Neurodiverse young adults: so few friends...so little community
I'm looking for creative ideas to share with neurodiverse young adults who lack extensive social networks, to find community.
Are there groups, associations that host social events locally?
It's tough enough for neurotypicals to feel a sense of belonging in this area these days.
TY
Sep 29, 2021
Parent Replies
Thank you for asking this. I was considering posting a similar question. I am also looking for some sort of social group/support group for an 18-year old who was recently diagnosed as 2e. I found some but they are for older adults or teens still in high school. She has graduated from high school but is not ready to take on college just yet and trying to figure out next steps. I would love to hear if you discover any resources or opportunities.
If you find a group, I think my daughter would be interested, even with one friend.
In case you don't find social networks that fill the need, might I suggest thinking about their strengths and activities they enjoy, and then figure out how to apply that to in-person volunteer work? I know that in-person volunteer opportunities are harder to find right now, but it doesn't have to be with a formal organization. A young adult to accompany an older person on walks, for example, could make that exercise safer and more enjoyable and benefit both. And there are always creative ways to use one's own skills to help others, with opportunities for building community in the process. Feeling needed as a volunteer or helping neighbors gives me a great sense of belonging.
I've really appreciated the postings on this topic regarding finding social opportunities for young adults who identify as neurodivergent.
My realization through covid is that anything that will ease our sense of isolation will serve to open up our world again and prevent downstream ill-effects from it.
I propose that another option for our young adults is to empower them to build community-perhaps starting with meeting just a few peers @ a time casually (vs joining special organizations which in our child's case will bring up more anxiety).
So, the more organically get-togethers happen, the better. The increased perception of safety in a small, more manageable group, will avail them toward connection. There's no substitute I've seen for getting together with other like-minded peers, whether for coffee, walking in the serenity of nature or whatever interests they may have. It's an uplifting experience & it may be a huge step for some, but it will be an empowered step forward into possibilities.
If anyone is interested, pls contact me, let's explore this further.
DLH
"The world is full of lonely people afraid to make the 1st move."
The Green Book