Divergent Resources

My #Neurodiversity

I wanted to take a minute to share some of the YouTube channels I’ve found especially helpful. Why YouTube? Well, because I relate best through stories and experiences. These channels, all hosted by autistic creators, each offer something unique and bring different perspectives on what it’s like to be autistic. My favorites are at the top of the list!

• Chris and Debby have a channel I keep coming back to. Chris, diagnosed later in life, and his partner Debby, talk openly about the ups and downs of autism in adulthood. Their candidness is refreshing, like a breath of fresh air after you’ve been holding it all day.
• Divergent Conversations are two of us, but therapists, who can help explain what I directly relate to that the outside does not. YouTube! See also https://neurodivergentinsights.com/ … and now that I want to move to SubStack: https://neurodivergentinsights.substack.com
• Neurodivergent Doctor is another gem. Dr. Service tackles both autism and ADHD, digging into topics like diagnosis and self-diagnosis with a nice mix of expertise and empathy. It’s like getting advice from a friend who’s also just… smarter than you.
• Jinjer isn’t divergent, but there’s something about Tati that I really relate to. Her energy, intensity, and the way she expresses herself just clicks with me on a deeper level. She’s mentioned being an introvert, and the way she communicates through her music resonates with my neurology in a way that feels oddly familiar and comforting.
• Rob is and who broke my brain to start this journey.
• Orion Kelly – That Autistic Guy is a bit of a treasure trove. Orion covers everything from navigating sensory overload to surviving in a world built for neurotypicals. His passion for advocacy shines through every video, and honestly, it’s contagious.
• Mom on the Spectrum is a go-to for parents navigating autism. Taylor, a late-diagnosed autistic mom of two autistic kids, provides down-to-earth advice while promoting awareness and acceptance. Her videos are like that solid chat with a friend who just gets it.
• Woodshed Theory I recently found Claire’s channel, Woodshed Theory, and it’s such a gem! Her quirky, unfiltered videos combine fun DIY projects with real talk about her life as an adult autist. Plus, she has bunnies! It’s a perfect mix of creativity and charm, and I’d definitely recommend checking her out.
• Proudly Autistic is perfect if you’re newly diagnosed or still figuring things out. The host talks about the tricky stuff like misdiagnosis and self-advocacy, making it feel like you’re not so alone in the process.
• AdultwithAutism is one you shouldn’t miss. Paul shares his own story of being diagnosed later in life, and his openness about the journey of self-acceptance is both inspiring and, at times, pretty moving. Grab some tissues just in case.
• Thomas Henley hosts Thoughty Auti – The Autism Podcast where he chats with other autistic folks and experts. If you’ve ever wondered about the connection between autism and addiction, or just want to hear thoughtful conversations on neurodivergence, this one’s for you.
• Elena Carroll talks candidly about her late diagnosis too, focusing on things like masking and handling those tricky emotional moments. Her channel feels like a guidebook for how to exist authentically, without the constant stress of trying to fit in.
• I’m Autistic, Now What? dives deep into monotropism—an autism theory worth checking out if you’re curious about how the autistic brain processes the world. It’s like a mini course on why our minds work the way they do.
• NeurodiverJENNt She’s an AuDHD content creator who discovered her diagnosis after her son was diagnosed with Autism. Like many women, she had masked her symptoms for years and didn’t realize how misunderstood Autism and ADHD can be, especially in women. Now, she shares her journey to help others see what neurodiversity truly looks like.
• Dave’s Garage Dave, the creator of “Dave’s Garage,” is autistic and aims to clarify the difference between autism and psychopathy. Using Dr. Robert Hare’s psychopathy checklist, he highlights key differences: while both may involve emotional challenges, autism is about social communication and sensory issues, whereas psychopathy includes a lack of empathy and manipulative behavior. He notes that while it’s possible for someone to be both autistic and a psychopath, it’s rare, as the traits generally conflict.

These are just a handful of the many fantastic YouTube channels out there led by autistic people. Each one offers something a little different, so go ahead and dive in—there’s so much to learn from this incredible community!