How my diagnosis changed the way I perceive myself | Kaelynn Partlow

Kaelynn Partlow shares her story about life with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, and how finding the right diagnosis helped her embrace her neurodivergent identity.

Kaelynn Partlow, an author, autism advocate, and registered behavior technician, shares her own experiences living with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. She talks about how these diagnoses shifted her self-perception from feeling "stupid" to understanding her unique challenges and strengths.

Kaelynn opens up about the misunderstandings neurodivergent people face and the difficulty of connecting in a world that often doesn't accommodate different ways of thinking. She also shares her fears—like wondering if her social difficulties will ever improve—and how she copes with loneliness, especially when not focused on work.

Through it all, Kaelynn emphasizes the value of recognizing your own strengths, even when it’s hard. By taking on challenges and thriving under pressure, she found new opportunities, from public speaking to creative writing. Her story shows that growth often comes from facing fears and redefining success on your own terms.

We created this video in partnership with Unlikely Collaborators.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Go Deeper with Big Think:

►Become a Big Think Member

►Get Big Think+ for Business

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Kaelynn Partlow:

In 2015, Kaelynn Partlow joined Project Hope Foundation as a Registered Behavior Technician. She is now a Lead Technician, providing services to middle and high-school-aged clients and contributing to staff training development.
In 2021, Kaelynn was featured on the Netflix series Love On The Spectrum. She has also been a guest on numerous national podcasts and has published several articles, offering insights from an autistic perspective.
With a large following on various social media platforms, Kaelynn uses her reach for autism advocacy, connecting with millions globally. In addition to her online work and role at Project Hope, she is an international public speaker, passionate about sharing tangible strategies for best practices when interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum

[ginacrick]

“I spend more time dissecting the human experience than having one myself.” 💡I do this too, and I didn’t realize it. Thank you for being vulnerable. This helps.

[shancakes]

*To have a word for it that’s not “dumb” or “wrong.”* This. This is exactly it. Well said, my friend.

[LyraeonYT]

I never could learned Math even until today as adult. I knew I was ADHD/autism but back then, there's no internet to know about all this issue. People and teacher would recognized me as weakest student.
Also, I hate meeting people or be on one to one conversation.
I feel emotion strong like she mentioned.

I'm afraid I never found someone who accept and understood me

[Shannon_Robbie]

She is lucky in a way because she got diagnosed! I'm 47 and still wondering if I'm autistic or have ADHD or Dyscalculia . And it's not for lack of trying. I've discussed it with therapists and still not gotten proper assessments.

[Krista-]

nights, weekend and holidays.... i dread.... including the monday or tuesday after the weekend when people will always ask how my weekend was... or thursday/friday excitement that i used to experience and miss sometimes but also know that i dont miss the pressure

[hwfqfajwfoiffawdiufhuaiwfhw]

she looks like this hollywood actress, don't remember the name

*Carey Mulligan

[laureanooliva]

I am kind of curious about autism. I feel kind of identified, especially when talking about the social struggles. I had them for most of my life and I was pretty different from most people. When I was little I had a pretty vivid imagination but wasn't that responsive to the outward world. I used to play football and I would just stand in place and not do anything while the other kids where chasing the ball because I was inside my head.
I also really struggled with looking people in the face when talking to them. But at some point I just became pretty much like everyone else. But I do remember that there was a big period in my life were I felt pretty isolated and alone, and used to live in my head almost all the time.
I wonder if I used to be in the spectrum. I am not sure if you can be in the spectrum and then stop being in the spectrum?

[SoirEkim]

Whoa! This vid offers me a new perspective on a woman I’ve felt strong interest in but she has been successfully turning me off even though I get so many hints from her that she too is at least partially curious about me. She might have more going on under the surface than what she is willing to share. She becomes socially awkward when talking with me. Her actions may have a counter intuitive aspect to them since we don’t think alike given our differences over a range of reasoning. At this point the rush v reward is leaning heavily on risk, like getting fired if I make the wrong move. She has gotten men fired who thought it was their turn at being her man. I don’t want to be the next target.
Then she tells me she had a dream about me but only says to stay curious. I’d say that she is planting seeds, will flowers grow or weeds?

[eviliee]

1:24 is a not very nice leading question. What if its no ones voice because I've never heard it. I understand self loathing, if only for a period is more or less part of the neurodivergent experience; but it is not an assumption I'd like people to make.
idk it just makes me sad

[birdsofvyraj]

You're lovely person. I'm sure a lot of people like you how you are. :)

[ElegantHamster-ds]

Hey, I saw you on the Autism dating show!

[pca]

I can really identify with the need to have something in your hands. I'm super-fidgety.

[tedyshor]

You're nice...and i don't know you ✌️

[InDifferentPurpose]

Do an interview with me :D I'm severly sick and can't cook worht a damn!

[SheSweetLikSugarNSavage]

Me: What the heck is a N.D (neurodivergent)?

Spirit: Nothing. People barely know themselves. So what does it matter what they think of you?

Me Again:🫷My Daemon told me to tell all y'all "don't go putting me in your lil'demon DSM-5 book. Cause I'm out here not minding N.D.body's business but my own, following God and skervin on'em." 👽✌😆

[LeifOlegson]

I feel ya darllin'. I guess this an exemplar of neurodivergency?

[spenarkley]

Elon Musk has Aspergers. Its very apparent in him, as he is a great in doing business stuff, but socialy very akward when he is excited about anything.
He sometimes suddenly starts acting goofy wich makes for funny pictures and free reddit upvotes when you post them.

[matt_sinclair]

Sure, so many people can have "neurodivergent identities". But we cannot normalize this to the point where we are almost idolizing this. These conditions are disabilities in the most accurate sense. Stop making this the norm, and try to better yourself through various means.

I wholeheartedly support embracing your true self, but I’ve noticed a pattern where individuals with these disorders expect others to accommodate their “identities” simply because they exist. It’s time to put an end to this “everybody is special” nonsense. If everyone is special, no one is truly "special". Instead of constantly seeking to be special, focus on finding ways to positively impact the world around you and contribute value to your community.

This victim mentality and coping has to stop.

[SheSweetLikSugarNSavage]

I'm a neurodivergent¿? hmmm okay but trust me, I don't sleep in my closet. The bed will do. 🤣

💁🏻‍♀ Does this quarky super power come with, or without a cape...?Oh and can I have a wand...

....and some wings?.... oh and a halo slightly chipped on the left side for that one horn that sticks out.

Please and ty.❤

[invox]

You lost me at "content creator"... 🙄