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New and wondering how to meet people in a similar situation

vh1

Hello,

I am the mum of a 3 year old boy with ASD coupled with many complications of his health and a 1 year old little girl.  My husband and I feel our friends and family do not understand our life at all.  Does anybody know of places you can meet other adults with similar lifestyles and before you all suggest the groups during the day our son can't cope with going to these types of venues.  

I would love to have some people in our life who wouldn't be bored of depressed with autism as a topic of conversation!

thanks 

  • I have come to the realisation that we have many acquaintences but true friends we can count on one hand, but to be fair I haven't time to maintain relationships that are not understanding of our family situation.  Thanks scorpion

  • vh1, talk to the 'friends' explain the situation, explain what autism is and how it affects you son.

    If they don't adjust, then they're not real friends.

  • Thanks for that.  It serves to make me feel a bit more normal!  When friends/family ask can we stay at yours and take the kids to legoland they don't realise the implications of this suggestion for our son!! And when we say no then people assume we are being anti-social lol.  Frustrating sometimes, it really is a hidden disability.  I guess I'm at the end of a hard year diagnosis, educational battle for statementing which I won!!!! and also the DLA appeal which again I won!! surprisingly but after all the effort and energy I now am trying to piece together a new life for myself and my husband, surrounding ourselves with like minded people and families would be a huge advantage.  Thank you again for the kind words 

    VH

  • Hi there.

    I think you'll find people here are happy to discuss Autism in all its forms and with all its implications at great length!

    Although my immediate family are very supportive, I know how you feel at times. Only this weekend I had to contact my cousin to let her know that only part of our family would be coming to her wedding. We decided that it'd be too much for our 10 year old with aspergers. There will be loads of waiting around, having to sit still, making polite conversation etc etc, all of which he hates. I really don't think she understood, unfortunately, how his aspergers would affect him and make the event intollerable for all of us! Unfortunately it also wasn't the right time to go into a whole speil about what aspergers is etc etc.

    It is hard having a child with ASD and you end up living a different family life to the one you imagined when you started off having kids. At least on this forum there are others who are experiencing similar things and who do understand. Thank God for it!

    Hell Bells x

  • Hi vh1,

    welcome to the forum! I hope you find it helpful. We have lists of groups and local NAS branches on our Autism Services Directory, here:

    http://www.autism.org.uk/directory

    You can search under 'Support groups and networks' to see if there is anything suitable near you. Our helpline can also search for you if that's easier - the number is 0808 800 4104 (it's free from landlines and most mobiles) and they are open 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.

    You might also have a local NAS branch which should be able to tell you what there is locally for parents of children who have autism. Some organise events for parents as well.

    I hope you find something soon and get some support from others in similar situations.

    philippab - mod