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OddPrincessPalace
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18 Apr 2023, 2:55 pm

Same, I’m so scared when my parents die because I feel like I’ll cease to function. I really resonate with your post. No friends, partner etc. bad social skills unable to do basic adult fountains feeling like I stagnated at age 5 all relatable



y-pod
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18 Apr 2023, 4:38 pm

You don't need to know about everything, just ask your smart phone whenever. :D Seriously, people are naturally not inclined to learn things if they don't have to. I was handed my family's finance when I was 16 and struggled to figure out everything. By 18 I was pretty much not afraid of any situation because I knew I could handle it. However after I was married I let my husband deal with all bills and finance and went back to being care-free. I still don't know much about the economy or stock exchange but figured if I need to I'll learn about them then.

It sounds like you have social anxiety rather than being dumb. I do agree pick one topic at a time and study it until you feel less anxious about it. Then practice it. I don't know what it's like where you live, but I thought people hardly need to do things in person any more. I went to the bank only twice in the last three years, and that's due to very special reasons.


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Emmett
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18 Apr 2023, 9:48 pm

About the hospital situation, and really any bank situation, if I don't know who I should be talking to or what to say, I walk up to someone behind a desk and say "I'm trying to X can you tell me who to talk to?" and I keep doing that until I get someone that can get me closer to what I need.

As for getting lost in a hospital, don't feel bad. I work at a hospital and it took me a good two weeks before I understood the layout. The workers will tell people "Oh it's right next to cardiology, just go over there." Why would someone know where cardiology is? That little rant is just to say, hospitals are horrible to navigate. So here's what you do, whenever you're lost, walk up to someone with a badge and ask for directions. If you're better with maps, ask if they can show you on one or draw you one. If they say they're busy, ask for someone that isn't.

It's a lot of repetition, and that can be frustrating, but it gets me through. I was totally lost looking for shuttle busses in the Georgia air port. I just used the above "ask different people repeatedly" method and I eventually and with a lot of frustration, made it through.



Dan_Undiagnosed
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19 Apr 2023, 6:39 pm

As others have pointed out, you've already taken the first step. You've identified weak spots. Just turn that into a more formal list of things you need to understand more.
Step 2, depending on where you live I'm sure there are websites, even YouTube videos that can walk you through the basics as you take notes. No one is born knowing how to navigate bureaucracies and not everybody instantly masters life administration. Even a lot of neurotypical people can fall at this hurdle.
Also, talking about ending it all if you can't reach a "normal" level of social ability is very unwise and unhealthy self-talk. Do you honestly believe that others on this website are functioning at normal levels of social ability? You need to separate the two. Learning better social skills is just another thing to add to your list and has no bearing on whether or not you can talk to someone on the phone about delaying a bill payment or organising a doctor visit etc.
There's also no shortage of YouTube content that will help you practice social skills. One of the bravest and most helpful things you can do is take notes and then step out and practice making a single line of small talk with a stranger when you purchase something (someone that already has a reason for engaging with you, not just some random person you've walked up to). And don't worry about saying something dumb. Again, even NTs talk about laying awake at night kicking the blankets in frustration at something awkward they've done or said.



colliegrace
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19 Apr 2023, 7:38 pm

Oh hey, I just remembered a bout a super helpful tumblr post on support needs and necessary skills!
Linky, but I will also copypaste some of it:
https://www.tumblr.com/executivefucktio ... urce=share

Quote:
BADLs include six skills typically needed to manage basic physical needs:
Bathing and showering: Bathing self completely, or requiring assistance with only one area of the body, including hair and skin and oral care (note: I think shaving your body is included here too because "hair")
Continence: Having complete control of bowels and bladder
Dressing: Including selecting appropriate clothes and outerwear and donning them independently, including fasteners
Functional mobility: Including walking or transferring from one place to another, specifically in and out of a bed or chair (note: this, and from room to room or general orientation within your own home. Climbing stairs is included here too.)
Self-feeding (not meal preparation): Moving food from plate to mouth or having the ability to chew and swallow
Toileting: Including getting on/off the toilet and cleaning oneself


IADLs are more complex activities required for independent living:
Cleaning and housekeeping: Including maintenance and other home care chores
Laundry
Managing money
Medication management: Taking prescribed medications
Preparing meals: Including food preparation
Shopping: For groceries and other necessities
Transportation: Including changing residences and moving
Using communication devices: Including the computer or telephone (note: this is for elderly people especially)


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ASD level 1 & ADHD-C (professional dx), dyscalcula (self dx), very severe RSD.
Currently in early stages of recovering from autistic burnout.

RAADs: 104 | ASQ: 30 | CAT-Q: 139 | Aspie Quiz: 116/200 (84% probability of being atypical)