r/autismUK 27d ago

Research Research Post

2 Upvotes

Researchers: anything posted outside of this mega-thread or lacking in authenticity will be removed. Scroll down for details of what we expect here.

Read if you are a member/responder

While we have some ability to remove more easily detectable scams, we aren't professionals in any relevant fields. That means we aren't able to take full responsibility for vetting the research you find here, you will have to do your best to feel safe and comfortable with any interactions you have with the people here. That said, we do have some tips to help you navigate the requests you'll find here.

Academic research

Is it undergraduate, post-graduate/masters, or PhD? There's a fair bit of difference here, mainly in what you can expect as an outcome. Undergraduate and post-graduate research isn't likely to result in anything but a dissertation, so participation in these should be considered as just doing a kindness to a student. Masters students are much more likely to use what they learn in a professional context or carry it on to a PhD, though. The "proper" research is done by PhD candidates, the kind you're probably expecting where the eventual paper goes into a journal and the outcome an effect on the rest of the industry.

Professional, government, & medical research

These are people who study autism for a living and/or are sponsored by a government or a medical organisation. It would be exceptionally rare for these researchers to come to our little sub for help, they get their participants through professional networks. Be very wary of anyone claiming to be doing this level of research unless it comes to you directly through your therapist, GP, or psychologist.

Commercial research

These people are looking for your feedback so they can sell a product or service to autistic people. They tend to have the fewest legitimate credentials, but they shouldn't ever need any identifying information from you, not even your name. At best the outcome is something useful to us and at worst they're trying to "make a buck" from a vulnerable minority. Generally speaking you're probably not at risk by replying to these, but you will probably be participating in some degree of capitalism.

Art research

Art is cool and important. Anyone asking for input for art research shouldn't need any identifying information and, unlike commercial research, the outcome should hopefully be something culturally valuable if not influential. There is a lot for us to gain from the cultural capital of art, academic and professional studies aren't the be all end all of making a difference for autistic people.

The only thing to watch out for is someone trying to persuade you they need such and such data for their funding applications. They only need broad strokes in a few categories, typically something like location, age, disability, gender, or sexuality. Gathering this from you should typically come in the form of "are you x?", to which you only need to answer yes or no. Do you identify as queer/trans/gay? Are you a person of colour? Are you deaf/visually impaired/autistic? Do you require a wheelchair in daily life? Are you from Bristol/Knowle West/North Bristol? Are you between 16 and 25 years of age?

--------------------

Read if you are a researcher

Is it research?

Research is more than what universities are up to. Companies, developers, freelancers, artists, and all sorts also do research. Anything where you come here to ask for the opinions of our members for your work or personal use is considered research and is subject to these rules.

DISCLAIMER

Please understand that our mods are not experts and will not always qualify for each bit of research and therefore cannot look closely at every questionnaire. Any vetting done is on the basis of our non-professional judgment. We do not vouch for the safety and ethics of any research we allow to post,  our only aim is to get rid of the really obviously dodgy ones. If you reply to any of the research posted, you take responsibility for choosing to do so.

Credibility

When vetting these posts, we look for specific things that lend credibility to the research and we will often lean towards expecting more due to our lack of expertise. Below are some of our feelings on what shows Good, Excellent, or Dodgy credibility.

GOOD: your university email, your supervisor's university email, a link to your university's research ethics statement, a Reddit account you don't use much but clearly belongs to a real human, your project's/company's/artist's website, a socials link, etc

EXCELLENT: a qualtrics link, a university webpage specific to the research, a well-aged high karma Reddit account, a list of everything that will be asked, an ethics committee approval number, a shop page for the current version of your app, a gallery press release for this project, etc

DODGY: hiding URLs behind link text, google forms (especially where required questions block mods from reviewing later pages), personal emails, undergraduate research, a Reddit account you created yesterday specifically for this research, etc

The credibility of your research must be present in the text of your comment. We will not click through, we will just remove. Include plenty Good and Excellent things and you'll get approved. Only include one dodgy thing and your comment will probably get removed. You can always edit your comment to show more credibility and then request that we review it for later approval.


r/autismUK May 08 '26

From the Mods May Digest

12 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I hope you'll join me in patting each other on the back (figuratively) for reaching a new milestone of 11k weekly visitors!

We've always had a consistent, slow rise in engagement on this sub and that's something I'm really proud of. Thank you all for being a joyful part of my daily routine!

January to April

As promised, I've been dilligently working in the background, trying to make this sub a stronger, better place to be. This period has mostly been spent on quiet things you wouldn't notice as a regular user, things like recruiting new mods and improving our internal documentation.

We currently have two mods in their trial period, which is amazing, but we do need more! By Reddit standards, we should have 3 "full time" active mods to keep up with sub activity and right now we don't add up to that. So if you've ever thought about moderating, now is the time. This sub needs less intervention than most, but I encourage our mods to take on less than they think they should, given that we are all as autistic as you are and this is a volunteer gig. I'd much rather have a large, consistent team with a routine than a tight trio of superhumans that will inevitably burn out in 6 months.

---

One thing you might have noticed is that I've removed the YouTube block. This block has been in place since year 1 of this sub, due to content creators trying to use this space to get views without engaging in the community. Since we're 8 years in the future from that and our engagement looks quite different, I thought it was high time to see if we can get any added value out of YT now.

Thanks

At the end of last year, I added an app that manages a custom internal reputation system. This was brought on to tackle the problem of recognising who's ideas are more reliable when they don't come with proof of any kind. While we encourage you to link reliable information sources rather than make unsupported statements, that's not always practical in an online environment like this. It has always been a silent expectation that readers here have to do their own work to vet everyone with an opinion, even though this is where you come to get help.

You've probably seen me working on reminders, I've had to pause that to tweak it because it was being a bit obnoxious, and I'm informed there may be another but causing the points flair to not display properly.

But while I'm trying to smooth those kinks out, the bot itself is still working fine. OPs and mods can award points by replying to good comments with the "!thanks" or "!modthanks" commands.

May - September

My plans for the summer are a bit more exciting. The main goal you'll want to keep an eye out for is the rolling out of our information centre. I've been saying for a long while now that this is a thing we're working on, and I can finally say we're very close to a minimally viable product I'm happy to publish.

These will probably roll out quietly one at a time, as they become ready, and then be announced as a whole in the October digest.

This information centre has been adapted from a megathread written by one of our mods and reorganised to be as accessible as possible. Because of this, some content will be abundant, while other parts will contain only very basic information.

Each page has a footnote regarding who contributed to the content and a link to modmail where you can submit additional information and any corrections you might find. We encourage you to make use of modmail for this purpose! It's our hope that these pages will expand and become more helpful (and probably more accurate) over time.

---

Aside from this, there is more internal documentation to work on. Along with all these new mods, I feel it's essential to make sure our mod team has everything it needs to be as strong and supported as it can be.

---

And if there is time beyond that, I'll be working on a new rule that will hopefully describe issues we've felt the need to intervene in, but aren't properly covered by the existing rules. The new rule will probably replace rule 2, "Write high quality posts".

Right now, I'm thinking of the new rule as "Be constructive", and it will replace rule 2, "Write high quality posts." We no longer use that rule due to moving the character minimum from automod to automations with post guidance, but this new one is in a similar vein. The aim is to decrease toxic discourse by providing you with concrete examples of what positive engagement looks like. If you've ever thought, that doesn't exactly break any rules but it's still awful, that's the sort of thing we're after.

---

Well anyway, on with your evening. Thank you for tuning into my little sharing. Don't forget to use the report button, give out some !thanks, apply to mod, and I'll see you around the sub!


r/autismUK 6h ago

Social Skills Have you ever been accused of making things about yourself?

15 Upvotes

Often the autistic content creators talk about how neurotypicals say they make things about themselves when all they're trying to do is relate.

I thought it was a bit of a myth, maybe something that happened to someone once and extrapolated. It happened to me for the first time last week.

It's an odd one because I've known this person for a while but 99% of our interactions have occurred over text (which is probably the main reason). They feel the dynamic is very one-way - which it is but I'd felt that for a long time anyway - but subsequently admit that they're not much of an open book themselves (whereas I am) so there's an obvious communication incompatibility which I'd ignored.

It was extremely tempting to ask my actual friends if they ever felt the same way but they've never pulled me up on it so I couldn't be arsed in the end.

I think I've learnt the hard way that you really need to know your audience (for want of a better phrase).


r/autismUK 33m ago

Burnout & Overwhelm Need help with employment.

Upvotes

Long story short, I can't ever hold a job, within 2-3 months I either burnout and leave or get let go. Unfortunately I didn't do the best in school. The only qualifications I have are GCSE: Maths, English, Science and level 3 diploma in ICT from college.

The only jobs I've worked are just basic Retail/warehouse jobs. I unfortunately also have ADHD, CPTSD, Depression, anxiety which all just make keeping a job near impossible.

It's like I need a job which is perfect for me, can't be rushed, and needs to be somewhat enjoyable with the opportunity to progress upwards in so I don't get depressed about my future.

In terms of hobbies, I like movies, Sports, gym, travel, I don't have a "Dream Job" and for some reason in online spaces they assume if you have autism you must be obsessed with trains or mathematics which isn't the case for me. I didn't enjoy any subjects in school, so me studying a degree that I have no interest in won't work for me

I'd rather have an easy chill job that's somewhat respectable and then maybe try to do something online, unfortunately right now I'm unemployed from being let go recently so I'm just rotting away, not sure what to do, hopefully you guys can help.


r/autismUK 2h ago

Diagnosis: Scotland Misdiagnosed?

2 Upvotes

Hello. I am 29M and I am worried I have been misdiagnosed autistic. I want to know if members of the community have experienced autism in this way.

I will be seeking professional second opinion, however, I cannot afford another private consultation and I have had difficulties getting past my GP. I am having a difficult time and don’t know if approaching my problems as autistic is correct.

My problems feel like they are related to emotional regulation.

I was diagnosed in 2024 by a private psychiatrist in the UK. I went through the assessment on their recommendation as I experience extreme emotional dysregulation (and always have) and traditional treatments for anxiety such as SSRI/CBT etc were not helping. It was their suggestion and I never considered myself autistic.

Most prevailing / debilitating symptoms include:* *

  1. ⁠Cognitive shut down where I go completely mute. I would need to type out messages to my wife in my phone to talk to her. I might talk in gibberish, or make no sense. Broken words, repeating sounds, irregular and repetitive movement like thumping legs together.
  2. ⁠Meltdown-like experiences where I might spike with anger, break something, hit myself, then get overwhelmed and cry. Sitting on floor unable to move. This can go on for an hour or more. Then feeling totally drained.
  3. ⁠Intense looping thoughts or behaviours. For example, I have recently become obsessed with DIY but not in an enjoyable way. I feel a compulsion to do it. I think about it all the time. I am constantly planning what I need to do. Working on a task and forgetting to eat, knowing that I feel awful while doing it but I can’t stop. This doesn’t feel like a “special interest” because it doesn’t make me happy - more like something I am becoming obsessed with to distract myself?

More traditional symptoms I have include:

  1. ⁠Struggling with eye contact when overwhelmed
  2. ⁠Needing to cover eyes from light when overwhelmed
  3. ⁠Social anxieties and difficulties in big groups
  4. ⁠Need for routine, for example, I must go to the gym a certain number of times a week or I get upset. Safety foods. Wearing certain clothes, like same pair of shoes every day of the year.

My question is these all feel related to internal EMOTION dysfunction. Can anyone with autism relate, or is another mental health condition being missed that has autism-adjacent symptoms?

Many thanks


r/autismUK 4h ago

Social Skills Not sure if i got this wrong

3 Upvotes

I work for a job agency i got a phone call friday saying they'd got me a placement for Tuesday (today) to Friday with today being an interview and drug and alcohol test then start work immediately but they would confirm time with employer beforehand.

Email I got details removed for privacy:

Interview - not confirmed yet

Hi (my name)

I can’t get hold of the client at the moment – please find the information below – If I receive a response over the Weekend , I will let you know and confirm a time for your interview.

I just wanted to make sure you had all of the information.

Interview with (company)

This will be with a view to starting work straight away – you will need safety boots and long sleeved top and long trousers – you need arms and legs covered and also please remember to wear safety boots and a hi vis.

Please report to the porta cabin and ask for :-

(Address)

You will be asked to do a drug and alcohol test upon arrival.

You will be working 8am to 4.30pm

Good luck!

Regards

Any way I woke up at 6:30am got ready for work and noticed 8am when I was told on phone 8:30am, so I message to ask what time they want me there.

Me: 8am or 8:30?

Agency: Don't go until I confirm with client. No response from them yet as they had all gone home on Friday. Will update you when I hear from them.

Me: What you mean just stay home till you say go?

Agency: Yes please

Me at 11am: Is today happening? Been up since 6:30 and dressed ready just dont know if I should go do bits i need to do unless I get call from you

Agency: Yes please. I emailed you with details but this was in preparation for the client responding and arranging an interview. Thanks for being prepared. I will let you know as soon as I speak to them.

Me at 2pm: Any updates as it getting late in day now

Agency: Not yet ! I will try for tomorrow but keep you updated with any response

Me at 16:05 when i was supposed to be working till 4:30pm: Whats happening? as im a bit peed off tbh got up early, dressed ready to go at moments notice, day wasted as been on standby all day, as you said last week I'd be doing Tuesday to Friday, just feel like today been waste of my time.

Agency: we told you it was to be confirmed we never said you would start today.

Did I get this wrong? I take things very literally but also have selective understanding as my brain decided to ignore the to be confirmed bit and feel like its come across that i was starting today but they saying I wasn't.

Ahh im so confused!!! My Audhd brain didnt process this the best and I got angry at my employer for miscommunication/understanding.

Sorry I know this was long read.

Was i right in being upset and angry?

How much of the stick did I miss?

When i read long messages I tend to skip over parts or skim read and my brain selectively fills in the blanks.


r/autismUK 12h ago

Accommodations GP help

13 Upvotes

I'm an autistic and mentally ill woman in my 60s. I just called my GP surgery to get some antihistamines and I got put through a medication review with no warning by someone who wasn't my usual doctor. I ended up badly worried. It's probably impossible these days, but is there any organization that will come with you with the surgery and make them see that you're not a drug seeker or an attention seeker - you're autistic, you know yourself, and surprises throw you.

NAS I find to be all about parents and carers.

Not looking for advice about therapy or exercises just an actual advocate from somewhere. Probably impossible.

I get no NHS help - the mental illness services are terrible here.


r/autismUK 9h ago

Crisis Not diagnosed but in burnout

4 Upvotes

I'm 53M and have struggled with what I assumed was depression and anxiety my entire life. It's gotten to a point where I'm struggling to function at all and I'm incredibly lucky to have an understanding employer. I'm currently working through assessments for PTSD and it's becoming rapidly apparent that I'm likely Autistic and currently in the absolute worst burnout I have ever experienced.

I'm exhausted, numb, hyper on edge all the time. Massively depressed. I slept four hours last night and had to work today. When I go to bed my brain will not shut off. On a good night I run through world building exercises where I create a fantasy life for myself that isn't awful. At the moment though my brain just proceeds to rerun the many many bad experiences in my life and then follows it up with how bad things can get. I can't stop running through future (and past situations). It feels like I've been slowly dying for decades now and it never stops. For some reason I never hit my final limits and collapse in a puddle.

I also feel a fraud even posting this. I've had no formal diagnosis and the RTC times in my area are 78 weeks. My next PTSD appointment isn't for two weeks (Where my nurse who is lovely is planning to run me through the adhd and autism questionnaires because she saw it before me) and I don't know what to do. I've tried the NHS crisis line in the past but my local area seems to be incredibly bad at mental health support and somehow every time I've called they've managed to make things worse (Once a regular 111 operator answered because everyone else was busy and told me to call my GP. My GP is the laziest man I've ever met)

I sat and read a lot about autism and realised it's me. My entire life. I don't even know who I am anymore. I can afford a private diagnosis but my main worry is blowing 2k and getting fobbed off. I worry all the time.

I'm sorry if I shouldn't have posted this without being formally diagnosed but I have no idea what to do. I just came back to work after two months and I have a difficult situation at home. I'm a carer for two elderly parents. One of whom has a massive anger problem that's normally directed at me.

I don't even know what I'd do with a diagnosis.


r/autismUK 6h ago

Tips & Tricks Tips for dealing with home renovation

2 Upvotes

I am neurodivergent and I’ve lived alone for 10 years. I recently realised that my living space was designed for others and not myself. E.g. a fancy modern couch that I hated sitting on (but could fit everybody on it) and a giant TV that’s too overstimulating for me to watch (but friends could watch the football on).

I just bought what I thought I was ‘supposed’ to buy. Now, I am finally redecorating so that I can actually enjoy my own home.

Unfortunately, the renovation can’t happen overnight. My front room is empty, the new furniture does not get delivered for another week, the plasterer is coming in 2 days, and there is flat pack and tools and wood and paint in places where they’re not normally, and can’t yet be moved.

I keep walking through the door and my whole body tenses because it is not my home. I don’t recognise the house anymore and I don’t want to be there. I feel incredibly uncomfortable like I’ve taken away my safe space. Even though I know it’s going to be better for me long term, the change is making me feel ill.

I keep sitting on the stairs for hours because it isn’t time for bed and being in the kitchen or my bedroom or my dressing room is not part of my daily routine, so that feels worse.

Does anybody have any tips at all?


r/autismUK 8h ago

Fun Autistic book clubs

3 Upvotes

Is anyone a member of a book club for autistic/AuDHD people? I love reading and I'd love to join a club - preferably online - to read books together and chat about them. Not books about autism, but a club for people who identify as autistic and like reading general fiction and non fiction.

Peter


r/autismUK 12h ago

General & Miscellaneous Does anyone else feel like they don't exist when there s/o isn't there?

4 Upvotes

So I live with my gf and I have my own place and she lived with me, ive lived on my own before and I just end up surrounded in my own filth tbh, but with her ill do stuff and I just wish I could exist more on my.own but I literally just dont feel real and I dont know what I should be doing or when.


r/autismUK 12h ago

Burnout & Overwhelm The meltdown cometh 😭

4 Upvotes

I'd posted previously that I was going into burnout.

Last night I had my first proper meltdown in years.

I've got big changes coming up with uni which is mostly likely the main trigger (even though I know it's a good and worth while change) but my OCD traits are kicking off something big at the moment and my need for time specified routine is getting stronger.

Life won't allow that sometimes to which I understand happens.

The inevitable meltdown came last night after another break in routine.

It's the first bad one I've had for 8/9 years, I self harmed (punching) and needed sedating with valium because I couldn't calm down.

I feel stupid for it happening and putting my family in distress seeing me like that again and feel really guilty and ashamed even though I know I can't help it.

There isn't much point to this post, I just wanted to get it out in a place of understanding.

I've sent an email to my local autism society in hopes for some peer support and help with techniques for the mental load.

I just hope that's the last for another few years.


r/autismUK 15h ago

General & Miscellaneous How are we for self awareness?

8 Upvotes

Idk what its like for everyone else, as I know everyone is different. But I know some people, especially late diagnosed people will have had that burning question for a good while. Now theres the going back over 28 years of life. Plenty of moments in childhood getting told off for things I couldn't help, the grounding, the bannings, plenty of other stuff I wouldn't like to mention. How do we deal with it? Like knowing you cant grasp things to do with ourselves. The mask like whats me and what's not me, its to do with what I feel inside right?


r/autismUK 5h ago

Diagnosis: England West Yorkshire - seeking ASD diagnosis as an adult female

1 Upvotes

It has taken me years to try to gather information because exploring the whole Right to Choose thing has been so incredibly overwhelming. Not to mention, it looks like a lot of funding restrictions by the West Yorkshire ICB means multiple year long waiting lists.

Has anyone in West Yorkshire been recently referred for an adult ASD assessment and waited less than 2 years? if so, with what provider?

thanks in advance!!


r/autismUK 10h ago

Diagnosis: England Right to choose AuDHD?

2 Upvotes

Hello!

I am 28F. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2005 and I’m now seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult.

I have been given a lot of right to choose options and I don’t know where to start!

For me, it was always very clear I had ADHD in childhood, and that was diagnosed and medicated quickly. I came off medication at 18, but have returned to being medicated again 2 years ago.

This time around, I’m much more self aware during this medication journey since I’m an adult. Some things that used to be easy as a child are now more difficult, and some things I’m only just noticing.

A few people around me have suggested could I be autistic too, people with autistic teenagers and family members, as they see a lot of their traits in me.

I’m aware that I may not have autism. It might be that my coping mechanisms and strategies to manage my ADHD are just similar to ASC characteristics. I’m also aware it could be the addition of adult responsibilities since I was last medicated. It could be higher anxiety. One thing is very clear - being medicated as an adult has calmed my ADHD but helped me discover other differences.

I’m wondering if anyone has been in a similar boat, and any experiences of people who have had an ADHD diagnosis since childhood but noticed ASC traits later on in life. And any experiences of any right to choose options.

Thanks for reading! ❤️


r/autismUK 12h ago

Diagnosis: The Assessment what should i expect during my pre-screening for autism?

1 Upvotes

Hello! I am a 19 year old girl finally on the track of hopefully getting an autism diagnosis. I wanted to ask what to expect for my pre screening of autism? I am incredibly nervous for this screening being an obvious late diagnosis. I have faced incredible barriers to diagnosis despite exhibiting clear symptoms as well as having a family history of neurodivergence (my dad has ADHD but is definitely autistic). And when mentioning to my GP about my possible undiagnosed neurodivergence he felt the need to make a note about my "good eye contact". I am incredibly nervous about having this screening go well. I am far too aware of the discrimination that takes place for diagnosis both having extensively researched it and experienced it myself. Any tips for making sure my screening goes well and how to make my high masking autism not get in my way?


r/autismUK 14h ago

Accommodations How do I apply for a temporary carer?

1 Upvotes

Partially due to my autism and partially due to other issues I have (with autism being the only diagnosis for now) I have a very difficult time caring for myself and my environment in the way a normal person would (eg cleaning room and showering). My father is in the picture, however he works full time, 2/5 days out of the house and is often too exhausted to help clean my ever-growing mess. I understand I will not be like this forever, but it feels like I have been like this for far too long and will continue for a while more. I want to know how to get a carer to help me live more like an actual human being rather than an animal.
Peace and love


r/autismUK 16h ago

Parents, Siblings, Friends, & Partners of Inclusion support assessment

1 Upvotes

Good morning to everyone,

I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with inclusion support. My son is being assessed today at nursery to identify his needs and where he may need to be referred to.

If anyone has had any experiences, please let me know as this is the first assessment he’s ever had. Also, if anyone has any experience with what happens after the assessment, for example referrals, I would love to hear about them.


r/autismUK 1d ago

Vent Got my official paperwork & quit my job 👀

9 Upvotes

So after a month long Diagnostic process and a couple weeks wait since diagnosis I got my official paperwork. I'm Autistic.

I stared at it for a while my eyes watered thought eh ok I know I can't cry easily...

Then had an hr long crying session like nothing I've experienced before or certainly very long time. Crying for the younger me who had so much self hatred for being different "the problem" and a lot of feels there.

Got so much swimming in my head. I keep thinking I should've said X Y or Z. Yet in total not including forms I sent 9 pages of notes with examples.

I thought it was denial and maybe a little but denial doesn't have much room now when I know the truth... It's slapped me in the face. Now, it's more the massive weight of 20 or so years of struggling and feeling there must be a reason why I am as I am.

The key has been found. Also realising how much damage being dismissed at 17 by an Autism assessor because I could string a sentence together....

I put my notice in a few days ago. My job is not feasible for me to go back to, accommodations could be made but nothing that would actually make it accessible for me.

Even if I could... I'm on my second major burnout in 6 years and I've lost capacity for work. Probs had at least 5 burnouts? 2 major ones breakdowns. Then now.

I can't believe that I'll be unemployed next week but it's necessary.

I still feel tearful, numb and overwhelmed by it all. Ultimately it's massively positive but I have a lot to understand and process before I can truly feel the positivity.

Although... I have suddenly gained so much more compassion for my younger self. I hated myself for so long and now I just feel for the kid who suffered in silence (well mostly).

Not sure what I'm doing now.

My ability to type properly disappeared for a while but thankfully is somewhat coming back. I've got the windows in my flat blocked out. Noticed that the fridge hum has been draining me this whole time...so wear noice cancelling headphones a lot. Outside as well.

Just trying desperately to be kind to myself for the first time ever.

It feels so heavy but I know it's good.

Guess I'm gonna have to work on my internalised ableism and find ways to meet my needs. Made a start.... Not pushing through things as much. I used to force myself to do stuff and dubbed myself as being silly or whatever...


r/autismUK 1d ago

Self-care Sleep anxiety

6 Upvotes

Ive had problems with sleep my whole life I've tried sleeping tablets (didnt do a thing for me) I've worked night shifts because it fitted my body clock better (im an insomniac and nightowl) but missed out on things in evenings so now work dayjob,

what can I do?.

I feel really anxious about the next day in terms of will I wake up on time and will i be bullied at work (I never do/have) i describe it as permanent sunday scaries and im falling apart on very little sleep every night because my anxiety about sleep prevents me from actually sleeping,

And when i do sleep i never feel well rested afterwards, i drink alot of coffee and monster energy drinks as it only thing that gets me through day.

Can I get stronger sleeping tablets without gp approval?.

I'm on a healthy living healthy minds course.

Im on waitlist for cbt.

Any ideas i can try i just feel like there's never enough time and time moves too fast if you get what I mean.


r/autismUK 1d ago

Vent I feel so anxious having conversations with people now due to previous horrible people making fun of me for being different 😞

3 Upvotes

I’m still waiting to be formally diagnosed, but I’ve noticed after years of people making fun of me, I’m genuinely so anxious talking to people, my speech is so disorganised and jumbled and I feel immediately judged and vulnerable about it- it makes me feel so self conscious that I’m obviously different.

I feel I used to be such a friendly/ bubbly person despite the neurodivergence and now I’m a shell of my former self 😞

Has this happened to anyone else and if it has- have you ever got your spark and confidence back?


r/autismUK 1d ago

Diagnosis: England Is there a way to see how far along a right to choose application is?

2 Upvotes

I applied end of last year but not heard anything.

Went through the GP and they confirmed they received it

I hear stories on here of a couple of months to a couple if years but was wandering to see how far along an application is?

Based in Bedfordshire England if it helps

Thankssssssssssssssssssssssssssss


r/autismUK 2d ago

CW: Suicide Seemingly seen as "high-functioning" but so so so very scared of what the future holds

14 Upvotes

I (22F) just worry that I won't be able to live or support myself without wanting to die.

One of the things I'm very privileged with is that my savings are solid as I've worked part-time since I became 18, live with my parents rent-free, and have a lot of security in that way, but my parents are also getting on in age (65+) and they're my best friends and I don't know what I'd do without them or after they pass and they really help me look after myself and I fear I'd struggle a lot without them. Even with their support, I have a tendency to spiral into suicidal breakdowns on the regular when I deal with burnout and have had many attempts since I was a child.

Ever since I was a child I was scared I wouldn't be able to hold down a job and would become homeless. Now, I can hold down part-time retail job, the next worry is how I'll be able to sustain myself on that and afford a place to live. Can I even hold a full-time job? What about when I'm older, and my body breaks down? My fatigue is so bad already. How could I be working retail in my 60s or 70s, if I can't save enough for retirement, as I'm on minimum wage? I worry about if I can get a higher paying job, or if there's any job I could possibly do that would allow me to not want to die. It makes me sick with worry.

But then because the savings are decent, I worry that I won't qualify for a lot of the help I need. Especially since I'm seen as very competent in other respects. But being academically capable and getting scholarships and stuff does not necessarily mean I can hold the crumbling shards of my mental health together.

I just want to survive and I don't even know how to do it. I think, this is the best and easiest life will ever be for me and it's still this hard. I don't know how to live like this.


r/autismUK 2d ago

General & Miscellaneous How is everyone for stealing peoples accents?

21 Upvotes

Im from the north West of England and quite a small town tbf. So I have mostly a northern accent, but I find myself annoying myself as I started sayinh some words with a Manchester twang, or sometimes Ill accidentally start speaking with a Liverpool accent (amazing stim tbf) but now I have a Lithuanian gf and ive somehow learned ro roll rs but I cant seem to actually control it lmfao.


r/autismUK 1d ago

Diagnosis: England 35 F awaiting assessment for Autism

3 Upvotes

Hello, I am awaiting my assessment for autism. I did a test with my GP and after that got a letter from the autism people to fill out a form with my parents. Can ask Dad, not Mum (she's not dead, just not friendly/victim mentality) then after I sent that back I got a letter to await my assessment which should be next year now 🤞

Anyway, I did the ADHD test too but according them. I'm not enough adhd to qualify? So I'm just wondering for those who have had the assessment if you get assessed for ADHD at the same time? Or if the assessor can pick up on ADHD traits?