Autistic and can’t work but would like ideas of how to fill my time?

[furtheringeducation]

Once my youngest goes to school full time in September?

Im thinking about a OU course but is it worth it if it’s just for me and not towards a qualification specifically for a job but just something I enjoy ? Do they ever make you go in person or a it all done from home ?
Im also wondering about some DIY projects as I really enjoy this type of thing and the house does need a lot of work.

I don’t really leave the house much but can get into the garden although I know nothing about gardening at all. I just don’t want to do nothing I’d like to find some things to keep my mind active

Please could you tag me as well 🙏

Can I join too
Please

I have autism. What people don't understand is that work and raising children with autism can be/either or. There is sometimes not a lot left to give after a whole day of being 'on' for work.

Spot on.

I also find gardening (and fence painting!) really relaxing. There's definitely something about being outside and also seeing the results of your hard work. I just love sitting in our garden in the sunshine and seeing everything I've done. I've had a fair few plant failures, but also some success. I'm learning though.

I've also just bought a David Austin rose (planted today). Obviously YouTube has made me an expert and I'm going to train it to climb along our fence!! It could be dead by the end of the summer

I hope you find a course that you love.

OP, I think someone may already have mentioned it, but making a little pond is a lovely garden activity, too.

My ASD DD and I made one a couple of years ago. Dug out a hole, lined it put in some pond weed and brought back some frog spawn we found on a walk (someone could do this for you). We built a bit of a rockery around three sides and added some alpine plants and irises. Didn't get round to water lilies, but may do that this year.

We're not great gardeners so it was a nice creative gardeny thing to do for us.

@furtheringeducation Have you gone to your local library, to see if any books spark an interest. Perhaps in the gardening, art, or cooking section.

I think gardening could really help with your agoraphobia. It will get you used to being outside the house.

Do you have a car? Could you drive somewhere remote for a short walk each day. Maybe an NT garden. I think with agoraphobia it's important not to push yourself too much by going to places with lots of people or triggering places. Start slow and work up, be kind to yourself.

Great that a few would like to join a thread! Sorry I've not set it up yet, I have gone a bit 🧟‍♀️🧟‍♀️. But will get to it.

Have set it up. Think I've tagged all who requested it except @Tirrrrred . Wouldn't let me. 🤔 Maybe as I'd not tagged you here before? Will try again mow and if not maybe someone else can add her? The thread is in the general "chat" topic.

Got you now @Tirrrrred

Think that's all who wanted tagging tagged but if I've missed anybody let me know.

Centre of excellence diplomas are 100% online with no deadline. I am on the spectrum and struggle with work but find these diploma's doable and enjoyable xxx

Ps they have lovely ones about all sorts of topics and hobbies so worth a peep to see if there's anything horticultural you might like. Even just an hour a week is a nice little thing to do