I need help

Hi Sophie,

I'm sorry that you are feeling so bad right now and I hope it's helped to share your worries on here. 

I find it helps to break the problems down in to individual parts and see what can be done, then prioritise.

For help with claiming PIP there is this service: https://www.autism.org.uk/directory/a/asd-advocacy

They do charge a fee but you could look at it as an investment for getting the benefits you're entitled to. 

There is also this organisation: https://weareadvocate.org.uk/

I think it is worth trying again because it would take the pressure off you if you could get PIP. It would also lead to being entitled to other help. 

Longer term I would look at finding work that is more suited to you, maybe online work? If you search online for "jobs that suit autistic people" you may get some ideas. 

The other thing that I found helpful is listening to podcasts about autism. 1800 Seconds on Autism on BBC Sounds is very informative. Squarepeg is specifically about the female experience of autism and how it impacts our lives: https://squarepeg.community/podcast/ 

It helps you feel less alone to hear other people having the same difficulties, and also you pick up some tips on the way. 

There is also the directory on here where you can search for your area by entering your postcode:

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

I find it helps to have a plan for when you're feeling burnout. Sonny Jane Wise's book The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills helps with learning your autism profile, stressors and building coping strategies in to your daily routines. It's important to incorporate rest and manage stress to avoid burnout. I can share ideas if you're interested. 

When I'm feeling very overwhelmed I just try to get through a day and not think too far ahead. For today try to get some rest, do something that nourishes you whether that's having a bath, or even just sitting outside for 5 minutes and listening to the birds, and be gentle on yourself. You have done well to survive this long without support and it won't always feel this difficult. You've found a community that understands your difficulties and wants you to be ok. Welcome! 

Hi Sophie,

I'm sorry that you are feeling so bad right now and I hope it's helped to share your worries on here. 

I find it helps to break the problems down in to individual parts and see what can be done, then prioritise.

For help with claiming PIP there is this service: https://www.autism.org.uk/directory/a/asd-advocacy

They do charge a fee but you could look at it as an investment for getting the benefits you're entitled to. 

There is also this organisation: https://weareadvocate.org.uk/

I think it is worth trying again because it would take the pressure off you if you could get PIP. It would also lead to being entitled to other help. 

Longer term I would look at finding work that is more suited to you, maybe online work? If you search online for "jobs that suit autistic people" you may get some ideas. 

The other thing that I found helpful is listening to podcasts about autism. 1800 Seconds on Autism on BBC Sounds is very informative. Squarepeg is specifically about the female experience of autism and how it impacts our lives: https://squarepeg.community/podcast/ 

It helps you feel less alone to hear other people having the same difficulties, and also you pick up some tips on the way. 

There is also the directory on here where you can search for your area by entering your postcode:

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

I find it helps to have a plan for when you're feeling burnout. Sonny Jane Wise's book The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills helps with learning your autism profile, stressors and building coping strategies in to your daily routines. It's important to incorporate rest and manage stress to avoid burnout. I can share ideas if you're interested. 

When I'm feeling very overwhelmed I just try to get through a day and not think too far ahead. For today try to get some rest, do something that nourishes you whether that's having a bath, or even just sitting outside for 5 minutes and listening to the birds, and be gentle on yourself. You have done well to survive this long without support and it won't always feel this difficult. You've found a community that understands your difficulties and wants you to be ok. Welcome!