Published on 12, July, 2020
I made a post almost a month ago about not having any friends. Since then, I have not made any friends in real life or online either.
I would like to now try and be more proactive in making friends but I find it very hard to navigate this community site plus I don’t receive notifications for some reason. Are there apps where I can make friends with other people with autism?
Also, is there any in-person or online groups events, activities or social skills clubs where I can meet adults with autism. I am 22 year old female and live in London when I am not at uni and I have asperger's syndrome or level 1 autism.
I would also like to add that I have no social media except WhatsApp and don’t know how to feel about using some social media apps. Thank you.
Jai
Just start sending people pms. I think that's what I'd advise.
You're welcome to pm me if you want. I'm in Scotland though, so the distance might be a problem, and I'd prefer real life friends that I can actually meet in person myself.
I am also trying to write stories. It does not come easily to me so Im enjoying it as a challenge. I enjoy science fiction, especially space opera, what genres do you like?
Do you like animals, then, as well as animal crossing? they do not need talking and it is a way of helping another creature.
I also do a lot of audiobooks. I like to make art while listening.
I'm not exactly the Friendship Guru myself. How about you talk about things you like? Hobbies and such. Shared mutual interest is a popular starting point for meeting people. Maybe someone here shares your hobbie, or can direct you somewhere.
Hello,
have you looked at AIM as they are London based and I met up with them at the Downing street protest in September and met some nice people. I know there are several NAS groups and social groups in London that meet up such as one in Greenwich.
Whilst I could feasibly imagine myself attending such a group I cannot ever see myself wanting to run one.
I suspect that running a group would be extremely challenging. It would be a rare autistic person who would have not only the energy but also the necessary social skills and executive functioning to take that on.
The practicalities trying to meet the needs of multiple autistic adults in the same space at the same time would be very difficult. So many different sensory requirements and communication differences for a start. I have heard it said on here that trying to organise a group of autists is like trying to herd cats
Your welcome. Maybe there's something similar in London you could join?
That’s sounds really nice. I would enjoy that kind of activity with people I feel comfortable with. Thank you for answering my question.
Really enjoy attending the groups. Have guest speakers, do tasks e.g. art and crafts and play games. Also in the summer have a barbecue and a Christmas Dinner
That’s a shame. That is not ideal at all.
Well I have a passion for helping others so I decided to pursue a career in nursing despite the difficulties I have been having with the communication side of things.
I like listing to audio books, writing my own stories, drawing and collecting various glass art.
I like animal crossing and dream light valley on the switch as my favourite games.
I am very quiet and not very talkative so I think that’s the main reason why I have a hard time making friends.
Thanks for you message
Do you enjoy attending the groups and what kinds of things do you do there?
Thanks for this. I looked but couldn’t find anything anywhere near where I live.
HI Jai,
Tell us about what sorts of interest you have, especially at uni, or near where you live. I lot of times having a common interest is a good starting place. Someone here may shsare your interests too. Lots of times there are events oriented towards our special interests?
I encountered the same issue when I looked for a group near to me.
My nearest group for adults is around 60 miles away. The meetings take place in the evenings and I struggle with driving in the dark, due to the glare from headlights. There wasn't any suitable public transport to get me home either, so it would mean staying in a hotel.
I've just seen this but I should think it takes a lot of incentive to get one started:
Can't find a branch that's right for you? Why not start up your own? Please email branchservices@nas.org.uk for more information.
That's the problem I was finding
I suppose it comes down to what the people who start the branch want - assuming it's run by volunteers.
For example, Blackpool is for:
Our peer support sessions provide an opportunity for autistic adults to meet in a safe and friendly environment with other autistic people.
Just looked at the Glasgow branch, and apparently it’s aimed at supporting parents and carers not the actual autistic people. Wouldn’t have thought the NAS would be yet another organisation that ignores us
Jai said: I don’t know where to start to be honest.
https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/branches