It can sometimes be easy to feel alone when you are autistic, and you might not know where to turn when life gets too much for you to handle. However, there are luckily many places that you can go to get the support and help that you need when times get tough and when you need a little bit of extra help. Here is a short guide to get you started.
Local Social Groups
Although you might feel as if the world is made for and populated by neurotypical people, around 20% of people are neurodivergent, and you might often feel drawn to other neurodiverse people. This means that there are plenty of people out there who potentially understand you and the battles that you face on a day-to-day basis. It is just a case of finding them.
As well as connecting with other autistic people in the wild, you should look around for social groups for neurodiverse people in your community. You might also be able to find support groups that are focused on autism and that can help you work through some of your challenges in a supportive environment. If you are struggling to do this, you might simply consider joining groups that are related to your special interests, as this could allow you to make new friends with like-minded people, some of whom might also be autistic.
Online Support
However, if there is little support in your local community, you should broaden your horizons and look online for support groups and digital resources that can allow you to connect with other autistic people and share your story. Online groups and forums can allow you to meet other autistic people from across the globe and make new friends with people who understand you.
You might also look at the resources that are available on your computer or mobile that you might be able to rely on as you move around in the world. For instance, some apps for autism can allow you to set goals, gain new skills, and more effectively communicate with the people around you. This will ensure that you always have an aid in your pocket, no matter what you are doing.
Friends and Family
Even if your friends and relatives are not autistic, it is important that you do not write off the support that they can provide to you, especially if they are willing and understanding of your neurodiversity. These individuals may be able to aid you in developing strategies that can help you combat the world better, such as techniques that can calm you down amid a meltdown or allow you to choose food from a menu more easily.
It is an excellent option to get your loved ones on side, as it is likely that you will spend more time with them than anyone else in your life. If this is not possible or you need external support, too, you should consider looking around for a therapist in your community who might be able to give you behavioral strategies and therapy that can help you to feel more confident in yourself and your abilities.
