Trying To Act Normal for 30 Years | Living With Autism | Full Documentary

The speaker, Chris Packham, introduces himself and shares his experiences with Asperger's, a form of autism. He talks about his thought process, memory cascades, and the challenges of social interactions. Chris also mentions his career in television and the difficulties he faced in trying to act normal despite his condition. He expresses a desire to share his story to help others understand what it's like living with Asperger's.

Chris discusses the broad impact of autism on individuals, noting that it varies greatly from person to person. He shares his own experiences with sensory overload and how it has isolated him throughout his life. Chris also talks about his childhood and the depth of his obsessions, which set him apart from his peers. He reflects on his early fascination with nature and the sensory experiences he sought from the world around him.

The speaker reflects on the support he received from his family, particularly his parents, who facilitated his interests and obsessions. He acknowledges the challenges his behavior posed to his family, especially his sister, and the lack of understanding and resources available for Asperger's during his childhood. Chris also talks about his own struggles with social interactions and his preference for the company of animals over people.

Chris talks about his journey to find effective treatments for autism and his skepticism towards the idea of 'curing' autism. He shares his concerns about the push for therapies aimed at changing autistic individuals rather than accommodating their needs. The speaker visits a clinical trial at Brown University for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a radical new treatment being explored for its potential to modify autistic behavior.

The speaker speaks with a mother of an autistic son about the challenges and energy required to care for a child with autism. She discusses the emotional toll and the impact on family dynamics, including divorce and financial struggles. Chris reflects on his own experiences and the complexity of feelings towards a potential cure for autism, recognizing both the difficulties and the pride he feels in his accomplishments despite his condition.

Chris shares a deeply personal story about the profound impact of losing a kestrel, a bird he had a strong bond with during his teenage years. The loss of this companion was a turning point in his life, highlighting his vulnerability and fear of losing loved ones. He discusses the ongoing emotional impact of this loss and how it influenced his feelings towards potential cures for autism.

The speaker explores the challenges of mainstream education for autistic individuals, particularly the use of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) in American schools. He discusses the controversy surrounding ABA and its rejection in the UK, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of such an approach. Chris also shares his own experiences with education and the strategies he developed to cope with being different.

Chris discusses the difficulties he faces in maintaining personal relationships due to his Asperger's. He talks about his long-term relationship with his partner, Charlotte, and how they manage the challenges of living apart. The speaker also shares his experiences with socializing and the emotional challenges of expressing empathy and understanding others' feelings.

The speaker reflects on his journey from a challenging childhood to finding success in his career. He credits his Asperger's for his encyclopedic knowledge of the natural world and his ability to succeed in television. Chris also discusses the importance of understanding and valuing the unique perspectives and strengths of autistic individuals, rather than trying to change them.

Chris highlights the significant contributions of autistic individuals to society, particularly in the tech industry and at NASA. He discusses the potential of harnessing the unique skills and perspectives of autistic people and the importance of creating an inclusive society that accommodates and values their differences. The speaker also shares his own experiences with finding a supportive work environment and the satisfaction he derives from his career.

The speaker shares his experiences as a stepfather to his partner's daughter, Megan. He talks about the rewarding relationship they have and how it has helped him grow personally. Chris also discusses the importance of support and understanding in relationships, and how his stepdaughter's education and passion for zoology have been influenced by his own interests and experiences.