r/autismUK

(I am under 18, this is kinda relevant)

Um so basically a couple of years ago I started to really struggle with school, and now I've been given what feels like a big choice to make.

So basically I have an EHCP and right now I'm in a mainstream school (although I haven't been into school in a while). Right now my parents are trying to find a special school for me to go to, preferably one that specialises in autism and is small. But it's really frustrating as nearly every school if full and then other ones say they can't meet my needs (which is so weird to me because nobody ever noticed I was autistic for years, but there's some special schools that can't help me because I need too much support).

As I would only have a year at secondary school anyway (I really want to go down a year/repeat a year as I have only been in one subjects lessons at school this year, and missed lots of the year before that as well), my parents have said that soon they will stop searching and looking for alternative stuff (there's this thing called EOTAS that gives funding for like farm schools and stuff like that).

Right now I do online school (3 lessons), but it hurts my head, and I get distracted and I like to be able to talk to people in my class as I get very lonely at home, and that's another option.

I just don't really know what to do, I really want to be in a special school, but I'm also worried about having to meet loads of new people and a new building, and it might be far away.

It just feels like a big desicion to make whether to do online school, the EOTAS or carry on looking at special schools (but that will stop in like a month which I'm sad as I want to go).

Don't really know why I did this, hope it makes sense, don't know if you can edit stuff afterwards if I realise I need to add stuff in

I think this is asking for advice on what to do

(I have also posted this on one of the other Autism subreddit things, but thought it might also help going here for advice and stuff)

So i gotten my test back and i have autism, out of the 7 things they look for i have 6 of those things.

Sorry im not the best with english/ how to say things so if i say anything wrong im sorry.

I work 6 days a week but its very draining and its staring to make my head feel off, im able to talk if it on things i enjoyed or telling a customer where a item is but it will take a couple of mintues for me to say where that item is due to getting my words mixed up.

I cant do small talk and if i have earphones in i do my work alot better, if they are dead its alot harder for me to focus and it messes with my head.

Sorry about going on and on. I do want to move out of my parents place and pip will help out massivly with finding a place.

I did the test thing on their website and got 14. I cant start a convo/ jump into one.

Cant apply online which is annoying i have to call them. Can i apply through email. Calling people is worst for me i dont like calling/ find it hard on what to say.

Sorry for the long post my mum said i should apply for pip and i want too but i dont know how to go about it without calling

Any advice please

I hate being autistic. I know to some people it's like the best thing in the world but those are usually the people that have some kind of autistic superpower like they're amazing at math or they have unbelievable music ability or some other kind of amazing genius. But when you're just run-of-the-mill normal average everyday autistic person like me it's fucking sucks. There is nothing special about being autistic other than your superpower being able to alienate people with the greatest of ease. Are the other amazing superpower you were given with your autism where you can appear close enough to normal that when the glitches in The matrix make their appearance people blame you for them like you should have known no matter how many times you try to explain your social ignorance in blindness to people you still get blamed like you're the bad guy. Oh yeah autism is the fucking best.

It even makes it better when you have a family that leaves you over it. That would rather judge you and not have anything to do with you or support you because of your differences. Yeah autism is fucking great.

The best part is where you get to live in a world where you're basically a ghost with a pulse where you're always on the sidelines looking in at the party never get to participate.

Autism sucks. In the worst part is I get sad over the fact that I can't have relationships then I watch movies where people get to enjoy each other and make new friends and become close and share a bond and no one wants from me and I've tried in my socially awkward autistic way to have that with people. But no matter what I do relationships and people don't last in my life. I always thought about writing a biography called you have 5 minutes because after that you won't want any more of my time. And that's been the constant truth throughout my entire autistic life. It's hello followed by a goodbye and never call me again and sometimes even threats of being arrested if I do contact them again. Yeah being autistic is great.

You get to be close enough to normal to want the things that normal people have but far enough away from normal never to have them so you get to live in empty sad pathetic invisible life. But autism is great isn't it. we're so special that we're autistic right?

Autism fucking sucks

(Just to clarify: this is an unpaid university project for a short HCI/design module - not a startup/commercial product.)

We’re doing a university project on sensory accessibility in navigation/public transport.

For autistic or sensory-sensitive people:
are there certain stations, routes, or environments you intentionally avoid?

If so, what makes them difficult?

• noise
• crowds
• unpredictability
• announcements
• layouts
• crossing roads
• etc

Interested in real experiences + things navigation apps currently miss.

I've been to see my GP today and asked to be referred for an autism assessment for Right to Choose. Apparently the GP will contact me with options...

1. I'm AFAB (trans man) and mask fairly well.

2. I have a historical diagnosis of bipolar disorder, but no hypomania for a decade. I'm considered to be in remission.

I had an assessment 11 years ago and was told I was basically on the borderline of diagnosis, but if they diagnosed me I'd be seen as too complex for CMHT given a dual diagnosis. They also mentioned I have a good relationship with my mother. I never received a report, just a diagnosis letter saying not autistic.

My life is more stable now. I used to isolate myself a lot and drink heavily. I now live with a partner who has also noticed a lot of autism traits and has encouraged me to go for a second opinion. I'm also struggling with masking and sensory stuff in work and feel that maybe if I can understand what's going on then I can advocate for myself better.

I was wondering if people could share some experiences and recommendations with Right to Choose options... Especially people on the SMI register and/or who are AFAB.

Thank you.

I (25F) have been looking for a full time job since July 2025 after being terminated due to problems with my autism and adhd (that my managers knew about). I will give details about my current search:

Yes I have been formally diagnosed with autism (last week yay) and adhd (2022). I live in the UK, I have no degree (due to struggling with being undiagnosed at the time and not receiving the support i desperately needed, so I dropped out). I have had a string of customer service and hospitality roles, and I currently work zero hours at a hospitality role which is no longer working out for me. There have been business and management changes over the last 6 months that have been affecting staff such as myself that have been working there for years, and they are trying to push us out.

For me, it's my only source of income, and for many that are not salaried there, it's their second job or their university job. I need something that I can preferably work from home (hybrid is fine), regularly scheduled hours, and based in London. I use Linkedin and filter it against the silly ai algorithm that they've put in place, I use CharityJob to find something more morally correct, and I use Indeed when I have finished looking on both those sites. I also look at the civil service website since they are known to hire people with no degree. I go onto company websites everyday to see what has been posted that line up with my skill set and I see myself developing in, and I also apply for jobs that are above what I can do professionally but know that I am capable of learning quickly.

I have my cv, with various tailored versions to either include or not include my education (in case I apply for apprenticeships), and I have my own written cover letter template to alter and save when applying, so I can convince them I am capable of the role.

I know the whole reason that it's so hard to land an entry level/mid experience level role right now is due to demand, jobs posting fake listings so people can sign up to their newsletter for 'future roles', and companies using ai to replace people and cut corners for profit margin. Also, I know I'm not the brightest of the bunch and I make life at work a little difficult because of my needs, but I would like to have stable income even with the barriers that companies have put in place to prevent neurodivergent people from getting employment.

Things are getting expensive and I would like to live a life where money isn't a restriction of my happiness so I'm just looking for advice from anyone who has successfully overcome the current job market, and what it took to get that job. I don't know what else to do, who to contact for help or advice either.

Also, please be kind. I have been struggling with my audhd since 2025 and I lose motivation with applications and online assessments and final interviews everyday, just to get rejected after it all. I am tired and stressed out and at my wits end. I just need money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Herbal Tea

- Some Older TV Sitcoms and Movies

- Actually learning stuff in school

- Documentaries

Hello. I have contacted GP for an assessment and they have sent me a form whereby I have to state which provider I am using.
Looking for advice on who to use and the process, please.
Do I contact the provider first, or is this not necessary and I just put their details on the GP’s form?
I have an ADHD diagnosis (so I am familiar with the Right To Choose pathway), so a provider that understands the interaction of autism and ADHD would be preferable, if that exists.
Many thanks.

I had an ADHD assessment Sunday and diagnosed combined type with mention of heavy autism overlap… then had autism assessment on Sunday too and he said we needed another session as I was overwhelmed and stimming significantly throughout. He knew I’d jsut been diagnosed with adhd and access to the notes.

I’ve jsut got the next one booked in from him but it’s only for 25 minutes. I don’t even know what that means. 25 minutes I felt we had much more areas to go over and worried now that he’s missing loads of info. Perhaps he’s gone over the adhd assessment notes and my self reports again and ultimately has a decision I don’t know, but if it’s a non diagnosis I’d have appreciated more time to go over my struggles with him 😢

I lost my dad sudden and without warning two weeks ago. I have been trying so hard but today I am really struggling. I spoke to the council today and I am waiting to hear back about if I'm going to be able to stay here. I spoke to citizens advise and shelter and both said until I have heard back from the council they cant do anything. They also mentioned to inform universal credit about the changes that have happened but I couldn't get through to them.

I'm struggling to do all thats required of me. I miss my dad and part of me is just refusing to accept he's gone it hurts so bad. Almost like I'm delusional.

I am anxious about whats going to happen in the future. Im anxious that I cant accept that hes gone. Im anxious that my sister is under so much pressure and I'm such a burden. I just want to crawl into a ball and sob like a child wanting their father but what good will that do.

I'm struggling to cope. I dont know what else I can do.

Any tips on how to deal with nerves during the UK test and the fact that some random stranger has to watch you for ~40 mins, watching and waiting to see if you mess up in any type of way?

I’m a fine driver and can do mocks just fine, but the minuite the examiner is in the passenger seat, im making all sorts of ridiculous errors I never usually do.

I wish the driving test in the UK was more ND friendly..

I've always wanted to write songs but never really been cool enough for pop music. Also, i could never bring myself to write about 'love' or 'sex' which is like 99% of pop music lyrics. I always found it mind numbing and could never relate.

Instead, I'll try writing some songs about autism. Give me some topics/ideas!

I also write in the 'architect' style where i plan out a beginning middle and end so it follows a kind of story.

I get £498 a month to live off, I need to find a contact that will give me opportunities/Work for people with autism and Asperger's. Adjusted CV for every job role everyday for 6 months straight only two places got back to me. mental health is really bad at the minute. Need help & job centre does not care. Can anyone help please? I don't want to be homeless again

I’m 38 years old, and I don’t have any friends. How sad is that?

My school years can be summed up by girls ridiculing me, boys openly said I was pretty until I opened my mouth. Both would shout hurtful things at me, and laugh.

My last and only group of friends was at the end of secondary school. We had a shared history of bullying because of our interests and behaviours.

They were friends long before I joined in, they were boys and I was the only girl in the group. We shared our love for history, politics, philosophy and most of all progressive metal.

I spent my afternoons with them, and they brought joy to my life. But life gets in the way, we sought different paths. We all moved to different countries.

After years focusing on living, I wanted to try and become closer to the only people I interact with: colleagues. I started studying and memorising their behaviour, I tried to blend in. But the effort made me anxious about my every move, my every thought, every word I said, every smile I gave.

The exhaustion led me to have a meltdown due to someone thinking it was appropriate to prank me by hiding some paperwork and my water bottle. I had an anxiety attack in work.

I took some time off, sought out help from my GP to review my depression medication, to pursue therapy, to prevent another suicide attempt. I got a new med prescription for my anxiety, and referrals for both Autism and ADHD.

But after resuming work, I could feel the disdain, the judgement, the incredulity, so I buried myself in my work and put a lot of pressure on myself to excel. So I had another meltdown last week due to unexpected changes in staffing, workload and service pressures.

I feel incredibly ashamed, I feel like a child in adult clothing. I wanted to grow up as fast as I could to get away from my school bullies, now I can’t even adult properly.

I want someone I can talk to, share my passions with, feel like I belong.

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone could let me know the timeline between 1st and 2nd assessment with Health Harmonie Minds.

I had to email them over 6 weeks after sending back the questionnaires to ask if I'd been lost and they said no it's just a long wait and then as if by magic an hour later the link was there to book the 1st assessment which was last Monday.

The assessor made it sound like I'd have the link to book the second one pretty soon and the very few posts I've found are of people waiting a day or two. I'm now on day 7 and no link to book, is this normal? I don't want to chase them again if it is but I also don't want to sit and wait another few weeks if I should have it already.

Thanks.

Read “SHOW, DON’T TELL - Why Carl Gould’s Best Arthur Episodes Didn’t Mention His Autism“ by Michael C. Bungay on Medium: https://medium.com/@michael.bungay/show-dont-tell-why-carl-gould-s-best-arthur-episodes-didn-t-mention-his-autism-155e2aef4b3b

Just wanted to let the community know wait times with CT for residents in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The emailed my this morning stating 6 years!

>Thank you for your patience while waiting for your NHS autism assessment. We want to update you on the current position and outline the options available to you.

Understanding the current wait times
Demand for autism assessments in Lancashire and South Cumbria and nationally has risen sharply, meaning many people are now facing a longer wait for an NHS-funded assessment. 

Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB have commissioned Clinical Partners to deliver an agreed volume of adult autism assessments.  This means we can now offer more clarity about how long you may wait for an assessment.

What this means for you
As you joined the waitlist on 15/1/2026, your wait for an assessment will be 6 years, in the financial year of 2032/33.

Hi everyone, I’m currently recruiting participants for my university dissertation research exploring the experiences of autistic and non-autistic adults living with chronic pain in the UK, with a focus on diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare experiences.

✅ Who can take part?

• Aged 18 or over
• Living in the UK
• Currently experiencing chronic pain (pain lasting 3+ months)
• Autistic and non-autistic participants welcome

📝 Participation involves completing an anonymous online survey with both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

If you’re interested, please follow the link below for more information and to access the survey:
🔗 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xxFCL67ocV3jS4eV0YpnoqEXeEFSgBUODAAqQ0RTfJ8/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you for your time, and please feel free to share this post with others who may be interested.

https://preview.redd.it/3qpeuvh2iv1h1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=819f41d8cab7ee1bdbee8a972b2d06ebbc63286e

So, I’ve deleted my post.
Background, I’m menopausal.
I live in a very happy & humorous household with my hubby and pmt riddled daughters.
I was frustrated about some banter turning ableist (with poor apologies) and struggling to put what I needed to say into words.
I was looking for context.
To educate them.

I realise I must have come across as a battered and badly treated wife/mum.
Apologies.

I reopened the app to eyebrow raising responses telling me (very negatively) to bin my family, divorce my husband and kick my kids out!

I’m so embarrassed, so I deleted the post.
In reflection, I wanted to share that I’m ok.

However, those kind of responses could have really kicked me in the face if I’d been in a really bad place.
Please think twice before kicking off and advising that kind of thing in response to one post.

Is this the kind of sub this is, or is it just me?
Maybe I need to learn what to reach out about!

Diagnosed with ADHD today aged 38. And possibly autism.

My whole life I genuinely believed I was just failing at life properly and needed to try harder than everyone else.

Burnout after burnout. Constant overwhelm.

Would really love to hear from others who simply just “get this” right now 🫠

Post 👇🏻