An introduction

Hello, everyone. I was diagnosed as autistic 15 years ago and never received any support or advice afterwards. The diagnosis happened and I was shoved out the door. I’ve learned coping mechanisms and the like to manage it but it mostly means I am housebound. My partner moved us a decade ago to a place she knew people and I did not. I don’t have friends or acquaintances. Neither real life or online. i don't really know how to interact with people. I was fine with this until recently when our home life was disrupted and I no longer felt safe. Suddenly I felt very alone. And I don’t know what to do with myself. I feel like in my 40s it’s too late to make friends. Especially as I can barely go out the front door. And even if I could the last time I had a conversation with someone was probably 2013 i don't know if I can even manage it. 

I think the main problem is the housing authority flat above us has fitted laminate flooring and as you all probably know, sound sensitivity is a problem a lot of the time. It’s a special kind of hell and I understand why nearly all authorities ban hard floors. Except, seemingly, this one. They don’t seem to care, don’t want to come round and listen, don’t want to explain their policies about it, don’t want to speak to them upstairs about it. And it’s the whole flat so there is no room to escape to and having to live with headphones on 24/7 isn’t the life I expected. 

I'm just ranting now and that’s hardly appropriate. Like I said, im rusty with human interaction. Hello. 

Parents
  • Dear Ransak, 

    Welcome to the forum. I too have lived in flats and the noise can be distracting and upsetting. I have developed friendships with some of my favourite people later in life. Your 40s are not too late to make friends. There is still plenty of time to meet people. 

    Being here is a great step in the right direction to making friends. Feel free to share some of your interests, if you feel comfortable to do that, and you may find other members with similar interests. 

    If you would like to explore, we have an Advice and Guidance Section on the website which offers some support on a variety of subjects. You can find the tab at the top of the page or find the link here:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance

    We also have a directory which should detail any support or groups in your area when you feel ready. Please find the link here:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory

    With best wishes,

    Anna Mod

Reply
  • Dear Ransak, 

    Welcome to the forum. I too have lived in flats and the noise can be distracting and upsetting. I have developed friendships with some of my favourite people later in life. Your 40s are not too late to make friends. There is still plenty of time to meet people. 

    Being here is a great step in the right direction to making friends. Feel free to share some of your interests, if you feel comfortable to do that, and you may find other members with similar interests. 

    If you would like to explore, we have an Advice and Guidance Section on the website which offers some support on a variety of subjects. You can find the tab at the top of the page or find the link here:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance

    We also have a directory which should detail any support or groups in your area when you feel ready. Please find the link here:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory

    With best wishes,

    Anna Mod

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