Looking for others who get it

[1ofakind]

I am an older female diagnosed on the autism spectrum over a decade ago. I have greatly struggled to find needed resources and am recovering from severe narcissistic abuse (Family & work).

I have advanced degrees in education but became disabled from bullying/abuse and the lack of needed support (Learned the hard way that ADA accommodations are often not well enforced regardless of laws).

From what I can tell so far, I am hoping this forum is a good place to get and give support from individuals who know the struggles first hand.

 

[Mr. Stevens]

Welcome I think you'll find some good, supportive people with similar stories.

 

[Nitro]

 

[tree]

 

[1ofakind]

Welcome I think you'll find some good, supportive people with similar stories.

Thank you. That is comforting.

 

[Loren]

Welcome! (-:

 

[The Pandector]

I am an older female diagnosed on the autism spectrum over a decade ago. I have greatly struggled to find needed resources and am recovering from severe narcissistic abuse (Family & work).

I have advanced degrees in education but became disabled from bullying/abuse and the lack of needed support (Learned the hard way that ADA accommodations are often not well enforced regardless of laws).

From what I can tell so far, I am hoping this forum is a good place to get and give support from individuals who know the struggles first hand.

Welcome. You’ll find support and understanding around here. I know many here have counselors and therapists to draw from but I make do just hanging around here. See you around.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

Realized a long time ago the passing laws are not the solution to societies ails.

 

[1ofakind]

Realized a long time ago the passing laws are not the solution to societies ails.

Wish someone would have told me. I suppose I have been too naïve.

 

[1ofakind]

Welcome. You’ll find support and understanding around here. I know many here have counselors and therapists to draw from but I make do just hanging around here. See you around.

Thank you. Wish that therapists and counselors were more knowledgeable about ASD. It is kind of like a person who is totally blind trying to grasp the concept of color...there may be no frame of reference in which to relate.

 

[The Pandector]

Thank you. Wish that therapists and counselors were more knowledgeable about ASD. It is kind of like a person who is totally blind trying to grasp the concept of color...there may be no frame of reference in which to relate.

Yes. I’ve only taken one run at finding a knowledgeable counselor, but went through three, each of whom admitted they knew nothing about autism. I appreciate the somewhat militant call, ‘nothing about us without us.’ How could they know, right?

 

[VictorR]

Welcome! Sorry about the abuse and lack of support - hopefully you'll find what you're seeking, and sometimes, just having people to talk to and share stories / experiences with can be nice.

 

[Rodafina]

Hello and welcome. That’s the name of the game here - get support when you need it, give support when you can! Glad you have found us. We are all learning together here.

 

[1ofakind]

Welcome! Sorry about the abuse and lack of support - hopefully you'll find what you're seeking, and sometimes, just having people to talk to and share stories / experiences with can be nice.

Thank you! I am already finding some much needed validation from people's stories.

 

[1ofakind]

Hello and welcome. That’s the name of the game here - get support when you need it, give support when you can! Glad you have found us. We are all learning together here.

Much appreciated!

 

[1ofakind]

Yes. I’ve only taken one run at finding a knowledgeable counselor, but went through three, each of whom admitted they knew nothing about autism. I appreciate the somewhat militant call, ‘nothing about us without us.’ How could they know, right?

Right

 

[Crossbreed]

Hello & welcome.

Thank you. Wish that therapists and counselors were more knowledgeable about ASD.

(I am guessing from your reference to ADA that you are in the USA.)
https://autlanders.blogspot.com/2019/07/finding-support-resources-in-usa.html

 

[SusanLR]

Welcome 1ofakind.

I am an older person that was diagnosed late in life also.
Now in mid-sixties, the diagnosis came in mid-fifties.
I found this forum shortly after and have been here ever since.
I've gotten to the point that I rely just on interacting with others here too.

 

[Storm Hess]

Hello.

 

[1ofakind]

Hello & welcome.

(I am guessing from your reference to ADA that you are in the USA.)
https://autlanders.blogspot.com/2019/07/finding-support-resources-in-usa.html

Thanks. Yes, I'm in the USA. It was thoughtful of you to provide me a link to disability resources. I'm currently on disability, but can get off of it next year when I get my pension. Long story short, I'm striving to heal so I can be an advocate for others on the spectrum suffering from what I see as an ignorant (Not meant derogatorily, just lacking understanding) and broken system.