SO... I'M AUTISTIC!
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- Опубликовано: 30 июн 2024
- this is a video i've been planning for weeks - and it’s one i’ve been wanting to make for YEARS...
i'm finally sharing my autism diagnosis! 🧠
there’s always some fear (of judgement, of misunderstanding, of hate) when revealing something as personal as this, but i strongly believe there are people out there who may feel seen or supported by this video or by my talking about/sharing my own experiences to try and de-stigmatise this label 🙂
but, here we are, hello! i can officially announce that i have my formal autism diagnosis after years of waiting lists and questioning - and i couldn’t be happier 🌱✨
the company i decided to go with (for a private diagnosis) was RTN and as said in the video, i had a really positive experience with them so i would definitely recommend doing your own research and finding a company that will suit your needs and have resources which will help you 💌
if you do want more information about the company i went with for my ASD assessment, i’ve linked them below 👇🏻
www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions....
⬆️ you can also get a discount (money off) both ASD and ADHD assessments through them using the code ‘ZB-RTN’ 💖
(this is an aff code, but all opinions are my own and this video isn’t sponsored by them, i just genuinely hope it could help some of you!!)
-------- ✨ TIMESTAMPS✨
00:00 - intro
01:14 - so, i’m autistic!
01:44 - my journey & purpose
04:03 - my “lightbulb” moment
05:53 - autism explains EVERYTHING
06:50 - getting my personality back
07:29 - summary
08:24 - diagnostic assessment process
10:27 - private diagnosis
12:34 - positives
13:24 - plans for the future
14:30 - unmasking
16:59 - outro
Music Used in This Video 👇🏻
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#awareness #neurodivergent #autism #autistic #diagnosis
don't forget to subscribe! ♡
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✰ FAQs ✰
1.What conditions do I have?
‣ I have Tourette's Syndrome, FND and orthostatic hypotension along with being neurodivergent!
2. How old are you?
‣ 18
3. What is FND? 🧠
‣ fndhope.org/fnd-guide/
4. What is Tourette's?
‣ www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/f...
5. What do I use to edit videos? 🖥️
‣ Final Cut Pro X
6. What filming equipment do I use? 📸
‣ main camera - amzn.to/3MW7v8w
‣ tripod - amzn.to/3P7G8Ly
‣ vlogging camera - amzn.to/42CBQ1G
‣ mic - amzn.to/3qD5gjg
‣ wireless mics - amzn.to/3X2RxOE
⭐️ RUclips Setup + Equipment ▹ amzn.to/42QmxCN
⭐️ Recommended Products ▹ amzn.to/41wXJPX
(not sponsored! but these are af links so i make a cut from any purchases💕)
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✰ About Me ✰
My name is Zara Beth (zeezee25 on tiktok) and I post videos about disability, neurodiversity and what its like living with Tourette's Syndrome, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Orthostatic Hypotension. Tourette's syndrome is a neurological condition causing involuntary movements called tics.
I use my social media (TikTok, RUclips and Instagram) to advocate and raise awareness for my conditions and show what it is like living with a disability as a neurodivergent person. I am also autistic and share my sensory struggles along with my experiences with mental health disorders.
I show what its like having a disability and the accommodations I have to help my daily life. I am an ambulatory wheelchair user showing my life using mobility aids and how chronic illness symptoms change from day to day!
I am also a musician with a popular song called "She's Mine" available on all streaming services - I wrote, produced, mixed and mastered all my songs myself! I am also an artist and a writer. I love reading and I'm currently writing a novel and a book about my life!
I'm autistic and I think that everyone doesn't want to be friends with me because I'm so different but I've learnt
@passion4flowersthis!!! i felt similarly for most (all) of my school life, but as an adult and finding other ND/autistic women recently - i have finally found friendship and it’s so so genuine and lovely ❤
it is out there, and you will find your space and people🫶🏻
We think im autistic im getting tested on it soon to find it out but i can understand this so much
Same here No one wants to hang out with someone that has tourette's seizures NEW DIAGNOSIS OF PANDAS! I wish I had support. Everyone else has friends and gets along and I don't understand why I can't do that😢
Ok can you guys cancel out noise like at shops and things like that because I can’t and some people I know can
When me and my family go to see firework I get stare at all the time for my Nosie canceling headphones. They help my autism because I don’t the loud nosie
I’m 13 and have been struggling with ADHD, autism, sensory issues, anxiety (etc), and watching your channel has really opened up the inner me, and now I am going to be getting a service dog! My father was a little unsupportive after I was diagnosed. He was absolutely stunned. Then I showed my parents your channel, and they absolutely love it. Thanks for opening my father’s eyes, and thank you for being strong, and you are definitely my light along the way! ❤️❤️
Oh I'm so happy for you that it's better now and you're getting a service dog, thats so good!
omg thats incredible
Miracles happen every day keep believing you're a strong individual. God is with people. There are resources out there to help us for those with disabilities.
You must feel like your puzzle is complete. You’re one of the sweetest, kindest,loveliest humans on this planet. Sending you lots of hugs and prayers ❤❤❤❤.
Oh my goodness. Thank you all so much for the love and support 🥰😭
Welcome to the club! I was 56 when I was diagnosed last year. It took me a year to fight for the funding for my assessment, and then my doctor said there was no one available to do it. So I had to find someone to actually do it. The healthcare for autism/ADHD in this country is shockingly bad.
Our journeys are so similar. I'm 17 and have known I'm autistic my whole life, just didn't have the words to say so. I was rejected, partly because of my age and other factors, bur camhs, and luckily right to chose waitlists were only 4 months in my area and I was diagnosed after "suddenly" developing signs when I developed tics 4 years ago, forcing me to unmask. I was diagnosed on Tuesday. I'm still on my unmasking journey and your content has helped me to learn even more :)
this makes me so happy to hear 🥺❤️
@@Zara_Beth I have autism and ADHD ❤
I was forced to unmask b6 brain injury ✨️ , (18 yo )
Congrats! ❤️ I was diagnosed at 17 too (5 years ago now), it’s a good age for self-discovery!
@@Zara_BethI’m 30 years old and am also Autistic and throughout my life and journey from school to college I had no friends..hence I felt so isolated and alone so I kept myself to myself and I also found that I have a photographic memory as well which to me is my greatest superpower and strength..know that you’re not alone and have the greatest influence and superpower for the ASD Community
i’m currently 15 and trying to go through the assessment process and this is such a nice video because the combination of high school girls and being undiagnosed can be so invalidating so seeing you be so open and honest about autism is really helpful ❤
Me too! I do hope it goes well for you and that you get your diagnosis soon! :)
Me too ❤
Hey I’m also 15 and about to start the process, how is it going for you? :)
I’m 14 and I’m the process of trying to get a diagnosis soon! I hope your process goes well!
Frfr im 15 and i try to get assessed too. hope i will be able to🤞🤞
Thank you for this Zara!! I'm Autistic and have Tourette's too, you're an inspiration to us all. I love your videos, and your beautiful smile. You've given me the courage to use my disability aids and ask for help. Sending love with all my heart, keep being who you are! Xxx
Zara, this is amazing to hear your experiences and journey. Your honesty takes so much courage. As a late diagnosed autistic person who is learning about unmasking, listening to your journey and watching future ones will be great. That you 😊
getting a diagnosis for anything is so validating, especially if you already have an inkling 😅 but for something that’s effected you your ENTIRE life, your being, and personality is a feeling that’s entirely different (and usually multiple feelings at the same time) 😊💕
Oh man, 100%.
I'm so excited for you! I was just diagnosed in September at the age of 36, and my experience so far has been very similar. It's wonderful to discover how your brain works and to recontextualize your entire life!
I am so glad you shared your autism diagnosis, me being autistic also! You are such a big inspiration to people Zara, you are such a sweet and great person, I love you so much!
I'm so glad that you realise now! It must of been hard not knowing what is wrong with you or how to help it so I'm so happy that you know! Your an amazing person and I hope you know that!💓
I've just spent the last hour trying to bring my 7 year old autistic daughter down from an overregulated, very physical meltdown, and the first thing I did was watch your video. Seeing your younger self at the start set me off and I cried through the whole thing. I'm so pleased you've managed to get your diagnosis and the validation you needed, it must be a weight off your mind and yet also feel like the start of a whole new journey. You've given me hope. Thank you.
Hey! I remember what is was like being 7 and autistic.
I don't know what she likes or is interested in, but sometimes if you can predict a stressful time you can have sensory/stimming tools put together ahead of time to have with you in case she gets overwhelmed. Also, if she is overwhelmed and having a meltdown, I would ask her for the next time how she would like you to support her, and give specific options.
Some of us don't do physical touch, some need time in our rooms to stim and do something we enjoy to decompress.
You also can help her if you notice one coming on by helping her find a more quiete or less crowded place, like a restroom. Going to restrooms or a water fountain is something I've gotten used to doing, and it can honestly allow her to learn to regulate even more!
I am an adult, and have a fanny pack (something like that you can find that she can start to use herself), and I carry around a little clip on giraffe, some silly putty in a container (you can even put it in a bag in the container so it doesn't potentially spill, a squishy dinosaur, and a few little snacks for outings to hold me over.
I also carry around my loop earbuds, too, and they fit on a carabineer. They're easier to lose, but when she gets older I recommend something like that as opposed to ear defenders as ear defenders can be physically uncomfortable on my ears personally.
@@riverjacobs2023 thank you so much for taking the time to reply with all those fantastic ideas. I often use Minecraft as a stimming tool, especially if I'm able to notice her building up. It also allows for a practical reason to wear headphones, at a time when she might already be too overstimulated to want to use ear defenders. We would take ourselves into a quiet area, corner, hall, etc. and give her time to disconnect from her environment. We also just try to avoid overstimulating environments in the first place (but sometimes the situation doesn't allow). Restaurants, public places, airports, or basically anywhere waiting is required, can be difficult. We try to pick restaurantswhere she can have a bit more autonomy - quieter with lots of tables she can make a den under, or has a play area outside (she loves being outside!) We might try to buy her a new fanny bag (bum bags we call them in the UK lol) and attach some new stress toys to it. She's becoming more conscious about her appearance though, so whatever we do may need to be fully approved by her first! 😂 I like the idea of talking to her about what she would like us to do to support her with her next meltdown and give her a choice... While we've done similar things before we've not really framed it in such a way. Choices generally work well for her, as it gives her a sense of control, while ultimately constraining the outcomes. She soon became wise to it and would just create a third option and royally kick off until she was in full meltdown or got her own way. Ah it's such fun! We're getting there, slowly, and so is she. It's a slow a steady race, which noone needs to win, as long as everyone is happy. Thank you for your advice, it was really appreciated ☺️
Just the hapiness that you are radiating right now is the biggest prove of the importance of getting the right diagnosis. So congratulations, I'm happy for you! :)
I’m so glad that you have gotten a diagnosis! It won’t (and shouldn’t) take your Autism away but it can make things easier and I wish you well on your journey of discovery :]
I'm having this experience with ADHD right now! I'm SO ridiculously happy for you and so proud xxx
So glad you could go on this journey discovering yourself!💜
Hey, Zara! I’m autistic too! Sometimes it can be hard to navigate it, but being the amazing person you are, I’m sure you can do it! I’m self diagnosed, and I’ve always had some imposter syndrome about it, because I get scared that I’m faking it, which shouldn’t be the case for anyone. It’s so cool to see someone go through the same things I’m going through. I’m so so SO proud of you, and I hope you feel you know that you are amazing, and that even if it’s hard, you can get through it.
Anyways, sorry for the long comment, but I hope it helped. :)
i am autistic and i dont act at all like that. I dont stop talking, I can socialise but I like don't really socialise the same as other people as I am alot to take in. That just means that all my friends are deffinately real friends. People always think that autisim is always suvere and that all of us act wierd but not all of us do. Everyone is different and thats ok
Congrats Zara! It's honestly so refreshing to see so many people finally getting the diagnosis's that they rightfully deserve. I myself am in the process of getting an Autism diagnosis after doing about 2 1/2 years of research!
Welcome to the community, love 😊 I’ll be praying that your family, friends and followers all receive the education they need and give you the support you need! I am some months to about a year younger than you and am fortunate enough to have gotten diagnosed with autism at the age of 10-11, and I love to see the joy it brings you to have found the explanation that you needed.
Hello Zara Beth, Welcome to the club🙂, I'm Autistic too and I was your age when I was told I had Autism, for me at first I wasn't happy with this, I didn't know anything about Autism apart from stereotypies and it made me think they were calling me stupid, it was only after years of learning about Autism, that I have come to understand it and me better, now I happily tell everyone I'm Autistic, I even wear a badge on my coat that says "I'm Autistic, not rude" also I'm in the prosses of getting diagnosed with ADHD. Good luck for the future, keep up the good work.🙂 P.S did you know that Autistic Pride Day is a pride celebration for autistic people held on 18 June each year. Autistic pride recognises the importance of pride for autistic people and its role in bringing about positive changes in the broader society.♾
Hi Zara, congratulations on finally getting the validation you deserve!! It's such a relief to know that you're not crazy - at least in my experience; I was gaslighting myself so much, so actually having the paperwork makes a huge difference.
I appreciate you, and I'm so happy to see you regaining your spark! 🤗❤
4:53 I thought I was the only one who was in their teens and researching autism. I’m 14 and since I was 13 I have strongly resonated with a lot of autistic traits. I’m beginning to talk about it to people (my mom, therapist, psychiatrist) but it’s hard hearing their opinions. Your channels and others have made me feel super validated so thank you so much! And good luck on your new journey!❤
So excited for your future content! I was also diagnosed autistic (and adhd) at age 18. I see so much of myself in you. I’ve been really struggling with my audhd identity as of recent but people like you (who I know you will also struggle with at times) really help me to accept these parts of myself that I’ve suppressed for so many years. THANK YOU for being you ♥️♥️
Im so happy that you have had a good experience and that you’re happier now. You deserve to be happy, confident, and comfortable with yourself. Keep being you ❤❤
I’m honestly so happy for you with getting the diagnosis you need. Sure, it can’t be nice to have autism but getting the diagnosis and answers but be such a relief. You’re amazing. You really bring me comfort with my struggles and help me remember, I’m not the only one who has things like OCD. So glad you got the answers. 💙💙💙
i‘ve been a fan of yours since 2020 and it is so heartwarming to know that you found your way in life and even got your diagnosis
I’ve been waiting for this update video! I am currently in the assessment process and would love to see how your journey is similar and different from mine. Will definitely be watching this video when I get home. ❤
Thank you for sharing your story! I think I am undiagnosed, and watching your video made me tear up. Seeing you embrace and feel validated with your diagnosis is heart-warming and inspiring! Wishing you all the best and looking forward to your future videos💜
Ahh I love this video, you’re absolutely glowing my dear autistic friend, it’s like finally having the light turned on isn’t it, wishing you all the happiness on your unmasking journey, you are an amazing advocate, I’d love you to do more content on unmasking as it’s something I’m still learning 💜 although I know I’m totally enjoy whatever content comes 🌻 you are such a safe person with a comforting channel 💜 thank you for sharing your journey, it helps me and many others xxx
Congratulations!! I’m 18 too and was diagnosed last year at 17. I’m excited to see what autism and neurodiversity content you have coming up!❤️
I found your channel a few weeks ago and you make me so happy each week. When I found you I watched every video you’ve made. You are amazing and any hater on you is just small minded and don’t listen. You might not know but you help so many people and you’ve actually changed mine for the better. I’m a lot happier and more accepting in myself and my disability so thank you so much for that and the smile you give me every video. You are an inspiration thank you ❤️☺️
Congratulations on your diagnosis! I know how deeply validating that can be. I’m looking forward to the new videos you have planned!
I’m really happy for you, - I’m autistic too, late diagnosed, and it’s really helped me with a lot, just knowing that my struggles has a name. - Lots of love ❤️
Exept the fact that I am really happy that you have the courage to talk about this, I just want to appreciate you fit, the blaser is just *chefs kiss*❤
I'm so happy to hear this, congrats Zara! It took a long time for me to get a diagnosis, too (age 14 which I think is quite late for guys), but it really did help me to understand who I am and why I'm like what I'm like (if that makes sense). I didn't have a community at the time who really understood what autism actually is, so I'm part of that crowd of people who don't yet feel comfortable sharing it widely due to the amount of stigma. That's why the work you do is so important, not only for providing a safe space for ND people, but also educating NT folk. All the very best going forward 😊
Very well said Alex I couldn't have said it better myself :)
I'm glad you shared your story. I'm currently almost 15 and was diagnosed when I was 13 (even though it was really obvious before then, multiple people on social media pointed out to my mother I was autistic and she didn't believe them years before we started the diagnosis process.) I had honestly just assumed you were autistic (not that you can tell just by listening to someone, but I got the "autism vibes" from you) and I'm glad you've discovered this about yourself. The community you can find through it is really amazing. I'm still on my own nd journey - I think I have chronic motor tic disorder (I've had motor tics several times a day my whole life that increase in frequency to every few seconds when I am stressed) in addition to a bunch of other neurodivergence stuff I'm still exploring. Thank you for this video.
I'm very pleased that this has helped you feel like yourself again and that it's made you so happy. I had never realised that autism covers all those things you listed, and you're right, it does explain so much for me, too! Thank you for this :)
So happy for you Zara! You’ve come so far and I’m so happy you’ve got a diagnosis! You inspire me so much, your videos make me feel so much better about being neurodiverse. Love you ❤
You actually look very happy and very cheerful so I hope you can stay very happy. Because I have been diagnosed with terminal cancer so keep doing what makes you happy 😊
Thanks for sharing your experience. I think the sooner you get diagnosed the better because then you can start to realise that it’s ok not to be able to do certain things. And it gives insight into how you can enjoy your life more.
In my case, I was 33 when I figured it out and already had two diagnosed children. And I had my lightbulb moment when I started going to the gym and noticed that people were trying to communicate with me and although I thought I was smiling at them, I could see from the mirrors that I appeared to be ignoring them! For me this came after years of being diagnosed with incorrect MH disorders and even a spell in a psychiatric unit in my 20s.
I’m always drawn to channels that are presented by ND people like you, even though often there’s a big age gap. You’re clearly a kind and gentle person.
congratulation on your diagnosis!! I love your content so much!!!
Im currently going through getting an autism diagnosis myself, and I'm hapoy to hear you had such a good experience! Im happy you're doing better, I wish you the best with your unmasking process, and I'm excited to see the videos you make about autism!
It's never too late to discover yourself!! I'm glad you keep discovering yourself on your life journey 💙
I'm so happy you have answers! I remember getting my diagnosis a couple years ago when I was 17. It was a rollercoaster of a journey unmasking but it was so worth it. I finally feel like myself and am in the process of getting an assistance dog. I'm in such a positive time of my life, things just seem to be working out. Although I still am nowhere near okay, I have hope for the future. I hope your journey in unmasking goes/ is going well and I'm always here if you have any questions on the process of anything! :))
Thank you so much for making this video! I'm planning on getting a diagnosis soon myself. I'm just really worried about how people will respond, or if people will view me differently, but your videos give me the courage to try to be myself to the best of my ability, even though unmasking can be really, really difficult. 💜💜
The best thing ever is when u are able to know who u are and why things u do are the way they are and dont fit how others do things. I havent got a diagnosis yet for money and document reasons but i do in fact suffer from anxiety and depression and i know that for sure but the other side of me what i believe is my OCD not sure on that yet and my friends have pointed out that ADHD could be something i have and i see some resemblance between me and things people with ADHD do but i keep denying that cause idk yet and hope to know soon i need answers too it will help a lot. I already watch a bunch of youtubers with OCD, ADHD, AUTISM, DYSLEXIA and more and it's kinda awesome seeing how different each individual is to the other and how they manage things and love seeing how happy you are now since u figured it all out. I wish u the best on this journey it's a great one once u know how to manage urself and know urself better❤
I'm so glad that you were able to get your diagnosis! I was just diagnosed myself a couple of weeks ago. You look so happy!
Omg!!! I've watched your channel for years and im so happy to see this ☺️ I'm autistic as well. I'm really glad you had a good experience getting diagnosed, I had a quite bad experience but it's good that not everyone has to deal with that. Congratulations from another late-diagnosed autistic person 💜
Such a relatable video. I'm an autistic 16 year old, diagnosed when I was 14. You just understand yourself so much better. I even stopped masking at home once I got diagnosed. For someone who is autistic a diagnosis is the best thing that can happen, it opens up so many doors❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Hey Zaraaaa, im happy you have a diagnosis!! Its unbelieveable that official diagnosis can take so long 🤦♀️ but as a person who has gone through a similar process i know the relief of finally knowing whats going on! So im happy for u!! And i cant wait to watch your next videos!! ❤
Btw little Zara is so cute too hehehe some things never change 😊
I was officially diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in February and I completely resonate with how you said you struggled so much in college because I did to and I couldn’t understand why but this diagnosis has helped to accept myself and love my differences so much❤️☺️
You look so well Zara, seeing you find yourself, finding your happiness again and going on this journey, I don't know, it's really refreshing to see and I'm very happy for you. (:
this means so much 🥹❤ thank you!!
I've learned not everyone is perfect...this is great awareness for me and to learn that this is just part of life and it's temporary...thank you for sharing!😊
I am sooo happy I have been waiting for you to start talking about your experince of being autstic for ages. I'm 16 and in college and have been waiting for over 2 years for my diagnosis. I have had a lot of bad luck with referrals being lost ect but finally have my assessment on the 29th of March😃
lovely to see you so happy and feeling more like yourself ❤️
I’m so proud of you Zara❤️👊always keep smiling and also love the outfit ❤️💪
So glad you could go on this journey disscovering yourself
Welcome to the club!! It takes a while to understand & fully acclimate to
I'm autistic too, and very excited to hear of the future content upcoming. Add anxiety, ocd, depression, selective eating with some weight loss issues, and visits to mental health wards after traumatic life experiences. Relationship and communication struggles are a huge thing, but i learnt to keep those in my life who treat me well, and i them close plus show that i appreciate, care, and love them so much. People who hurt, lie or are untrustworthy have no place in my life now that I'm older and much more aware of how i want my life to be a happy one surrounded by people who treat me well now. So yeah autism diagnosis came at age 40. I'm now 42 and doing great.
I just wanted to say to Zara I'm so glad you got that validation and self-worth you deserved to get from your diagnosis." You be you and don't let anyone change you or hurt your kind heart anymore stay strong and be proud :) of who you truly are as an autistic person whose got a good heart and faces life head on wth multiple disabilities. Tbh having a disability imo makes a person better because they are wiser, more understanding and compassionate plus empathetic to others in a similar position to themselves so they know how neurotypical people have treated them in the past so they don't want that for others or themselves.
Any ways I'm excited for your future plans for content and will be definitely here to listen to it hopefully real soon.
I was diagnosed at 21 years old. Before then, I just felt different but I couldn't understand why. I couldn't understand why eye contact was no uncomfortable or why I couldn't hold a conversation or why certain touches and sounds made me want to cry. It's a huge feeling being able to understand finally why and that other people can understand how I feel. Congratulations! I can't wait to see more of your videos on this.
I'm glad you finally figured it out because I'm always happy to come across new neurodivergent content creators and I would never even have heard of FND if I hadn't found your channel. :)
Congrats on the diagnosis! It’s often such a sigh of relief to get diagnosed with something you’ve been fighting to be diagnosed with. I had my evaluation recently and I ended up being told that I’m not autistic which was a shock to me, my friends/family, and some of my medical/mental health professionals, but it was explained to me that because my symptoms/traits didn’t start in early childhood, they’re more attributable to trauma (which supports my C-PTSD diagnosis). On the bright side, my symptoms also prompted them to ask me about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which was something I was also fighting to get diagnosed with. They happened to be a certified center of excellence in EDS and they gave me the evaluation and got me diagnosed right away which was amazing and explained nearly EVERYTHING. All this is to say that for those who felt they were autistic and it ended up not being the case, it’s okay! And sometimes there’s something else there causing the symptoms/traits which is why a professional evaluation can be so useful when you have access to it. Again, congrats Zara on the diagnosis, I hope this helps you like it has so many other people!
I was fortunate to be able to dig up old family photos and a couple folders full of educational documentation from my elementary school years. It made it much easier to establish the childhood link, which would otherwise have relied mostly on my own memories of things that seemed unremarkable (and thus not very memorable) to me at the time.
My daughter is on the spectrum and she’s so special and brilliant in her own way. I think it’s wonderful you’re sharing your journey 💙
I think you’re so amazing!! I have ataxic cerebral palsy and I can relate to you!! Thank you for all your posts they’re so informative 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
it was also 2021 when i really started delving into the question of ‘am i autistic?’ and i have my assessment at the end of march. i’m so looking forward to your future videos on autism, ocd, etc. and i’m totally down for hour or longer videos about all of this because it’s just so validating and connecting, and autism/neurodivergence has become a special interest. sending so much love ❤
I think the pandemic pushed a lot of us into serious self-reflection. That’s when I went down the path that eventually led to formal diagnosis.
Just got my own formal diagnosis this past Wednesday. Discovering my autism has generally been a positive experience, but the events that started me researching it were traumatic and knowing about it when I was your age would have saved me a lot of pain. Here's hoping that your (relatively) early diagnosis is as helpful for you as it would have been for me.
It’s relieving isn’t it Zara? I was diagnosed at age 33 with non verbal learning disorder after extensive testing with a psychologist. It’s a diagnosis that borders VERY closely with autism and, in his words, I have “autistic traits.” One could argue I just am on the autism spectrum; regardless this diagnosis just explained how my brain works and now I know how to keep myself happy and how to deal with and accept my social anxiety. Good for you ❤❤❤ I do relate to all those feelings of “why am I like this” and being relieved to understand and stop blaming myself.
Congrats. I'm on the journey to try to get official diagnosis, but from all my research in the last year, it makes sense of my whole life. I'm not a broken neurotypical. I have creative wiring in my brain and finding the you tube Neurodiverse community is so validating.
I’ve just watched the occasional short of yours until now, and I seriously already confirmed in my head that you were autistic months ago 😂 Congrats on making it official! ❤
I’m also a chronically ill (migraines and possibly more) autistic AFAB person, and I understand exactly what you mean about it explaining everything! I’ve got so many other struggles that are all connected to how my brain works, and I feel like it makes so much more sense and it’s a lot easier to accommodate. It’s definitely been a journey, but I’m grateful that throughout the ups and downs, I’ve been able to find medical professionals who listen to me and trust that I know what I’m talking about. There are no perfect solutions, but knowing I have people advocating for me helps a lot! 💖
I'm autistic too and I am very excited and looking forward to your upcoming videos about your journey.
I haven't been able to start the process of diagnosis yet because like you I have many other conditions, so autism is always overlooked. Also, unfortunately, it's quite hard to find a psychiatrist who knows more about autism than just the stereotypes... It's quite frustrating.
But you're giving me hope. It think I should really keep trying to get diagnosed.
As someone who was diagnosed 15 years ago this year... welcome to the club... glad to have you
Zara, I am SO happy for you. Oh my goodness. I am incredibly excited and looking forward to your future neurodivergent content and experiences. Have a lovely day!
Thank you so much!!🥹💕🫶🏻
Finally learning you are autistic feels like everything is finally clicking and so much clarity as to why we've been the way we are.
That's how I've felt all my life... but I'm not diagnosed and I hate feeling like something's wrong with me and not knowing why... I'm glad you got diagnosed Zara 😊❤
my mental health nurse and I are staring to go through all of the paper work, going to take a while lol
having a diagnosis helps so much, so glad you got one 😀
I'm so happy for you!! Congratulations, Zara!! :D
I 100% agree on the validation thing. I just got my autism diagnosis a couple of days ago, and just the whole journey of figuring it out has been so positive. Especially just doing the research and being like, ...wow, this checks out.
I'm self-diagnosed at 44, after grasping my ADHD and studying its ramifications (from around 42). I've been considering the formal diagnosis, but it is so bloody expensive here in the US and the insurance companies almost never cover it for adults.
But, like you, it just fits so many parts of my life and makes me make so much more sense (as did the ADHD diagnosis). I'm grateful for the community of ND's I've found and the sense of well-being and grace I've found for myself in these "labels."
Thank you for all you do to advocate and educate!
You're amazing and well done for speaking out. You are very well spoken and even when I'm just sat at the computer coding, I love having your videos on in the background. I think i'm autistic not sure but a little bit, I never got diagnosed. I think as a child a lot was taken away from me in terms of tests and stuff.
So brave and encouraging to hear your story as another autistic person. Thank you 😊
thank you!! i'm so happy the content is making people feel seen 🥰
I realized I was autistic too after happening to get a string of videos recommended to me about it (that i kept clicking on because i didn't understand why I was relating so heavily to everything in them)
I felt so hard when you said it just made things make sense! It's just a curtain opens up and you look back and go "ooohhhh, that's why everything happened the way it did"
I feel like I want to see if I might be or not. I saw another similar channel where she listed all the telltale signs from her childhood and I also experienced every single one of them. Then I saw another video of a guy who’s quite regularly on TV as a guest and he was he’d recently received his diagnosis and I thought wow, if he’s autistic then I might well be as well, and having a diagnosis might help me with understanding myself and my struggles.
Congrats on your diagnosis, Zara! I'm autistic too. I'm new here so it's nice to meet you. You've got a new subscriber. Can't wait to see what you will share on here.
I'm in the midst of getting diagnosed for autism I'm on a waiting list at the moment which will take me a while, I always knew I was different, I spent all of lockdown doing research like you did, online tests like you've done and I scored pretty high on them all. Even family and friends and school peers/TA's said I had behavioural traits. It's a wild journey but Autism is part of me and part of you too!
i rarley comment on videos but OMG SO PROUD YOU ZARA WOO iam currently in early satges of a diagnosis and this made me feel so much better xx
Congratulations!!! Glad to see you found some answers. Love from the adult autism community!!!
I'm 29 and just starting my journey. I've known in the back of my mind that something has been off my entire life. But the last few months it's become more prevalent. I saw a psychologist who confirmed my suspension and has recommended official testing and diagnosis. It's something that I'm slightly unsure of due to the sheer amount of other diagnoses I already have, but I think it could help when looking at potentially finishing my studies and getting back into work (when my health allows). But also just for a better understanding of myself. I'm also seeking mental health support, partly related to it, and the unmasking process, like you say. It's so important that women, especially young women, bring this into the spotlight and can be open and frank about their journies. We're so unseen in medical terms, so we need this representation. Thank you for sharing ❤
I’m also autistic. I’m not diagnosed yet but am in the process. It’s really hard as the waiting list is so long. My family doesn’t have the money for anything private so it’s gonna take ages. I first struggled with telling people as I thought, also, that I wasn’t valid as my diagnosis wasn’t finalised, but soon I realised that I couldn’t keep going on pretending to everyone that I was neurotypical when people asked me why I would do certain things. My formal diagnosis is probably going to take years, I shouldn’t have to wait that long to be my authentic self. To anyone else in my situation or similar, please be yourself!😊
I’m 17 and I got diagnosed with OCD and depression a couple of months ago wich was around the same time I found your channel and it helped me a lot with coming to terms with it. I’m also in the middle of getting an assessment on if I have autism but due to health issues I’ve had for the past couple of years it’s taking longer than expected. Anyways I would love hearing more about your OCD since that’s something that affects me a lot in my day to day life and people don’t really get it.
Love that you’ve discovered more about yourself❤
Congrats on your diagnosis! You’ve given me hope it will happen finally for me too. I’ve been seeking an assessment for over a year to be diagnosed with autism, but only recently in the past few months has the real process of getting diagnosed started. Which has been frustrating, but I’ve really been trying to trust the process. I’m 19, so my doctors were lost for a while, because they assumed by this point I would have already been assessed. But that never happened as a child, because I was overlooked by every doctor I’ve been to concerning my mental health. Mostly due to the fact, I was seemingly a bright little girl, and just had some “quirks”. But these doctors didn’t see the pain staking hours I had to put into doing even the simplest school work at home. They also didn’t know that I was very aware I was different and would mask at a very young age. I’ve always felt alien, and like if I didn’t pretend to be like everyone else I wouldn’t be accepted. To be frank, I still wasn’t very accepted. I think other little girls could tell I wasn’t like them. And just other kids in general. It’s a good thing I liked being alone and had a lot of innocence in those years. So it didn’t really bother me. To this day I still can’t make meaningful connections with others, I only have one consistent friend in my life. Which I’m thankful for, she really is the world for me. She does her best to understand and accept everything that is me. Anyways, congrats again on your diagnosis. I hope I get mine as well soon!
My daughter sounds a lot like you were - she’s 4. I think she definitely masks already. She’s not diagnosed yet but I can see she is. Good luck - you’ll get to dx in the end. I waited about 3 years but got there in the end.
@@Ragdollcatlover Thank you so much for the encouragement, I have hope I will. :) I’m sure you’re doing great with your daughter, the fact you’re catching the signs early on is good. Despite not knowing what was making me different back then, I was still a very happy kid. So I’m sure she is too, especially with such a loving parent watching out for her. I’m guessing you already are, but I would definitely get her diagnosed, she’ll be able to get the help I needed but wasn’t able to back then. :) I’m sure she’ll grow to be an amazing person some day. I also hope that she is able to find a friend like I have, who she can drop her mask around and be fully accepted.
Hi Zara welcome to the club. Late diagnosed, Currently on the post diagnosis trail after a multi year burnout. I hope the answers you've found have helped you like they helped me. The diagnosis changed my overall mood and anxiety instantly.
I had no idea you weren’t diagnosed with autism until now! I’d just assumed you were the entire time, no question! Having the diagnosis opens up so many door! Congrats ❤
I learned about Autism and adhd and other neurodivergencies when I was around 10. Before then I had really struggled and always felt 'different'. Researching it made me feel so seen, like there were people just like me. I researched about unmasking and decided i would try it and here I am, 5 years later and feeling a lot more like myself. Its a long process to unmask, I'm still figuring out things. I've been on the waiting list for a diagnosis for the past 2 years, But I'm pretty sure I have Adhd, autism (with pda) and I've been getting a lot more support now that i've told my parents about all my research. I'm getting a lot more support in school and my mum especially has been really helpful. Good luck on unmasking! I am really happy you feel a lot better then you have in ages! :)
I love you. It doesn't matter what you are going through. Just know that I love you, as many of us do. You are more than a person to us. You are a hero, and for that we love you.
Thank you for sharing. I believe I'm on the spectrum somewhere, though I've never been diagnosed, I'm adapted in my lifestyle well enough, am fairly old, and there are no services here if I wanted them in any case.
I am happy for you, hope you have a wonderful day, week, month, year, and life.
And I will keep following you to watch your journey.
So proud of you Zarah! Glad you’ve figured out who you are I know how hard that can be. But can I say how much I love your shirt!? Gorgeous
thank you!!
@@Zara_Beth your welcome!
congrats on the diagnosis!! ✨
i'm kinda in a similar situation so i really relate. i just got my autism diagnosis a week ago. i'd also spent about a year suspecting i might be autistic while being in denial and being uncomfortable to pursue the diagnosis and start accepting myself. autistic burnout forced me to face the truth and the need to accommodate myself, and now i feel so much more accepting towards myself.
i also have tourette's (as well as ADHD and traits of OCD). it's very interesting you mentioned your OCD rituals can be explained by your autism. i've spent YEARS wondering if my rituals come from my autism, my OCD or my tourette's? probably all three. i did have OCD episodes as a kid but i don't have an official diagnosis and i'd be SO interested to learn more about the OCD & autism link!
Thank you so so so much Zara. You are truly amazing