Understanding Autism - The Top 20 Facts You Need to Know

Hi! I'm Orion Kelly and I'm Autistic. On this video I share 20 facts on #autism that you NEED to know. Plus, I share my personal lived experiences as an #actuallyautistic person. #asd #orionkelly #autismsigns #whatautismfeelslike

⏱ Index:
00:00 - 20 Autism facts
01:19 - #1
02:30 - #2
03:09 - #3
03:42 - #4
04:23 - #5
04:44 - #6
05:19 - #7
06:30 - #8
07:13 - #9
07:44 - #10
08:17 - #11
10:10 - #12
11:33 - #13
12:12 - #14
12:54 - #15
13:33 - #16
14:38 - #17
15:30 - #18
16:05 - #19
17:22 - #20

🙏 Thanks so much for watching, rating, commenting, sharing and subscribing, I really appreciate it! You're helping me raise the level of understanding and acceptance of the Autistic community. You can show your support for my channel by doing any of these things:

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🔵 CHANNEL LINKS 🔵

🔵 CONNECT 🔵
TikTok: @orionkelly_australia

🎧 My Friend Autism' PODCAST 🎧

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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.*⛔️

Related: autism, autism diagnosis, Orion Kelly, orionkelly, thatautisticguy, tiktok videos, autistic, autism in adults, autism in women, autism in men, autism spectrum condition, asd, autism spectrum disorder, aspergers, aspergers syndrome, autism in boys, autism in girls, dsm, dsm5, autistic adults, autistic kids, autism mom, autism parent, autism family, autism speaks, autism awareness, autism acceptance, autism at work, am I autistic, adult autism test, autism disclosure, autism therapy, autism prevention, autism meltdown, autistic burnout, autistic behavior, autism symptoms, autism traits, autistic signs, what autism feels like, love on the spectrum, stimming, echolalia, anxiety

[divin_lvee]

I JUST LAUGHED HARD 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 “we’re autistic, not trees” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Ppl tell me I can’t be autistic bc of the things I can do - I tell them, when you have no one in your life and have had to survive on your own since 17 (technically even as a child), then you just do it - bc you have to. But that doesn’t mean it feels good or isn’t hard to do.
I love your videos, thank you for all you do!!

[susansaunders]

Bisexual adult female here...as it happens, I DO love trains and planes and I'm a hypersensitive science geek. I am very creative but, paradoxically, lacking the ability to imagine narratives. I didn't role-play as a child. I've been phone phobic all my life. I was made for a texting world! I was an adult before I realized that you're supposed to just FEEL emotions rather than weave some type of complex thought process. I've parlayed my tendency to take things literally into my sense of humor ("I saw a sign at the shelter that said 'FREE PUPPIES'. So I did"). Socialize? No thank you. And I do have a whole lot of trouble holding down jobs but there are def things that I'm good at. I found another person with ASD and we fell in love. We're married now and revel in our quirks, happy to wear the same shirts every day. But that's just me.

[tessaoliver]

I've had people complain that I make "too much" eye contact, but I don't know what else I'm supposed to do. As I grew up, I had it reiterated over and over that making eye contact was very important for proper communication to assure the other party that you are paying proper attention, being truthful, etc. Now I either make very intense eye contact or none at all.

[NuriaLuna]

“We’re autistic people. We’re not trees” should be a slogan printed on a T-shirt ☺️

[mizotter]

I relate to 96% of the points here!
But let's talk about the Phone Call Challenge:
Yes, I can mask up and take care of business -- but only in small doses on good days! It takes a lot of energy -- not only to wait on hold, speak with strangers, get through the info intake process, and make the appointments/secure the services--but to manage all the jittery anxiety and the overwhelming urge to flee to the woods!
My coping strategy is to "save up" unpleasant tasks like this until a day when I feel really strong, get them done as quickly as possible, then reward myself with a pleasurable experience like a bike ride, a hike in the woods, or a sunset paddle in the kayak.

[pww]

I'd prefer a phone call over these bloody Zoom meetings. Now everyone can see you as well, it's like being centre stage, which I really, really, really don't like. Zoom meetings trigger anxiety which can spiral into a full blown panic attack.

[pikachufan]

I also find that lies are offensive but I also see sugar coating as respectful. Like tell me I'm bad at playing the guitar, but remind me that it's OK lol. This might me the rejection thing that we autistic people deal with but if someone says im bad in any way or with something I tend to generalize and personalize it deeply. So tell me like it is but be kind too

[robokill]

3:29 yes, THIS. In the UK, we have certain employers who advertise "autism friendly" jobs. But it's literally all IT and maths. If you're not good at them, you're stuffed. They just assume that IT and maths is the only thing an autistic person could possibly be good at.

[misterbulger]

My autistic dad is obsessed with trains and boats and military equipment LOL. His autistic son is a heavy equipment operator and shade tree mechanic/ racecar driver

[LaGuera]

Omg you got me! Good one. In my mind I was like "WTF, did my earbud stop working. God dam this stupid technology! I better check the volume. SOB it was a joke!" And then I laughed outloud. You have great humor.

[silicon]

Why do I like trains? Well, it is because I love the thrum of that EMD two stroke diesel 16-710G3C-T2 engine running flat out. And at idle, and at any throttle position. The perception of 200 tons making contact with the rails with less than 14 quarters in area ... the sound of the gear driven, clutched turbocharger.

[jeannettegarofalo]

I think you are funny, I enjoy your humor.Thank you for helping me to better understand my great grandson.His name is Sawyer and he is a wonderful little boy. I have learned more about autism from your videos then I have from anyone else your great🙂

[rudygloria]

Thank My “IT“ has a Autistic Spectrum!!! I’M SPECIAL, I’M GIFTED!!! The “it“ explains EVERYTHING!!! I seen your YouTube channel I’m a subscriber, I’ve seen others, I’ve been reading articles on Google and I am like OMG (oh my goodness) I have this? I HAVE THIS!!! It all makes sense now, and like you said, I’m so relieved, but not surprised and I don’t need a professional diagnosis when you hear the truth, truth has a ring to it, and you just know

Oh, I could cry and give you a hug!!! (metaphorically speaking) Man, it’s been a roller coaster ride, but at least I can learn from here at 58 years old!!!

You’re the first person that I saw on the subject! I resonated with everything, so I think it’s only fitting that you are the first person I just told !!! 😊 !!! Everybody says, “you don’t say things like that to strangers! But that’s just the way we are it’s normal to us!!! My “quirkiness“ makes sense now!!!

Lord, BLESS this “Kind Samaritan“ and his whole household, for the kindness and genuine concern and education for humanity, including myself. Amen 🙏🏼

Peace, Rudy 🕊️☮️🕊️

[philip]

I absolutely KNEW I had to call my mother.. to see how she was.
She'd answer, 'Hello'.. I'd say, 'Hey Mom, how you doing? Her, 'OK'.
THEN.. I'd feel comfort and say, "OK.. Gotta go now." and hang up. ~I wish I'd have talked more while she was alive.

[ephiri]

I was diagnosed in January, just before my 40th birthday. I was given some resources, including YouTube videos. I eventually found your videos. Thank you, they're resourceful and true. But...
I can't watch sometimes because of the light behind you... the colour changing. I end up just listening to you, while not watching. Sorry if I offend you with this comment. Thanks for making this content.

[colleenciecura]

Orion Thank you 1000x over!!!!
I discovered your YouTube channel about 7 months ago.
And have watched a lot of your videos in the last 2 weeks.
I was finally diagnosed in March of 2021 at age 49.
I am on the verge of crying happyvtears watching this video.
What you said about scheduling changing and being creative and people saying those things.
Phone calls OMG I panic.
Thank you so much❤

[dominichadley]

My Current Special Interests in order of top favourites 😊:

Star Trek 🛸
Doctor Who 🔹
Stargate 💍
Dune 🟠
Other Science Fictions 🛸
Classic American Cars 🚙
Space X (Starship) 🚀
Planes ✈️
Computers 🖥️ 💻


Yes I did take the extra time to do the emoji’s just to show how much I love them 😁 I think over-sharing is another Autism trait, I do this more than I realise lol, I used to feel ashamed when I was younger but nowadays I never shy away to share my obsessions!

Very good video Orion Kelly! I’m a new subscriber and loving your content! 😊 I love knowing that I can feel proud of who I am and be myself without feeling shame

[camillenelson]

Re: #20 Eye contact. I can look at people in the eye Unless, it's a difficult or intense conversation, then I clean, straighten, write, pace or whatever, to help me concentrate. Thank you Mr. Kelly!

[nancyz]

thanks for this, im slowly trying to catch all the videos. i relate to most of these points. its so freeing to know that im not alone. i always thought it was me! you are hilarious!

[ClearTheRubble]

Your mention of phone conversations reminded me that I'm working one of the most anti-autism jobs I could have asked for, constantly having to settle disputes between people, resolve complaints, negotiate with contractors, make constant phone calls, juggle various tasks, and deal with one "emergency" after another. I'm constantly on the edge of meltdowns, and sometimes that dam breaks. I've repeatedly tried and failed to get a relaxing job as a ditch digger. 😂