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Hi, my first post and a wee question.

Kevmck

Hi,

This is my first post and I thought that I would introduce myself. 

I'm late diagnosed autistic in my early 50's. It was only a few months ago. It looks like a fairly common thing these days. Judging by a lot of the comments I have seen since joining the group a few days ago. 

I'm wondering if people find that it's easier to connect with other neurodiverse people rather than neurotypical people? 

The advice I have received is that it should be easier to connect with people who are like me...

I'm not sure whether that logic works particularly well for people who struggle with connecting with other people. 

What are people's thoughts/experiences? 

I think that it would be good if there's a group of people out there that I can connect with, as my previous experience is that I struggle to connect with people and I find it even more difficult to build relationships despite a lifetime of trying. 

Parents

  • Hi Kevmck

    Welcome! I was diagnosed age 46. This is the best site I've found for communicating autistic style, as you dip in and out as you feel and there are no expectations. There are plenty of topics and views, so you can tag along where you wish. The IT team made it easy to follow topic threads - the site is nicely laid out and welcoming. Everyone is respectful. I always found it hard at work, even  working as an NHS professional. In stressed environments I always became 'victim.' I think this was lack of understanding; I didn't speak or got angry, instead of standing firm or backing off as appropriate. I've always had serial friendships - knowing someone until I moved (over 30 times!) then losing touch. In later years I regretted the loss of  some special people - two having died [I'm in my 70's]. I have special interests but also find it fascinating reading posts from younger people and topics I know nothing about, like gaming or specialist gadgets or jargon. When I lost my professional post I found it very hard and lonely, because I lost my specialist social circle - that is why I enjoy this site and my local library, where I chat to librarians about books. Relationships are funny things and psychologically illogical! I think in life we have few very close friendships and far more acquaintances.

  • in reply to Marianne72

    Thanks Marianne that's all good to know. 

    I can relate to your serial friendships. I have had situation friendships that only last as long as i'm in the situation. As soon as it changes then the friendships end. It has happened so regularly I just view them more as acquaintances. So at this time I have no friends. Just a few people that I talk to in work. I have been in the military,  at university, I have also had an IT career for the last 25 years across several firms. So I have had a lot of acquaintance changes over the years. 

    I have a daughter who's an NHS nurse,  not that I know too much about the in's and outs, as my experience is quite different..

  • in reply to Kevmck
    Kevmck said:
    So I have had a lot of acquaintance changes over the years

    Nothing wrong with that at all. The point is, having broad life experiences. I look at that as far more important than who is around or whether they are 'ongoing' people. The NHS is pants - people would be horrified if they knew the stress and bullying that goes on. It's not all 'angels'!

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