9 Weird Autistic Traits (You Didn’t Realise Were Signs of Autism!)

Summary

In this engaging video, Paul Micallef explores nine lesser-known autistic traits that are surprisingly common within the autistic community. Drawing from personal observations in autistic-only groups, he highlights behaviors such as forgetting to greet others, unique walking styles, colorful clothing choices, and a tendency to laugh at one's own jokes. Micallef also discusses the nuances of communication patterns, including inconsistent engagement and the phenomenon of speaking with a distinct accent. By sharing these insights, he encourages viewers to recognize and appreciate the diverse experiences of autistic individuals, inviting comments and further discussion.

Takeaways

• 😀 Autistic individuals often forget to greet others, leading to spontaneous departures without formal goodbyes.
• 😀 Unique walking postures can indicate autism, with some individuals displaying clumsy or unusual movement patterns.
• 🎨 Colorful clothing and hair are common among autistic people, reflecting their unique self-expression.
• 🚻 Many autistic individuals express gender nonconformity, challenging traditional stereotypes through their clothing and presentation.
• 😂 Autistic people frequently laugh at their own jokes, highlighting their distinct sense of humor, even when others don’t understand.
• 🗣️ Over-explaining is common among autistic individuals as they try to ensure understanding and process their thoughts aloud.
• 🔄 Autistic people can display flexibility in routines but often need structured environments to navigate social expectations.
• 📱 Communication can be inconsistent, with some individuals alternating between high engagement and complete withdrawal.
• 🗣️ Autistic individuals may speak with unique accents or speech patterns, influenced by their social interactions and language acquisition.
• 🌐 Spending time with other autistic people can reveal shared experiences and traits, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

Q & A

What are some common autistic traits mentioned in the video?

Common autistic traits discussed include lack of eye contact, sensory sensitivities, stimming, and obsessive interests.

What is the significance of forgetting to say hello or goodbye among autistic individuals?

This trait highlights how autistic people may not engage in typical social niceties, which can lead to them appearing as 'ghosts' in social situations, suddenly appearing or disappearing without notice.

How does the concept of proprioception relate to how some autistic individuals walk?

Proprioception affects how individuals perceive their body's position in space, which can lead to variations in walking styles and postures among autistic people.

Why might many autistic individuals have colorful hair and clothes?

Colorful expressions in clothing and hair can be a way for autistic individuals to showcase their unique identities, which is often more prevalent in supportive, autistic-friendly environments.

How does gender nonconformity manifest in autistic individuals?

Autistic people may express their gender and sexuality in non-traditional ways, such as preferring loose clothing or opting for hairstyles that defy gender norms, reflecting their atypical relationship with identity.

What reasons are provided for why autistic individuals might over-explain themselves?

Over-explaining may stem from a desire to be understood, difficulties in prioritizing important information, or the need to process thoughts aloud.

What does it mean when the video states that autistic individuals can be both flexible and rigid?

This paradox suggests that while autistic individuals can think outside conventional norms, they often still require structured expectations to navigate social situations effectively.

What is meant by 'inconsistent communication' in autistic individuals?

Inconsistent communication refers to the pattern where individuals may engage intensely for a period and then withdraw completely, often depending on their energy levels.

How can speaking with an accent be related to autism?

Some autistic individuals may develop unique accents due to their experiences with language learning and social interactions, resulting in speech patterns that differ from typical regional accents.

What personal experiences did the presenter share to illustrate the traits discussed?

The presenter shared personal anecdotes about social interactions, such as forgetting greetings, navigating conversations at events, and observations made in autistic groups, providing context to the traits described.