To worry about what will happen to me?

[user1490817986]

I'm 27 and diagnosed with pdd-nos at 16. I've never worked and claim ESA/DLA. I struggle with sensory overload (bright lights/noise etc) and get overwhelmed very easily. I've always suffered with depression and anxiety because I find life so difficult. I have no sense of direction/struggle to process information so I get lost very easily, find it difficult to go places alone unless it's a very simple route such as the corner shop.

I rely on my mum a lot, I see her every day. I worry so much about what I will do when she is no longer around. I'm trying my hardest to be more independent, but I don't know how independent i'll be. I live alone just up the road from my mum, but see her everyday. I have been going to an art class for a few months and have met nice people there who like me and accept me, but they are all twice my age.

I'm so scared about not having my mum around, I have nobody else

What does pdd nos mean?
You need to claim these benefits if you don't cope and you probably need to think about being investigated for autism due to your symptoms

pdd-nos is mild autism, i'm on ESA and dla

Is there any support for people with ASD where you live? There's an advocacy charity near me which helps people with ASD plan for the future and broaden their support networks. Or does NAS have anything in your area? In some places they have 'one stop shops' with support, groups and events.

OP, so sorry you are feeling scared , it is very understandable.

Do you have a good network of friends that you can rely on? Please try and go out to places to meet people your own age, as making really good friends is very important, as they will be there for you as you get older.

As you are so young your DM must be quite young too so you should not have to worry too much about her not being there for a long time.

However it would be good if you could find a way to be independent with a form of work, could you learn a skill that you could work from home in your own way?

Could you work from home using a computer? What skills are you good at ? Repetitive work? Creative thinking tasks? Could you see a specialist who could advise you ?

I think you need to slowly build up a network of regular weekly classes you enjoy going to like your art class, it is fine if you are younger that the others!

Good Luck op

Know where you are coming from. I am 60 and have suffered a car crash of a career on account of being a manic depressive.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified