👏👏👏👏I’m fighting this same fight. The Karen’s can just eff the right off. I was abused because of my autism. I’m way past the point of hearing “well it was a different time”. Bullshit. It was abuse. Somehow, with zero support, zero guidance and not not finding out I was a gifted, high masking, highly empathetic autistic until I was 55 - even though I had a childhood that told me, no, scratch that, screamed and beat into me the opposite; ‘somehow’ I managed to raise my children with love and compassion. I found out I was autistic when my children were diagnosed and the dots started lining up while filling out the evaluation forms for them. They’ve had support and acceptance from me. It’s hard enough out there because society is still trying to corporatize autism so no one’s uncomfortable 🙄. Yeah, I’m going to keep writing to blow the lid on that load of bs too. Love your work by the way, I’ve been following you and Patrick too on YouTube for a while now.
I'm blown away to know that anyone thinks the generous work you do is harming families! I see it as just the opposite. Your explanations have helped me understand the intergenerational trauma I came from. And for those who have kids, as you said, it has the potential not just to stop that intergenerational trauma, but to reverse it. Get real, Karen!
I can see why it's challenging to assess whether someone has PTSD, autism, or a combination of the two--and also why it can be helpful to accurately make that assessment. Kudos to you Dr. Sage, for bringing your expertise and experience to explore the subtle dynamics in the overlap.
Dr. Kim, I’ve learned about female phenotype ASD through two sources; the excellent research and clinical work you do that I’ve been following since Covid, and from experiences with my wife and her extended family of females, including my daughters, many of whom exhibit the the behaviors and traits you have meticulously outlined over the years. So I have empirical evidence.
I was most interested in your recent “signs of autism (and not trauma)” and have one other potential sign to recommend for your consideration which you have discussed with us in the past.
Compromised Executive functions - lacking higher level cognitive skill (e.g. Planning and Prioritization, Working Memory, Cognitive Flexibility, Inhibition Control, Time Management, Problem Solving, Self-Monitoring).
I agree with everything you wrote as an AFAB late diagnosed autistic person. It really resonated with me. I am glad there is someone out there helping educate parents about how to be better parents. My parents feel really bad they never caught my autism so I know it's something that is needed. Keep doing great work!
Thank you so much! I just have it set to "pledge" some day because I really want to grow it and make sure people feel like it's helpful! Appreciate you!
Pete Walker’s “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving” was very instructive in learning to recognize abusive family dynamics for what they were. The unpacking of what is autism vs what is trauma response is a tangled web at any age but especially so after late diagnosis.
I missed your live interview today with Taylor (MOTS), but am watching it now. I’ve been wanting to ask about your practice since discovering you on YT over a year ago. I live on the other side of the airport. Could you please let me know if you are taking local patients? 🙏🏼
Yeah I’ve had to explain to a lot of people that my issues are entirely autism and I had a great childhood. Obviously SOME conflict with parents at points but that’s normal, also when I was in elementary school dad’s boss and my mom ganged up on him and made him go to communication classes which helped him at work AND with me.
But yeah my folks recently asked if there was anything I wish they’d done differently and I was at a loss. Honestly had a lovely childhood regarding them.
For as many Karen’s out there, there are also others with a like mind who hear your voice. We hear with our hyper-vigilant senses and tune in. You have changed my life and now I’m inspired to go speak, live, love and grow in my truth because we deserve to be loved!
Recently diagnosed this year at 39. The isolation for joy or fear really says something about the autistic experience/ trauma. Also, big shout out for recommending seeking a second opinion for borderline personality disorder. That diagnosis belongs in the trash along with “hysterics” with regard to women.
The only people who will have a problem with what you are writing are perpetrators of abuse.
so true, sadly - thank you
👏👏👏👏I’m fighting this same fight. The Karen’s can just eff the right off. I was abused because of my autism. I’m way past the point of hearing “well it was a different time”. Bullshit. It was abuse. Somehow, with zero support, zero guidance and not not finding out I was a gifted, high masking, highly empathetic autistic until I was 55 - even though I had a childhood that told me, no, scratch that, screamed and beat into me the opposite; ‘somehow’ I managed to raise my children with love and compassion. I found out I was autistic when my children were diagnosed and the dots started lining up while filling out the evaluation forms for them. They’ve had support and acceptance from me. It’s hard enough out there because society is still trying to corporatize autism so no one’s uncomfortable 🙄. Yeah, I’m going to keep writing to blow the lid on that load of bs too. Love your work by the way, I’ve been following you and Patrick too on YouTube for a while now.
I'm blown away to know that anyone thinks the generous work you do is harming families! I see it as just the opposite. Your explanations have helped me understand the intergenerational trauma I came from. And for those who have kids, as you said, it has the potential not just to stop that intergenerational trauma, but to reverse it. Get real, Karen!
I can see why it's challenging to assess whether someone has PTSD, autism, or a combination of the two--and also why it can be helpful to accurately make that assessment. Kudos to you Dr. Sage, for bringing your expertise and experience to explore the subtle dynamics in the overlap.
Dr. Kim, I’ve learned about female phenotype ASD through two sources; the excellent research and clinical work you do that I’ve been following since Covid, and from experiences with my wife and her extended family of females, including my daughters, many of whom exhibit the the behaviors and traits you have meticulously outlined over the years. So I have empirical evidence.
I was most interested in your recent “signs of autism (and not trauma)” and have one other potential sign to recommend for your consideration which you have discussed with us in the past.
Compromised Executive functions - lacking higher level cognitive skill (e.g. Planning and Prioritization, Working Memory, Cognitive Flexibility, Inhibition Control, Time Management, Problem Solving, Self-Monitoring).
I agree with everything you wrote as an AFAB late diagnosed autistic person. It really resonated with me. I am glad there is someone out there helping educate parents about how to be better parents. My parents feel really bad they never caught my autism so I know it's something that is needed. Keep doing great work!
Thank you so much - I truly do believe that knowledge is power (for most of us:)!
As a fairly new grandparent reading articles like this inspires me to be better.
This feels perfectly correct even though thankfully I did experience only support and affirmation as a child.
P.S. I tried signing on to your annual subscription ($80) but my credit card was never debited.
Thank you so much! I just have it set to "pledge" some day because I really want to grow it and make sure people feel like it's helpful! Appreciate you!
Pete Walker’s “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving” was very instructive in learning to recognize abusive family dynamics for what they were. The unpacking of what is autism vs what is trauma response is a tangled web at any age but especially so after late diagnosis.
I missed your live interview today with Taylor (MOTS), but am watching it now. I’ve been wanting to ask about your practice since discovering you on YT over a year ago. I live on the other side of the airport. Could you please let me know if you are taking local patients? 🙏🏼
Yeah I’ve had to explain to a lot of people that my issues are entirely autism and I had a great childhood. Obviously SOME conflict with parents at points but that’s normal, also when I was in elementary school dad’s boss and my mom ganged up on him and made him go to communication classes which helped him at work AND with me.
But yeah my folks recently asked if there was anything I wish they’d done differently and I was at a loss. Honestly had a lovely childhood regarding them.
For as many Karen’s out there, there are also others with a like mind who hear your voice. We hear with our hyper-vigilant senses and tune in. You have changed my life and now I’m inspired to go speak, live, love and grow in my truth because we deserve to be loved!
Recently diagnosed this year at 39. The isolation for joy or fear really says something about the autistic experience/ trauma. Also, big shout out for recommending seeking a second opinion for borderline personality disorder. That diagnosis belongs in the trash along with “hysterics” with regard to women.
It's dangerous to be named "Karen". 😎😵
Not me!