Autism is a difference, not a disorder | Katie Forbes | TEDxAberdeen

What is autism and how should we talk about it? 
Katie Forbes discusses the detrimental impact of viewing autism as a disorder; something that needs to be fixed or cured. Katie invites viewers to look beyond such terminology and see autism for what it is, simply a difference. Not bad, nor less - just different. Katie highlights the harm of masking and the importance of working towards an inclusive future for all. Katie Forbes is a journalist, with a background in digital and social media marketing, based in Aberdeen, Scotland. Katie currently holds the role of Engagement Producer at Reach PLC and Creative Lead of the ReachAbility committee.

[cowsonzambonis]

Fantastic talk! If our environment was improved, our “symptoms” would improve. There’s only so much an autistic person can do to cope.

[emmalove]

I am autistic, and it’s who I am and I wouldn’t change a thing.

[Elianalivinglife]

It took me almost 32 years to get diagnosed, I finally love who I am and feel good enough.

[syedraza]

Just graduated law school and finally realized I have had autism my whole life. Went through a terribly exhausting time in law school. Whew!

[drinkbooks]

My differences don't make me broken. Other people tried to break me because of my differences. They tried to shave off my corners to make me fit in the round hole. They hit me because they could.

[auversoi]

My thoughts exactly. Autism is a difference not a disorder. I told my dad this same thing the other day when we were watching a TV show called 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' which is about a woman with Autism. In the show someone was defining Autism as a disorder. To me, it seems so obvious that it isn't a disorder yet society still sees it as one. We are in the dark ages of understanding it.

[barbc]

I'm a mother of an autistic child, and I have ADHD. This is the best video I've ever watched describing how it feels to live with autism. Thanks for telling your story, and thanks for your strength. You are a gift to us all. ❤

[mathilda]

I had a similar experience as she did with home office during the pandemic. the job still was difficult for me because I had to do lots of phone calls, but working in a lower-noise environment and not having to spontaneously react to the chatter of my co-workers made me a lot more efficient and less stressed.
When I had to go work on site again I realised even stronger how much effort it took to do my job compared to doing it at home where all these distractions and stressors weren't present.
really wish society would learn from the pandemic, that when the work is doable in home office setting, there should be free choice for the employee if their presence isn't *actually* important (like for important meetings direct work with clients/patients).

[dashinatorx]

I have seen many Ted Talks but this one connects to me in more ways than I can count. Thank you so much for this talk. This will really get an very important message across.

[RonanBunny]

I gotta say, just like Katie, I was worried about my autism at first, but then I learned along the way that it wasn’t a curse. It was a gift. And I’ve been given so many good gifts with autism, like a good memory, the ability to deal with my stress, Work harder and follow my passion for filmmaking.

[mozu]

Thank you. That was great. Humanity comes in many flavors. We should accept and celebrate that--not in a special ceremony, but every day.

[Optimegatrongodzilla]

Autist here. To say that autism isn't a disorder or a disability is simply false. By definition, it is.

[khaulahafeez]

I am not autistic, nor are my kids. But I have this strong belief that autism is NOT a disorder. It’s ONLY being different. AND since ALL human beings are different, this shouldn’t be a problem at all !
More power to you! ♥️

[dhammaboy]

As a fellow ASD'er - I can relate. I completely agree - I think Autism has lots of benefits. I wouldn't change anything except for the bullying & not getting a diagnosis until 47.

Embrace neurodiversity! I have had the same experiences. Great speech!

[jarmoliebrand]

I am proud of who I am. The big thing is how I can fit who I am into this world with the least amount of troubles possible.
I know my weaknesses.
But I also know my strengths.
It’s just that this world doesn’t focus on my strengths nearly as much as my weaknesses. I want to find places and people that do the opposite.

[forestvanslyke]

I'm not crying, you're crying. Thank you for this beautiful speech, Katie.

[ASMRtists]

Katie, you're amazing. Indeed, you should be celebrated for your unique and strong abilities. It is a good thing we have many different kinds of people around. Let's celebrate the range of things we can accomplish together, as long as we all live TOGETHER and respect one another.
We're looking into if my daughter is on the spectrum. Your story made me cry and helps to see this situation and journey as something more positive. I totally agree with you! I'm still scared of how the world will treat her and we still have a long way to go. It's hard to hear how difficult life can be, I see it in her already. From a young age. I hope I can help and support her to be as successful as you are. Thank you very much for sharing.

[hamtrucker]

I am 45 male from Soth Carolina. I was just diagnosed 8 months ago. My life has change so much for the better. I now have a way to understand and deal with it.

[LudwigAppeltans]

Thank you for sharing your story. Resonates so much. Thank you for your courage to share it.