Unmasking the Stigma Behind Autism in Females | Emmy Peach | TEDxUGA

I’m 44 and just received my official diagnosis this past Monday. My life makes so much sense now.

Functioning labels are really harmful to autistic people. I'm sure she's been taught to call people severely or high functioning autistic, but those exist to prevent "high functioning" people from accessing services. I'm "high functioning" and can't meet someone new without a meltdown. I can't work a full time job and every time I come home, I meltdown. I cry every single day, due to being overwhelmed and anxious. I am NOT functioning highly, I just hide my struggles in public.

I really appreciate Emmy speaking out. There comes the 'but'. Unmasking might work in close relationships. I can't imagine doing it in front of the people at my work. It would literally ruin my life, and I'm not exaggerating it. Most people will not accept anything that is different from so-called 'standard'. I hope Gen Z will have the guts to change it.

I don’t know how she managed to speak with so much confidence and clarity. This for me is the hardest struggle! Well done to this amazing lady ❤

It's really important to know how autism usually manifests in girls, just one warning: please do not believe that this "female autistic phenotype" is the way autistic women always are, full stop. I'm a cisgender autistic male, and I really resonate a lot with it: sensitive, daydreaming, high-masking, socializing physically without really doing it (unless sharing special interests)... And i know there's plenty of autistic cisgender women that really fit in the "male" phenotype: blunt, logical, socially avoidant... I believe the difference between the phenotypes is mainly due to different gender socalization (to which we autistics are subjected just as anyone else) and not actual biology. So please let's integrate the "female autistic traits" in the spectrum, which is a greatly positive thing, just without assuming that women will always be like this and man will always be like that.

This brought me to tears. I am 21 and recently diagnosed ASD and ADHD, the amount of relief I felt, it was so powerful.

The smile at the end really says it all about her passion for raising awareness about autism. Such a great talk in so little time, for a very misunderstood subject.

I also have level 1 ASD. Throughout childhood, I always preferred reading science textbooks to prolonged interactions with others.

I have just been diagnosed level 1 autism and adhd at age 53 (almost 54)! Your words make sense to me. Thank you for sharing, and I’m so proud of you for being brave to get up in front of people and say the words! It is challenging for neurodivergent people, but you did it very well!

this made me really cry diagnosed asperger at 53 before the diagnosis was declared autism wìth my "big iq" i hated to be called autistic --- i used to believe bad stereotypes then covid isolation 2 years erased my masking skills --- my ability to appear "normal" though unuse and no practice now my social groups have all ostracized and excuded me for being different i am 63 now and will die all alone in this weird world this presenter is extroverted, sadly i was born an introvert thank you and goodbye

This is so helpful. We need more destigmatizing neurodivergence, mental health issues and differences in general.

I found out I had it last year at 27 years old. ASD 1 and ADHD-I. It's gotten more noticeable as I age.

I appreciate the great insights you shared here. My situation has one similarity in that I started recognizing myself and my numerous struggles when my oldest son and, later on, his little sister were diagnosed. I think my daughter bypassed the usual problems because we had such an astute diagnotician and she had an older brother already diagnosed. As for myself, I haven't ever ventured to an official diagnosis though I have seen the Samantha Craft list and checked it all off. I can't figure out where to go or how to pay for anyone to diagnose me ( the state insurance is the only I can get and it won't cover it) This situation leaves me feeling sometimes I don't really have the right to claim the name though I relate to it all. It also leaves me without much recourse when it comes to seeking employment or assistance. But, very glad for finding these stories. It does help. Thank you.

It's important to mention how the stigma is based in "classic autism" being defined by deficits. Now that autism level 1 (formerly Asperger's) is a part of the spectrum, it's easier for people to reveal their diagnosis without being lumped in the category of hospitalized and wearhoused patients.

“There is beauty in the spectrum. I encourage those of you with autism to unmask and be your genuine self…. No matter our age, no matter male or female, we deserve authentic relationships with people who see us for who we truly are” 🤍

Never wanted to be tested but always knew the truth ... in my father's line, this is common, often with a touch of ADHD. Heard my whole life how little I slept as a newborn, so much so they took me back to the doctor -- and so it began, always a little high strung and a few degrees off ... just a few and if I concentrated I could hide it, which according to my mother just meant I "knew better" ... and that showed me that she wasn't open to abnormalities in her children. No, the thought probably was frightening to her and I internalized that as a taboo. So many do, it isn't uncommon, but it is exhausting.

Excellent job! Thank you so much for sharing ❤

this woman is so young and talented, I'm currently seeing a psy because i suspect having autism and I'm about to see for a diagnosis

I saw this video and didn't hink of watching because of the stigma you talk about but I am so glad I did. This opened my eyes to the possibility that I may indeed be autistic. This broke my own prejudices and, in identifying with many of the things you said, brought a lot of relief as well as encouragement to ask for a professional opinion. Thank you for being you ❤️

Self soothing needs talking about more often. I soothe with my feet, I even dance. But some kind people showed me how to sit and feel and think through stress and soothing manifests in many ways now. Like remembering triumphant moments and solving problems.