dorsetrob Report post Posted May 8, 2014 Hi I'm Rob, I'm 45 from Bristol. I only discovered I have Aspergers this year and am currently on the waiting list for official diagnosis at the Bristol centre. I am finding things very difficult at the moment as there seems to be no support until you get the official diagnosis. I am trapped in a house following a marital breakdown with nowhere to go but the streets. I have a mental health advocate who is trying to get me on the housing register but again, no dx no deal. I could really do with specialist autism support. Forgive this rather desolate post but I am very trapped and very alone. I'm struggling to get from day to day (I'm usually very happy) and I'm not sure which way to turn. I would welcome a smiling face in my life right now. Rob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Akunin Report post Posted May 8, 2014 Hi Rob. Sorry to hear you are having a bad time of things currently. I am in the same position at the moment, I have had my assessments but not my results, so can't get the exact help I want at the moment until I have the official diagnosis. Have you tried phoning your local Autism/AS society? I haven't called mine personally, but I know my mom has when she was concerned due to me having a meltdown and though I don't have an official diagnosis they were happy to speak to her and give her advice, would this perhaps be an option? -Tsukimi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
positive_about Report post Posted May 8, 2014 Hi Rob, its probably going to be difficult to get proper housing/support without a diagnosis, I've tried in the past and hit the same brick wall. Are you able to stay where you are until diagnosis? Even if difficult to cope with it may be easier to cope with than being homeless, or living in a hostel. Have you, or your advocate, asked your local council about general supported housing, they may be able to help if you explain your situation and vulnerabilities. I don't know if there are any autism housing providers out there than don't require a diagnosis, probably not. The National Autistic Society might be able to help, its worth a call to their helpline. Keep positive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dorsetrob Report post Posted May 8, 2014 (edited) Thank you both. I did ring the local branch of NAS during a recent meltdown. A woman called me back and said there was nothing they could do and to ring the local assessment centre as they could offer help without dx. Obviously they couldn't and suggested I ring NAS. AAARRRRGH! I am desperately trying to avoid homelessness. I spent many years on the road before, 'running away from myself'. I know I have to stay here in Bristol to get my diagnosis, I am tired of running. I know this is the last battle I have to fight which is a comfort. On discovering my Aspergers I have read lots and my life now makes sense. I think what is the hardest part is the fact I am doing this all alone. It is a very confusing fast moving world at the moment. I would dearly love to meet others who have been through similar. Accepting that NT's drain me and that I cannot live among them is relatively easy, for it now all makes sense. The difficulty is finding people who truly understand what it is to live with autism. I know they are out there, I am just impatient. Edited May 8, 2014 by dorsetrob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Akunin Report post Posted May 8, 2014 Regarding the housing side of things, I meant to add this link to my previous post: http://england.shelter.org.uk/ I have not used them personally, but have heard great things. It could help, even if just for the time being until your diagnosis. They may be able to offer advice too. It is extremely frustrating that a piece of paper is the difference between getting help and not. Have you looked to see if there are any support groups around by you? I know you don't have a diagnosis but they may let you join and it could be at least worth a try so you don't feel so alone in the process. I wish you the best of luck. -Tsukimi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dorsetrob Report post Posted May 9, 2014 Alas it is too late. I got forced to leave the family home yesterday. It appears my new journey begins now. Having little access to power and internet my posts will be sparce. Hope to see you all on the other side of this adventure. I will be back Rob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
positive_about Report post Posted May 9, 2014 If you have been made homeless then head to your local council and tell them that, they have a duty to find you temporary accommodation such as a B&B, or a hostel. Hang on in there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dorsetrob Report post Posted May 10, 2014 (edited) I did and was deemed a priority case so am currently in emergency housing. Really not sure what is going to happen next but I'm safe... And happy! Right... Hi everyone, I'm Rob from Bristol! Edited May 10, 2014 by dorsetrob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Special_talent123 Report post Posted May 10, 2014 Have u been put on the council local housing list, what band colour are u? If u are keep bidding until a property comes up, or are they going to put u in a private house for time being? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trekster Report post Posted May 13, 2014 Hello and welcome Hope you get your diagnosis soon and the help you need. PM me if you need to chat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NERVOUSDEANO Report post Posted May 14, 2014 Hi everyone i was diognosed with asperges this march and its my first time on here,i dont have the support of my family,they dont understand and are not willing to learn,i have no friends as i have been an agoraphobic for some years now and i have always found it difficult to mix.I would very much welcome some friendship and hereby introduce myself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Akunin Report post Posted May 14, 2014 Hi Deano. So sorry to hear of your circumstance. I have also not long been diagnosed, it can be quite overwhelming and feel lonely at times. Hopefully the forum will help, I haven't been an overly active member until recently but so far everyone has been really helpful and kind. I know you said you are agoraphobic, but if you are okay on the phone have you tried to contact either National Autistic Society or your local Autistic Society? My local society sent me a lot of useful leaflets in the post, one of which was about local support groups and a befriending project, I'm not sure how it works or how you would feel about it but depending on where you live and you local society it may really help. -Tsukimi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites