Anyone want to help?

I really hope that the post-diagnostic support group goes well for you. Just be yourself. All of us autistics are such a glorious medley of often completely contradictory personality characteristics. But that is what makes us so unique

That sounds like a good thing to try. I hope the group goes well and that you meet some supportive people.

Meeting new people is tough, but it's definitely worth a shot. 

Well I'm trying a post-diagnostic support group for Autistic/Asperger's people which is starting this month so there's potential I could meet a friend or two there. I hope I can cope with it. In the past, I've struggled at such things. I'm thinking I need to be a bit more able to handle rejection and stick up for myself, as even in Autistic groups I've at times been judged by others for having a more posh accent or a different dress style.

Getting judged by people in social situations triggers me. And being rejected. As so often these things happen to me in a very painful way. Where not just one person does it but a group. I even find using trains almost impossible, I begin to struggle to know where to look while the journey is ongoing and then I know I look weird, looking frantically around, then people start giving disapproving looks and exchanging looks with one another about me, then I panic and get off at the next stop and move to another carriage. Sometimes I have a full-on meltdown. The A&E was from suicide threats.

Hi, Roswell. I'm so sorry you're struggling. 

I don't know if you've ever tried contacting the NAS Helpline (sorry if we've discussed that in previous threads - my memory is terrible sometimes), but it might be worth a try to get some general advice on your situation. I noticed that the NAS also runs some local groups, which might be a good way to meet other autistic people who could have similar experiences: https://www.autism.org.uk/services/community/group.aspx

I really hope things improve for you soon. I don't know how much help I can be, but I'll offer suggestions wherever I can.

Maybe a screenplay for a film would be better. Film reaches more people these days. It's also easier to advertise a film through YouTube for example than it is a book. 

Do you have any ideas as to the triggers?....I know its often like a tornado of emotions and hard to pinpoint certain factors...but mine will be looking at facebook(seldom done, but easily enough to trigger me to want to drown the sorrows ive just dredged up) ..Is the A&E harm and alcohol based?

Misunderstood by the police and life destroyed by their police inappropriate actions 

Can I ask what is your idea for the proposed book?

I had a look at that website, it is upsetting but vital for people to know.

I too am in a similar place and we have spoken when your username was the previous one.

i have pursued legal routes  - the police are terrible with autism and like to treat us a criminals as they don’t understand and are fundamentally very aggressive 

The Zen koans approach https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kōan

may help coming to terms with the unfairness of it all.

we could write your next book together 

autisminjustice.org/index.html

The timescales are very difficult and completely unfair. I am still waiting for a DLA decision for my son and it has taken well over 3 months.

I suggest e-mailing your local M.P. Asking for their support in speeding up the matter. For example;

Dear.........

My names is ................ I suffer from Autism, ADHD, depression and severe anxiety. 

I require additional support through direct payments as my quality of life is being adversely affected. I struggle to socialise and easily get taken advantage of. 

My doctors name is ....... And my social workers............ I nominate both of these to act as an advocate for me and point of contact if necessary. 

Please help me find additional support services, help me access appropriate benefits and speed up the direct payment service if possible as I am struggling significantly due to the delay.

Best Wishes

.......................

I'm trying to get support workers through direct payments. The social worker I have said I'm eligible after an assessment. But the delays are really difficult. It could have started mid-December, I've been waiting since then after an organisation pulled out and said it didn't have enough staff. Now in the third week of this month I'll be meeting the social worker to talk about setting up direct payments.

Just wonder how long it will all take. How much paperwork there will be, and how many more meetings will be needed. Ads will have to be placed to try to find support workers, people have to be interviewed. All takes time. And I wonder if by then they will pull the rug out on me and say I can't have it anymore, whether they're just stringing me along and taking me for a fool. 

Thank you for your suggestions

Thank you

Thank you

Also remember you never give money, anyone who is a true friend would not ask for money, or for you to do anything dangerous. Use your instincts, if a request or situation doesn't feel right it probably isn't. 

That's a great idea! There's lots of free online courses with open learn too

Oh sweetheart that's so difficult for me to hear because it is a terrible situation for you. I suffer from anxiety, depression and after a long struggle found medication helps. I would definitely seek medical advice, even if you're currently on medication to see if your type or dosage is correct. 

I think things are getting better but not quickly enough. I would send an e-mail to the police and ask them for advice, explain you have autism, adhd and mental health problems and ask for their policy on dealing with sufferers.

Using this forum is a fantastic start! I would definitely do as much research as you can online and be careful obviously using any online communities. try and find charities or organisations that can help with practical support. Speak to your gp and ask if social care could provide any advice or practical assistance. 

For my mental health I find exercise, even at home or a walk with headphones on helps. I make a list of at least 3 things I want to achieve that day and complete them. Even if it's just tidying a bedroom!

I hope you start to feel better soon

Thats good Robert and your gaining qualifications too

Your post is so familiar, you could be describing me.

My temporary solution has been to go on the job centre financed short courses.

There I got a few extra qualifications,  I meet a new group of people every week ( and some old faces). Get my bus fares refunded, get free tea & coffee,  it's better than being at home day after day in this awful cold rainy weather. 

I need help meeting people. I have inadequate social skills and anxiety. I can't do it on my own. In the past when I did I got bullied or rejected.