• Replies 7 replies
  • Subscribers 28 subscribers
  • Views 131 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

Peer support groups

Hergé

I'm not really out on the world as autistic, I just don't think people need to know, it doesn't effect them and it only opens me up to scrutiny, which I can seriously live without.

Any how. Our local autism support organisation finally arranged a support group, so I decided to go. We met up in a local coffee shop. There were eight of us and a couple of facilitators from the organisation. It was a mixed group of adults with different backgrounds but not overly dissimilar life experiences. I went with some apprehension as I'd been to an ADHD group before (I have ADHD -i) and it really wasn't for me.

I really didn't know what to expect but it was interesting and enjoyable. A few of us were late diagnosis and we discussed the grief and anger of possibilities lost as well as the feeling that we are often dismissed medically.

It was a positive experience and I'll be going back. I generally really struggle with the whole sense of community thing as I've just had that life long feeling that I don't really belong.

Has anyone else had experience of this type of group and do you have any suggestions for questions or topics?

I hope you all have a great day.

Parents

  • This sounds very similar to a NDSA group I met up with a few times. We met in our local Costa Coffee in a quiet corner. 

    I agree with you it was a positive experience to be around people who were a similar age and older in some cases and late diagnosed too. We were a group of around 8 to 12 people.

    I felt less alone hearing their stories which were varied but lots of things they mentioned sort of reassured me and made me feel a bit like I belonged there.

    I never felt confident enough to share or ask any questions, I would just sit and listen.

    I had to stop going because it was held on one of the days I work and I used to have to leave early and use holiday time.

    I wouldn’t worry too much about what to talk about, it’s meant to be a place where you don’t have to worry about social expectations. There was one guy who just talked and talked and he used to apologise, I said why are you apologising this is you and I love to listen and learn. We are all different. I’m not a big talker and that’s good because I can listen and I know I’m good at that.

    I have since found another in person group where we meet for activities like board games and walking. I find it easier to talk in these spaces too.

    Its good to find people who see things through the same lens and understand what it’s like to exist as an autistic person in this world.

    I’m pleased that you have found this space 

  • in reply to Lonehare12

    Thank you for your reply. It can feel quite isolating in a way and to be seen by others that are in a similar boat was refreshing.

    There's a walking group near me that does a Wednesday evening walk during the lighter months, I'm thinking of joining them, it just takes a bit of courage since I'm  not a people person.

  • in reply to Hergé

    It is refreshing I agree.

    I think you are probably a people person  but it needs to be the right people that’s what I’m finding out about myself.

    It does take courage to do these things but I believe it’s worthwhile. We all need to feel we belong somewhere.

    Keep us posted on the walking group.

Reply Children
No Data