The Untold Stories of Adults with Autism

🧩Autistic people should be referred to as 'autistic people' instead of 'people with autism' to embrace their identity.

😴Sleep issues are common among autistic adults, which affects their daily life and well-being.

🤝Navigating social situations can be challenging for autistic adults due to sensory issues and difficulty with social cues.

🌍Autistic adults often have to rely on subtle social cues and struggle with interpreting feedback from others.

🏢After aging out of the education system, many autistic adults face a lack of support and services, making it difficult for them to find housing and employment.

How should we refer to autistic people?

—Autistic people should be referred to as 'autistic people' to acknowledge and embrace their identity.

Why do autistic adults often have sleep issues?

—Sleep issues are common among autistic adults, likely due to disordered sleep patterns and sensory issues.

Why do autistic adults struggle with social situations?

—Autistic adults may have difficulty with social cues and sensory issues, making it challenging to navigate social interactions.

How do autistic adults interpret feedback from others?

—Autistic adults often rely on subtle social cues and have difficulty interpreting feedback, which can lead to misunderstandings.

What challenges do autistic adults face after aging out of the education system?

—After aging out of the education system, many autistic adults face a lack of support and services, making it challenging to find housing and employment.

00:00Society often focuses on autism in children, but there is a significant need for support and understanding for autistic adults.

12:01Sara Kerchak, an autistic adult, emphasizes the importance of embracing the term 'autistic people' instead of 'people with autism' to acknowledge their identity.

17:59Sleep issues are common among autistic adults and can significantly impact their daily life and well-being.

24:43Autistic adults face challenges in social situations due to sensory issues and difficulties with social cues.

37:10Autistic adults often struggle with interpreting feedback from others and may rely on subtle social cues.

46:56After aging out of the education system, many autistic adults experience a lack of support and services, making it difficult for them to find housing and employment.

57:14Autistic adults need a spectrum of services and acceptance to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to society.