There is No Easy Autism | Ryan Arnold | TEDxCNU

It is normal to be autistic. It is not normal having to go through the pain of dealing with the environment not designed for autistic individuals.

When I burned out at work... I reached the point of not recognizing people, not remembering names, getting lost while driving, and losing so much ability to do everything. I had to retire early. Now, I just stay at home alone, but after being retired for 2 years; I am starting to relax a little. I am surprised how much work it is to just take care of myself now. There's no telling what I am missing. If it's not in my daily routine, I forget about it.

I feel angry and am going through a lot of grief. So many people got to achieve their dreams and I had so much trouble just getting through the day. I was promised by society that if I worked hard, I'd be rich and famous and whatever. I did everything "right," but crashed time and time again. Meanwhile, my parents always wondered, "She's so talented. What's wrong with her?" I just wanted to rest, but resting was lazy and not allowed.

I appreciate this perspective as someone who got their diagnosis after years of "not fitting in" or "reaching my potential". Great analogy to explain masking to neurotypicals. My hope for Ryan is that he sheds some of the self deprecation. You will be the perfect you.

I am 13 years old and I’ve been going through autistic burnout for the past 3-4 months. I’m so tired of masking and I’ve missed lots of school because of it. It’s so hard living in a world that’s not built for you. It’s not easy at all

Obsessing over one's special interest is HEALTHY for him and it was unhealthy and harmful for his family to fight it. This is the REASON we talk about autism... certain things that work for "normal" people, is just UNHEALTHY for someone with autism. He is burning up his youth to be "normal" and he will age badly.

So well articulated. Thanks to the brave aspie who painted a picture of what our lives can look like.

For once I feel like someone actually understands what it’s like in my life I never got diagnosed though my families always been in denial

Fantastic work Ryan and I really appreciate you sharing your story and insight. You are an amazing person and you're definitely not alone. As someone diagnosed with ASD (Aspergers) myself I completely relate to what you are saying and if I met you in person I would feel honored to be your friend. Take care and keep being you!!! P.S. I have started un-masking in certain situations and it feels amazing.

What you describe as "burnout" sound more like what I experience as "meltdowns"...burnout is usually the paralyzing exhaustion that comes after too much social interaction or post meltdown or after stressful times...when I am exremely tired, want to stay in bed all day, lack all motivation to do even minor tasks and things that usually seem easy become insurmountable for days, weeks or months. The "meltdown" is the immediate reaction to stressful social interactions and/or sensory overload, the "burnout" is the lingering effects but way less dramatic.

I am also a person who had autism spectrum disorder , I have missed a lot of friendship in my life just because I don't know how to respond. Though the lost I had but I must still keep moving forward and learn . The moment he said the world isn't built for me , I feel being understood .

ryan, i just have to thank you for for reminding me that i am capable. you are an inspiration for our community. cheers, from brazil!

I appreciate this talk. My company's top leader decided to publicly and severely discipline me for a minor infraction, and when told by HR personnel it was unwarranted and would traumatize me because I'm autistic, he scoffed and said I couldn't be and then listed my behaviors that exist because I have to continually mask in such a toxic environment. I wish employment laws would cover this kind of mistreatment

👏👏👏 Wonderful job! You spoke for all the people with ASD who cannot express themselves! A great way to see how one feels. I'm sorry for having those bad times of feeling not understood or included. Wishing you the best !

Great analogy of masking with the boxing gloves

I have never been diagnosed with ASD but I am fairly certain I have it. I am intellectually inclined and capable of understanding a wide array of subject areas in STEM. I don’t like eye contacts, makes me very uncomfortable. Having said that Buddhism has been an amazing tool for me! Meditation and reading Buddhist scriptures have profoundly reshaped my understanding of human nature and my ability to work with it.

So true, I want to cry. What was on the board when he said what has been said to him....to the T. Also, well...stuff. I do my best to mask which is one of the reasons I have a channel. I can stop filming or edit when I need to and try to put on a better performance.

Thank u for this…I so appreciate ALL of u & your courage for giving this world the information that only u can. Trying to learn how to communicate better with my 22-year-old nephew. He’s very angry & refuses to accept any help. Trying to listen…don’t know how to reach him & don’t know what to do? 😢❤🙏 Thanx again. ❤

Such a good one!

Great talk!! Thank you!!