I'm new and looking for help and support

[Sarty]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with ASD a few years ago. I have high functioning autism co diagnosed with ocd. I suffer from bad anxiety generally and on and off depression. I feel very alone and have been wanting to connect with other autistic people recently, or least people who know well about the condition. I often misconstrue what people close to me often mean and I think this is one of the areas where my autism manifests. I would like help and support with this. I have very few friends (I have aqaintances who I talk to from time to time but they don't really count). I do get very lonely. I feel connecting with other high functioning autistics would benefit me in some way. So that's why I joined this forum. Anybody else in the same boat? In that you often misinterpret what people mean? I get anxiety about it but with strangers and people I don't know as well I don't get too much anxiety with. I'm also looking for a real life autism group in London UK, where I live? Any help, advice or support would be greatly appreciated.

Hope to hear back from anybody who understands.

[88cev88]

Hi! I'm autistic too. You can message me if you want to chat.

[Sarty in reply to 88cev88]

Thanks. Looking more for people to talk to in real life though

[88cev88 in reply to Sarty]

Oh okay

[Sarty]

Hi foggy, whereabouts is that? Is it in London?

[kevinmhickson]

Hi Sarty. If you have not already done so, contact the The National Autistic Society for social contacts and groups. Here in East Devon, UK, we have started a monthly walking group for adults on the spectrum. I think you will find a similar set-up in London area.

[musicspirit12]

I totally understand you. I suffer with very similar symptoms and issues as you. I’ve had ASD since age 3. I was diagnosed with PDD. But now it’s Autism Spectrum Disorder all around, and I’m high functioning.

I misconstrue things a lot and don’t understand social cues.

As a woman, I have been struggling socially as well. I started running a book club off of social media but then mostly it became intimidate until some of the women moved away. There are many group dynamics issues that occur and lately it’s been in transition since some members left and a few new ones came. So I’m unsure whether I want to stay or go.

I’m also married to a man who is not on the autism spectrum but he has his own issues.

Please stay in touch, I too am lonely. Being married doesn’t mean you’re not alone. Often I am.