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Loneliness and overwhelm

Ayrejordan

I have just been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. It feels like a lot to take in and I am still processing it. I feel a bit on my own with it all. I have felt lonely for a long time and this kinds of explains it a bit. I feel like I need a friend or someone to talk to, just about anything. But, I dont really know where to start. The prospect is overwhelming despite how much I want it.

Parents

  • In respect of feeling lonely, unfortunately, it's not uncommon for us to feel lonely or isolated.

    Alongside enjoying chatting with others here (where friendships can also develop naturally over time), you might 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 like to consider asking your GP for a referral to your local social prescriber. Or just ask the GP’s admin team, who might be able to tell you how to self refer. A social prescriber’s (non-medical) role is to develop a personalised care and support plan that meets your social, practical, and emotional needs. That could include helping you to find local groups or socialising activities that fit with your interests, for example.

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

    NHS England - Social prescribing

    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

    As a final couple of suggestions, you could:

    • Search on Facebook and/or Google for any local groups that might fit with your interests and hobbies.
    • Perhaps find some online games you enjoy that also include a social element (eg perhaps they have an associated chat group, or a built-in ways to socialise - like chatting in the game itself).
Reply

  • In respect of feeling lonely, unfortunately, it's not uncommon for us to feel lonely or isolated.

    Alongside enjoying chatting with others here (where friendships can also develop naturally over time), you might 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 like to consider asking your GP for a referral to your local social prescriber. Or just ask the GP’s admin team, who might be able to tell you how to self refer. A social prescriber’s (non-medical) role is to develop a personalised care and support plan that meets your social, practical, and emotional needs. That could include helping you to find local groups or socialising activities that fit with your interests, for example.

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

    NHS England - Social prescribing

    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

    As a final couple of suggestions, you could:

    • Search on Facebook and/or Google for any local groups that might fit with your interests and hobbies.
    • Perhaps find some online games you enjoy that also include a social element (eg perhaps they have an associated chat group, or a built-in ways to socialise - like chatting in the game itself).
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