Jump to content
dorsetrob

New to AS and struggling

Recommended Posts

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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 by dorsetrob

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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! :D

Edited by dorsetrob

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello and welcome

 

Hope you get your diagnosis soon and the help you need. PM me if you need to chat.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...