Inability to form friendships

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Yes and capitalism plays a big part- people are only interested in working and money now days. Unfortunately so does the internet because we can find communities online now for support. But as I said, online friends can't do anything to help physically like come round and help us move house/ babysit/ bring a meal when we're ill etc.

We're all on our own, individual track working towards our own goals. Not community goals anymore.

I totally agree!

Community seems to be a thing of the past for many people. No wonder so many people suffer from mental health issues in the current day.

... which means that those of us who want community need to make a point of helping each other find ways to build it. If there are enough of us, we can build it.

I hear ya. The OCD in me causes myself to focus on NTs (particularly younger females) as though they are all identical. IE their neutral non-hyperactive way of reacting and speaking, in non life-threatending/tense situations.

I just feel like once you've spoken to one, you've spoken to them all. I've said this several times. But it's true. It's possible that I have no idea what it's like to communicate without being hyperactive. But it gets to me. I am hopeless socially, and I tend to kill interactions very quickly. And if I'm not doing so, then I quickly find a way to circumvent such.

As said above, don't force it. Focus on quality not quantity. I have 2 long-established friends still alive. I have some younger folks I consider friends, but I sort of consider they are probational. I don't rely on them for anything crucial yet. They may prove themselves reliable friends, but if they don't I'm not going to stress over them. I had enough of that when I was young (I'm retired now). I will say that I have shared that I am autistic with them, and it hasn't seemed to change anything about our interactions yet.

I agree, Mona, but I don't know how. Everyone rejects me in real life wherever I turn, so who should I find?

Although next year we are moving house, away from this village, so hopefully I'll find more accepting people.

Hopefully, once you move to a decent-sized city, you'll be able to find maybe a local autistic adult support group plus maybe some groups devoted to one or more of your hobbies.

Well we're going to a town instead of a village, I suppose it's possible there's an autistic group. I'm not sure they really exist in England, but at least there are places like arts centres and theatres.

I'm planning to volunteer backstage at the theatre and the community garden. Even if people aren't autistic there, hopefully they'll appreciate my help.

I sense it as favorable to develop friendships with Best Buddies Intl. supporters - that is supporters on the Austim Spectrum, yet NT-like.

Best Buddies Intl. is geared toward developmentally disabled who need support resources - many on the Autism Spectrum require very little support.

I looked up Best Buddies International, it looks interesting but I've got more of a social disability IMO. I don't understand how to schmooze and say the right thing, suppress my feelings, read between the lines of what people are saying etc. All the things the NT world requires of me.