Support networks for autistic women?

[Stimming]

I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD a year ago.

It has helped explain a lot of my life experiences. For example, I tend to get bullied everywhere I go.

I'm hoping to network/ get support from other autistic women to help me progrss in life. Are there any UK networks that provide this? I tried Reddit, but their groups for autistic women were full of men.

I would also like something like this. I'm not sure what groups are available. Would you consider an online group? I'm thinking there may be more options available within the UK if it was something to access online via video I.e zoom etc?

Me three.

There are some on Facebook for sure but I haven't vetted them for men. I think I saw one of them does monthly video meets. Maybe have a look

@orchidsunrise
I have joined some on Facebook but I wasn't aware of the video meets. I'll have a look out for those! Thanks 🙂

What can you do if you don’t “do” Facebook?

me neither.

I am not on the spectrum but my wife is...why not just use this forum to supporr each orher?
I am also interested as I specialuse in Autism as a SENCO

@Moniquefrog Of course, this ND Forum is hugely supportive. And yet… imagine (having never experienced it) being with another person/a few people maybe, who get you. They’re like you. Im not even sure we’d even recognise each other, with all the masks, but when you’ve been “alone” and just wanting to fit, your entire life, it’d be nice to know someone like me.

I don’t do Facebook either but would consider an online group. I too have been bullied and I can find it difficult to ‘fit in’.

Hi, I'd love to be part of an online group for women. I'm not on fb though so it's tricker. I was diagnosed with asd a year ago and struggle to make friends due to my social awkwardness and anxiety. It would be really nice to be able to chat with others who might understand where I'm coming from 🙂

Oh you are talking about meeting in person...sorry

I don't know how many active users there are of this board to make it viable but I assume the way to make it work would be to have sub boards with our different regions on so we can get to know our local ND members and then meet ups could be arranged from there.
I think there is/was something similar on the parenting boards.

Sounds good to me, if anyone lives in the Midlands I'd love to meet up 🙂

I wonder whether MNHQ might help us? I’ll drop them a line.

@Moniquefrog I think virtual meets are the way to go, initially. Real life is a bit daunting. Slowly slowly… 😊

Have sent an email. Will come back when MNHQ respond!

I left all the groups I joined on Facebook. I can't bear the self diagnosed teenagers telling me what I can and can't say. It was honestly horrific. I also got banned from one group because they didn't agree with how I did something to keep my 19 year old safe, they said I should let him be because he was an adult and I was controlling. It bothered me for months afterwards.

I'm not on Facebook but would potentially be interested in a group specifically for adult women (nothing against other demographics but looking for shared experiences/wisdom)

I had a reply from MNHQ. Whilst they’re not able to assist with getting groups going they did give some advice which I’ll copy and post.

This was the reply…

”Thanks so much for getting in touch with your idea - it's really thoughtful. While we no longer have local boards, perhaps you and your friends on Mumsnet could start some social threads with a view to arranging meet-ups? I know that the Gransnetters have done similar and you could also look to the due date threads on the Pregnancy board that have resulted in many real-life friendships along the way.

As always, we'd caution against giving away too much of your personal details on the boards but we're sure that the threads could source of friendship for many people.

Best wishes,

Becky

MNHQ”

@dehloh I have a son with asd and his safety has been a huge concern over the years. I am in charge of it. I’m trying to educate him, prepare him for the world and his future in it but, ultimately it’s up to me and going forward, him.

@BoardLikeAMirror I’m with you. I’m Cheshire based.

I suppose mumsnet are covering their own backs which is fair enough.
I suppose the one way would be to create posts for each region that we can post on if we live there? So a North West post and a South East post type thing?
What do you think?

@ofwarren Yes, that might just work 😊 Will come back tomorrow

I’ve found that “autism support” groups are often for people with severe autism and also include people with learning difficulties and mental disabilities. I’ve been referred to local groups but the other attendees have the mental age of children, so they aren’t able to support me with my adult life as a married autistic person parenting two kids and holding down a job. I would welcome support from other adults, this board is very valuable for that reason.

I haven't gone to any groups for the same reason. I live rurally and don't know anyone with autism who's in a similar situation to myself. I'm married, have a young child and work. Evening meetups would be great, I've been tempted to just start a meetup group but have a feeling that no one would turn up. I rarely post on Mumsnet but really want to start making more of an effort on this board as it would be lovely to make some new friends.

@Catsarelovely and @Varoty I agree. These ND threads have been invaluable for me. I don’t know anyone else with my kind of asd. I’d like to.

The local town has a group but it’s very much aimed at teens and little ones.