Has Anyone Here Have/Had Difficulties In Autism Groups?

[Cryptid]

Apparently, I'm not autistic enough to join an autism support group, according to the facilitators.

 

[MROSS]

I attended a few meeting several years back. I sense that the other participants were experiencing challenges more limiting than my own challenges.

Many support groups don't last long - as many members increasingly feel that support groups are not beneficial. Any specific groups that have lasted for several years, and have large memberships?

RELATED: Personally, I felt that support groups were not beneficial. Support-groups may overlook reassessing one's own strengths in order to better reassess one's weaknesses - hence proven beneficial steps.

Too many support-groups are inclined to focus on (emotional issues) weaknesses - the opposite of reassessing one's strengths in order to reassess one's weaknesses. My strengths are focusing on practical, everyday things (non-emotional issues). Again, support-groups can overlook such practical agendas.

 

[MROSS]

Personally, making friends via Autism support groups is not beneficial.

Developing friendships with people who are NT-like (and understand those on the Autism Spectrum who are not quite NT-like) seems most favorable.

P. S. I sense people reading this post are thinking, ""MROSS', that's a tall order!"

 

[vergil96]

I sense people reading this post are thinking, ""MROSS', that's a tall order!"

uh, no. Not everyone is into support groups.

Too many support-groups are inclined to focus on (emotional issues) weaknesses

That's the feeling I get about the groups as well. I joined just some online spaces, offline don't seem much different. There is an overwhelming sense of pessimism and defeat to them. Also there aren't people who have the same issues as me attending. Maybe it's more likely to find people like me online and far from autism support groups. I met similar autistics online (gaming and adjectent interests), but not in support groups and I met some at work too.

 

[MROSS]

uh, no. Not everyone is into support groups.


That's the feeling I get about the groups as well. I joined just some online spaces, offline don't seem much different. There is an overwhelming sense of pessimism and defeat to them. Also there aren't people who have the same issues as me attending. Maybe it's more likely to find people like me online and far from autism support groups. I met similar autistics online (gaming and adjectent interests), but not in support groups and I met some at work too.

The "tall-order" here is actually meeting those awesome (NTs or NT-like) people (UNRELATED to Autism support groups).

 

[Amethystgirl]

If I go in a group I don't know what to say to people I don't know at all. I was actually in an online group of autistic adults briefly and as I just said I didn't know what to say to people and I couldn't keep track of the people in the group. There were different people every time and I didn't learn their names and they talked about mental health. Not exactly my version of a good time.

 

[Something05]

I agree with most of this stuff. Honestly, I'm not really a fan of this site myself. I just wish I knew of a better alternative.

 

[MROSS]

Any experiences with Autism / Asperger agencies focusing on practical life issues?

The 'Association for Autism and Neurodiversity' (AANE) is one notable agency to draw parallels - that is focusing on High Functioning Autism / neurodiversity.

Even agencies such as AANE may prove unhelpful for adults on the Autism Spectrum who might be described as NT-like - that is any agencies with terms such as 'Autism' 'Asperger' in it's name might prove unable to understand, and hence serve adults who are 'NT-like.'

Agencies generally receive support for agendas to assist clients most in need of services. Hence, what incentives do agencies have to understand people concerned with 'NT-like' agendas?

 

[Judge]

Apparently, I'm not autistic enough to join an autism support group, according to the facilitators.

That's an interesting point I never contemplated. The possibility that some such groups may rigidly tie eligibility relative to the DSM-V levels of support.

That for some such groups, ASD level one persons may not be welcome as we allegedly require less support compared to levels two and three.

 

[MROSS]

That's an interesting point I never contemplated. The possibility that some such groups may rigidly tie eligibility relative to the DSM-V levels of support.

That for some such groups, ASD level one persons may not be welcome as we allegedly require less support compared to levels two and three.

OHHHH Yes, the story of my life, not disabled (Autistic) enough, yet not quite able (NT-like) enough either!

 

[if6wasnin9]

When you're in a psych ward they expect you to socialize and they act like it's going to help you. Socializing isn't for everyone. I function much better when I'm alone.

 

[Poppy98]

OHHHH Yes, the story of my life, not disabled (Autistic) enough, yet not quite able (NT-like) enough either!

I definitely struggle no matter the group. I'm sure the same would apply to me there as well.

I find it bizarre though, as I thought I did well socially when in school. (I wasn't per se popular, but I got along with a number of people.)

 

[thejuice]

I definitely struggle no matter the group. I'm sure the same would apply to me there as well.

I find it bizarre though, as I thought I did well socially when in school. (I wasn't per se popular, but I got along with a number of people.)

Some autistics do better socially at school than adults life because of seeing the same people everyday, they get used to them and feel safe with them and vice versa.

 

[Cyber]

I've been part of a neurodivergent network of Aspies and folks with ADHD for some time now and I'm afraid they are all very challenging when moving from being simple acquaintances all the way to the friendzone. All of us appear to want to share our experiences with somebody struggling with neurodiversity and swap stories and give tips. But we never cross over and become actual friends with other aspies. Instead we go back to our own social circles of normie family, friends and partners.

Anyway that's been my experience. In a similar vein, three of my worst workplace conflicts involving HR intervention involved disagreements with younger females who (as it transpired) turned out to be Aspies (eventually disclosed). Only in the final one I disclosed my own neurodivergence to protect myself.

I guess when a group of people all lack efficient social filters, they are all likely to behave or say something triggering and concurrently individually lack patience or coping skills to tolerate the other's unfiltered thoughts/actions.