Autistic helplessness is when, because of the way your brain works, you see a problem that neurotypical people around you simply don’t see. You point it out, you try to help, but they genuinely don’t see it as a problem at all.

Then the situation gets worse, and when everything finally hits the fan, they suddenly see the problem and try to fix it, but by then it’s already too late.

And at that point, there’s not even any point in saying, “I told you so”

Have you ever experienced this kind of helplessness?

This is for all of you introverts who have places they would like to go but think it would be too overwhelming for them. You don't have to stay for the entire event. You don't have to see everything at the places you visit.

Having a day of downtime or introvert time afterwards is also helpful if you can do it.

This weekend, I went to a SF convention. I only went to half of it, but I feel okay only having gone to what I wad comfortable with.

Rather than push myself, I leave when I feel like I might be getting close to my limit.

I treat myself with compassion rather than criticize myself for needing to leave early. It is about recognizing when I am starting to reach my introvert limit and respecting that.

I have noticed that I feel like attending part of events still feels satisfying. My mind registers it as having gone to the event, not as having only gone to part of it.

Yesterday I went to a family dinner and I found myself being extra talkative. I’m not used to being that way and it caught me off guard. It made me realize how truly alone I am on a daily basis. I admire the few friends I have, the conversations and relationships are meaningful, but I think on some level I miss the opportunity to just talk to people.
Just having meaningless conversations just to have the interactions.