Young Adult Daughter with ADHD struggles to find Peers and Job in San Diego

[cindycc]

I have a 22 year old daughter who lives at home. She's been diagnosed with ADHD, OCD and also has some learning differences. Her interest is fashion, makeup, a passion for animals and helping seniors and children. Currently she's working with a job developer through services. Finding the right job has been very challenging, but I have to say as a mother, the hardest of all has been watching my daughter's loneliness throughout the years. She's had a few friends along the way, but has never had anyone in her age group to connect with, that has similar disabilities. This has made her life very lonely, isolated and a sense of belonging in this world. Unfortunately, school was not her favorite place to be from K-12, but college has been on the radar. I keep trying to convince her that college would be a great place for her to connect with peers, but she's a bit reluctant to move forward with education, due to her past experiences with the public school system. She's tried some young adult church groups, but hasn't had any luck so far. My resources are running out and I could use some help. Does anyone know of any young adult peer groups in the San Diego area or has a young adult that is going through the same kind of obstacles? I would really appreciate anyone's feedback. Thank you!

[Googley]

I don't live there, but I've struggled with loneliness at different points in my life and found support groups to be very helpful and a place I feel free to open up. 12-step groups are free and can fill that need. Have her check out Emotions Anonymous. She may be hesitant, but I'd e courage her to at least give it a shot, 2 or 3 meetings maybe. I hope this helps.

I've also found getting outdoors in nature, away from the city and everyday life, to be helpful. There must be a lot of hiking clubs out there. Just getting away has always been healing for me, even if I'm not Mr. Social.

[cindycc in reply to Googley]

I'll check out a support group. She might be able to relate to someone there. As a family, we do love nature and she does too! So we make it a point to hike or go for a walk. This does help a lot. Thank you!

[Ninatina]

Hi Cindy,

I am in San Diego and I am 32. I am going through the process of getting evaluated now. I can really relate to what you describe about your daughter. I am currently in college now and I can say, my experience has been so much better than K-12, especially middle and high school where I really started having social problems/high school I started performing poorly grade-wise.

I have ALWAYS struggled to have same age peers, especially other girls and women. It's been very lonely and depressing at times. I'd love to chat and offer support and understanding!

[cindycc in reply to Ninatina]

Thank you for sharing your story and my heart goes out to you and anyone else who is lonely. We live in a rural area, so it does get challenging to meet peers her own age. Finding a job has been the hardest obstacle so far! She's been working with a job developer for several months now and has had no luck. I just wish someone would give her the opportunity.

It sounds like you are on the right track with college! That's a great place to socialize. Always here if you need support.