Tips for Making Friends as an Autistic Adult

Hello. I was wondering if anybody had any tips on making friends as an autistic adult (without needing money)? I'm 28 and female. I have 17 chronic medical issues and 3 mental health, in addition to Autism. After escaping an abusive home, I have spent most of my life fighting medical issues. I currently receive disability, and it's not even enough for my medical expenses, let alone to go out for coffee or to movies (not that I have anyone to ask at this time anyways!). I get really severe social anxiety and am pretty awkward around new people. The only support I have is therapy weekly... I have nobody else. I'm very lonely and exhausted from facing life alone. I'm looking for money free ideas to make friends and tips to "connect" with people. My biggest issue is that being preoccupied with my social anxiety and needing to appear 'normal' distracts me from meaningfulness. Im seriously lacking support, care, hugs, love, companionship etc. and it's affecting my mental health. i really need at least one person in my life who accepts me for who I am that I can have a close relationship with (non-romantic). But relationships in general are confusing for me, and I'm awkward, I'm poor, I'm disabled. I don't know where to start. ☹

Your answer

SunInAugust

1y ago

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing. That all sounds really difficult. Your feelings are valid. For what its worth, friendships are hard. And I think its really inspiring that you're still wanting to prioritize the effort of building them when you have things that are draining like trauma and illness. Keep trying and advocating for yourself you're doing such a good job. I see you. And now to answer you. When I go to coffee shops and bars half the time I get nothing. If I'm with a friend they get something and maybe I drink some water if they have a water station set up. There are groups online that meet in person around a shared interest and that can really help ND people connect. Find a hobby group and tag along. Go to a park. Climb a tree. Go jogging. Meet at someone's house and chat. Go geocashing. Play in a public water fountain. Write poetry with chalk on public sidewalks. Go to a free museum.

FadedSpade82

1y ago

If you use social media (like facebook) groups that revolve around certain disabilities can be a good place to make friends! Groups about your town/county/etc. can also be a good way to connect with people in your community :)

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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