Life is hard

i'm up for that, but those who go into government do so because they want power over others. gun control has nothing to do with public safety, and everything to do with those in government feeling they have power over a subjugated population.  ... so unless you are a state 'enforcer', you wont be given anything that would enhance your power and lead to those in power feeling less powerful.

I think we ought to get a dispensation to openly carry firearms. 

That'd cut down on the piss taking and general abuse we get handed out so casually...

Indeed, some good ideas there ... i guess the big thing is for people who have recently discovered they are autistic to not feel so alone in their confusion. This forum is great for that.

and a guide for how to relearn social interaction as an autistic person would be great! 

I think these are great ideas and I'd be keen to be involved

Unknown said:

I wish there was proper support out there for autism

I have an open question for those contributing here:

What support do you think you want / need?

I agree there is a lack of support services for adults, especially those of us with relatively low support needs.

The solution is probably to use a forum (like this one) to build up some online services to help ourselves. We may even be able to apply for grant money (lottery etc) for this but we first need to work out what it should look like?

Any ideas to throw into the ring?

I was going to suggest setting up workshops via a zoom call for things like:

- how to manage anxiety

- ideas to get / keep a job

- ideas to make friends and understand the "social code"

Socially there may be space for resources for finding clubs in our special interest areas, book reviews about autism and related subjects (ADHD, alexithymia etc) and maybe classes from anyone with a special interest that would be up for sharing more high level info about their hobby.

This forum is still the best solution for specific questions in my opinion as it remains a searchable resource for others to reference.

Any other ideas?

I am kinda new to the reality that I am autistic, despite being in my 40s ... finding help has been a challenge for me also. there are aspects of being autistic I find heartbreaking. From now being aware that I do not see the emotion in peoples faces, to simply knowing someone well enough that I can get a hug on the rare occasions that it would be helpful ...

I went to a local autistic meetup a month or so ago ... I need to check if they have another one coming up.

I hope things get easier for you.

Perhaps we are meant to paddle our own canoe, and become proactive; rather than reactive.

I weaned myself off overdependence, over the years. It isn't easy, but the rewards are there.

Being part of this forum helps me a lot. It's a place of understanding and a lot of support..I like to think I support as in when I can.

Life is difficult for us with Autism.  But visiting and contributing to sites like this may make it easier.