Autistic and alone: I have been diagnosed... - Autism Support

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Autistic and alone

Bees6 profile image
18 Replies

I have been diagnosed with autism I think for 2 years now , is it normal to not receive any support outside of school since then. My mental state is poor , I have no one else but my one parent to talk to (and the person feels overwhelmed) without this platform and tbh it scares me to be here. Do you know where I can find support in UK. I don’t think it’s normal to not have a check up for this long I was wondering if you think the same too.

Thank you for reading this 💖

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Bees6 profile image
Bees6
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18 Replies

HI there my daughter is waiting for a aspergers diagnosis and it is a four year wait she is 20 yo it seems there isn't much support esp atm due to this covid crisis, I noticed on twitter there is quite a few people posting and campaigning so I suggest you take a look , my daughter is lonely and it seems most people with autism are lonely so why aren't there more groups that can bring them together

Bees6 profile image
Bees6 in reply to lillyofthevalley37

Thank you so much for replying 💗 , yes so true there should be more conversation around Loneliness in this community, I can relate. I can’t find anyone with my diagnosis if it wasn’t for this platform.🪄There should be more fun places.

Myautismteam.com is good support group also

Bees6 profile image
Bees6 in reply to

Thank you so much for replying💗 I have not heard of this before, I will check it out!

NotJim profile image
NotJim

I've found it tricky to find the right support for adults with autism (especially when you're on the high-functioning end of the spectrum.) I did find the NAS Assist service helpful, which I used last year to help me when I was moving to a new place to study. The thing I used in surrey is "A service available for individuals with Asperger's/high functioning autism (aged 16+) which offers individual advice, information and support. By appointment only. Appointments in person, by telephone, email or Skype." - There's more info here: surreylocaloffer.org.uk/kb5...

Obviously i don't know where you're based or your type of autism, but if you're in the UK there's also the NAS's Autism Services Directory - autism.org.uk/directory

where you can search services available in your local area, within a distance of up to 50+ miles.

If that doesn't come up with what you might be looking for, the NAS also have a number of phonelines for enquiries. autism.org.uk/what-we-do/he...

There's a helpline at the top, and if you scroll further down there's also a general enquiries line. They might have some advice about who/where you could go to, if you explain you're diagnosed autistic and looking for some support <3

Mental health sucks sometimes and it's rough we have to do a lot of leg work to be able to find support, but it's worth it when you find something that really helps. If you're also struggling with your mental state, there's a free online counselling service offered by the NHS, which you can self refer on. You have to fill in a couple of questionnaires and write a bit about what you're going through, then their triage team can get back to you in about 2 weeks tops. I'm doing this one myself now to get help for phobias and anxiety. I even requested not to be contacted over the phone (because of phone anxiety) and I was able to talk to the referrals person (who was very nice) by the messaging service instead. The website is here: iesohealth.com/en-gb (i felt sceptical at first because it looks like normal depressionie/anxiety stuff, but I was able to emphasise in the self-assessment that I have autism and that this is a big factor in my mental health)

I hope some of this might help. Tough times never last forever 💛

Bees6 profile image
Bees6 in reply to NotJim

Omg there’s so much I don’t know thank you so much for all your advice, it’s definitely helpful💗

NotJim profile image
NotJim in reply to Bees6

You're very welcome :)

robbi80 profile image
robbi80

I have my partner for support, but no professional support. I believe there is support out there. However they’re so under resourced it’s very hard to get, sorry I couldn’t be more help.

Bees6 profile image
Bees6 in reply to robbi80

💗No It’s still helpful to know more people in this community have the same issue thank you for replying!

Aspen797 profile image
Aspen797

This might not be what you are looking for, but there is a Minecraft server for individuals 15 and up who are on the autism spectrum called Minecraft Obsidian. It is a safe place to meet others and chat. You can see more here: autcraft.com/obsidian.

Bees6 profile image
Bees6 in reply to Aspen797

Thank you for replying , I don’t really play games but it sounds fun and definitely useful💗

emmellecy profile image
emmellecy

Hi, I too am autistic and lonely. I do like my own space but I miss having some company too. I do get overwhelmed in social groups, even talking and thinking about them makes me upset. I need to be able to get used to my surroundings and the people I'm with before I feel comfortable talking. I only really talk to my family and occasionally friends, but it's only online or phone right now because they live too far away. There's little to no support in my local area, some of the groups are 'hidden' aka I only find out through word of mouth. Some parts of the country seem to have better support I feel, but I suppose it's down to funding, etc. I guess it's also the sort of people who go to these groups too, I wouldn't feel comfortable going to a group if there were people who made me feel uncomfortable.

Things are getting harder mind, I'm hopeful though but I wish I had more support when I was younger. I wish you all the best in finding a social group, these things take time xxx

Bees6 profile image
Bees6 in reply to emmellecy

Hi 💗 thanks for the teply, yes I agree and relate to lot that you’ve mentioned!I find my self in the same situations for years now, I’m so glad that I’m not alone with this feeling.

Hi what area are you in?

Many areas do go over 18 but many drop out after.

But my area in London we have an adult service.

There are others outside london that work with older people but often not much is said/known about them.

Bees6 profile image
Bees6 in reply to

Hi 💗 thanks for the reply. I guess that’s another reason I’m in Leeds and I don’t know about any work with older people, unless I’m proven wrong.

Fuunycat profile image
Fuunycat

I didn't get a lot of support after my diagnoses. I got to go to one group session. There are autism meetups in each area in the UK (which is currently online) you can easily look up place. But I would suggest talking to your Doctor about CBT and other therapies. Look at your rights as a student!

gov.uk/rights-disabled-pers...

Birch_ profile image
Birch_

The NHS place where I was diagnosed had things like a gardening group and art groups but they had a waiting list. It might be worth getting back in touch with the place you went to and ask them about what they offer or if they can give you any resources. The other place to look would be the local council website. Where I am they have a directory of groups and services, most of them are sports but they have a few others too. It depends on your interests but you might be able to find some art groups or something in your area.

I do find that a lot of them are male dominated and the types of groups are aimed at “male” hobbies and interests and I do share some of those but I can feel a bit uncomfortable I that situation. I don’t want to put you off but just to warn you in case that bothers you.

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