Looking for friends

Hi, I have autism and adhd. Most of the time I'm pretty good at masking and just avoid things that I know will trigger me.

I live in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire and was wondering if it's possible to find like minded people to hang out with. I'm not looking for meet ups where we sit around discussing how misunderstood or rejected we are, what conditions we have or how difficult life is. I'd much rather go for a walk by the lake, have a meal, etc.

I understand triggers snd sensory sensitivities - trust me. But in my mind, I always have two choices - I an stay home because I don't like bright lights or loud noise, or I can grab sunglasses and earplugs and go out. I haven't been going much, because I get annoyed or bored being surrounded by only neuro typical people and also it's draining to have to pretend all the time that I'm like them (small talk and all that stuff). So I figured out that maybe I could try hanging out with other neuridivergent people - whether highly functional, or barely functional, or just trying their best - someone who doesn't need constant attention, pity, or care, but are up for a normal walk, or meal, or casual catch up.

If anyone is interested, let me know.

Parents
  • In respect of making any in-person connections with people from this online community, I'll also just share this information / advice from the NAS (from the Online Community Instructions page), in case you haven't yet seen it.

    I fully appreciate that you might not need these reminders, so please do accept my apologies in advance if that's the case. But others who find your thread over time might still benefit from them:

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    Staying anonymous 
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    Meeting other members or connecting on social media  
    Sometimes Online Community members become friends and may like to meet one another in person or connect with them on a different social media platform.  
    If arranging to meet or contact others, take care and ensure others are aware of your plans. The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team have a useful guide to meeting up with someone you met online safely. While this guide is aimed at young people, it contains useful advice for everyone.  
    If another member is pressuring you to meet or connect and you are uncomfortable about this, please contact communitymanager@nas.or.uk for help.  
Reply
  • In respect of making any in-person connections with people from this online community, I'll also just share this information / advice from the NAS (from the Online Community Instructions page), in case you haven't yet seen it.

    I fully appreciate that you might not need these reminders, so please do accept my apologies in advance if that's the case. But others who find your thread over time might still benefit from them:

    Safety and Security 
    Staying anonymous 
    The Online Community is public, meaning that anyone—not just members who have logged in—can read posts. Only your private messages are fully private. For your safety, please avoid sharing personal or identifying details, including real names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, social media profiles, or photos in public posts or profiles. Additionally, avoid sharing images of your home or any identifiable locations. Publicly shared personal information will be edited or removed in accordance with our rules. 
    You can read our privacy and data protection notice here: 
     
    Meeting other members or connecting on social media  
    Sometimes Online Community members become friends and may like to meet one another in person or connect with them on a different social media platform.  
    If arranging to meet or contact others, take care and ensure others are aware of your plans. The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team have a useful guide to meeting up with someone you met online safely. While this guide is aimed at young people, it contains useful advice for everyone.  
    If another member is pressuring you to meet or connect and you are uncomfortable about this, please contact communitymanager@nas.or.uk for help.  
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