Unmasking the Stigma Behind Autism in Females | Emmy Peach | TEDxUGA

[bridgitmckee]

I’m 44 and just received my official diagnosis this past Monday. My life makes so much sense now.

[uuesgirl]

Functioning labels are really harmful to autistic people. I'm sure she's been taught to call people severely or high functioning autistic, but those exist to prevent "high functioning" people from accessing services. I'm "high functioning" and can't meet someone new without a meltdown. I can't work a full time job and every time I come home, I meltdown. I cry every single day, due to being overwhelmed and anxious. I am NOT functioning highly, I just hide my struggles in public.

[pamparara_]

I really appreciate Emmy speaking out. There comes the 'but'. Unmasking might work in close relationships. I can't imagine doing it in front of the people at my work. It would literally ruin my life, and I'm not exaggerating it. Most people will not accept anything that is different from so-called 'standard'. I hope Gen Z will have the guts to change it.

[jacquiventurini]

I don’t know how she managed to speak with so much confidence and clarity. This for me is the hardest struggle! Well done to this amazing lady ❤

[unclepecos]

It's really important to know how autism usually manifests in girls, just one warning: please do not believe that this "female autistic phenotype" is the way autistic women always are, full stop.
I'm a cisgender autistic male, and I really resonate a lot with it: sensitive, daydreaming, high-masking, socializing physically without really doing it (unless sharing special interests)... And i know there's plenty of autistic cisgender women that really fit in the "male" phenotype: blunt, logical, socially avoidant...
I believe the difference between the phenotypes is mainly due to different gender socalization (to which we autistics are subjected just as anyone else) and not actual biology. So please let's integrate the "female autistic traits" in the spectrum, which is a greatly positive thing, just without assuming that women will always be like this and man will always be like that.

[sourbongwater]

This brought me to tears. I am 21 and recently diagnosed ASD and ADHD, the amount of relief I felt, it was so powerful.

[vikashchandra]

The smile at the end really says it all about her passion for raising awareness about autism. Such a great talk in so little time, for a very misunderstood subject.

[Mark-inju]

I also have level 1 ASD. Throughout childhood, I always preferred reading science textbooks to prolonged interactions with others.

[helicopterhorsemom]

I have just been diagnosed level 1 autism and adhd at age 53 (almost 54)! Your words make sense to me. Thank you for sharing, and I’m so proud of you for being brave to get up in front of people and say the words! It is challenging for neurodivergent people, but you did it very well!

[alifmuhammadchicago]

It's important to mention how the stigma is based in "classic autism" being defined by deficits. Now that autism level 1 (formerly Asperger's) is a part of the spectrum, it's easier for people to reveal their diagnosis without being lumped in the category of hospitalized and wearhoused patients.

[thexpax]

this made me really cry
diagnosed asperger at 53 before the diagnosis was declared autism
wìth my "big iq" i hated to be called autistic --- i used to believe bad stereotypes
then covid isolation 2 years erased my masking skills --- my ability to appear "normal" though unuse and no practice
now my social groups have all ostracized and excuded me
for being different
i am 63 now and will die all alone in this weird world
this presenter is extroverted, sadly i was born an introvert
thank you
and goodbye

[MsTD]

My husband came to me few days ago saying ‘ you’ve got to watch this ‘ - pointing on a YouTube video that explains that on women, and how different it is than what it looks like in men. That was a day after we have argued on things that are ‘ normal ‘ to the ordinary people, but not for me … I have almost every criteria on the list, that’s insane. I see myself a lot like this girl speaking, so many similarities … even our looks . Thank you so much for sharing this important information ❤

[tdsollog]

This is so helpful. We need more destigmatizing neurodivergence, mental health issues and differences in general.

[liliacmoon]

this woman is so young and talented, I'm currently seeing a psy because i suspect having autism and I'm about to see for a diagnosis

[Moonlover]

I got diagnosed this year with autism. I am a 25 year old woman. I'm happy I was diagnosed too. It helped me understand myself and what I've struggled with for years better. I do wish I'd known sooner. I'm still processing it, but also thankful for finally knowing

[taresypp]

I am different, not less
I rather stand out then fit in
I want to be heard and not stopped
accept individualism, accept diversity
we see the world differently, but we are seeing the same world
through same lens as you!
accept us, we are spectrum just like rainbow full of colour and value, we offer a gift to world and see the world from another perspective, sound
and noise may hinder us but don't let condition define us but excel us, understanding leads to acknowledgment through this leads to acceptance, peace

[yibuseato]

“There is beauty in the spectrum. I encourage those of you with autism to unmask and be your genuine self…. No matter our age, no matter male or female, we deserve authentic relationships with people who see us for who we truly are” 🤍

[emmalove]

My autism also has given me a better understanding of myself

[Arachne-qwvr]

Self soothing needs talking about more often. I soothe with my feet, I even dance. But some kind people showed me how to sit and feel and think through stress and soothing manifests in many ways now. Like remembering triumphant moments and solving problems.

[kr]

I found out I had it last year at 27 years old. ASD 1 and ADHD-I. It's gotten more noticeable as I age.