Sarah Hendrickx

Sarah Hendrickx presents at the Asperger/Autism Network's conference, "Hiding in Plain Sight: Shining Light on Women with Asperger/Autism Profiles." March 2017.

[rustung]

I know this video is intended for women. But as a man I relate to all of this so much it's mind boggling. I was never picked out as autistic, and just now when I'm almost 40 I've figured it out thanks to videos like this. Been waiting for an appointment for diagnosis, and very excited/nervous that's it's finally coming next week.

[cloudy_CJZ]

this is one of the best videos about autisme in females I've ever found. it really resonated with me so much, it made me cry.

[SteamboatWilley]

"People are more stressful than they are enjoyable."
People need to understand this. When I was going through a hard time at work (this was on a cruise ship), my boss said I needed to go to the bar after work instead of going back to my cabin and playing on my laptop alone. For me, going to the noisy, crowded bar was just more stress and I needed that time alone to wind down.

[jasminebecker]

God this describes my life SO incredibly well. I never considered that I could be autistic, I never thought that I wasn't, per se, it just didn't occur to me. Since recently discovering that I am, indeed, autistic, I can't believe I never considered it before. The social development issues, the selective mutism as a kid, living on the edge of the social interactions and never knowing what to say to yet people to accept me, the sensory issues, the resistance to change. Now I know, I'm not defective, I'm not an alien in human skin, I'm not disordered, I'm simply autistic.

[hrtdinasaurette]

I’m 52 n still don’t have a formal diagnosis. My nephew is diagnosed autistic and I’m quietly confident that both my parents were. Finding Sarah was a revelation to me. Without knowing it she tells my life story. I keep on keeping on to the best of my masking abilities. But, can’t thank Sarah enough for opening my eyes and allowing me to feel less ‘wrong’ and ‘alone’. Only wish I could find more videos of her talks. Thank you from the centre of my heart Ms. Hendrix - you have literally saved my life ❤

[katewright]

Incredible speaker, spot on. I am a clinician working with Acorn Autism Specialists near Colchester. We meet many many women who have been misdiagnosed with various mental health conditions, and for many years have felt there was something wrong with them, they don't fit in anywhere, or don't belong. I am so proud to be working with such experienced clinicians who are well aware of the traits Sarah mentions, and has experienced. We spot them Sarah!!!

[avg]

I'm 49, met my current husband 10 years ago and I still say sorry to him at times for 'not being normal'. He loves me, knows who and what I am and doesn't care but

[yourenough]

I was also misdiagnosed once with borderline personality and then with bipolar disorder. Thank you so much for this video.

[Katzeyes]

Thanks for this. I am currently undiagnosed, but bells going ping with lots of what your talking about❤😊

[linden]

I read her book in one evening! It was so good! A strong voice and advocate for women with autism.

[yestohappiness]

Exactly like you Sarah - did PhD in math in <2yrs while working full time and having 2 small kids... now looking back I have no clue how I did this. But I can't answer simple questions on the street or at the airport either... and I'm invisible at work - others take credit for all I do...

[SusKa]

Thank you Sarah. I am a weirdo. I am an autist. But didn’t understand why. I was in trouble for different reasons and situations. But since my childhooddriend told my that I am autistic. I was tested. And from that moment I am following people that give me answers to all my confusions. So now I am 58 and I am accepting that I am different than my sisters. And that I am that for a reason. It’s called autism.❤❤❤❤

[Prudenthermit]

She's a wonderful speaker 😍 enjoyed this very much.

[yoginiheart]

Breed recognition feels like 'coming out!' thank you. at 54 years old and every male in my family diagnosed- its like jumping in the pool with the boys now!

[CricketGirrl]

My second time watching this. This is the video that made me realize I am autistic. Have my evaluation next week. I'm 49, and I feel like my life is finally starting.

[amymclellan]

I've never related to someone more. Thank you for all you do :)

[rebanelson]

I have to listen to this in short segments in order to allow myself to process all the revelations. If only I had known these things when I was a kid! Better late than never. Thanks!

[sarlou]

I just received my diagnosis on Thursday! I’m so relieved I finally have answers as to why I’ve always felt so different to everyone else. They were the people who recommended I watch this and a couple of your other videos.

[dustistreet]

I was counting well into the hundreds and reading at 2 years old.
My Dad said that I was out of diapers before I was a year old.
I could not stand the starched and pleated dresses he put on me.
At 3.5 years old my grandmother brought me to a psychiatrist because I only drew with a black crayon, didn’t talk to other people other than she and my Dad. I lined up my stuffed animals and didn’t sleep much.
He said I was depressed. Evidently I also scored 132 on the I.Q. test.
I could write with both hands at the same time, backwards, and upside down.
I hid behind something everywhere I went.
My Dad expected me to be perfect at everything and to naturally know what to do at all times.
Teachers yelled at me and made fun of me along with the other children.
I always wanted to be someone other than me.
My most favorite times were climbing trees and reading in them.
I made my apartment in my closet even though I had a whole room to myself.
I have never fit in until I became a Truck Driver!
Then due to health problems I told my boss that I would have to quit driving and he made me a Ticket Girl at our dirt pit.
Except for the days when there are more than 20 Drivers coming in, I have the most perfect job for me.
I keep track of each load that each Driver gets and I keep all of the Operators (heavy equipment) hours.
I figure up how many total yards of product each truck got. For the triaxles it’s 16 yards per load and the quad-axles get 18 yards. Then the tractor-trailers get 20 yards.
Then I total them all up.
I was diagnosed when I was 54.5 years old and now I’m 61.5 years old. But I’ve known that I’m an Aspie for longer.
I just wish someone had discovered this when I was a child. Then I wouldn’t have felt so stupid all those years.

[alikayn]

Interesting, amusing, well-delivered. I am not alone.