South Shields McDonald's toilets being closed and I need a wee

That's not uncommon, either. My son clams up completely with strangers (once he knows you, he'll let you know exactly how he feels about something, in no uncertain terms!)

Does having a written list of things to do (including things to ask for) help you? If you clam up, you then have something to busy yourself with to cover your embarrassment and point to if the words really don't come.

No idea, never tried it.

Usually fine in places like Greggs but struggle in other situations where I have to ask things.

No idea, never tried it.

Usually fine in places like Greggs but struggle in other situations where I have to ask things.

Probably because you know what to ask for in Greggs - it's a transaction you're familiar with and you know what to expect from it. And if you don't feel like speaking, you can grab something from the fridge, hand over your cash and escape.

I bet Subway would be a different story!

(and for full disclosure, both of my boys have ASD and I have enough traits that, despite seeming articulate and together, I fall apart, some days and need to do no more than sit in my armchair, hiding behind my laptop. Sometimes the day starts full of promise and I'll set out for a leisurely kid-free morning in Durham, only dash around in 30 minutes flat and get straight home again, relieved to not have to speak to another person for several hours but safe in the knowledge that I now have enough of the correct flavour of M&S hot cross buns in the house to stave off early morning meltdowns over that particular matter for the next few days.)

Probably because you know what to ask for in Greggs - it's a transaction you're familiar with and you know what to expect from it. And if you don't feel like speaking, you can grab something from the fridge, hand over your cash and escape.

I bet Subway would be a different story!

(and for full disclosure, both of my boys have ASD and I have enough traits that, despite seeming articulate and together, I fall apart, some days and need to do no more than sit in my armchair, hiding behind my laptop. Sometimes the day starts full of promise and I'll set out for a leisurely kid-free morning in Durham, only dash around in 30 minutes flat and get straight home again, relieved to not have to speak to another person for several hours but safe in the knowledge that I now have enough of the correct flavour of M&S hot cross buns in the house to stave off early morning meltdowns over that particular matter for the next few days.)

I'm like that sometimes, just want to stay indoors forever, happy to be sitting on my computer, I have mental health problems, something similar to BPD...

In my case I have to go out everyday as I am on medication that requires me to goto Seaham everyday

I'm like that sometimes, just want to stay indoors forever, happy to be sitting on my computer, I have mental health problems, something similar to BPD...

In my case I have to go out everyday as I am on medication that requires me to goto Seaham everyday

Being obligated to go out is good in a way. I end up walking 3 miles a day in term time, to get my youngest to school and, even when the weather is dire (as it often is here - our village seems to have its own climate, as it's so high up) I feel better for it, even when my back's locked up and my knees burning. I sometimes wear my sunglasses and stare at my feet, though, to avoid seeing certain people who will want to talk at me for 10 minutes. I'm a solitary person, but love being outdoors. I found it easier to be solitary outdoors when I lived in Gateshead than in my village, where people seem to know my business before I do!

South Shields McDonald's toilets being closed and I need a wee

Just scrolling through the thread as it has been active today and that had just cracked me up

It's not that easy for me to ask for anything, my autism holds me back from doing so, it really is a problem for me with many things.

If anyone would go along with me I might do it but it's not going to happen if I'm on my own.

Me thinks we need to have a forum meet at some point so everyone can get to know everyone and then hopefully share experiences etc

Me thinks we need to have a forum meet at some point so everyone can get to know everyone and then hopefully share experiences etc

Trying to think of how many forum members I've met on my travels... Dan, Adrian, Jimmi, Adam Y, Adam, citaro5284, Lee, Bazza, mb134, I'm sure there are a few others but it's twenty past ten and I am tired. Sorry I find I missed you out. On my own tomorrow.

Me thinks we need to have a forum meet at some point so everyone can get to know everyone and then hopefully share experiences etc

That's a good idea...I would be up for that if someone wants to organise it

Me thinks we need to have a forum meet at some point so everyone can get to know everyone and then hopefully share experiences etc

I would love to meet more members of the forum in person but my autism prevents me from going over and talking to anyone but if people come over to me I am not so bad although I am a little nervous at first. Often seen some of you out and about but have been unable to go over and to you and it can really annoy me.

Not sure what you could do in place of your bus hobby...

I found something to interest me instead of buses, but it was a seed that was sewn a few years before because of this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8er83h9Bbn8 - basically as a fan of Transformers (plus Starscream being my favourite Transformer), I ended up watching that video.

Then when I was really down last October, I ended up watching a few episodes of My Little Pony and well became hooked. Ended up playing the card game that came with it too and also met my partner thanks to the show.

I would love to meet more members of the forum in person but my autism prevents me from going over and talking to anyone but if people come over to me I am not so bad although I am a little nervous at first. Often seen some of you out and about but have been unable to go over and to you and it can really annoy me.

Can be easier if your with someone, like last week when we spoke to that guy at Park Lane, I introduced us and you seemed fine, so being with someone would go a long way to helping you talk to people...I mean you did not say 3 words to me for at least 15 minutes lol, but we ended up having a laugh, I never expected you to know how to laugh [emoji14]

Seriously, joking aside, I would like to l think you could comfortable enough around me if I was introducing you to people or at least standing by to kinda help you...if that makes sense...

While I am not autistic myself, I know what it is like to feel uncomfortable I'm society, my own depression has led me to lose trust in people, I was bullied, nearly to death, at school, so sometimes found it hard to talk to people, in fact when I was 15, I only had 3 friends at School, and 3 friends who were bus drivers.

JUST REMEMBER THIS JIMMI...I CAN AND WILL HELP YOU OUT AND LOOK AFTER YOU WHEN THE CHANCE ARISES [THUMBS UP SIGN]

I found something to interest me instead of buses, but it was a seed that was sewn a few years before because of this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8er83h9Bbn8 - basically as a fan of Transformers (plus Starscream being my favourite Transformer), I ended up watching that video.

Then when I was really down last October, I ended up watching a few episodes of My Little Pony and well became hooked. Ended up playing the card game that came with it too and also met my partner thanks to the show.

My Little Pony...I remember that when I was a kid...My sister used to like it and I liked things He-Man and The Turtles, might look to My Little Pony or something like that myself and see if I can pull...sounds like it was a godsend, so to speak

My Little Pony...I remember that when I was a kid...My sister used to like it and I liked things He-Man and The Turtles, might look to My Little Pony or something like that myself and see if I can pull...sounds like it was a godsend, so to speak

The stuff I watch is Generation 4 which is what most Bronies watch, some are more daft to watch the earlier generations. (Shudders)

Well me and my boyfriend have been together 6 months now.

Also since playing the card game, I have done pretty well in tournaments. Managed 2nd a few times, plus I've managed to win one.

This is my tournament deck, though I do have 13 other decks of which 6 I plan to rebuild or deconstruct into new decks.

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=g...86x1-cn1x1

But it's not just about the show, the fandom is great. People make their own music, animations, comincs, drawings etc. One person even made their own episode (Double Rainboom). There is also 2 films (so far) where they end up humanized, so fans aren't keen on it, but a lot like it (including myself). And trust me, some aspect of it are no longer girly lol. The show even caused an offence because of one character.

Here are some examples....
Animated Short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnnpBlNEMtA
Music (including video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5U34RCgAWg (note this has 2 songs, and it's a bit dark)
Anaylsis videos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erFwoRWsbXY
Oh yeah, and the mane 6 are well go crazy at some point - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD2rV1CfQjo

Theres loads of stuff all over You Tube.

The stuff I watch is Generation 4 which is what most Bronies watch, some are more daft to watch the earlier generations. (Shudders)

Well me and my boyfriend have been together 6 months now.

Also since playing the card game, I have done pretty well in tournaments. Managed 2nd a few times, plus I've managed to win one.

This is my tournament deck, though I do have 13 other decks of which 6 I plan to rebuild or deconstruct into new decks.

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=g...86x1-cn1x1

But it's not just about the show, the fandom is great. People make their own music, animations, comincs, drawings etc. One person even made their own episode (Double Rainboom). There is also 2 films (so far) where they end up humanized, so fans aren't keen on it, but a lot like it (including myself). And trust me, some aspect of it are no longer girly lol. The show even caused an offence because of one character.

Here are some examples....
Animated Short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnnpBlNEMtA
Music (including video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5U34RCgAWg (note this has 2 songs, and it's a bit dark)
Anaylsis videos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erFwoRWsbXY
Oh yeah, and the mane 6 are well go crazy at some point - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD2rV1CfQjo

Theres loads of stuff all over You Tube.

All about meeting people you have something in common with...

I had a similar kind of thing going on about 15 years ago, when Metro Radio launched a message board back in 2000, a load of us built a little community out of it, and a good number of us used to meet up every few months at The Pitz at The Teams for a drink, we also put a 5-a-side team together to Play Metro Radios 5-a-side, the friendships that were built at the time was great, just a shame I don't see those guys and girls much anymore

Can be easier if your with someone, like last week when we spoke to that guy at Park Lane, I introduced us and you seemed fine, so being with someone would go a long way to helping you talk to people...I mean you did not say 3 words to me for at least 15 minutes lol, but we ended up having a laugh, I never expected you to know how to laugh [emoji14]

Seriously, joking aside, I would like to l think you could comfortable enough around me if I was introducing you to people or at least standing by to kinda help you...if that makes sense...

While I am not autistic myself, I know what it is like to feel uncomfortable I'm society, my own depression has led me to lose trust in people, I was bullied, nearly to death, at school, so sometimes found it hard to talk to people, in fact when I was 15, I only had 3 friends at School, and 3 friends who were bus drivers.

JUST REMEMBER THIS JIMMI...I CAN AND WILL HELP YOU OUT AND LOOK AFTER YOU WHEN THE CHANCE ARISES [THUMBS UP SIGN]

I was rather nervous when I first arrived at Dalton Park to meet you and I didn't say much at first but I said more as the day went on.

I didn't say much when we were talking to that other guy although you led much of that conversation and I said a few bits. When I arrived in Durham later on he was there but I couldn't say anything to him.

If I was to say go on an outing like I did with you last week with anyone providing they give some chat to me I am usually alright although sometimes I am a bit quiet, especially when I got the 685 back from Carlisle the other week with Dan where I don't think we spoke for around an hour on that journey.

All set for a jimmi day. Missed the 22, phone crashed then after being dropped off at Dalton park, had an animated discussion with the driver who was insistent that an adult & child explorer came to £26!

I'd like to think that the day can only get better

I was planning on abusing the facilities of a ''Cobalt Clipper'' B9TL (WiFi, plug sockets...) and I've been landed with 5247.

I was planning on abusing the facilities of a ''Cobalt Clipper'' B9TL (WiFi, plug sockets...) and I've been landed with 5247.

Should have waited 15 minutes - I know I certainly wouldn't have got on-board 5247 opposed to a B9 if I had a choice in the matter!

I was planning on abusing the facilities of a ''Cobalt Clipper'' B9TL (WiFi, plug sockets...) and I've been landed with 5247.

I was planning on abusing the facilities of a ''Cobalt Clipper'' B9TL (WiFi, plug sockets...) and I've been landed with 5247.

My bus that is advertised as having WiFi actually has it unlike your journey earlier but at least your bus was moving unlike mine, yes the X66 is presently stuck just outside Great Burden.

Can't help but feel I am wasting my life on this hobby. Why the hell do I feel the need to go to Peterlee on the off chance a IndiGo Solo SR might be here (there wasn't!).

Honestly don't know why I do this to myself.

i popped across to the industrial estate this morning at half8 and there was no solos there, I be popping over again at 9pm tonight to see if theres been any additions.

Screwed up my shot of 1920 on the 63 because of my stupid nervousness around other enthusiasts and me thinking the 63 turned left instead of right out of Middlesbrough Bus Station.

Bunch of gobby half drunk 50 and 60-somethings got on the x21 at Chester, wearing half a perfume counter between them. One complaining loudly about how annoying all the open windows were. I refrained from using my mum voice to explain to her how it was a two way street and to please use her indoor voice.

On the bus home now and looking forward to my armchair.

Lee asked me if I would come to Carlisle I didn't have enough money I get in after a day out and my parents said if I'd asked for the money annoyed is an understatement.

Bunch of gobby half drunk 50 and 60-somethings  got on the x21 at Chester, wearing half a perfume counter between them. One complaining loudly about how annoying all the open windows were. I refrained from using my mum voice to explain to her how it was a two way street and to please use her indoor voice.

On the bus home now and looking forward to my armchair.

Certainly a better (and probably more effective) approach than they'd have got from me. It's quick fire sarcastic answers or comebacks usually! 

Lee asked me if I would come to Carlisle I didn't have enough money I get in after a day out and my parents said if I'd asked for the money annoyed is an understatement.

I really need to get myself over Carlisle. I'm off for a few weeks in September, so I think I'll make two trips over there. Perhaps one by train and one by bus.

Certainly a better (and probably more effective) approach than they'd have got from me. It's quick fire sarcastic answers or comebacks usually! 

My son and I shared a few eyerolls and comments to each other. He was decidedly unimpressed. We could barely hear each other, mind. And we were both grumpy when we got home - I've had a stonking headache. He's been taking all his ire out on his brother (who has just committed the unforgivable act of taking a piece off his lego bus station)

We're going out by car, tomorrow. I refuse to deal with Sunday buses, anyhow.

We're going out by car, tomorrow. I refuse to deal with Sunday buses, anyhow.

Not a bad policy! I refuse to do anything on a Sunday too really, as I spend most of the day waiting around for buses that don't connect.

Trying to think of how many forum members I've met on my travels... Dan, Adrian, Jimmi, Adam Y, Adam, citaro5284, Lee, Bazza, mb134, I'm sure there are a few others but it's twenty past ten and I am tired. Sorry I find I missed you out. On my own tomorrow.

You forgot about the legend that is Geoff. His pseudonym on the forum escapes me though...

Screwed up my shot of 1920 on the 63 because of my stupid nervousness around other enthusiasts and me thinking the 63 turned left instead of right out of Middlesbrough Bus Station.

Nothing turns left out of the bus station now unless there is some disruption, planned or otherwise. Hope this helps (for next time...)

Nothing turns left out of the bus station now unless there is some disruption, planned or otherwise.

When I say left I mean at the traffic lights, for one moment thought it left the same way as the X66 would leave to head to Stockton rather than right at the lights.

Doesn't the 18 turn left out of the bus station? I may be wrong on that.