Who doesn't attend autism/AS-related activities at all?

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I don't want to sound like a bigot on here, but tell me if I say something bigoted. I want to speak my mind though. I don't believe in embracing autism or AS culture-related activities (there are certain exceptions) because I'm already afraid that since I merely have the label, I will be forced to stick together with other aspies/autists whether it be in situations like dating/friendship/education etc. I am actually a member of a social group made for higher-functioning spectrum-ers, I actually made pretty good friends from it. That's where the exception is.

Am I the only one who feels this certain way?

This website is as much "autism" related activity as I've ever had. But I live in the boondocks and in my small town of about 8k people, there's probably only a handful of other autistics, certainly not enough to form a group. Also, being in a small town, the last thing a person wants to do is self-identify with something that's viewed as "other"-- you're just asking for harassment.

I'm new from Diagnosis

I go to where my interest guides me, not the people.

I have been here (W. P. ) a few months.

I don't think I would want to be in an autism group where everyone was cognitively disabled and can't carry on a conversation or answer questions and they all need assistance to live and they all do repetitive body movements none stop and it's very obvious they are handicapped. I wouldn't fit in and I would feel too normal like an NT so high functioning groups work better for me because everyone there seems normal and they can talk and carry on topics. I think this is normal stuff right here you're feeling.

I don't attend autism-related events; mainly because by the time I hear of them, they're over.

The only autism-related events that I hear about are usually overseas, anyway.

I don't purely because of the social aspect.

You don't have to make friends with anyone you don't want to. I've done and have been part of several autistic related events but I generally come out with no friends because I don't put that kinda effort. Then again most of mine are like once a year type deals so I guess its not the same as if you went to something once a month or something like a club.

I don't, I don't think there really is anything accessible for me in this area it seems like as an adult and I don't have money for any paid service. Almost everything is geared towards children or people much worse off, there really isn't even any groups that I know of even tho this is a huge metro area. I don't really understand why, seems like I am late to the party. Part of it is an anxiety thing too, I'm so paranoid about trusting anyone I push people away. I had somebody contact me on here once, I didn't like the way the person didn't introduce their self and gave a snippy reply in response which scared the person away. I am interested in meeting people but I am scared.

IMO, being a member of WP is enough regarding ASD-related activities.

There's not much in this area of the state for adults.

I did find that there are a couple things, but I think they're aimed for people with more cognitive issues than I have. I wouldn't want to take up a slot for someone that is more in need of services.

Online contact seems to work for me.

I've never been to any sort of autism-related event of any kind. Not because I wouldn't, but as others have said there's just nothing in my area (that I know about) that's geared toward helping people my own age socialize. If you're an autistic child in these parts, there's no end to events for that age bracket.

At 44, the idea of going to a Legos playdate meetup isn't all that appealing...

I cannot find anything interesting about other aspies. I have met a few, only one i barely keep in contact with. I spend most of my time with colleges at work and family, but most of the time i prefer to be alone from everyone because of "social situations draining my batteries".

I was part of another forum (aspergerforum.se) which have regular meetings and social activities, i actually considered going a few times, but i realised that aspies are as diverse as NT's and i'd probably have a problem finding someone to talk to about my interests - like i have with normal people so...

I would like to have the opportunity to socialise with other autists, but there isn't much for middle aged adults. There is a group near me that meets at the pub, my anxieties however make going to the pub with close friends or people I've known for years an ordeal the thought of walking into a strange pub to meet strangers. Terrifying. I'd still like to do it though, just can't see how.