• disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      11
      ·
      2 days ago

      Support groups and group therapy. Identifying with someone else’s experiences through your own relatable experiences is a reaffirming connection.

      It’s helped me a lot navigating the Autistic tendency to get lost in the mechanics of the story. Now I try to end my contribution with reconnection to the original experience, emphasizing the validation, and returning control of the conversation.

      • voracitude@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        7
        ·
        2 days ago

        Now I try to end my contribution with reconnection to the original experience, emphasizing the validation, and returning control of the conversation.

        This is something I’ve only just figured out how to do! I still need a lot of practice with it, my handoff is awkward and stilted and doesn’t always work, but I’m a little proud that I can still learn new coping mechanisms and strategies even at this comparatively later stage of my life.

        When did you learn this particular skill? Did you have guidance from someone close to you, or did you figure it out on your own?

        • disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          5
          ·
          edit-2
          2 days ago

          Group therapy. It’s very intimidating to start, since you’re joining a group of people that already know the ropes. It took a while for me to join in and share, but it didn’t matter. I personally learned far more from observation than sharing my personal experiences. I’m in my 40s, if that helps.

          • voracitude@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            5
            ·
            2 days ago

            Ah, dammit. I’ll see if I can find something around me. It’s hard to convince myself to go because of the group aspect; much easier to stay home where I won’t upset anyone accidentally. But it does sound like it would be helpful; I’m younger than you but not by much. Thank you again!

            • disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world
              link
              fedilink
              arrow-up
              4
              ·
              edit-2
              2 days ago

              No problem! I joined an online group I found through my insurance portal. You may be able to do the same through your insurance provider’s website.