How to become more independent?

How do you find living on your own? I really want to move in to my own place as I am 27, nearly 28, and I am still so dependent on my parents but they are getting on in years and I know I can’t be relying on them forever. It’s a terrifying thought for me as I am autistic, shy and very quiet, I hardly speak and I have no idea what I’m doing most of the time.

I feel like I’m in a car and no one’s driving. Going forward but no one’s here steering.

One thing I have done is started going out by myself, 5 minutes every day to the park in the morning when it’s nice and quiet. When I get home I get washed over by total exhaustion and need to sleep for an hour or 2 to recover.I wish I didn’t get tired so easily, but when you’re autistic there is so much to process and do to get through everything. I've always been like this, at school if it was a busier more hard wearing day I would be exhausted by lunch and several times I was told off for falling asleep in class. I wish I had been diagnosed at the time, they might have been more understanding about it.

I'm not rushing this, rushing in usually has a bad outcome, so I am trying to take my time with this in the hopes it all works out in the end.

Oh and hi, I’m Paris.

Parents
  • Hi Paris,

    Welcome to the online community and thank you for sharing your experience with us.

    The NAS has some really helpful advice and guidance on Autistic fatigue and burnout it may be worth taking a look. It can be so hard to work on independence and you are taking some incredible steps forward so well done!

    I have also linked our Autism Services Directory this is a useful tool if you would like to find specific additional help in your area. 

    Best wishes,

    Olivia Mod

Reply
  • Hi Paris,

    Welcome to the online community and thank you for sharing your experience with us.

    The NAS has some really helpful advice and guidance on Autistic fatigue and burnout it may be worth taking a look. It can be so hard to work on independence and you are taking some incredible steps forward so well done!

    I have also linked our Autism Services Directory this is a useful tool if you would like to find specific additional help in your area. 

    Best wishes,

    Olivia Mod

Children
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