What It Feel Like To Be An AUTISTIC Child - Meet My Autistic Son

Hi! I'm Orion Kelly and I'm Autistic. On this video I’m joined by my #autistic son to chat about what it feels like to be an Autistic child. We share personal insights and experiences so that you can better understand what it’s like to be Autistic. #orionkelly #actuallyautistic #autism #autisticchild

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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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[julieabraham]

As a child, I wanted so badly to have friends, but did not know how this was done. I knew that one key was to be kind. I also knew that people did not like to be lied to. These were two traits that I had to a fault, so I was confused as to why kids did not flock to me, seeking my friendship. The friends I tended to attract, however, were narcissists. They could smell my hunger for friends and they exploited my kindness and honesty.

[Aloszka]

Watching this was...a ride. I was diagnosed at 26 yr (autism and ADHD), I'm a woman, so I didn't have the "autistic childhood" experience – was forced to be "normal", was treated (and still am) like a weirdo and unworthy to be a part of the society. Autism in Poland is a taboo and seen in the most stereotypical categories possible. Only in last few years a few activists started speaking up, a few doctors started doing diagnosis in adults and especially in women, so the awareness is slowly getting better, yet it's still WAAAY behind the rest of the world.

It's so interesting to see the perspective of kids with not only an early diagnosis, but also with super supportive fakilies and friends and schools. It's so... unbelievable for me, like I can't even imagine it's possible. Never experienced that and I most probably won't ever experience such a thing. It hurts and I'm jealous and...have a lot of not great emotions because of my traumatic and horrible childhood and still being stuck in this bullshit country, never able to be myself no matter how much I try. I can't tell my family about my diagnosis, I can't tell my university, can't tell my coworkers, can't tell my friends – only 3 closest people know about my diagnosis, and only because they're also neurodivergent. Can't tell most doctors about it, because they laugh at me. I spent tons of money and time to finally find a therapist and psychiatrist who update their knowledge and know anything about autism in adult women.

Getting diagnosis in Poland is almost impossible 😩 even in private clinics you'll wait for over 6 months for an appointment.

Do you know how many autistic women over 35yr have a diagnosis in Poland? 303. Only 303 autistic adult women in Poland. This number is just pathetic in all possible ways.

[beanbeanster]

That was so informative Orion and Connan. Thanks so much.
It was all such valuable knowledge. The biggest take away for me was, my son has been busy masking most of the day at school, he comes home and does his special interest which I'm fine with me but if other family members are at our place, they say things like, "Why do you let him spend so much time doing so and so. He should be doing his home work." I say "No, he's just spent 6.5 hrs trying to do school work at school and navigating the whole playground stuff. He needs to relax now." My family members may say, "You don't discipline him enough. If he's like this now what's he going to be like when he's older?" It sometimes breaks my heart being called this and that as a parent but at the same time I know my son and my family don't and I'll never stop advocating for his needs and standing up for him. Thanks again and as always your video flew by, didn't seem like 20 minutes at all.

[KeenanDenis]

I get so angry seeing videos online of people being praised for "being friends with the Autistic/Disabled kid" and "taking the Autistic/Disabled kid to prom", and celebrities boasting about their special effort to meet an Autistic/Disabled child. When kindness towards Autistic/Disabled people is deemed extraordinary, you need to reevaluate how you've been conditioned to treat Disabled people in the first place.

[nancyz]

i have always had problems making/keeping friends. i still can tell which of my neighbors actually 'like me or put up with me'. its very confusing. i enjoy being with very few people. i have a 41 year od daughter who understands me & a close friend/neighbor who i feel 'safe' with. Thank you for helping me to process this situation, its been haunting me for over 60yrs. im really just recently seeing this is most likely autism. i was abused at a very young age & it continued thru my teen years. im not quite sure who i really am.

[Lini.lavender]

I am currently figuring out whether I might be autistic or not, one thing that always makes me doubt it is that I seemed quite "normal" as a child and even had friends. Seeing your son, and how "normal" he appears, is really helpful. I can compare and understand my younger self better now. Thank you for the education.

[carcrazynik]

Watching this video, I feel like I just viewed my entire childhood differently than I did prior to watching this. It really hit home. Your son is unbelievably lucky to have you as his father. I wish I could have been diagnosed as a child. I didn't have that safe space that he has at home. I had to mask twice as effectively at home than I did at school. My single father was the #1 person telling me to look him in the eyes when I speak to him or to not act like that cause its "weird" or to "grow up" when I was upset about anything. Now he's my best friend and I love him dearly. He just didn't know. The media hasn't exactly done a great job of showing the realities of a lot of autistic people. Especially in the 90s when I was a child. Keep up the amazing work you're already doing. You do change lives for the better all over the world. 🖤

[ClandestineGirlX]

Awww Conan is such a sweetheart. I loved how he described how accepting his friends are. So sweet. Thank you both for this important information!

[KeenanDenis]

I really dislike the term "special needs". My needs aren't special - my needs are the exact same as everybody else's. What's special is the effort I require from society to ensure my needs are met. I'm disabled by society.

[Torby]

Somehow the cat always knew when I needed her.

[trishapotter]

Your little boy is adorable 🥰 just like his daddy. 😊

[michellestudios]

This is a great one and I’m so glad you put it up. I am bawling though as I am listening. This was my sons experience. I was able to get him out of the school where it happened the bullying. The struggle to make and keep friends. It breaks my heart.

[alisonhudyma]

This was fantastic. Your son and you Nailed for my little boy about school and making friends.
I just found your podcast and YouTube the other day and I have to say it is a breath of fresh air to hear all your expearances. It is helping me a lot. Thank you. And your boy is just the best.

[nancyziegler]

I had a hard time with getting/keeping friends when i was young, still do at 68. Its difficult to trust people to be what they appear. I love Conan, hes a doll. Im pleased he has real friends. Shout out to the folks who actually teach their children to understand to love others despite differences. Great presentation, guys. (i love the puffy shirt from the Seinfield episode (sp). my favorite comedy).

[jamescolahan]

Bless Conan’s heart. He is amazing and he is your son. Love you guys. Jimcolahan

[bintobinah]

The group of friends I ended up with throughout high school, somebody just grabbed my hand and excitedly dragged me along to join them. So true how I was so passive in making friends but i rationalize it as more of from the standpoint of self-sufficiency and generosity. I'm okay on my own, and I'd like give first to those who show interest. It was my mask, deep inside I felt friendless and starving for real connection. I regret it how I didn't choose my friends well. The group of friends I mentioned, well, they didn't allow me to be friends with the other group whom I truly liked. She made me choose whether to stay or leave. And I couldn't make friends on my own with the people I really liked. I was also best friends with the very person who bullies me, over decades until I just couldn't stand it anymore and so ended it. At least she taught me how to sing and that helped with appearing to be admired and liked by others despite that I don't talk, at least I open my mouth to sing. And being part of a choir somehow became my place of belonging throughout school and early professional years.

[Jenna.g.]

I agree with Conan, spinning in chairs is super fun. I do best if people approach me instead of me trying to figure out how to approach someone myself. I don't have any close friends anymore and looking back my "friendships" seemed more like acquaintances. The only job ive had was working with kids at a summer park program, i had trouble joining into games i didn't want to play and neither did some of the kids, apparently my coworkers complained to my boss so i just quit. Now i know that happened because im late diagnosed autistic. Some kids are mean

[teresacarpenter]

Hi Orion and Conan.
I was five when I was told I had Epilepsy. I had seizures, took medications, struggled with directions, and making friends. I was able to get through it. My grandson is eleven. I worry about when he begins middle school and high school. I was bullied. I worry he will go through the same thing. I find myself lately asking if I might have caused this. Both are neurological. His brother recently was diagnosed as having ADHD.

[PLANETWATERMELON]

Your son is awesome. Question. Do you find that the most difficult people for your son are the workers/employees at places like school and childcare? I find that these people are surprizingly the least suppporting and helpful.

[fdw]

Your son is so sweet. I love he enjoys making a video too! You're a great person to be his role model and he is so lucky you're his Dad. I grew up misunderstood by my parents and I bet it would have been loads different having such an aware parent. I hope my experiences help my son.