Aspie Support Group 3

So.... Remember I had mentioned that I wanted to join an Aspie Support Group in my city? and then I mentioned I was accepted into the group?

I went there last Saturday, and it was great! Not at all like I expected, of course. It is semi-structured, with a loose agenda. Each meeting opens with every member sharing some news, and then the agenda is covered (just a couple of items), then we are allowed to discuss any concerns or situations at greater length.

Group membership is evenly split between men and women, and the ages are between 25 and about 50,a nd about 7 to 15 people attend each time. My husband asked me if I was the highest-functioning person in the group, and I gave a (qualified) 'no'. Some of the people in the group are more socially well-adjusted than me. A couple of people really joke a lot and are quite gregarious and sociable in and out of the group. Sort of like me, but more so. And some people can drive, ride bikes, do athletics, etc., which I cannot do. Other people in the group are married like me or have long-term relationships. Also, someone else has the same level of education as me, or perhaps higher. Some members are proficient at eye contact as well.

However, I function quite well job-wise. Most of the people do temporary jobs (both unskilled and professional on-call positions) or don't work at all. I am sort of able to hold down a longer-term job.

Overall, the people are incredibly nice. I don't think I would be best friends with every single person, but I already really like the personalities of a couple of the individuals I met. Some members are less verbal, but I in some way I understand what they mean to say when they are talking or expressing themselves, in a way that I can't quite explain. I had that experience when I met a low-functioning autistic boy once, but I thought that was an anomaly. The leader is quite nice too, but unsurprisingly... I didn't connect as well with her as with the actual group members.

Once a month, there is also a social outing like a games night, bowling, movies, etc. It seems like fun!