Friendships are hard and post-diagnosis

Hey everyone, 

I am recently diagnosed autistic (have known my whole life but was diagnosed with OCD instead). Since getting my diagnosis I have found it really difficult to mask, which in a lot of ways is really good but in other ways it’s making me realise that actually I don’t really have any friends who know the real me. 

I’m 26 and have 0 social life, I basically just go to work and uni then come home again… I was wondering how you all find adult friendships when being autistic, as I often find them quite draining/ confusing but also I feel lonely. 

I’d love if there was a big group just for autistic women to make pals in, and I’m going to have a look at some groups in my local area I can maybe attend if they are online, as getting public transport can put me off going out really easily. 

Anyway, this is my first post on here and I hope you all have a lovely day :) 

Parents
  • Hello Poetchi, 

    I am also 26 and have struggled to make friends out of formal education. It is a challenge for us Autistic people and one that I ignored for a long time. Now that I am starting to understand my Autistic traits though, I am finding socialising slightly less intimidating. 

    Now I attend a weekly online group that fits around my work which is nice. I find online groups less draining on my energy definitely.

    It may be easier to start out with an online group you can find and then graduating to an in person social event...

Reply
  • Hello Poetchi, 

    I am also 26 and have struggled to make friends out of formal education. It is a challenge for us Autistic people and one that I ignored for a long time. Now that I am starting to understand my Autistic traits though, I am finding socialising slightly less intimidating. 

    Now I attend a weekly online group that fits around my work which is nice. I find online groups less draining on my energy definitely.

    It may be easier to start out with an online group you can find and then graduating to an in person social event...

Children
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