Level of autism

This guy explains really well about misconceptions of "high functioning" autism m.youtube.com/watch altho I do wish his background picture was in line with the youtube frame. 

Autistic people have different struggles depending on environment or a particular day. Some people will need more support than others to live an independent but we all have spiky profiles. I suppose we are differently autistic.

If,as a newby I could jump into this thread---A.SPECTRUM D. Iis likely the reason for being "differently autistic" What blows my mind are these analytical in-depth discussions over a Spectral disorder.  By its very nature it is different strokes for different folks. All this discussion may possibly conclude some sort of definition in your own minds, but in reality, it's impossible to define conclusively just adding to the confusion!

I think a lot of professionals still don't know what it fully means because there's such a broad variance (of what is in fact "normal" human behaviour...). I think for some people who are new to it, or newly diagnosed,  there's a need to understand what different terms mean (which may be useful or not) and how "autism" fits into their life. I think by our very nature we are analytical. 

Crikey what a revelation at that age! Yes the coping mechanism baggage otherwise known as masking. I've always said for me that autism is a name for the way my brain works. Diagnosis gives a sense of relief.

I am new to it with a late diagnosis at age 77 after having lived a friendless life.  Sure, I had many short-term relationships, but I couldn't relax my guard of self-preservation enough for anyone to get to know me.  Since my own diagnosis I am only now beginning to know myself ---I think. One builds up layers of defence mechanisms ---some call it baggage---in reaction to one's perceived threats of which there is such a wide variation between people.  I've more or less repeated in other words what you said---which is agreement. For me, the result is simply to discover myself which will answer many questions why my life was so odd---without any analytical labels. 

I am new to it with a late diagnosis at age 77 after having lived a friendless life.  Sure, I had many short-term relationships, but I couldn't relax my guard of self-preservation enough for anyone to get to know me.  Since my own diagnosis I am only now beginning to know myself ---I think. One builds up layers of defence mechanisms ---some call it baggage---in reaction to one's perceived threats of which there is such a wide variation between people.  I've more or less repeated in other words what you said---which is agreement. For me, the result is simply to discover myself which will answer many questions why my life was so odd---without any analytical labels. 

Crikey what a revelation at that age! Yes the coping mechanism baggage otherwise known as masking. I've always said for me that autism is a name for the way my brain works. Diagnosis gives a sense of relief.