Does anyone know of any online support groups for parents of HFA young adults?

Hi, this is pretty much exactly what I've just come to this forum to search for. Our son (21) has recently been diagnosed with ASC. He self identified as he works in a school in learning support in the SEN unit and recognised his behaviour. I'd really value a place to exchange example situations and get ideas of how to help him deal with them. Thanks for the post! 

True!

Will also contact NAS, will let you know if come up with anything… 

I discovered AANE when I was listening to some podcasts about autism and aspergers recently. I hadn't heard of AANE before and it was at that point that I realised that having an organisation just for aspergers would be so useful. I know the autism spectrum covers similar types, but aspergers and particularly HFA has many different types of issues. For example, my son can pull the wool over everyone's eyes because he is so intelligent they think he can cope socially, whereas in reality he is confused by a lot of life.

I think your idea of getting in contact with NAS direct is a good one. I have searched the website and I assume that someone would have posted here if there was something already. I'll get in touch with them also in January to see if they have ideas or suggestions.

I'm not sure that a parent with a HFA young adult would feel they have the time to organise it themselves, although I might be wrong. Certainly, from what I've noticed, most parents involved with HFA young adults seem to be already at total stretch at the point they are actively looking for outside support.

Yes, I agree… We also have worries about our adult son and find it hard to know how to position ourselves as parents in a way that would be helpful, when/whether/how to get involved… 

When I was looking for a group I did come across something in the US which did have an online group (AANE) but nothing more local. I was planning to call the NAS when they re-open to see if they had any suggestions but I’m guessing you’ve tried that already? I don’t know how possible it would be to set something up if there were enough interest, maybe with the support of someone at NAS… what do you think? 

Hi, I've not found anything yet. There seem to be quite a few groups which meet up for activities but not a place for discussing issues or resources. I wonder if it would be quite difficult to manage in a way that is structured and therefore potentially more beneficial. That's my feeling, anyway.

Although I really like reading or hearing about other people's experiences, what I really need at the moment is having some ideas for solutions to particular issues. We feel really stuck with my son and would like to know some positive ideas of how we could change certain things. We would like to alter his behaviour but are open-minded and would be prepared to change ourselves also.

There's a lot talked and written about understanding things from the autistic perspective and I think there is great value in this, however, there doesn't seem to be much about how to enable the asperger's young adult to adapt to everyday life.

Hi there

did you manage to find out about an online group for parents of high functioning adults on the spectrum? I’m looking for the same (either online or in person) and would really welcome any suggestions…

Yes, of course. Perhaps what I should suggest is a specific forum category within this forum.

High functioning autism. 

what is HFA 

Isn’t that what this forum is for? Many of us have children that can ‘assimilate’ slightly better than others.