intellectual challenges. It helps me remember that not everyone thinks or learns the same way and and gives me more options in my toolbox to better suit the group I have in that moment. I have found that the teaching methods that help those with ASD are just as beneficial for 'mainstream' kids too.
My older brother is undiagnosed but very clearly on the Aspie end of the spectrum. I know that's not the PC term anymore, but it's the fastest way to describe him. He grew up in that time when parents and society were definitely anti-anything to do with autism and Mum often needs the gentle reminder that he might have learned better coping strategies, if he'd been diagnosed early. He's happy with his life, owns his own home and goes to church and has hobbies, but he's definitely spoiled as it's easier to cave to his routines than to try and change him.
We love him and he's definitely dependable when it comes to practical problems, especially now that Dad is in care with Alzheimer's.
As a mum of 3 kids on the ASC spectrum (from ‘severe’ to ‘high functioning’) I loved this before watching!! And what you said about your son Theon 👌🏾
We are all fearfully and wonderfully made! You certainly are - so talented and a blessing😊
Thank you and God bless you for sharing. 🙏🏾
I will diagnosis you as being a blessing to people and a servant of God, and likely a good dad and husband too. I am not sure the label of autism helps. Maybe a different way of processing things is a kind of a form of genius too. God bless you, your son, and your family, and all that you do.
Thank you for sharing your story and struggles! I'm working through a similar situation myself and it can be frustrating. I don't care about a particular label, but if a diagnosis can help me understand and manage my life in a more thoughtful, God-honoring way, it might be worth the discomfort.
I was officially diagnosed as autistic in July 2020. The diagnosis opened up more doors. It helped me to understand why I acted the way I did when I was younger. The reason why I didn't have a lot of friends and have the special interests that I have.
I am grateful to God that he has given me many gifts. I have perfect pitch, love singing and love playing, watching and talking about hockey.
I am also more self-aware of how loud environments/sounds affect me.
#teamautism
I have ADHD and it has it's ups and downs. I accept myself for how God made me and use the gifts he has given me to use according to his will. You have tons of support and a growing community! God bless you David!
18:50 Now I know why I like your music so much 😃
My middle grandson is on the spectrum. I believe that God blessed him and we shall see how it plays out! I think God has blessed you and your son, too.
Thank you. I was diagnosed at 40 after working 11 years running a school computer network. I wondered for years why I cope so poorly with some situations and struggle with a lot of fatigue. I too have to censor myself, that has been a challenge. Also wondering if I am understanding correctly or reacting correctly. The last issue has been huge in the last few days. Thanks to God for His help there!
Thank you for your music and information.
Blessings
Thank you for addressing this topic as you did here. 😍
Thank you for your video. This came at the perfect time with some things that I'm working out in my head with me.
Firstly am so glad to have stumbled across this video. The first time I watched you speak I thought you were overly shy but after watching you a few times and seeing the difference between when you sing and speak I figured you could be autistic. But I have come to believe that autism is just another term to describe hyper intelligent and gifted people. Hyper intelligent and gifted people are usually if not always social misfits because they operate at a much higher frequency than the average person. So they can only be understood by like-natured people. I think most introverts actually fall somewhere on the autism spectrum. I can identify with a few things you have mentioned. I also really prefer to be alone. I love organization, am obsessed with symmetry, spotting patterns, counting stuff. A lot people tell me that am weird. But over the years, I have come to accept and celebrate my uniqueness. Being different can be such a gift. Being different is not bad it's just different. I can identify with your decision to be withdrawn even from church interactions because of the likelihood of being controversial. I avoid Whatsapp groups. And when I don't have a choice, I avoid making any comments at all costs because I almost always make off tangent statements.
Thank you so much for sharing such personal details. This for me has made you even more endearing to me than before, I have a better understanding and appreciation of who you are. You remain in the top 5 of my favorite music Ministers. God continue to bless and make you a blessing to the world!
Thanks for sharing and for your kind words. :)
Yes!
When I saw this vlog title, my first thought was "OF COURSE! David probably wouldn't be half of the musician, arranger, and director he is without the autistic special interest he has in these things." As much as there is difficulty in our lives, it's also partly our super-power.
For me the irony as a self-diagnosed autistic adult is the memory of myself at age 5 with my hands over my ears during worship services because these songs (from the 80s/90s evolution videos) were played WAY TOO LOUD, and now I will listen to them over and over and over at work because the familiarity helps me focus on the tasks I am paid to do. But partly because *I* control the volume. Much as I love watching other people fully immersed in music, bumping down the road... it's very easy for it to be too loud for me. Grateful to be at a church now where the musicians' volumes are many decibels below what I grew up hating.
So familiar! 😀
I just watched this video and learned a lot from it. You did a great job of explaining autism in a way I could understand. I’ve heard the terms “autism” and “autism spectrum” a lot and not known what they involved. I am impressed by your self-awareness and some of the ways you are working to overcome obstacles, such as when it seems to others you are on a rant when you feel you are just laying out facts. Parts of what you described I can really relate to myself, and others I don’t. (We all have our own sets of problems.) I have enjoyed your music videos, especially the virtual choirs, for years now, and I am giving a bit monthly via Patreon because I like to have at least a small part in making them possible. I wish and pray for all the best for you, Theon, and all your family. May God bless you all as you continue to bless so many people, including me!
Heartfelt ❤ you are not alone in these things. Have a look at adhd too, adhders often thrive in highly demanding situations. But many of us have a combination. God bless you, and your family ❤
Thank you for your transparency. This has helped me in thinking about some family members. As I listened to you I just kept thinking that whatever the degree of your own involvement, the Lord will use that to help you support your son. May God bless your family.
You are such a blessing. God bless you and yours.
Hi David: You are such a treasure to the Body of Christ and to the world at large in your callings in music and health care. God bless you and keep you . I met you in a park service in Peterborough when you came out and played in almost rainy conditions and you were recovering from Covid. Your perseverance was noted and appreciated. As a fellow church musician I have that same concern for voice range music!!!! I wish I had access to your software you created for testing a piece of music for congregational singing! from a sister in the music ministry of the church all the best to you and your family. Cast your care on the Lord as he cares for you.
Have you seen my videos about a systematic approach to choosing keys?
@@DavidWesley I have, and I highly-recommend them! My daughter Judi also appreciates (and uses) them.
@@DavidWesley Thanks David ...I will check that out. Bless you today!! Such a brother!!
I watched this the other day and I was interested in what you had to say. Thank you for talking about this. I need to watch it again soon because there was a part that I felt applied to me but I'm not sure if it is connected or just part of my personality or just the way I grew up and that's why I am the way I am.
Dear David, my english is not so good. I ¨ll wright you in spaniol.
Vi el video completo. Celebro tu coraje para poder expresar todo lo que estabas atravesando. Quiero decirte que te entiendo, tenemos varios puntos en común. Generacion del 1980, soy padre de un niño con TEA, soy trabajador de la salud, médico clinico, amo la música, estuve liderando en dos iglesias la alabanza congregacional, amante de la perfección en muchos aspectos. Pero al considerar mi vida como ser humano, entiendo que no soy perfecto, estoy rodeado de debilidad por el pecado y mi cane. Pero he tenido que recibir el diagnostico posterior a la pandemia de TEA de mi hijo y mis espectativas para él fueron sacudidas. De pronto, mi prioridad cambió de enfoque, ya no era lo que él tenía que convertirse para agradarme a mi como su padre, sino en todo lo que yo debía cambiar para convertirme en el padre que mi hijo necesitaba. Así que resuelto a dejar de lado mis espectativas egoístas, comencé a trabajar en mi propia vida y hacer esos cambios para su beneficio. Theon podrá recibir una ayuda temprana de profesionales que trabajen sobre la flexibilidad para una mejor adaptación, pero lo más importante que ese camino te tenga a vos como papá a su lado. ánimo, Dios te permitió atravesar todo esto antes para que comprendieras la importancia que tiene la comprensión y acompañamiento de los padres en la crianza de los hijos. Soy de Argentina, en el extremo sur del continente, pero hermanos en Cristo. Te abrazo a la distancia.
Thanks for sharing!
You are incredible blessings! The Lord made you just the way you are for His purpose! I thank Him every time I listen to your music. I tell everyone I feel led to share with about your music. I have shared your name with a family called “The Cotton Pickin Kids”. Today I came across a new video by the oldest son, Savio. He had at least 4 instruments woven into his new video, much the same way that you do yours! I am thinking maybe they have checked you out. I just stumbled upon your music over 10 years ago. I remember when Theon was born! I keep you and your family in my prayers. GBY and yours!!!
🤗♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏🙏
Praying for you and your fam.
Thanks for your personal openness and teaching of the complex subject.
Great video David!
You have opened my eyes. I am so glad God made people like you and I. It is good to know what disorders we have, but also to known you are perfect, God does not make mistakes. I will certainly look into those tests for myself. I don’t mind being different, adds spice to our lives and those around us. P.S. your last project was fabulous! I’m not a singer nor musician, I just know what I like. Thanks again David for sharing. 🙏🏼
Hi David, wow that was quite a video. Thank you for your honesty. I love your videos.
I have away struggling with my learning . I really dislike school immensely.
I am very glad I have an iPad so spelling is now know problem.
I say that is my thorn in my flesh. Haveing a relationship with Jesus has made all the difference.
Relying on my saviour had helped a lot.
Thank You David 👏 God Bless Us Everyone🙏 I'll Love You Forever, dee 🎵
Very relatable. Thanks for sharing. I've been going back and forth on whether or not to get proffessionaly evaluated, but I'm not sure what the point is either way.
Well, that would depend on the degree of self-insight you have and the willingness of people around you to give you an accurate picture of your functioning. If your life could make more sense or be practically easier in anyway by having an official evaluation, why not go for it?
@@DavidWesley Good logic, lol. At age 54, I've already lived a lot of life feeling very different, and my "friends" seem to have kind of accepted my quirks. But maybe when the time is right....
David, you were refreshingly honest in this video. Thank you for sharing.
Praying for understanding and love🙏🏻🤗🙏🏻 just remember God‘s mercy and grace is new every day and we are the beneficiaries🤗❣️
I enjoyed hearing your story. My Nephew is Autistic unfortunately though he isn't a Christian. He doesn't really serve the Lord. He needs a lot of prayers. His name is Tim. I see people who are Autistic as very special and I believe in certain ways those who are Physically Challenged and Mentally Challenged are quite special. God's blessings to you and your Family and especially to you and your Son. 🙏💖 I'm visually impaired and near sighted myself. 🙂
God bless you! You will prevail. Be intentional in making your changes and sharing your experience and knowledge with those around you. Don't be embarrassed to let people at church know how you are feeling and how you may miss queues or over speak and educate them like you did here Perhaps your pastor could watch this video and let you share on a Sunday morning or play this video to the congregation then let you come up for questions. Church people need to know how to give Grace and give understanding in the situation and learn to live you and your son like Jesus.
I think this video is longer than most sermons!🤣
I recognise myself a lot in what you say especially about friendships. Thank you for sharing because I think it’s not really easy to share that kind of stuff about your personal life but it helps others. Now I know I am not alone in this case. I have never been diagnosed with autism but for sure I am extremely introvert. Since Covid it’s worse and I also converted to Christianity just before covid. Now because of my faith it makes things a bit more difficult because I live a bit differently than the rest of the World so I am even more different because I am Christian. It’s even more difficult to make a lot of friends now that I do not conform to the rest of the World especially in France where the faith is a big taboo. I am turning 35 and I am still not married, I am afraid I will never be because I don’t feel interesting as a person. Nobody actually pays attention to me and I think it’s only because I am too discrete. I am also taking my faith very seriously. But you still managed to marry, have children, work as a healthcare professional (in contact with people), sing beautiful songs and make videos. It’s encouraging for me. I would appreciate more videos on this topic if you wish.
Thank you so much for sharing. Welcome to the neurodivergent community!
Thank you.
In primary school I was described as on the Asperger's spectrum. In school I struggled in some things and did well in others. Now I'm writing (and working on publishing) children's fiction, and I have had the opportunity to speak on the learning disability on a Christian FB page.
Fearfully and wonderfully neurodivergent... being autistic, having ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, epilepsy - none of the neurodivergences exclude us from being "fearfully and wonderfully made" or made in the image of God.
I was diagnosed at 37 years old (after one of my sons was diagnosed), and the last couple of years, my life has finally begun to make sense. I knew I was different and spent my life feeling like a failure. The freedom of knowing I'm exactly how God made me to be - I'm so thankful to know, and to be starting to unmask.
Also, we are starting to learn that a lot of the characteristics we have considered deficits are actually differences, but they don't actually have to be bad. Yes, there are challenges, but if you look into the social model of disability as opposed to the medical model, it actually makes a lot of sense.
Being autistic isn't a bad thing 😊
I also will Wonder...I have difficultés in interactions, understanding, but also lots of memory troubles. in interactions, it's as if m'y brain switches off. I am leaning to play the guitare and thé process of leaning IS hard, I tend to find hard to understanding explanations in général
❤
We’ve just gone through dx with my great grandson 5 yo. I thought he might have Asperger’s but they dx ADHD and ODD (defiant disorder). They’re starting him on Ritalin. Only first dose so far. Too soon to say.
It took me until I was 46 to find out I was autistic. You told my story! Reach out if you would like to chat!
💙💙💙💙💙💙
#AuDHD
I would love to be your penpal
You are acoustic, that's what matters.
That was actually a code word for “autistic” between me and my wife, before the boys got wise to it!🤣
So many are over diagnosed autism these days. I have a daughter that was told she is, now she uses it as an excuse for everything in life. Oh I can't do that because of my autism.....
Please get a second and third professional opinion before you allow this to change your life. We are all different, we all have struggles. Don't believe everything you hear in our world today.
I never claimed to be autistic myself, but my son DEFINITELY is. I am borderline at best. I didn’t explore this possible diagnosis to excuse anything I’ve done, but to reconsider how my perceptions of the world may need some second-guessing to prevent unnecessary conflict.
Jesus Christ is the great physician all medical problems have a spiritual root. The only thing we need to strive to do is have the mind of Christ and be Christlike not to fit in with whatever is increasingly rapidly in the world since the world doesn't know God and most people don't subscribe to the truth of Jesus so it clouds their judgement.
I am whomever God says I am which is backed up by the bible and various sicknesses with spiritual solutions are in the bible yes we can go to the doctors and take medicine and get medical diagnosis's but that will never replace God's teachings and Jesus's healing virtue. We have to be less self centered and more Christ centered because talent aside and good qualities aside we are nothing without God and we aren't supposed to do things in our own strength.
I used to let medical professionals and even enemies determine who I was and where I was headed now I have surrendered to letting God take charge in every aspect and it is not about rejecting help it is about being more helped out by him, so I am better off, I strongly recommend others do the same.