It's very comforting to see that it's really not just me who feels this way. Some people really just seem unable to understand what it feels like for us. Routine isn't something we do for fun, it's what we do because we have to maintain the order somehow and the world is a damned chaotic place.

I really thought that after my official diagnosis, and then all the information given to us by the support groups, that maybe they would finally understand that and realise that unannounced visits and undecided lengths of stay would not be good for me. But it's like talking to a brick wall sometimes.

@Jimi, I'm really sorry to hear you're having such a big disruption with the work just now. That would drive me absolutely crazy. I think you're right though, I doubt even somebody not on the spectrum would be comfortable with that situation.

@H3rmit, yeah it's the house we grew up in and for the last 7 years it's just been myself and my mum living here as my dad passed away the same year my brother left for university.
I can understand it better when my mum is here, because he's still her son and she obviously wants to see him. But I've tried explaining to her that when she's away, I value the time to myself and relish every moment of it. Sadly, she's apparently unable to convey this to my brother and whenever I try it turns into a fight, which just leaves me feeling worse.

@Pandoren, That's usually how I handle similar situations, but it normally results in a fight which only makes me feel worse in the long run.

Thanks guys.