Problems Meeting People

[Bweer]

I would like to get make friends - or even get into a relationship - but I find myself having an extremely difficult time doing so.

I am almost 27,on the Autism spectrum, and I live in a rural area. I am also disabled, so relocation is virtually impossible. I would like to go to events for my interests and hobbies, but they are usually prohibitively distant or expensive.

I have tried online dating websites, but to no success.

Any advice or suggestions on how to make friends would be excellent - I have occasionally tried in online games, unfortunately to no avail.

[Batya33]

Are there places in your area like a movie theater that hires people on the spectrum (or people with disabilities?).  I know of one such place although I've never been there and it's also a place for the employees to have social time together etc.  Or organizations that have social groups for people on the spectrum- I know you live in a rural area but sometimes there are also grants/funding for transportation.  Good luck!

[smackie9]

There must be some online groups/support groups that are related to your situation, where you can meet people that are the same and can share ideas, make new friends. 

[moodindigo91]

6 hours ago, Bweer said:

I would like to go to events for my interests and hobbies, but they are usually prohibitively distant or expensive.

What are you interests and hobbies? How do other people in your area meet friends? 

[Bweer]

7 hours ago, Batya33 said:

Are there places in your area like a movie theater that hires people on the spectrum (or people with disabilities?).  I know of one such place although I've never been there and it's also a place for the employees to have social time together etc.  Or organizations that have social groups for people on the spectrum- I know you live in a rural area but sometimes there are also grants/funding for transportation.  Good luck!

My rural town has less than 400 people living in it. There are larger towns (~20k people college towns) about 20 minutes away, but I've looked and can't find any groups and the help organizations are for more severely developmentally disabled people.

2 hours ago, moodindigo91 said:

What are you interests and hobbies? How do other people in your area meet friends? 

I'm interested in PC games, miniatures wargaming, and aviation. Unfortunately gaming is primarily solo, aviation isn't popular and miniatures wargaming is expensive and the only groups are too far away for me to regularly visit.

[Cherylyn]

Try your local MeetUps for walks, coffee chats and social activities.  If you're faith based,  try your local church.  There are a lot of groups and sub-groups there.   Or, volunteer for local charity work.  You have to put yourself out there somehow.  Don't rely on online socializing and social media because it's the same as developing, cultivating, nurturing and maintaining in person friendships. 

[smackie9]

39 minutes ago, Bweer said:

My rural town has less than 400 people living in it. There are larger towns (~20k people college towns) about 20 minutes away, but I've looked and can't find any groups and the help organizations are for more severely developmentally disabled people.

I'm interested in PC games, miniatures wargaming, and aviation. Unfortunately gaming is primarily solo, aviation isn't popular and miniatures wargaming is expensive and the only groups are too far away for me to regularly visit.

Google "Social Groups for Autism adults" ....FB should have some possibilities there. 

[Batya33]

1 hour ago, Bweer said:

My rural town has less than 400 people living in it. There are larger towns (~20k people college towns) about 20 minutes away, but I've looked and can't find any groups and the help organizations are for more severely developmentally disabled people.

I would inquire more into these groups and explain your situation as they may be looking to expand. If it's 20 minutes away you may qualify for free/subsidized transportation or there may be people who carpool etc.  I see you are putting up a bit of resistance to making an effort - I understand you have to push out of your comfort zone.  I've had to do the same many times in my life.  I still do. I get it.  One small step at a time.  

[Seraphim]

FB group Autistics Worldwide. 

[Wiseman2]

15 hours ago, Bweer said:

. Unfortunately gaming is primarily solo, aviation isn't popular and miniatures wargaming is expensive and the only groups are too far away for me to regularly visit.

Ok. You found this forum so perhaps you can find other general interest sites you can talk to people on. It's ok to have specific interests and interest groups, but look for additional ways to connect to people.