What would you like from a ASD Social Group

To "TalentedMute" -- Thank You - Finally - Someone who "got" what I meant, there, Posted "Lightheartedly"...!!     :-D

Yes, there *is* a reason for the UserName I chose, there....

...And finallty, If I could afford it, I would probably go around dressed like The Stig (in BBC's Top Gear), for at any "Social Events", "ASD" or not, this is how I act most of the time in Public.

Have A Nice Day!

I also like being in the countryside.

I also think that I would not manage well at all if it was just sitting around chatting. I can also only do this on here because it's online and I can take my time writing my thoughts.

I'd like that as well...then free to trott ahead of hang back on attempt to be sociable...in an open space, outside, in nature...without feeling boxed in, but calm!

We'd never guess it was you!! :)  -- meant very kindly, btw!

I would not manage well at all if it was just sitting around chatting. I can only do this on here because it's online and i can take my time writing my thoughts. I like being in the countryside taking nature photos. But even if there were other people there that enjoyed the same thing, i'm not sure that counts as socialising if i'm only talking to myself...

Also how frequently should there be a meet? 

I meet one of my advisors regularly in a pub.  There I only drink coffee, no alcohol.

In a quiet section we discuss the way forward.

In other pubs I visit for a pub lunch, not to drink. And to use their free WiFi.

If I feel uncomfortable in a place, I walk out and go elsewhere.

So the next question is:

Should they be at the weekend or in the weekdays? For me weekdays are better as I work part-time. Also less people around.

I like pizza but I cannot really eat and talk at the same time. I can do only one of them at the same time.

I'd also say walks are better if they involve no devices at all. Just eyes open to what's really going on in life.

Endymion said:

A warm, comfortable, indoor location with comfortable seating and refreshments available. No distractions, such as TV or crowds, and based on a casual conversational set-up but with the possibility for invited speakers.

I would be interested in this but at the time same I find it terrifying, casual conversations in closed spaces, nothing else to do than talk - or not talk...

Realistically, I am, probably, more interested in an outdoor one. For me walking is a much easier way to interact with people too.

I think I would be actually more interested in online groups rather than those where people meet and are close to each other physically.

Can one go to a pub if one does not think and do not want to drink alcohol?

I think I would like walks too.

I also have to say that by my nature I am not predisposed to social groups.

I also think forums such as this are very much a way of interacting with other autistic people.

I also need time to consider what to say and not feeling obliged to say anything if we don't want to. And I also find it far more enjoyable than talking to other in person.

I think I should stick with online groups like this one. I do not think that social groups are for me, really.

Thank you for the support!

I also do not know if I'd be much good in an ASC social group, either.  I also prefer doing things alone.

By our nature we are not predisposed to social groups. We have our own interests and dislikes, so a general social group based on our common characteristic of autism I think is going to have its difficulties.

General neurotypical social groups are not based around being neurotypical. Autistic people have the same interests as neurotypicals.This may be art, history, gardening, photography, or a sport.

I have in my time been a member of a photography club, not an autistic one. And my experience is that my autism did tend to create misunderstandings although I was not diagnosed at the time.If I joined such a predominantly NT group now I would not be afraid to declare my autism, in the basis it may prevent some misunderstandings.  A photography group to meet other autistic photographers may have possibilities for me to meet others, as might an autistic steam railway group of historic buildings group..

However I think forums such as this are very much a way of interacting with other autistic people.We choose which topics to put our ideas and views to, we generally respect other views and we have time to consider what to say and not feeling obliged to say anything if we don't want to. And as such I find it far more enjoyable.

My favourite device to take anywhere I need to walk is the car. 

Thank you Disambiguating Cynosure, but the 'National' Autistic Society isn't quite as National as advertised and doesn't list any services or groups relating to Asperger's in my area (or even within a distance where I could travel there and back in one day easily). Maybe one day ...