All About Autism

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Aspy World! My name is Dan, and I have autism and ADHD. I make weekly videos about these topics, so if you’re new here and want to learn more, make sure to hit the subscribe button and click the notification bell so you don’t miss any updates. The Claim: A Cure for Autism? Recently, scientists claimed they developed a shot that cures autism. This headline has caused quite a stir, and today, we're going to unpack it all. But first, a quick thank you to our sponsor, Brillia. Brillia offers non-prescription, non-addictive homeopathic medication for ADHD, which I personally use. It helps enhance clarity, reduce irritability, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity. Remember to check with your doctor before trying any new medication, and you can use the code ASP5 for a 15% discount with the link in the description below. What is Autism? Before we dive into these claims, let's clarify what autism is. Autism is a neurodevelopmental conditio...

Navigating social cues can be challenging for individuals with autism. In this blog post, we'll delve into some practical tips and insights that can help autistic individuals navigate social interactions more confidently. Understanding Autism and Social Interaction Autism, as a neurological developmental condition, affects how individuals process and respond to social cues. The term "autism" originates from the Greek word "autos," meaning self, reflecting the characteristic preference for solitude or self-focus in autistic individuals. This neurological difference impacts various aspects of communication and social interaction, making it essential to approach social cues in a mindful and supportive manner. Challenges with Social Cues For autistic individuals, the sensory aspects of social interaction can be overwhelming. The sensory environment—such as sounds, sights, smells—can create a distracting or distressing experience, making it difficult to...

Hey guys, welcome back to The Aspie World! I'm Dan, and I have autism, ADHD, OCD, and dyslexia. I make quick videos on these topics, so if you're new here and want to learn more, make sure to hit the Subscribe button and click the notification bell. There's a lot of information about autism out there, but there's also a lot of misinformation. Today, I'm here to clear things up and share 10 things about autism that you probably didn't know, but definitely should. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride! 1. Eye Contact People often think that autistic individuals can't make eye contact. While some autistic people struggle with this, it doesn’t mean they can't do it at all. It can be uncomfortable and harder for them to maintain eye contact for extended periods, but with practice, some find it easier over time. Programs like "Social Eyes" can help autistic individuals develop this skill. 2. Non-Verbal Communication Autistic individuals w...

Welcome back to The Aspie World! I'm Dan, and I have autism, ADHD, OCD, and dyslexia, so you're in safe hands here. Today, we're diving into a topic that's both important and frustrating: why autism in girls is often missed during the diagnostic process. If you're an autistic girl or know someone who is, this post is for you. Let's get started! 1. Lack of Training Among Healthcare Professionals One of the main reasons autism in girls is often missed is that many healthcare professionals aren't trained to recognize it. Historically, most of the research and diagnostic criteria were based on observations of boys. Pioneers like Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner primarily focused on males, leading to a skewed understanding of autism. This gender bias has persisted, causing many professionals to overlook or misinterpret signs of autism in girls. Organizations like the National Autistic Society and Autism Society of America are working to change this, bu...

Welcome back to The Aspie World! I'm Dan, and I have autism, ADHD, OCD, and dyslexia, so you're in safe hands here. Today, we're diving into a topic that's both important and frustrating: why autism in girls is often missed during the diagnostic process. If you're an autistic girl or know someone who is, this post is for you. Let's get started! 1. Lack of Training Among Healthcare Professionals One of the main reasons autism in girls is often missed is that many healthcare professionals aren't trained to recognize it. Historically, most of the research and diagnostic criteria were based on observations of boys. Pioneers like Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner primarily focused on males, leading to a skewed understanding of autism. This gender bias has persisted, causing many professionals to overlook or misinterpret signs of autism in girls. Organizations like the National Autistic Society and Autism Society of America are working to change this, bu...

Hey everyone, it's Dan from The Aspie World! Today, I'm diving into a topic that's both personal and practical: how I manage autism and ADHD together, using what I call my secret weapon. If you're new here, I focus on making weekly videos about autism, ADHD, and everything in between. Don't forget to hit Subscribe and the notification bell so you never miss an update. Understanding Autism and ADHD Together Autism and ADHD often coexist, presenting unique challenges and strengths. From my perspective, these conditions are comorbid—they frequently occur together rather than independently. While autism tends to foster deep focus and fixation on specific interests, ADHD introduces hyperactivity and a desire for constant stimulation and variety. This combination can lead to internal conflicts and challenges in managing daily routines. The Quest for Dopamine Both autism and ADHD involve seeking dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward...

Hey there! Welcome back to the ASBY World, where we delve into everything autism-related. I'm Dan, and I'm here to share some valuable insights that have transformed my academic journey, particularly during my time pursuing a degree in chemistry. Whether you're in high school, college, or beyond, these tips will help you navigate academia more effectively. So, let's jump right into it! Tip 1: Organize Your Handouts Imagine this scenario: you're in class, receiving handouts left and right, but by the end of the week, they're all a jumbled mess in your backpack. Been there, done that, right? Here's a game-changing strategy: immediately number and date each handout as you receive them. At the end of each day, collect them, arrange them in numerical order, and staple or clip them together. This simple act of organization ensures you have a clear, accessible record of your class materials, making study sessions far more productive. Tip 2: Record Your ...

Hey everyone, welcome back to the ASBY World! I'm Dan, and today we're diving into a topic that's often misunderstood: can autistic individuals have sex? Before we get into it, if you're new here and want to learn more about autism and related topics, be sure to hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out on future videos. Dispelling Myths and Exploring Realities In my book, "Autism for Adults," I dedicated a chapter to intimacy and sex because there's a prevalent misconception that autistic people can't or don't desire relationships. This couldn't be further from the truth. Like everyone else, autistic individuals have varied experiences and desires when it comes to intimacy. We even have dedicated dating websites that cater to autistic individuals, where many seek relationships that include physical intimacy. Understanding the Spectrum of Needs Autistic individuals have diverse needs, which can range from sensory sens...

Hey there, welcome back to The Asby World! Today, I'm beyond excited to share with you one of the coolest gadgets I've come across in a long time—Coolify by Taurus. Now, pardon the pun, but this device truly lives up to its name as a lifesaver, especially for someone like me who faces significant sensory challenges, particularly with temperature regulation. A few years ago, I was introduced to Coolify by Taurus, a personal cooling device designed to combat heat sensitivity. As an autistic individual with sensory processing issues, I struggle with maintaining comfort, especially during the hot summer months. Coolify has been a game-changer for me in managing these challenges effectively. So, what exactly is Coolify? It's a compact, wearable AC unit that you place around your neck. It emits a steady stream of cool air directly onto your skin, providing instant relief from heat discomfort. The device is not only practical but also comes with a sleek design that inc...

Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic: stimming in the context of autism and ADHD. Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior, is a behavior commonly associated with neurodivergent conditions like autism and ADHD. But what exactly does it mean in each context? Let’s break it down. --- Introduction: Firstly, thanks for joining me on this journey. I'm Dan, and I create weekly videos discussing autism and related topics. If you haven't already, hit that Subscribe button below for more insightful content! Autism and Stimming: Stimming in autism involves self-stimulatory behaviors that serve various purposes, primarily as a means of self-soothing or emotional regulation. For autistic individuals, stimming can manifest as repetitive movements like hand-flapping, rocking back and forth, or even spinning objects. These behaviors help in dissipating excess energy and managing overwhelming emotions such as anxiety or excitement. Autistic in...

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Aspy World! I'm Dan, and today we're diving into a topic that's often misunderstood: high functioning autism. But before we get into it, let's clear up a few things. If you're interested in autism life hacks and tips, be sure to grab my free Autism Life Hacks PDF book at autismlifehacks.net. The link is in the description below. Alright, let's get started! What is High Functioning Autism? High functioning autism is a term that has been widely used in the past to describe individuals on the autism spectrum who exhibit strong verbal skills, cognitive abilities, and the ability to function relatively independently in daily life. However, it's important to note that this term has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its potential to oversimplify and misrepresent the diverse experiences and needs within the autism community. Why the Term "High Functioning Autism" is Problematic The term "hig...

Welcome back to The Asby World! In this unfiltered and heartfelt video, I want to dive deep into what World Autism Acceptance Week means to me and the broader autistic community. April marks a special time for us to reflect, educate, and advocate, yet I find myself grappling with some of the discourse surrounding this important occasion. Firstly, let’s clarify the terminology. It’s World Autism Acceptance Week, not just Awareness Week. Acceptance implies more than just being aware; it suggests understanding, embracing differences, and fostering inclusivity. While awareness is a critical first step, it’s acceptance that truly drives meaningful change and support for autistic individuals worldwide. As someone deeply entrenched in the autistic community, I often witness a myriad of voices, some constructive and supportive, while others seem to detract from the unity we seek. There’s a troubling trend where certain influencers dictate rigid rules about language and behavior wit...

Welcome back to The Asby World! In this unfiltered and heartfelt video, I want to dive deep into what World Autism Acceptance Week means to me and the broader autistic community. April marks a special time for us to reflect, educate, and advocate, yet I find myself grappling with some of the discourse surrounding this important occasion. Firstly, let’s clarify the terminology. It’s World Autism Acceptance Week, not just Awareness Week. Acceptance implies more than just being aware; it suggests understanding, embracing differences, and fostering inclusivity. While awareness is a critical first step, it’s acceptance that truly drives meaningful change and support for autistic individuals worldwide. As someone deeply entrenched in the autistic community, I often witness a myriad of voices, some constructive and supportive, while others seem to detract from the unity we seek. There’s a troubling trend where certain influencers dictate rigid rules about language and behavior wit...

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Aspy World! I'm Dan, and if you're new here, I have autism, ADHD, OCD, and dyslexia. Be sure to hit subscribe and click the notification bell for more insights into the world of autism. Also, if you're following on Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram, hit that follow button for daily updates. Now, let's dive into today's topic! Understanding Asperger Traits Asperger syndrome, once known as a distinct diagnosis, has now been integrated into the broader category known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Today, I want to share seven common traits and characteristics often associated with individuals on the autism spectrum, including those previously diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. 1. Lack of Eye Contact Many autistic individuals find it challenging to make or maintain eye contact during conversations. This difficulty stems from social conventions that neurotypical individuals learn through social interactions. For someone on ...

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Aspy World! I'm D, and if you're new here, I make weekly videos about autism, ADHD, OCD, and dyslexia. Today, I want to dive into a topic that's close to my heart—three common mistakes that autistic individuals often make, and how we can turn these learning opportunities into strengths. So, stick around because this one's packed with insights! --- Don't Apologize for Being Autistic First things first—let's talk about apologies. One of the most common mistakes I see among autistic individuals is apologizing for who they are. Whether it's apologizing for autistic behaviors or feeling like they need to explain themselves, it's important to remember that being on the autism spectrum is nothing to apologize for. It's a unique part of who you are, and it should be celebrated, not regretted. In a world where neurodevelopmental conditions like autism sometimes face skepticism or misunderstanding, it's u...

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Aspy World! I'm D, and if you're new here, I make weekly videos about autism, ADHD, OCD, and dyslexia. Today, I want to dive into a topic that's close to my heart—three common mistakes that autistic individuals often make, and how we can turn these learning opportunities into strengths. So, stick around because this one's packed with insights! --- Don't Apologize for Being Autistic First things first—let's talk about apologies. One of the most common mistakes I see among autistic individuals is apologizing for who they are. Whether it's apologizing for autistic behaviors or feeling like they need to explain themselves, it's important to remember that being on the autism spectrum is nothing to apologize for. It's a unique part of who you are, and it should be celebrated, not regretted. In a world where neurodevelopmental conditions like autism sometimes face skepticism or misunderstanding, it's u...

Let me take you back to the time I found myself staring blankly at a coworker’s weather-related banter, calculating if any of it actually mattered. (Spoiler: It really didn’t.) As an adult with a mixed bag of neurodivergent labels—Asperger’s, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia—I spend a lot of time decoding what’s ‘supposed’ to be normal. The world is wildly unpredictable, which makes the subtle (and wildly under-discussed) signs of Asperger syndrome in adults both fascinating and, honestly, a bit funny. If you’ve ever felt like you’re reading from a script or dodging an invisible laser grid of social rules, settle in. I’m unpacking seven oddball signs you probably haven’t seen in a Psychology 101 textbook—and weaving in some of my own (slightly embarrassing) stories along the way. Scripted Conversations and the Art of Everyday Acting Why Do I Sound Like a Bot? Ever catch yourself mid-...

When I was first diagnosed with Asperger syndrome as an adult, I expected to find simple answers—maybe even a rulebook. Turns out, reality is far more interesting (and, honestly, much weirder). If you’ve ever wondered what being an adult with Asperger’s really looks like—not just the textbook stuff—come along for a ride through the details most people miss. Some of these signs might surprise you, others might feel a little too familiar. Oh, and stick around—I’m tossing in a free ear defender story, and things get delightfully strange. Why Every Conversation Feels Like a Job Interview (Except You Forgot the Questions) Scripted, Not Spontaneous: The Reality of Conversation Ever felt like you’re reading lines from a play, but everyone else is improvising? That’s what most conversations feel like for me—and for many adults with Asperger’s. Scripted conversations often repla...