I'm Autistic And I'm Struggling To Find Friends And Jobs At Age 20

[AlexZaharia02]

I feel very lost and i haven't achieved anything in life i kept getting fired from work thanks to my autism and I've been alone in since I was 16

Also I was trying to find work but i kept getting fired from work because i have autism and i dont know what to do anymore

[Aspen797]

I am so sorry that you have been having a rough go of things. You are not alone. I don’t know if you’re in the US or UK, but vocational rehabilitation programs might help. In the US can they can help you figure out strengths, interests, weaknesses and barriers to employment and help with working through these to gain and keep employment. I think a program in the Uk also exists with a similar name? Are you by chance connected with any autism organizations? They often provide opportunities to meet others. Hopefully others will chime in too.

[AlexZaharia02 in reply to Aspen797]

I've tried a similar organisation called SCOPES it was shit experience they didn't really helped all they did it was chit-chat and thats it plus the worker there was pretty lazy with calling While i was desperate FOR A FUCKING JOB

[Aspen797 in reply to AlexZaharia02]

You sound very angry and frustrated. I am sorry you have encountered people who were not able to give you what you were wanting. That can make things hard. I found a website that has a lot of references to various organizations. Might be worth a look just in case. vrassociationuk.com/resourc... I also like NotJim’s idea of seeing a doctor for ideas. You shouldn’t have to shoulder these troubles alone .

[NotJim]

Hi AlexZaharia02

I agree with Aspen797 too.

I’m sorry to hear you’re having such a hard time. That is a lot you must be dealing with. but Aspen797 is right, you are not alone.

In the UK there are organisations like the National Autistic Society, and Wrong Planet who provide info and support, and forums for people on the spectrum.

There are also facebook groups run by and for autistic individuals to share experiences, and get advice.

It could also be worth having a chat with your doctor/GP about getting a support worker/forms of support to help you manage the things you find most challenging.

Counselling can also be helpful, and there are various free options available through the NHS such as IeSO online counselling. Simply having a chat with someone from time to time in sessions like these can be a way of lifting some of that weight.

I think it’s also worth remembering to be a friend to yourself. Although it may feel like you haven’t achieved much yet, you are only 20! There is plenty of time to get everything you want to done, there is no pressure, you can move at your pace.

We are all figuring things out and pretty much making it all up as we go. Some just manage to make it APPEAR like they know what they’re doing easier than others!

I hope this can help, and I do recommend having a look for some forms of support that can help, maybe by starting having a chat with your doctor/GP so they can tell you what services are available near to you.

Things that are tough bring us down, but they wont last forever. One day you may well be able to look back and go “Wow, look how much i’ve grown!”

[AlexZaharia02 in reply to NotJim]

Easy for you to say also I'm tried to be a friend for my self whatever you say so

[Cat33]

My heart breaks for you as my son is exactly the same He does lots of volunteering and that has helped a lot People can be so cruel and I know the struggle you would have had

Reading the responses you have had really made me feel happy and positive for you They have given such wonderful advice

Take care Alex things can only get better now xx

[AlexZaharia02 in reply to Cat33]

Some people don't understand my pain but thats fine tbh

[wildchildbyjustina in reply to AlexZaharia02]

hello Alex, where are you? are u living in uk?

[AlexZaharia02 in reply to wildchildbyjustina]

Yes. why?

[Cat33]

They aren't worth your time Take care things will get better be yourself and be proud

[AlexZaharia02 in reply to Cat33]

I've done that it hasn't been any better it had got worse

[Kastaka]

I'm sure a lot of people already asked this, but have you tried learning to code? Software development jobs tend to be more autistic friendly than other jobs, especially with the new wave of remote jobs you can do from home, avoiding all the pressure of having to appear normal all day in a workplace.

[AlexZaharia02 in reply to Kastaka]

But i failed my Maths GCSE/Phd I didn't earn a good grade on it plus it requires maths because I'm not good at maths

[Alana13]

Hello Alex, is there anything you enjoy doing, something you’re passionate about? Like maybe music, art etc.

[AlexZaharia02 in reply to Alana13]

Yeh I'm Passionate Into Art (Like Doing Comic Book Art/Illustrations) Like I Almost Do It Every Day When i have time Of course

[Alana13]

That’s great, how do you feel about making your art illustrations your“job“. Maybe go to art college? I know it is not easy making a living with art, but when you are passionate about something it is worth giving it a go. It might take time, but you will be happy with what you are doing. Yes, sure you need money to live, but maybe you can get PIP or work a few hours in a game/comic shop?

[AlexZaharia02 in reply to Alana13]

I've tried to apply for a gameshop but I keep getting rejected