• Replies 3 replies
  • Subscribers 83 subscribers
  • Views 775 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

Meeting other autistic adults

SugarHiccup
Hi,
What's the best way to reach out to other autistic people?
I have looked into local groups but there aren't a lot for adults in my area.
Basic gist is am in my mid 30s and potentially have type 1 autism. Just waiting for a diagnosis but a Dr has told me to seek support from other autistic people.
I have always had problems maintaining friendships because of potential autism and having chronic illness eg fibromyalgia and CFS. I can initiate trying to befriend other people, it's just maintaining these friendships I have problems with. People sometimes misunderstanding me or think I am being blunt/rude when I am being direct/honest.
I do believe being intersectional in a lot of ways has made things harder e.g autism, chronic health issues and being LGBT+. Am not looking for pity, just advice.
Cheers :)

  • No pity offered. I wouldn't like that either.

    I guess I've been lucky in having around me rare non judgemental, for one reason or another kinda different themselves folk, with whom I've made life long friends; some NT some ND. I'm guessing you just need the right environment to find people who admire a direct approach and like to be their non-conformist selves. They do exist; both NT and ND. Finding them is the challenge, but when one walks into your life, respect and look after them. They'll repay in kind :-).

  • I do sometimes go along to a local adult autism group but tbh I think I've met just as many autistic adults through local LGBT groups. I skip the club nights etc and look for LGBT board games, walking groups, etc which seem to have a very high proportion of neurodivergent individuals.

    Any hobby which is a bit nerdy could be a good shout. Whenever I find someone who comes across as a bit odd I flag them as a possible "one of us" and try to figure out what their special interest is and get them to talk about it. It's a nice way to connect.

    There are also online communities for autistic people. You could try searching for FB groups, using the #actuallyautistic hashtag on Twitter, or look up Aucademy, as well as hanging out here.

  • Dear SugarHiccup,

    Thank you for sharing this with our community. While we are waiting for the community to respond, you may be interested in contacting a local National Autistic Society branch. Our branches offer support to local autistic people and their families. If you interesting in checking if there is a local branch near to you, please follow the link below: 

    https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/local-branches 

    Our branches are volunteer-led, and as such every branch and group is different. Some are parent support groups, some provide support and information to autistic adults, while others have office premises and run their own a drop-in service. You will need to check with a branch directly for more information on whether they are able to provide a particular service that you are interested in. 

    If you were interested in starting a branch or group, please email branchservices@nas.org.uk 

    Thank you. I hope this helps!

    Best regards,

    Eunice Mod