Where to make Autistic friends?

My name is Mark I understand how your feeling because I feel the same as you, I'm looking to make a friend on the spectrum aswell. I will let you know if theres in groups going in South Wales. What hobbies and interest's do you have? my hobbies and interest's are going down the gym, walking , cooking and jogging. I like watching soaps; Dad's Army, Last of the summer wine and Heartbeat. What sort of things do you like watching on telly? I hope to hear from you soon. From Mark

I was thinking maybe also Communication courses or Assertiveness courses? I can't communicate face to face, maybe meeting others the same would make friendships?

Or you can search for adult education in your area and it might come up with small venues even if not actually called Neighbourhood Learning Centres - sorry for commenting again - I just wanted to make what I meant clearer just in case it helps - good luck with whatever you do.

Hey Jess, 22 from London, would be a good idea to tell us what your special interests are you'll find like minded people easier.

Are there any Neighbourhood Learning Centres in your area?  I'm on a nice little course at one that's part art, part life skills and the other people think in quite a similar way to me (I haven't been diagnosed yet but at the very least, I'm socially awkward).  My tutor is very supportive.  We don't do any exams or graded coursework but we may have the opportunity to one day if we like.

Hi Jess I’m Chloe I’m from London I dont mind being your friend 

You could look for groups in your area, maybe through this site as you can find services in different areas here.

Facebook may not be your thing but there may be groups for autistic people in your specific area. There's an autism group for my town on Facebook, which I joined and I'm also part of a different one for people everywhere which doesn't help with meeting people locally but it's a nice way to talk to me people who are similar to me :]

Hi Jess I'm Matthew I'm 24 from Derbyshire i know its not in your area but if you still want to be friends that's fine with me i don't mind  

Plastic has really already said it.

Many years ago, I attended a rural college. Looking back on it now, at nearly 65, I reckon that there were many very agreeable (and also a few very disgreeable) folks there who I now wouldn't hesitate to consider might be neurodiverse. I'm thousands of kilometres away these days, but still reckon that following your old interests will nearly always lead you in the right direction; even as an expat. Even my interest in my own condition has put me into contact with several specialists in the ND field. A lot can be communicated in say a Zoom meeting.

I was just this morning looking into the whole World of a few things like electronics, coding, single board computers and languages, and was absolutely blown away by the quality of people who are really active in those fields these days.

Just pursue a few of your lock-down interests, as well!

This is  something that the UK does still have going for it! This might well be the UK's future, far more than any recent UK government has been able to envision. At your age, you might well be a part of the vanguard!

Hi Jess

I've mentioned this many times before - you will find friends most suited to you if you look at your childhood passions and find those doing the grown-up version of it - and if they are into it, you can pretty much guarantee they are mostly on the spectrum too. 

If you liked dressing up, then cosplay or comiccons, there's always local history groups, model making, Lego, wildlife, any nerdy museums - basically anywhere where people get together because of their specialist interests or skills - even things like archery and falconry - stuffed full of ASD people.