I stopped going to AA last year as I found it still a bit overwhelming (no thank you, kind stranger, I would not like to hold your hand whilst reciting the Serenity Prayer), but it was a great help in the beginning for putting my drinking into perspective. Totally get the ‘somewhere to be’ ritualistic elements of it tho - especially on the (very, very rare) times I went to fellowship hangs after at a café or whatevs. Still felt uncomfortable the whole time like, but that’s autism for ya. If you want any totally unqualified perspectives for your book, let me know!
You'll more than likely remember this. Back in school, I watched a certain sci fi show obsessively. When I was diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist asked me if I became fixated on things aa a youngster. When I mentioned that, he said the magic words 'coping mechanism.' I was using it as an escape from looking after mum and dad.
And I realised he was right. Now, I watch the odd episode (I have the DVDs) but I'm over the obsessive phase which is fortunately nearly 30 years in the rear view mirror.
Hi Barrie, I do remember! It was a big part of your identity back then and now I know a bit more about what you were going through it makes a lot of sense that you loved it so much. xox
I stopped going to AA last year as I found it still a bit overwhelming (no thank you, kind stranger, I would not like to hold your hand whilst reciting the Serenity Prayer), but it was a great help in the beginning for putting my drinking into perspective. Totally get the ‘somewhere to be’ ritualistic elements of it tho - especially on the (very, very rare) times I went to fellowship hangs after at a café or whatevs. Still felt uncomfortable the whole time like, but that’s autism for ya. If you want any totally unqualified perspectives for your book, let me know!
You'll more than likely remember this. Back in school, I watched a certain sci fi show obsessively. When I was diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist asked me if I became fixated on things aa a youngster. When I mentioned that, he said the magic words 'coping mechanism.' I was using it as an escape from looking after mum and dad.
And I realised he was right. Now, I watch the odd episode (I have the DVDs) but I'm over the obsessive phase which is fortunately nearly 30 years in the rear view mirror.
Hi Barrie, I do remember! It was a big part of your identity back then and now I know a bit more about what you were going through it makes a lot of sense that you loved it so much. xox
I just wish I had not been so full on at the time, but I think by the end of school I was starting to come out of my shell. Five years too late!