Living by myself in complete isolation from society

Post Reply New Topic

I really don't advocate complete isolation. Most of the world is NT. Even though some of the behaviors don't make a lot of sense, it doesn't mean they are wrong. They aren't necessarily insensitive to autistics, but they don't always understand us. Do you have a hobby or particular interest? If so, consider joining a club or group that shares the same interest. My dad, who I suspect is on the spectrum, is currently obsessed with Masonic activities.

I wish I could keep on living in isolation from society. I can do that now thanks to the generosity of my family, but I think I'd eventually be forced to work to support myself even though I'm not qualified for much. Not that anyone would hire me when I have no friends to network with or references to put on job applications.

It's so stressful dealing with the outside world when I don't have interest in making friends and just want to get away from other people.

I lived by myself for years and found that I need some social life, not very much, but I did need small dose of it. Sometimes I just needed to go out for a walk and watch other people for a while, or maybe go to public library and read a book. That's enough social life for me. Just sitting at home by myself made me feel out of touch with life. Thanks for transit pass I could go out to anywhere the buses or trains could take me without worrying about the cost. I just had to make sure I get back by midnight.

I live in an intentional community with five other spectrum people. Three of them are diagnosed as fully autistic and myself the two others are variously functioning Aspies. It's been the best thing that ever happened to me and I wouldn't go back to my lonely, social shunning life even if you could assure my financial security.
We run our own business as well as working outside the home. My adopted mother is fully autistic and has no social needs to speak of, but she lives her life avoiding four little words "Identified by skeletal remains". There are ways to manage social settings using logic and persistence. I am finding that maintaining friendships with NT people isn't very difficult when you establish a pattern to it. Treating it like maintaining a delicate plant is helpful and ensures people will miss me or be able to help should something go sideways. And allows me to help them in ways I wouldn't have thought of before while making sure I don't exhaust myself.
The problem with living alone is, you aren't. Even explorers and mountain men needed a few things made by other people. Some of our favorite things exist because of a complicated network of people keeping them running.
So rather then shunning the world, we can learn the little tricks needed to get it to be less obnoxious. I've found animal training books to be really helpful in this. It isn't manipulating, it's coming at the problem of over taxing sensations from a set model.

I am working on creating an intentional autistic community within an already existing community. We are looking about a year and a half down the road.

I would appreciate anything you could share about your experience. How to respect the space of each individual, how you deal with conflict, financial arrangements, anything about the business created. Are meals eaten together? All or some? What are some of the common rules decided on regarding drugs, alcohol, visiting guests, pets,etc. What is the age range? Are their plans to grow in numbers? What have been the most difficult obstacles so far. How long ago was your community founded? How are tasks divided? How is it handled when difficulties cause an individual to be unable to contribute. How are conflicting ideas settled. Are there any power struggles? Holidays?Please share every and any thing you are willing to, regardless of whether it was a specifically asked question. thanks.

Vicky

Im not sure i could live any better with anyone else on the spectrum.

I seem to remember we had a discussion in here, something along the lines, if we could buy a huge plot of forrested land, live in the forrest, together yet seperated.

Definitely what i would do if i ever won the lottery, get a huge land either with or without and then plant forrest.

Nature relaxes med a lot, have a ton of plants at home.