Support group for adult aspies (that accepts self dx)

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Hi, this is my first post.
So I am self diagnosed. But my therapist absolutely agrees that i am autistic on top of my adhd (which was professionally diagnosed by her about 6 months ago). I have known i am autistic for over a year now but have only felt comfortable enough to identify as such within the last few months. I have a very understanding family (mom and dad) but they don't really understand lots of things i try to explain. Like i know why I am going through what i am going through after realizing versus when i didnt know i was autistic. But there are a lot of things my family doesn't understand and a lot of things I am still struggling to understand about myself.. because I am going through this process "alone". I have support, but no one who knows more about this than me to explain to me and my family that hey, this is very common, and here's how you can get through it. Its all me doing research and educating on top of having more meltdowns/more intense than ive had in forever. If ever.

So.. I am looking for a good online support group for adult aspies and their families. Especially self diagnosed or late diagnosed, because we are figuring this out now that I have started college. I think maybe there is a place on this website where I could find something. But maybe not. I am looking for support. Thank you

Welcome!

I haven't been here very long - its an interesting and supportive place I think.

My diagnosis is very recent. Had my Autism been identified when I was a child or young person then I might have avoided some of the stress and struggles of my adult life. I suspect that I might not have had two failed marriages.

Without something like an accurate model in our head or shared terms of reference for the way that we are wired differently then we run the risk of developing a warped and potentially harmful sense of self.

I hope that you find what you are looking for here.

Hopefully this website itself can fill that role for you.

If not, or if you want something face to face, then I think you’re probably best searching the internet for things near you. Very few places will demand proof of diagnosis.

Welcome.

I am working on accepting my ASD self and recovering from near 5 decades of shame related to my traits. Like you, I now have more understanding and grace for myself, although I still struggle with embarrassment (bad habits die hard). At your age, my poor Executive Function negatively impacted my college experience (I didn't know it, and internalized the angst). At the time, I requested "accommodations" (extensions, test retakes), but it was disempowering b/c I didn't know why. I was fortunate my college was flexible (enough). I am glad you are aware and can start or continue to learn to articulate your experience and needs.

I'm the expressive, feeling, outgoing ASD type. If I had a penny for every time someone said I was "too" sensitive... now I imagine saying "why, yes, I am --- you're not?". My therapist says the world needs folks like me/us. It didn't feel that way, but I can see it some.

I live near a big city and there are multiple support groups for adult Aspies. I am in a group therapy right now (paused) and there is another woman my age and two college-aged women. It's refreshing.

Welcome to the support group also wish I had known what autism was when young.

Of course, you must beware of "survivor bias," but we really do like it here.

AANE.org has interactive online support groups that meet on specific dates/times. You might want to check out what they have. If I recall correctly they don't require that someone be professionally diagnosed.