I need connection with like-minded people

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So, I kind of drifted away from involvement here. But it's suddenly occurred to me, after moving, finally getting to a stable place in life, that I really need other autistic friends. I'm very very able to pull off normal, and I've had people tell me no way I'm autistic. Fortunately, my new confidence and social abilities have given me some room to not worry about what people think. So I just act like myself, and let people think I'm weird and outgoing. To be honest, I'm very entertaining in social settings (people have given me this feedback), though I think I'm starting to go a bit far now (fortunately or unfortunately, I don't really care at this point, I just want to be myself)

Problem is that the new friends I've made (I've been here where I live about 4 months), well, I've been excited to make any new aquaintances, but I'm hitting barriers in continuing to develop relationships. I just do not understand them and they don't get me. They let me be who I am, but there's just a lack of connection.

The past couple years I haven't even thought much about autism, except at the back of my mind. My main issue wasn't autistic issues, but severe severe depression. Now I'm realizing I need to embrace the autism again---ALSO: be open with OTHER people about having it.

Because of wrongplanet, I KNOW there are people who are like me. But I want to meet up with other autistic people in person. Online forums are great, but its just not the same as a relationship with someone in person. I found a group that meets once a month online, but I just missed the recent one, and can't find any others nearby.

Here's my other concern: I am not sure that I would even connect with a lot of autistic people either. It seems that I am too "normal". I don't get into anime or computers. In fact, I don't have very narrow obsessions at all. I'm a bit of a "renaissance man". So I connect with NTs on a variety of academic and cultural topics. But theres an obvious difference in how we think.

I love people, and now that NTs opinions or behaviors don't bother me, I am learning to appreciate them for being who they are, even if I can't relate to their interests or conversations topics. But GEEZ, I've gotten used to being alone so long, and now that I'm realizing it's normal to have friends and connections, and I'm getting them, the block is frustrating me.

At least I wish I knew more unusual people. All the people my age (I'm 24), at church and work, well they're nice, but so boxed into conventional behavior and interests. When/where is real connection gonna happen?

Welcome back to WrongPlanet.

This is so articulate, and I'm impressed that you understand yourself and life and autism's benefits/limitations so very well at your (relative) young age. I'm sad I'm not closer to you geographically, I'd love to meet up!

As for when the connection is going to happen, ah, there's the rub. It's so very, very difficult. Sometimes you have to make do with less than what you personally would consider a connection. I treasure even my acquaintances because sometimes those dribs and drabs really sustain me, when I'm not up for a full friendship or when I find myself in a position where I can't be a complete friend at that time in my life.

I wish you all the best. I suspect we (our type) are less uncommon than most people think; and even if we are that uncommon you can still hopefully forge quasi-connections based on one or two components/interests.

Welcome!

Back To WrongPlanet!! !

Welcome Back! I am The Ghost.

Welcome back greetings to the WP neighborhood, Juggernaut.