The Surprising Connection: Autism and Dementia Explored

Hi! I'm Orion Kelly and I'm Autistic. On this video I explore the topic of autism and dementia. Plus, I share my personal lived experiences as an #actuallyautistic person. #orionkelly #autism #asd #autismsigns #whatautismfeelslike

⏱ Index:
00:00 - Welcome
00:53 - Autism & Dementia
02:43 - Research Findings
13:33 - Key Strategies

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PO Box 457,
Inverloch, VIC, Australia 3996

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🔵 CONNECT 🔵
TikTok: @orionkelly_australia

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ABOUT ORION:
Orion Kelly is an #ActuallyAutistic vlogger (YouTuber), podcaster, radio host, actor, keynote speaker and Autistic advocate based in Australia. Orion is all about helping you increase your understanding, acceptance and appreciation of Autistic people.

#AutisticVoices #ActuallyAutistic #Autistic #Autism #OrionKelly #ThatAutisticGuy #ASD

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⛔️*Disclaimer: The videos contained on this channel are for general education and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. For professional advice and training seek assistance from a qualified provider. All views are my own and do not represent those of my employers or sponsors. Some images used are stock images.*⛔️

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[chriskaufman]

At 53 I’ve seriously felt cognitive decline especially after the lockdown. I have always kept to myself and have never socialized but for a couple of years before Covid, situations arose in my business and personal life that had me excited and engaging with others and I definitely felt better. But once I got back into my isolation during the lockdown and how comfortable that was everything slowed down, and like a sitting stone, it takes a lot of energy to get it to move again. So to all my autistic brothers and sisters out there, let’s find something social that excites us and get going! I’ve always wanted to learn Dungeons and Dragons so my plan is to learn it and attend social gaming! I think that will be fun and get me interacting again. Wish me luck! And Orion, this was such a great and informative video. I think you’ve helped a lot of people become aware that this is an issue to bring up with their doctors! Thank you again for all you do!

[elephantchang]

For me social engagement has to be strictly rationed because too much can lead to being overwhelmed and emotionally disregulated which in turn negates any benefit accrued from it.

[vaasnaad]

Thank you for this one! Cognitive decline is absolutely terrifying to me. I keep my mind going through debate and constant educational programming. I'm also a engineer in three different fields, which keeps the brain going and through the course of building a tiny home, I've been picking up new skills and knowledge on a regular basis. I guess I need to exercise more physically! Keeping the old noodle ticking has always been a focus of mine. Partially because I like to learn but also to try and avoid decline. I've always been called an "absent minded professor." Before I knew I could rack that up to the autism, it terrified me how absent minded I could be. Overall cognitive function has stayed sharp and in my 50's that's important. Even more so now! WELCOME BACK ORION!

[ohkay]

Stresses bother me more as I get older. And that leads to decline

[DesperationLasts]

My grandfather died from dementia. I feel like I'm barreling towards this reality and it's terrifying. I don't want to die that way.

[Alexia-rqmj]

I love that you're back! I'm autistic and I have multiple sclerosis so I have an extra load working towards dementia. I'm 51. What I have been trying to do, besides walking, is spend more time with people. I'm trying to go to church even though I'm an atheist. The Unitarian Universalist church is great for that. I can listen to talks and have discussions about issues I care about such as the environment and human rights. I also try to make my three autistic children spend lots of time with friends which they do. And of course our family is spending time togeher, cooking and playing board and video games.
So my unsolicited advice for single Autistic people is find a few groups which correlate with your interests. And also find some autistic people to talk to! We're easy to find. There's a whole lot of us. Or, and I just thought of this, how about starting a group of your own to meet other autistic adults and make plans to go to places that seem autistic friendly as far as lights and noise goes.
Orion I really am glad you are back. I was worried so much for you. It's not that I haven't gone through the same kind of crap, but it hurts to see it in people I care about and I do care about you. Your channel is very important to me, because I can watch and listen to a man who understands the problems and oddities that are a core part of who I am.

[aeioufromebay]

I'm not sure you will ever know what level of relief it is to see you "Smiling"(?) again to those of us with connections to those with Autism.

In our house we see emotional "dives" over "nothing"(?) that seem like they will never end ... and all we can do is stand by and express that we love the person and are there for ANYTHING they think they may need to help get them out.

The happiness that overcomes us when they make it through, is like the first day of sun after a month of gloomy, rainy days.

[AlastorTheNPDemon]

🎶Heartaches, heartaches
My loving you brought only heartaches.
Your kiss was such a sacred thing to me.
I can't believe it's just a burning memory.🎶

[meralharbes]

16:22 "Complete food" is a savor for any ASD and ADHD diet. Huel, Saturo, yFood, Soilent, thank you all so much!

[CuteCatsofIstanbul]

I've had to stop 4 times to continue to watch this video. Such great research on your part, so much valuable information, thank you! Definitely a must-watch video for everyone with or without autism. Also great to see you back!!! My mom has vascular dementia - years of uncontrolled high blood pressure being the main culprit. I'm her main caretaker, it's such an odd illness with her; for example while talking about her youth, she'll call me another name, not realize her mistake, call the table a chair or call a cat a dog, not realize it but will continue to talk in amazing detail about what happened in the 70's but then 20 minutes later she'll realize she called me the wrong name and apologise. Can you do a video on misdiagnosis and its impact? Maybe with feedback from this community. Thank you as always, take care! 😺

[Beeatrix]

My mom has Dementia at only 64 and I'm Autistic. Its scary to think about

[lenasandstedt]

Orion! As a spin off to this video, please consider making a video about being autistic and caring for elderly parents with dementia/Alzheimers. It's extremely difficult.

[Joss]

Thanks for pulling all this together, quite a lot of work.... much appreciated, many thanks, Warm Regards Joseph.

[phoenixlee]

Thank you, Orion. I needed to hear this. I'm 63 and female and have other risk factors you mentioned. My dad had dementia late in life, too. Interestingly, in addition to this info, I recently read in Scientific American that it has been found that about 10 years prior to the onset of dementia, a person may have a type of sleep disorder that is characterized by physically acting out (by the physical body) what is being experienced in a dream during the dream. The actor Allan Alda had this experience, looked it up, told his doctor, and a brain scan revealed he was in I think the beginning stages of dementia. He wanted to spread the word, as you are doing so excellently here, because current medicinal treatments/interventions for Azheimers are most effective in the earliest stages. Also, I got your book recently and am enjoying it very much! Thanks for all you do, Orion.

[autiewithwheels]

It is great to see you back.

Even though I have always struggled I was able to work even though I would burnout and have to take a break and then look for a new job once I had recovered.

I was able to talk now I am not.

I used to be able to dress myself now I can not.

My sensory processing as become acute. It has become severely debilitating.

I was able to drive now I am not.

I think this has happened because I like got a late diagnosis and I did not get the support I need which I still do not have as well as not understanding myself as an autistic person and what that means for me and I have tried to lead my life as a neurotypical which has had a detrimental affect on me as in masking and I just kept trying to lead a so called normal life.

I continued to try to live up to the expectations of society with socialising and always be available when I was asked to help a family member or friend.

I always tried to do more of everything not knowing that I am autistic and not understanding that I needed to look after myself.

Now being biologically older and experiencing prolonged autistic burnout and regression I have to rely on help from others being support workers.

[yokoayumi]

Yay! Welcome back!!🎉😊 wow never knew the two were linked :o thankyou for enlightening us with knowledge on this topic 😊

[v.k.]

Nice to see bright colours on you again also in your face. ❤
My mom has dementia and since she is in an elderly home she has been happy and has friends and is engaging in groups. Never saw her like that and it is so good to know that she is fine now. It makes a difference to do a few things you said. I see on myself development in recent weeks that I can grow and don’t have to be alone

[skyblue-lbkr]

Music, creativity, the arts, animals, hiking and nature, thankfully keep me engaged.
Currently training my own whip-smart service pup. Thanks, Orion!

[Rebecca-ozfu]

Good to see you back, but I can tell you the first thing you need to do is take care of yourself and your family. Thank you so much for your research and your insights. You have been extremely helpful to me and understanding what’s going on in my own life. (Newly diagnosed at 61, female).
I continue to look forward to your videos. I don’t agree with everything you say, but that’s OK. A good conversation usually does not involve 100% agreement on both sides. Mostly, I just wanna say thank you, and for you to know that your work is appreciated.

[CaioValeFly]

The colors of your shirt are absolutely hypnotic to me. Coudn't stop looking at. I love it 😂