• Replies 12 replies
  • Subscribers 86 subscribers
  • Views 225 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

Making friends in person

Casyellow

Hi, I recently lost my friend group after going through a marriage separation. I am used to losing friendships over the years but I think I might still want a friend. I tried to join a local group for autistic adults about 6 months ago but they never called back. 

I was just wondering if anyone had any other suggestions to make friends (I'm 44). I love crafts but I find it really hard just walking into the room on my own to even start the process. Just wondered what your experiences were or any suggestions?

Parents

  • My best suggestion would be to ask your GP for a referral to your local social prescriber (or you might be able to self-refer - you can ask your GP’s admin team about this). 

    A social prescribers' (non-medical) role is to develop a personalised support plan that meets your social, practical, and emotional needs. That can definitely include helping you to find and join in with local groups or socialising activities - including making introductions or even accompanying you, to begin with.

    The article below explains more (it relates to England, but the same model operates throughout the UK):

    NHS England - Social prescribing

    You might also find some of the advice in these articles helpful:

    NAS - Loneliness - includes links to other examples of autistic people's experiences of loneliness and how they cope.

    NAS - Making friends - a guide for autistic adults

    You might also be able to find some socialising opportunities via the the NAS's directory, or through a local or online NAS branch:

    NAS - Autism Services Directory

    NAS - Branches

    There's also an online NAS Arts and Crafts branch here:

    NAS - Arts and Crafts Branch

    As a final suggestion, you could search on Facebook and/or Google for any local groups that might fit with your interests and hobbies.

Reply

  • My best suggestion would be to ask your GP for a referral to your local social prescriber (or you might be able to self-refer - you can ask your GP’s admin team about this). 

    A social prescribers' (non-medical) role is to develop a personalised support plan that meets your social, practical, and emotional needs. That can definitely include helping you to find and join in with local groups or socialising activities - including making introductions or even accompanying you, to begin with.

    The article below explains more (it relates to England, but the same model operates throughout the UK):

    NHS England - Social prescribing

    You might also find some of the advice in these articles helpful:

    NAS - Loneliness - includes links to other examples of autistic people's experiences of loneliness and how they cope.

    NAS - Making friends - a guide for autistic adults

    You might also be able to find some socialising opportunities via the the NAS's directory, or through a local or online NAS branch:

    NAS - Autism Services Directory

    NAS - Branches

    There's also an online NAS Arts and Crafts branch here:

    NAS - Arts and Crafts Branch

    As a final suggestion, you could search on Facebook and/or Google for any local groups that might fit with your interests and hobbies.

Children