• Replies 7 replies
  • Subscribers 88 subscribers
  • Views 1407 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Friendships - how do you do it?

Morganna Le Faye

Hi all, 

I'm recently diagnosed and starting to understand why I've struggled with friendships and social situations in life - but understanding this doesn't change anything.  The social 'deficits' are still there and knowing isn't going to suddenly make me a social butterfly.  So what now?  

Do I just resign myself to a life without meaningful friendships?  Stop trying.

Do people with autism find it easier to befriend others on the spectrum?

What have others done?  Any suggestions? 

Parents

  • I find it easier to maintain friendships mostly online. When I'm behind a keyboard, nobody can get annoyed if I stim, and I can take the time to reread things to make sure I'm understanding them correctly. Yes, it's harder to determine someone's tone and intent in text, but I'm already at a disadvantage there and at least it's actually acknowledged enough online that it's a bit more acceptable to ask for clarification.

    Obviously maintaining online friendships means making some friends in the first place. There are lots of communities online for all kinds of hobbies, fandoms- even niche special interests, if you look in the right places. I found my best friends through a TV programme we all liked that was being discussed on a social media site.

Reply

  • I find it easier to maintain friendships mostly online. When I'm behind a keyboard, nobody can get annoyed if I stim, and I can take the time to reread things to make sure I'm understanding them correctly. Yes, it's harder to determine someone's tone and intent in text, but I'm already at a disadvantage there and at least it's actually acknowledged enough online that it's a bit more acceptable to ask for clarification.

    Obviously maintaining online friendships means making some friends in the first place. There are lots of communities online for all kinds of hobbies, fandoms- even niche special interests, if you look in the right places. I found my best friends through a TV programme we all liked that was being discussed on a social media site.

Children
No Data