Just joined

I've had a longstanding interest in Tibet since my early twenties. It was, before the invasion a very isolated, mysterious and peaceful country with a rich culture. Sadly now the Potala which was the winter home of the Dalai Lamas and a sacred building is now just a tourist attraction. 

I can't really call my collection a collection as the photo below of a cheerful Tibetan Lama is the only one i own but i have 2 others arriving tomorrow in the post so then i can call it a collection

Hi Jim,

There is also a Facebook group, if you search for National Autistic Society then click on groups. It's a private group and I think they check your membership of the society. 

Welcome,

Joe

Your interests sounds cool, I don’t know much about Bitcoin apart from it’s a virtual currency. 

‘ I was even learning about it when i was homeless and on the streets...that's dedication haha’

That’s definitely dedication, just shows the importance of dedicated interests to help you through what I imagine was a very difficult time for you. I imagine an interest in Bitcoin gave you a focus even when homeless.

’and my latest interest is collecting old photos of Tibet ‘

Very interesting and unique! Why Tibet? What is your favourite photo in your collection?

Hi Jim. Same age as my own diagnosis- I’m 45 now. Wecome!

Hey Jim. I’m 41, diagnosed at 32. Welcome to the club. 

When I started enquiring into autism I started by going to Waterstones, and week-by-week reading my way across the shelf, start with the light stuff and move on to the technical if you are so inclined..

This forum is plenty active and varied in intensity, depending on who replies, I tend to ‘go-long’ as it were..

I found the etymology of Asperger history to be plenty varied and interesting, it seems to grow in detail and technicality as time goes on, it’s been a long old road. If you want to grow into the autism community, it will broaden your understanding and interest to know where it came from, there are also a good few personal works out there to widen your understanding and grip on the terminology.

I really enjoyed ‘How to be Autistic.’ by Charlotte Amelie Poe. Also, there is a series of six interviews on YouTube with Tony Atwood in 2013, that explain Asperger’s masterfully.

I’m sure there are other points to make on ‘Autism’, but there is only so much lore I can splatter across the thread with such a broad stroke as: “So what about Autism?”..

You seem plenty motivated to know stuff, but be sure to pace yourself so that you don’t overload yourself, there is plenty of work that needs to be done on Autism services, but do not despair the community is working on it.

If you have any worries or woes or questions, come back here and we’ll level you out and signpost you..:)

They've changed over the years but as a child:

Collecting glass bottles (old medicinal ones etc) and football stickers

As an adult:

Bitcoin. It became a complete obsession and took over my life for a long time. I was even learning about it when i was homeless and on the streets...that's dedication haha

Herbal Medicine and the Bach Flower Remedies

and my latest interest is collecting old photos of Tibet 

I agree, I feel a connection with this autistic community that I rarely feel anywhere else. I only have one autistic friend so it's really important and valuable to chat with so many other autistics in one place. 

What are your dedicated interests? 

Ausomely Autistic said:

it’s a vital and very positive part of my everyday routine!

Same here, i feel i'd be lost without this place

Jamie said:

Thank you

You are very welcome.

Jamie said:

So grateful for it and the sense of belonging and being able to interact with like minded people is so important 

I am glad this community has had such a positive impact on you. I love being part of this autistic community, it’s a vital and very positive part of my everyday routine! I saw a statement on social media before stating ‘connection with the autistic community was the best type of mental health intervention and prevention I’d found.’ I couldn’t agree more!

Ausomely Autistic said:

There is nothing wrong you are perfectly autistic!

Thank you

Ausomely Autistic said:

I hope you feel a sense of belonging in this autistic community.

I realized very quickly that this small community is special, or special to me at least. So grateful for it and the sense of belonging and being able to interact with like minded people is so important 

Jamie said:

I could relate to Melissa the most, especially when she said she felt alone even surrounded by family as that's how i've always felt. And when she said she "felt wrong" i can relate to that so much too. 

I am sorry you have felt this way, I imagine that must have been a really isolating experience for you. It's awful that Melissa felt this way too , and just highlights why autistic identification is so important. There is nothing wrong you are perfectly autistic! I hope you feel a sense of belonging in this autistic community.

 Melissa is obviously an avid film fan.

Jamie said:

I hope they make many more of these short stories in the future

Yes absolutely, it's so important to share autistic lived experiences.

Glad you liked it I could relate to Melissa the most, especially when she said she felt alone even surrounded by family as that's how i've always felt. And when she said she "felt wrong" i can relate to that so much too. 

I like Zahra also, especially when she talks about flirting with someone and they asked her if she's autistic. I laughed at that like her because i've had countless awkward/embarrassing things like that happen in the past

Alex is also very honest (like we tend to be) when she said that her diagnosis wasn't a relief and she hated it 

I hope they make many more of these short stories in the future

Hi Jamie, I have justed watched Amanda's story from the Now I Know series. I really liked it! Which one did you resonate with/enjoy most?

Hi Jim. I really like your username! Welcome to your autistic community! As Jamie has rightly stated, there is so much you can learn about your autistic experience just by being a part of this  supportive community and sharing similar experiences.

In terms of autistic social groups there is an autistic led charity called AIM (Autistic Inclusive Meets) which host adult social groups in London. Here is the link to the website if you are interested:

https://autisticinclusivemeets.org/play-and-social-groups/adult-social-group/

Also if you want to learn more about autistic experience, there is a great autistic led Youtube education platform called Aucademy. It's absolutely brilliant, very informative!

Here is the link to the channel if you are interested:

https://www.youtube.com/@aucademy6195

Look forward to chatting with you more!

Hey Jim

I found the Now I Know videos on the NAS youtube channel very helpful after i realized i was autistic. Just knowing that other people experienced the world in a similar way to me was very comforting. 

I don't know about any special FB group but this forum has been invaluable to me since December

Anyway welcome, nice to have you with us