Really Struggling Socially

Hi Daniel

My son is 20 and has autism and he struggles exactly the same with making  social connections . Are you looking for friendship ? 

Hi Ness. Thank you very much for getting in touch .

Yes I am looking for friendship, but this is more than just a friendship issue for me. I have a great family and a very small group of old school friends that I've (somehow) managed to keep going until now. I just find it so hard to trying to keep it all together, and always feel somewhat disconnected from everyone. As well as trying to connect with my current friends and family more, I'd love to make other friends that I really click with and meet a partner (I'm 25, and I've never had a partner, something that really worries and bothers me).

I'm hoping that newly found and confirmed diagnosis might help me to better understand my mind, and help me (at least somewhat) get over this crippling social disconnect and hardship. This is definitely my biggest challenge in life.

Hi Dan 

I completely understand what you mean and where you are coming from. I think it would be good to try and reach out further. It's great you have a good family network and some friends that you have known for a long time. I do think as you get older it gets harder as your friends may be moving on and having relationships. My son is the same and has not really had a proper relationship which he would love. He finds it hard to come out of the comfort zone and he has tried lots of things but can't seem to stick at things. I think it's hard for people to understand how this can affect you but being on here will be good as people will understand.  you are doing the right thing by reaching out to the lovely people on this community. That's the first step. Talking is so important I think. This is something my son struggles to do. I have to really push him. Try take each day at a time .don't put too much pressure on yourself and try out the advice of others. You will get there x 

Thanks Dan 

I hope so as even from a mum's perspective it's really hard to see your child go through all these issues and struggle. I kind of feel helpless.i just want him to be able to cope. But I know it's not that easy. Well you are doing something ...you've made steps by talking and coming on here which is great. I wish my son would do the same . He popped on here but has come off. I have said to him that you say you are lonely want friends and want to be understood but you need to make some steps sadly it's not going to just be given into your hands x

Thanks Dan 

I hope so as even from a mum's perspective it's really hard to see your child go through all these issues and struggle. I kind of feel helpless.i just want him to be able to cope. But I know it's not that easy. Well you are doing something ...you've made steps by talking and coming on here which is great. I wish my son would do the same . He popped on here but has come off. I have said to him that you say you are lonely want friends and want to be understood but you need to make some steps sadly it's not going to just be given into your hands x