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

@furtheringeducation you might be better asking for this to be moved to the neurodiverse section to avoid ignorant comments like you've already had.

So this is where you start. Get yourself on a maths course first, get some qualifications then the wonderful world of employment will be wide open to you!

Are you getting help for your agoraphobia? How can you raise a child if you don't leave the house? Who does the school run or nursery run?

People suggesting editing and proofreading - op might be good at picking up all these skills, but where will she find clients? If you're self employed, you have to get out there and contact people, network, face rejection, be able to deal with clients - things that it sounds op might have trouble with.

Op, the National Autistic Society might have some ideas for purposeful ways you can fill your life and feel like you are achieving something while playing to your strengths and not asking you to do things you find hard.

I second this.
Too many posters simply will not understand and give "helpful" advice or pass judgment.
You don't need to explain or justify. You have asked a perfectly reasonable question in chat, but moving it might be best.

Christ some of the comments on here are utterly vile. Has the OP asked for opinions about whether she is too disabled to work? No she has fucking not. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.

I'm autistic and I also find gardening extremely therapeutic (like, better than actual therapy) There's lots of good people to watch on YouTube if you're interested in veg growing, some more instructional and some vlogs. I like Huw Richards, Katrina (Homegrown Garden) and Jessie (Plot 37) - I'm quite young and they're all around my age so I relate to them.

Sorry for the horrific and ignorant comments you've received OP.

I find creative things which can completely occupy my mind to be the most helpful. Gardening as others have said, also cooking, drawing, writing and playing musical instruments. Do you play music?

Just sending a hug OP. I’m sorry that life is tough. I found needle felting very enjoyable when I was home alone for a chunk of time recently.
I’m also planning to see some Roman blinds .
Well done on trying to branch out your horizons.

Do you get benefits etc if you can’t work due to autism, how does this work, how do people survive financially?

What the fuck!!!

So this is where you start. Get yourself on a maths course first, get some qualifications then the wonderful world of employment will be wide open to you!
I have no reason to think you would want to be deliberately hurtful @Soontobe60 so I respond politely that your suggestion indicates that you do not understand and haven't considered how damaging such a simplistic attitude is.

I got £23 a month for 2 years. They have stopped it even though I am now worse.
I have to stay with my husband others I can't live.

I think a lot of posters while trying to be helpful (if I'm being generous) are being quite rude.

Op has asked about a full filling hobby, not what job she might be able to get.

To the poster saying if she can do diy she could do that as a job...that would involve advertising herself, speaking with customers in their homes and over the phone, potentially difficult conversations around money. All things which some people just can't do.

OP, I would definitely recommend gardening but also houseplants. I've recently gotten into growing from seed and propagating and the rewards have been brilliant. I'm still very much a beginner and making a lot of mistakes but it's enjoyable.

I also like having an upcycle project on the go. We've got a good furniture shop near us with cheap, solid furniture that make excellent projects. If you have someone available to deal with adverts/picking things up there's plenty similar on Facebook.

For me (adhd), I've recently gone back to work as although doing all the above for me was great I had difficulty structuring my days and often didn't achieve anything which over time took its toll. So if you can I would try and follow some sort of plan, whether weekly/monthly if you're anything like me.

Get this moved op!!!!

Tbf, posters said exactly this on a recent thread about a nrp who couldn’t work because if MHI.

apparently if he could look after kids he was capable of getting a job.

different standards again.

@Tirrrrred Gosh, that’s awful, how is that helpful at all

Nothing wrong with us all contributing to society where possible. I think people are being helpful in their suggestions.

I think if you've got a garden this is a great way to be productive, help the environment etc. Perhaps see about developing this interest and you could sell produce or give away.

I only got that because I appealed to the court. I'm going through it again at the minute. I have an a4 binder with 100s of letters and reports.

Thanks for this thread op. I need some of these ideas too

I think definitely have a go at gardening. There is lots to learn and it can be very rewarding and fulfilling. And it will get you outside but still in your own space
Then you can also look at doing an online course that can lead to work from home jobs. Proofreading as a pp suggested is a good idea.

So if people were suggesting a sight impaired person should learn to drive, you'd consider that helpful would you?
The OP has stated what she can and cannot do. But people tell her she ought to be doing more. That is NOT helpful

Do you know what dyscalculia is?

What is going on with Mumsnet in recent weeks? There have always been horrific threads about autism in general but it seems to be ramping up recently with utterly vile posts and now escalated to posters directly attacking an autistic person who has posted for advice? What is wrong with people??

💯 percent nonsense, not the same thing at all.