My Aspergers Story | Autism Awareness Day 2016 | Rhiannon Salmons

I have Aspergers as well. The older I get, more dificult it is to cope it with. Maybe because social situations are getting more and more complex as you age. I'm socially way behind my peers. My mind is very mature, I'm very understanding but socially I'm pretty much around 10-15 years behind.

They say Aspies are often rude. But I consider how NTs talk and act and I say we are no more rude than they. Differently rude maybe, but not more rude.

I have Aspergers syndrome and I find that even though I have 2 degrees,people speak to me slowly and treat me like I am 'delusional' in some way if I am upset about a genuine thing.

aspergers doesn't just make you different. it makes you more intelligent than other people. and if there's something people really hate, it's someone who is better than them.

I'm an aspie and I was wondering if anyone else uses music to block out noise because I tend to do this in classroom situations especially around computers because I don't like the sound of people typing. I was just wondering if it was just me or if other feel this way or do this

I did a presentation at my school about my life with aspergers and I got an a on it my principle wants me to do it in other classes

I have Asperger and sensory issues dislexia and other mental health illnesses yet I can still walk, talk fluently, I also do make up and look normal, yet I am autistic. So many people have it. The spectrum is so wide and everyone is individual just please stop making inappropriate rude comments that affect so many people!!!! Rant over. Be happy and stop fighting it's not good for anyone <3

You ever get stressed in large crowds of people like me?

I loved this video. You have explained AS so well. You're AS story is very reminiscent of my own. Good luck with the rest of your life, you deserve to be happy, have lots of friends and not be judged for who you are. xxx

You're a great speaker Rhiannon, thank you for sharing your story

This is beautiful, I think I have determined that explains the way I think as well. I suffer with insane lifelong anxiety and I'm so happy you're spreading Autism and Aspergers awareness

Rhiannon Salmons, I wanted to say thank you for posting this video and sharing your experience with Aspergers. I have high-functioning autism and I find it hard to talk to people, even if it's people I know, and being in new situations. It is really encouraging to know that I'm not alone in this; you reminded me that autism isn't something to be ashamed of and it isn't a curse - not a day went by when I didn't wish I could make it disappear. I'm now proud of it again and wouldn't change it for the world. But most importantly, it's amazing and commendable that you are raising awareness for autism when it is such a misunderstood condition. I hope you will carry on providing this space of understanding and I wish you all the happiness in the world.

I have aspergers/high functioning autism. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are very very very brave.

before I look at my Asperger's as a excuse and negative but this actually made me want to embrace and be proud of it. I have this video and you as a support so thank you so much ❤ much love to you and everyone with this blessing

Thanks for telling your very relatable and touching story. I was diagnosed with Aspergers about four years ago (when i was 15) while my depression was being assessed. When i listen to other peoples personal stories i find myself nodding my head because of how much their experience practically mirrored mine. When I was in Elementary School I was always alone and honestly didn't even want to be around other people due to my awkward social interactions and the anxiety that I felt as a result. I believe you mentioned that you had a higher maturity than those your age. That reminded me of my High School experience where I couldn't stand many of my peers that were the same age as me so i began to sit with my brother and his friends who were seniors on a regular basis. Also I have never been able to keep friends even when i get them. It's like after the school year ended I would step into restart mode and then have to start from scratch at the beginning of each and every school year. I'm still trying to figure out where i fit in this world, no one in my family is very supportive and they always say that i blame all of my problems on Aspergers or they dismiss the things that I claim are a part of Aspergers (trust me i've done my research lol), it's almost as if i am trapped in a never ending spiral that continues to spin faster as the years go on. This experience has been so peculiar that i decided to write a novel about it. :) i'm glad to see more and more people talking about Aspergers (and Autism) openly. I hope you and others continue to do so because people like myself are surrounded by a whole lot of neurotypicals who never stop and wonder how it would feel to be in my shoes. PS: I'm still learning more about myself and i was wondering if other Aspies have the issue of having a mind that is always thinking too much, so much if fact that it messes with your concentration as if you have the attention span of toddler.

I watched the whole video. Throughout the whole thing there have been so many things I've wanted to say, but maybe another day. I am soooo glad you've found yourself again and that you feel confident again!!

Had no idea there were so many amateur psychologists in the Youtube comments section - amazing how it's possible to make an in-depth & accurate diagnosis through someone's Youtube video! Thanks for being awesome and raising awareness! It's unfortunately quite hard for people who are not on the spectrum themselves to fully understand, so no doubt there are many uneducated (and surprisingly hostile) opinions thrown around. I feel most people with Aspergers almost learn to fit in in some social situations and mimic neurotypical behaviour to a certain extent, which can create an initial impression of looking 'normal' to others. I'd love to see a video with tips for getting a job especially when communication can be a huge issue.

I'm 26 and just found out I have asperger's :-/ I'm putting myself through a hell of alot of self development programs to be more sociable. studying the art of body language and learning to get out of defense mode has changed my life dramatically. I was heading towards self destruction as I couldn't stand being alone anymore. Thank god for people like you :-)

This is beautiful, (here I am commenting 2 years later finally coming to terms with being comfortable with my autism lol) watching videos like these have helped me so so much. I am seeing that other people like you have grown up in similar harsh social conditions that I had and it helps me to feel so much more okay with it all. Hats off to people like you.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share.. truly a blessing to those whom have loved ones whom are dealing w/ Autism/ Aspies, and recently diagnosed.  TY