The things that have helped you most?

Been loving reading these responses, just shows me how strong we all are and how adept at implementing coping mechanisms we have been.

Arguably, we shouldn't have to resort to these techniques, but unless anyone has a magic wond to change a NT built society on its head then I think sharing these achievements with each other is the best we can hope for.

I've been pleased to see mainstream media beginning to make more content with autism at its core so I live in hope that society will continue to consider us as it's expansion continues.

Well done all, you are the beautiful core I am proud to know

It appears that the internet is the only place where we can find any tips or advice on how to manage our condition as autistic adults, where the sources of practical help and support in real life are largely not available to us, even from government bodies like the NHS here in the U.K. - with all of the other scientific and technological advances in our world, this is doubly inexcusable where many of us are in desperate need of help and support and it was one reason why I was very reluctant to go for a later in life diagnosis in 2019 as suggested by family in Ireland at age 52 - despite talk otherwise by many, mental health and disability funding still remains the poor relation despite the fact that issues around mental health and disability are increasingly being discovered as a huge issue, as we saw during Covid - due to lack of any real post-diagnostic practical help and support, I’m having to consider quitting my current job and go back on benefits, despite awkward conversations with jobcentres and others after just over a year in my current job - I can’t even get hold of my social worker on on the phone or by email and I’m getting the impression that they regard my concerns around my condition as “irrelevant nonsense” - while treating autistic children early is important, too much focus and support/funding is being placed on childhood autism at the expense of autistic adults and this situation is unacceptable and it’s something that I’ve discovered when searching for sources of adult autistic support after my diagnosis 

It appears that the internet is the only place where we can find any tips or advice on how to manage our condition as autistic adults, where the sources of practical help and support in real life are largely not available to us, even from government bodies like the NHS here in the U.K. - with all of the other scientific and technological advances in our world, this is doubly inexcusable where many of us are in desperate need of help and support and it was one reason why I was very reluctant to go for a later in life diagnosis in 2019 as suggested by family in Ireland at age 52 - despite talk otherwise by many, mental health and disability funding still remains the poor relation despite the fact that issues around mental health and disability are increasingly being discovered as a huge issue, as we saw during Covid - due to lack of any real post-diagnostic practical help and support, I’m having to consider quitting my current job and go back on benefits, despite awkward conversations with jobcentres and others after just over a year in my current job - I can’t even get hold of my social worker on on the phone or by email and I’m getting the impression that they regard my concerns around my condition as “irrelevant nonsense” - while treating autistic children early is important, too much focus and support/funding is being placed on childhood autism at the expense of autistic adults and this situation is unacceptable and it’s something that I’ve discovered when searching for sources of adult autistic support after my diagnosis 

Indeeed!

He was a master of cinema old Stanley.  I have both the Kubrick Boxsets sitting on my shelf.

A great film with actor Slim Pickins riding the bomb down to its target

We best hope that the concept of MAD holds then.  Kubrick made a film about it all.  Dr Strangelove And How I Learned To Stop Worrying About The Bomb.

I live only 5 miles away from from a British and an American base with fighter planes all with a nuclear capability. If ever there was a prime target area, I am in it!!  In keeping with the original question, What has helped me most is to be able to totally focus on my work ---whatever that may be.

Prior to the onset of nuclear subs in the 1960's.  The warheads and bombers were based at the airbase that is local to me.

 I wholy agree with your assessment which is why I too left employment years ago to work for myself. I recently had my own affirmative ASD diagnosis.  This affirmation answered many questions for me but wasn't received as a surprise. I also share Malojian's strong inner core built on many masks to deal with NT's

Not wishing to strike a sour chord but in my own past military experience, I was ordered to be trained to service nuclear weapons. Many may wonder how an autistic man can survive the military. Basic training was a trial and challenge. I came close to freaking out but managed to mask myself also through "a strong inner core" acquired since childhood. I survived a drill Sergeant shouting at the top of his voice into my ear. I came close to landing one on his chin!  The thought also passed my mind if I can survive that I can survive anything short of a nuclear hit. Which is currently topical in today's news with Russia's bombardment of the largest nuclear power station in Europe. God help us!