98: Autism (actually) Speaks with Kaelynn Partlow

32 snips

Jul 8, 2024

Kaelynn Partlow, a vibrant TikTok creator and participant from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, shares her rich insights on autism. She reflects on her diagnosis at age 10 and discusses her experiences with social communication deficits and the challenges of masking. Kaelynn highlights the significance of stimming and sensory sensitivities, contrasting them with non-autistic perspectives. She emphasizes that all autistic behaviors are genuine human behaviors and tackles the misconceptions surrounding autism as an invisible disability.

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INSIGHT

Autism Signs Vary Widely

Autism signs may not always match common checklists, like avoiding eye contact or flapping.
Understanding autism from autistic adults gives new insights beyond pediatrician lists.

INSIGHT

Pragmatic Language Challenges

Pragmatic use of language is often challenging for autistic people, especially in social or conflict situations.
They may speak early and clearly but struggle to express intended meaning appropriately.

ANECDOTE

Loneliness Behind Internet Fame

Kaelynn has few close friends and finds internet fame complicates genuine friendships.
Offers rare perspective on loneliness despite public social media presence.

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Happy Autism Awareness Month! Yes–I know that was in April, but I have ADHD and am easily distracted. I’ve procrastinated for more than a year on doing some really great episodes about autism because I want to do justice to this topic. I’m starting with an amazing TikTokker, Kaelynn Partlow. I’ve followed her for quite a while, but you might know Kaelynn from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. Kaelynn shares about autism from her personal experience and her professional work with autistic kids. She was diagnosed at age 10 with autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Her background provides a unique perspective on advocacy that is worth our attention. Join us!

Show Highlights:

Specific criteria (from the DSM) for autism—and Kaelynn’s experience with each one
Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction
Restrictive or repeated behavior
Kaelynn’s experience in making and maintaining friendships while growing up and now
Masking: What it is and what it feels like
The nuances of eye contact: not enough or too much?
All autistic behaviors ARE human behaviors.
Stimming from an autistic perspective and a non-autistic perspective
Kaelynn’s special interests, routines, and self-imposed “rules”
Kaelynn’s experience with sensory issues: noises, fabrics, etc.
Kaelynn’s perspective on physical touch (Most autistic people don’t like physical touch.)
Kaelynn’s diagnosis at age 10 (after the assumption that she was genius-level intelligent.)
Autism is NOT an invisible disability!
Kaelynn’s reflection on her childhood and helpful therapies and treatments
Kaelynn’s thoughts on common ADA controversies
Kaelynn’s advice to those who might fear being “labeled” if they pursue testing for themselves or their child
What Kaelynn sees as the biggest misunderstanding about autism today

Resources and Links:

Connect with Kaelynn Partlow: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook

**Look for Kaelynn’s book, Life on the Bridge, to be released this summer!

Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning

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