Introduction

Hi Char  

welcome to the site, I thought I’d say hello back.

I can relate to a lot of what you’re saying. I find mental health professionals are clueless to autism. They probably have done a 5 minute e-learning on it years ago and practically avoid thinking that autism is real thing! It is a shame though, as there is no support for autism in adults, and it will often lead to mental health issues. I have only found using forums such as this, to be the only support I get. But I’m finding taking very slow “baby” steps into accessing other forums/whatsapp groups/local community groups with other autistic people and think these will also really help. 

don’t find not working guilty. You cannot help it. Also, I still don’t think jobs are set up to be accessible enough for autistic people. Just doing the interview seems impossible! Hopefully as jobs become more accessible and accepting of autistic people, maybe there could be an opportunity to work in the future. But don’t feel guilty you can’t now. Maybe consider looking at volunteering opportunities for something you are passionate about, as that can usually be a really good step into employment and something to put on the CV.  

Have you recently been diagnosed with autism?

Hi thank you for such a lovely reply. 

I find mental health professionals really frustrating and in the past they have made things harder because their approach is so anti ASD. I struggle with talking because of my social awkwardness and anxiety and before when it took me a while to respond I was accused of avoiding questions. They don't understand and a lot of the problems is they don't try. It's very stressful to deal with them. I've been practicing mindfulness and new distraction techniques, this has been helping me more than the professionals.

I've been trying to get out a bit more as well, walks through the country and to the park on a Sunday morning when it's quiet. 

I think you're really sensible taking things slowly and doing baby steps. This is what I've been trying to do just go slow and try not to get too worked up with things and myself.  I'm not always successful at it but I am trying. Slow and steady wins the race so I'm hopeful I'll get there eventually. 

I hope it helps and works for you as well. Just try to do what makes you comfortable and if pressure builds then take a break. This is the approach I'm using. 

I completely agree! Jobs are not very accessible for autistic people. This has been my experience from the little one actually worked. Ideally I would work from home but I've no idea what I would do. I love writing and dream of being an author but everything I write I'm super critical about. But it's something I consider a lot. So far the jobs I tried was at McDonald's which was absolute hell and then at Savers. Both were massively inappropriate for me and I didn't last more than a few days.

Volunteering might be a good approach to start gently, small baby steps. I'll look in to this... thank you for the suggestion! If it's in an appropriate environment, like a small shop then I should be all right hopefully. 

Yes I've only just been diagnosed. It's something I wondered about for ages which is why I pressed for a diagnosis. At first I was diagnosed with anxiety and then bi polar but I knew there was something else. 

So so relieved when I got my autism diagnosis. It's brought me a lot of comfort and self understanding. 

Thanks again for replying  

I’m glad you’re finding mindfulness helpful. It’s something I need to try more. I recently had MBT (mentalisation-based therapy) which I found very helpful. 

it’s good that you’re getting out for your walks. it can be an achievement just to get out of bed so well done you!

That’s really good effort you tried working at McDonald’s and Savers. I’ve seen how the managers and customers speak to the staff, no way could I manage there! So well done for even managing a short time there. I’m lucky I do work from home, and my employer is very supportive (local government). Although I’m about to go back after long term sick and about to ask for some reasonable adjustments so hopefully they’ll be okay still. But for the most part I’ve been lucky with them! 

I was diagnosed recently too, and like you it was a relief. Although I get massive imposter syndrome, but I’m slowly learning more about my autistic self and starting to unmask and feel more like my true self. Hopefully you continue to find your strengths and comfort. You sound like a really switch on person and you’re very articulate, I can tell you’d be an awesome author. I’ll hope to read one of your books one day (although do an audiobook version too, as I hate reading lol)

I’m glad you’re finding mindfulness helpful. It’s something I need to try more. I recently had MBT (mentalisation-based therapy) which I found very helpful. 

it’s good that you’re getting out for your walks. it can be an achievement just to get out of bed so well done you!

That’s really good effort you tried working at McDonald’s and Savers. I’ve seen how the managers and customers speak to the staff, no way could I manage there! So well done for even managing a short time there. I’m lucky I do work from home, and my employer is very supportive (local government). Although I’m about to go back after long term sick and about to ask for some reasonable adjustments so hopefully they’ll be okay still. But for the most part I’ve been lucky with them! 

I was diagnosed recently too, and like you it was a relief. Although I get massive imposter syndrome, but I’m slowly learning more about my autistic self and starting to unmask and feel more like my true self. Hopefully you continue to find your strengths and comfort. You sound like a really switch on person and you’re very articulate, I can tell you’d be an awesome author. I’ll hope to read one of your books one day (although do an audiobook version too, as I hate reading lol)