There were several reasons why I detested secondary school. The bullying was just a part of it but it was the teachers.
I was told the following.
1. Mr Burge can you come out to the front of the classroom and inform the class that you cheated on your art assignment and why should the class be marked down because of you?
2. Received 2% out of 20% for a Geography Assignment on the Sydney basin and despite my parents intervening teacher still criticised me and said how dense I was and why I should be destined for the scrap heap
3. Constant criticism for believing I had ability to go onto senior level grades 11 and 12 and that I had no brains.
It has been difficult to move on in some ways because the 5 years of having to endure this crap meant that it emotionally effected my confidence levels.
I really needed to write a book which I did to talk about how my situation affected me and I feel somewhat better for having done so
The positives now are that
I was able to find employment
Live life to the best of my ability and accept what I have and who I am
Go onto university and battle through to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Politics and Sociology
Having wonderful friends and some on the Autism Spectrum who are great people and provide friendship and support.
I hope that schooling changes and support and early intervention happens for children as believe me the experiences I endured just do not help when you reach adulthood.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Getting your message across
It can often be very difficult at times to get your message across to people and to also defend yourself in times of difficult. Wrestling with anxiety, stronger personalities and how the other person may respond can often be very distressing. This is just not people on the Autism Spectrum but for all people in general.
As an advocate of Asperger Syndrome, I often cannot understand why I need to follow some kind of framework or adopt some professional approach when enlightening people about having Asperger Syndrome. Can I not just be myself. I am not always going to please everyone in how I get my message across and my verbal delivery is one such example. I believe in not beating around the bush and telling things as they are which people can often find difficult to handle.
Some adults on the Autism Spectrum do very well at selling speeches and being good public speakers and this is a rare gift that it is owed to them and which they deserve. I don't compare myself to other adults but rather I am thankful to them in areas I am not really good at. As adults on the Autism Spectrum we all have our own attributes and we can be thankful that some adults excel in some areas and others in other areas.
I would like people to read and visit Arman's blog by double clicking in the Title Post of this blog. Arman has a lot to say and he is doing a great job in getting the message out there about Autism. Please take the time to visit his blog and be enlightened by the good work he does.
As an advocate of Asperger Syndrome, I often cannot understand why I need to follow some kind of framework or adopt some professional approach when enlightening people about having Asperger Syndrome. Can I not just be myself. I am not always going to please everyone in how I get my message across and my verbal delivery is one such example. I believe in not beating around the bush and telling things as they are which people can often find difficult to handle.
Some adults on the Autism Spectrum do very well at selling speeches and being good public speakers and this is a rare gift that it is owed to them and which they deserve. I don't compare myself to other adults but rather I am thankful to them in areas I am not really good at. As adults on the Autism Spectrum we all have our own attributes and we can be thankful that some adults excel in some areas and others in other areas.
I would like people to read and visit Arman's blog by double clicking in the Title Post of this blog. Arman has a lot to say and he is doing a great job in getting the message out there about Autism. Please take the time to visit his blog and be enlightened by the good work he does.
Crying for help when the world is cold
As I often experience higher levels of anxiety than most people around me, it can be difficult to always know exactly how to ask for help. A few years ago I was advised by a family friend to go bike riding. This he believed would assist me to get some exercise and help get me out of the house. He was even so kind to give me his son's bicycle which I rode around the streets.
This bike unfortunately had a short life and I decided to purchase an 18 Speed Malvern Star. I used to ride bicycles all of my life and was quick to realise the balance required in order to have the fun and enjoyment with bike riding. To cut a long story short, I was riding a long the road one time and this car was encroaching on my space. To avoid the car and traveling very fast, I tried to avoid the car and mounted a driveway entrance. I thought I knew what I was doing but little did I realise that I was to encounter a serious accident. Suddenly I hit the driveway entrance and I remember going over the front of the handle bars, and landing on the cement pedestrian path beside the road. I saw a piece out of my leg, my right wrist hurt and I could see blood on my shirt and dripping on the pathway. My immediate reaction was to rescue my bike which remained unscathed. As blood dripped from my chin and leaving red spots a long the ground, I was scared and alarmed at what happened to me. Nobody helped me, as I walked into the nearby shopping centre, people stared at me, and offered no help or comfort. I continued to walk and I walked into the MP's electorate office and said I need help! Luckily there was a Doctor's Surgery and my chin was sewed up, my wrist bound and my knee covered and cleaned. My father was called and he came down to take me back home. I was working at a library at the time as a volunteer and I continued to devote my service and more importantly try to get on with life as best I could. When I drove the car in Brisbane, a man abused me and said you should be off the road you d-head! I think you know the words I mean?!
When I went through depression which was more so heightened levels of anxiety. I didn't know what to do. I was scared of the levels being so high that there was no escape. Who could I turn to and who could understand me? I ended up going to the Doctor's Surgery to be prescribed Cipramil to lower my anxiety levels. I just wondered what was the point of life and why should I bother getting up when I knew I was unemployable and didn't know what my purpose to life was and what I should be doing.
Often dealing with Doctors can be very anxiety provoking. Often I think the worst. My recent slip on the driveway was an exercise in thinking and assuming the worst. My arm was in pain. Would it need to be amputated if circulation stopped? I just have to think to myself that everything is not so drastic. I don't know why Brisbane can be so cold at times with people and their reactions. I remember an elderly friend telling me after he was bashed on his driveway that despite being 83 nobody helped him as he tried to stagger to his feet again. I really wonder what is happening in the world and why people can be so cold.
This bike unfortunately had a short life and I decided to purchase an 18 Speed Malvern Star. I used to ride bicycles all of my life and was quick to realise the balance required in order to have the fun and enjoyment with bike riding. To cut a long story short, I was riding a long the road one time and this car was encroaching on my space. To avoid the car and traveling very fast, I tried to avoid the car and mounted a driveway entrance. I thought I knew what I was doing but little did I realise that I was to encounter a serious accident. Suddenly I hit the driveway entrance and I remember going over the front of the handle bars, and landing on the cement pedestrian path beside the road. I saw a piece out of my leg, my right wrist hurt and I could see blood on my shirt and dripping on the pathway. My immediate reaction was to rescue my bike which remained unscathed. As blood dripped from my chin and leaving red spots a long the ground, I was scared and alarmed at what happened to me. Nobody helped me, as I walked into the nearby shopping centre, people stared at me, and offered no help or comfort. I continued to walk and I walked into the MP's electorate office and said I need help! Luckily there was a Doctor's Surgery and my chin was sewed up, my wrist bound and my knee covered and cleaned. My father was called and he came down to take me back home. I was working at a library at the time as a volunteer and I continued to devote my service and more importantly try to get on with life as best I could. When I drove the car in Brisbane, a man abused me and said you should be off the road you d-head! I think you know the words I mean?!
When I went through depression which was more so heightened levels of anxiety. I didn't know what to do. I was scared of the levels being so high that there was no escape. Who could I turn to and who could understand me? I ended up going to the Doctor's Surgery to be prescribed Cipramil to lower my anxiety levels. I just wondered what was the point of life and why should I bother getting up when I knew I was unemployable and didn't know what my purpose to life was and what I should be doing.
Often dealing with Doctors can be very anxiety provoking. Often I think the worst. My recent slip on the driveway was an exercise in thinking and assuming the worst. My arm was in pain. Would it need to be amputated if circulation stopped? I just have to think to myself that everything is not so drastic. I don't know why Brisbane can be so cold at times with people and their reactions. I remember an elderly friend telling me after he was bashed on his driveway that despite being 83 nobody helped him as he tried to stagger to his feet again. I really wonder what is happening in the world and why people can be so cold.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Something needs to be done in Australia
As an Asperger Syndrome Advocate I hear from people constantly about how a family member, son, friend or person they know is affected by Asperger Syndrome. It is my hope and out of my own interest that I am able to meet with Cheryl Gillan MP who passed the Autism Bill in the United Kingdom in 2009. Although I am one person and perhaps my intention is largely impossible. It would be my hope to know personally what the Autism Bill has done and what services are provided to persons on the Autism Spectrum.
I have written to Cheryl Gillan MP in the hope that while in the United Kingdom in June of this year that I may be able to meet with her. I also believe that emphasis should be placed on the pioneering efforts of Autism Works. Both Chris Mitchell and Peter MacDonald are putting a great deal of time and effort into the hope of employing adults on the Autism Spectrum. Chris especially has done a great deal of advocacy in the United Kingdom as I have tried to in Australia, and we need to wish him and Peter well as they move forward with their good work.
I talk to families who are at breaking point and Asperger adults who want a job and simply cannot get one. I feel it is my calling to try and help them where possible. I can only try my best and this is all I can do. I will write more updates later but this is just some news for now.
I have written to Cheryl Gillan MP in the hope that while in the United Kingdom in June of this year that I may be able to meet with her. I also believe that emphasis should be placed on the pioneering efforts of Autism Works. Both Chris Mitchell and Peter MacDonald are putting a great deal of time and effort into the hope of employing adults on the Autism Spectrum. Chris especially has done a great deal of advocacy in the United Kingdom as I have tried to in Australia, and we need to wish him and Peter well as they move forward with their good work.
I talk to families who are at breaking point and Asperger adults who want a job and simply cannot get one. I feel it is my calling to try and help them where possible. I can only try my best and this is all I can do. I will write more updates later but this is just some news for now.
How I interpret the world
I have always had an interest in Philosophy and Psychology. I used to sometimes think that I existed in some kind of virtual world and that everything around me was just a figment of my imagination. There was a theory when I studied at university known as the "Brain in the Vat Theory". This was the belief that the world existed around a person in a philosophical sense and that it was stimulated somehow to give thoughts and feelings. Rene Descartes was also discussed with his "I think therefore I am" theory.
I find navigating the social world extremely challenging at times. People don't always say what they mean and more importantly I cannot make sense of what institutions and bureaucracy exist when all it does is make things just about impossible.
I have found as an Aspie that I can connect with animals and I cannot understand why people can be cruel to animals and often hurt or injure them without having any remorse. For instance animals being harmed or injured when they are defenseless and not able to defend themselves. A famous Aspie who relates to animals is Dr Temple Grandin. She believes she is able to communicate to horses and livestock and a link to her youtube video can be found again by double clicking on the title of this very post. Surely attacking animals is an act which should be condemned and punished to the full extent of the law?
I would really like to see more inclusion of Autism and not this avoidance and ignorance that continues. I think it is great in nursing homes and other centres that cats and dogs are brought in to cheer the lives up of the elderly or the sick. Animals can calm people and people can calm them. Why then does cruelty exist and surely it has to stop?!
I find navigating the social world extremely challenging at times. People don't always say what they mean and more importantly I cannot make sense of what institutions and bureaucracy exist when all it does is make things just about impossible.
I have found as an Aspie that I can connect with animals and I cannot understand why people can be cruel to animals and often hurt or injure them without having any remorse. For instance animals being harmed or injured when they are defenseless and not able to defend themselves. A famous Aspie who relates to animals is Dr Temple Grandin. She believes she is able to communicate to horses and livestock and a link to her youtube video can be found again by double clicking on the title of this very post. Surely attacking animals is an act which should be condemned and punished to the full extent of the law?
I would really like to see more inclusion of Autism and not this avoidance and ignorance that continues. I think it is great in nursing homes and other centres that cats and dogs are brought in to cheer the lives up of the elderly or the sick. Animals can calm people and people can calm them. Why then does cruelty exist and surely it has to stop?!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Reading and assimilating Information
One of the challenges I have on the Autism Spectrum is being able to read large chunks of information and to process information. I often find if I am asked to summarise or read something quickly that I actually have to read the document several times in order to make sense of it. I find I am better with numbers in terms of balancing figures but when it comes to reading or researching for university or other study, I just find it almost impossible and I get overwhelmed easily.
The conventions that exist within society are often hard to fathom or process and I often fail to get the help necessary to assist me with some levels and areas of executive function. When for instance should information be disclosed or kept in confidence or how should I approach a person at work who may be on the phone or dealing with a customer if I need direction in terms of job tasks etc?
Adults with Autism having coping strategies with assimilating information and some like me find it difficult to process fiction. It depends on the individual concerned.
Within the school system there needs to be strategies implemented to assist with learning difficulties and information assimilation. Some adults may be willing to provide support and assistance and they should be encouraged to do so where required. Early intervention and support is crucial I believe.
The conventions that exist within society are often hard to fathom or process and I often fail to get the help necessary to assist me with some levels and areas of executive function. When for instance should information be disclosed or kept in confidence or how should I approach a person at work who may be on the phone or dealing with a customer if I need direction in terms of job tasks etc?
Adults with Autism having coping strategies with assimilating information and some like me find it difficult to process fiction. It depends on the individual concerned.
Within the school system there needs to be strategies implemented to assist with learning difficulties and information assimilation. Some adults may be willing to provide support and assistance and they should be encouraged to do so where required. Early intervention and support is crucial I believe.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Failure to nurture the special interest in persons on the Autism Spectrum
From personal experience I believe that early intervention and support is crucial within the early years of a person with Autism. Failure to recognise and build upon the special interest causes the Asperger person to feel at a loss later in life and to encounter low self esteem issues. In my own case, the school system, especially high school failed to build upon my own strengths and abilities. What I have encountered is that in adulthood, I have not found what I am good at in a career sense.
I believe that perhaps low self esteem is due to a result of the person with Autism feeling that they are not good at anything and perhaps a sense of feeling unconnected to the world around them. Again I cannot speak for all adults.
In my own case I was criticized for the way I thought when I was younger. My special interests were considered odd and being eccentric was simply something not to be tolerated in conservative and controlled Queensland. As a society we need to build upon a person's special interest more so than try and compress or eliminated it. Perhaps for adults they feel wounded as we cannot understand why people don't always think and become embraced with the interests we feel most passionate about.
I am constantly having to re-invent the way I think and I have come to accept that trying to undertake and follow expectations is just depressing. My thought process seems to fail in that I see the means of building up or working towards goals is perhaps unrealistic or unconventional. It is hard when you have a mind that is literal and responds to routine more so than unpredictability. I just realise that I have this condition and make the most of life where I can. Hopefully early intervention will become more of a reality and acceptance part of a community. We can only live in hope.
I believe that perhaps low self esteem is due to a result of the person with Autism feeling that they are not good at anything and perhaps a sense of feeling unconnected to the world around them. Again I cannot speak for all adults.
In my own case I was criticized for the way I thought when I was younger. My special interests were considered odd and being eccentric was simply something not to be tolerated in conservative and controlled Queensland. As a society we need to build upon a person's special interest more so than try and compress or eliminated it. Perhaps for adults they feel wounded as we cannot understand why people don't always think and become embraced with the interests we feel most passionate about.
I am constantly having to re-invent the way I think and I have come to accept that trying to undertake and follow expectations is just depressing. My thought process seems to fail in that I see the means of building up or working towards goals is perhaps unrealistic or unconventional. It is hard when you have a mind that is literal and responds to routine more so than unpredictability. I just realise that I have this condition and make the most of life where I can. Hopefully early intervention will become more of a reality and acceptance part of a community. We can only live in hope.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Autism Spectrum and the floods
I was asked at a Flood Relief Centre yesterday. As an adult with Asperger Syndrome who were you affected by the floods?
To answer this question I need to be very thorough in my response. In a time of crisis which was experienced over the last week I felt very anxious. As my parent's home was cut off by flood waters, I was anxious about being evacuated. Also the rising flood waters made think what if I could not get out of the house or the car was flooded? What also about sewage etc? I wondered if I would have had somewhere to go should I need to be evacuated and thought of the only option was to sleep on the floor of the church if it was opened on a doona with a pillow. I was in contact with other adults with Asperger Syndrome and some of them were very anxious. They were concerned about being stuck in the house and having a preference for social isolation and an inability to deal with people, this was a serious concern. As a person with Asperger Syndrome has difficulty with executive function the simple issue of being able to evacuate was an anxiety provoking experience. Some adults thought it best to stay in their house because being asked to leave would leave them in the difficult situation of not knowing where to go and being removed from their physical surrounds. I was anxious myself because I could hear helicopters, also other people providing over cautious comments about rising flood waters and a feeling of being alone. It was a very scary time and for everyone not just a person with Asperger Syndrome.
I felt reassurance when I spoke to some people at the Flood Relief Centre about the needs of a person with Asperger Syndrome. I explained how some adults become especially anxious and distressed when their routines are broken. All I can do was to provide information on my website. As I sat in the house, I watched the unfolding news stories and felt Premier Anna Bligh was doing a great job in providing information as well as Campbell Newman. It was good that politics was put aside and both people worked hard to assist in raising awareness. I also was anxious when power was lost as I could not watch tv to see flood reports and obtain vital information. Also with no power I was anxious about food supplies and refrigeration etc. I will provide more posts later on this but for now I need to get my life on track again and raise awareness of the Autism Spectrum where I can. I also contacted Dr Tony Attwood's Office yesterday.
To answer this question I need to be very thorough in my response. In a time of crisis which was experienced over the last week I felt very anxious. As my parent's home was cut off by flood waters, I was anxious about being evacuated. Also the rising flood waters made think what if I could not get out of the house or the car was flooded? What also about sewage etc? I wondered if I would have had somewhere to go should I need to be evacuated and thought of the only option was to sleep on the floor of the church if it was opened on a doona with a pillow. I was in contact with other adults with Asperger Syndrome and some of them were very anxious. They were concerned about being stuck in the house and having a preference for social isolation and an inability to deal with people, this was a serious concern. As a person with Asperger Syndrome has difficulty with executive function the simple issue of being able to evacuate was an anxiety provoking experience. Some adults thought it best to stay in their house because being asked to leave would leave them in the difficult situation of not knowing where to go and being removed from their physical surrounds. I was anxious myself because I could hear helicopters, also other people providing over cautious comments about rising flood waters and a feeling of being alone. It was a very scary time and for everyone not just a person with Asperger Syndrome.
I felt reassurance when I spoke to some people at the Flood Relief Centre about the needs of a person with Asperger Syndrome. I explained how some adults become especially anxious and distressed when their routines are broken. All I can do was to provide information on my website. As I sat in the house, I watched the unfolding news stories and felt Premier Anna Bligh was doing a great job in providing information as well as Campbell Newman. It was good that politics was put aside and both people worked hard to assist in raising awareness. I also was anxious when power was lost as I could not watch tv to see flood reports and obtain vital information. Also with no power I was anxious about food supplies and refrigeration etc. I will provide more posts later on this but for now I need to get my life on track again and raise awareness of the Autism Spectrum where I can. I also contacted Dr Tony Attwood's Office yesterday.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Aspies and strong personalities
As a person on the Autism Spectrum I find strong personalities are difficult to handle. In both employment and in social situations, a strong personality triggers anxiety. This is because I find that I have to constantly approach when I have to the person with the strong personality and feel extreme anxiety when trying to stand up for myself or something which may affect me personally. Living arrangements can be especially difficult when you may be required to share a house or perhaps work in a work environment. The person with the stronger personalities makes you feel as follows
1. Anxious and stressed
2. Affects sleep patterns because your mind worries about dealing with the person
3. A feeling of being bullied or intimidated
4. Anxious about when the other person may encroach or interfere with your personal space and boundaries
5. Feeling anxious about the person's response when you try and stand up to them
I have endured stronger personalities in my own life and I have virtually felt stressed, anxious and worn out. My life style is also affected and if the behaviour exists in a work environment it may cause me to take days off sick or finding ways to avoid the person altogether. Shared accommodation is also difficult as the person may interfere with stress, anxiety and sleep levels. For instance the person may play music or want to socialise at 12am at night and the person with Asperger Syndrome may feel stressed about approaching the person and standing up for their rights to ensure our own personal space is protected. I find personally that having Asperger Syndrome and dealing with stronger personalities just do not mix. I have been so stressed and anxious that my quality of life is personally affected.
1. Anxious and stressed
2. Affects sleep patterns because your mind worries about dealing with the person
3. A feeling of being bullied or intimidated
4. Anxious about when the other person may encroach or interfere with your personal space and boundaries
5. Feeling anxious about the person's response when you try and stand up to them
I have endured stronger personalities in my own life and I have virtually felt stressed, anxious and worn out. My life style is also affected and if the behaviour exists in a work environment it may cause me to take days off sick or finding ways to avoid the person altogether. Shared accommodation is also difficult as the person may interfere with stress, anxiety and sleep levels. For instance the person may play music or want to socialise at 12am at night and the person with Asperger Syndrome may feel stressed about approaching the person and standing up for their rights to ensure our own personal space is protected. I find personally that having Asperger Syndrome and dealing with stronger personalities just do not mix. I have been so stressed and anxious that my quality of life is personally affected.
The Country Church
The Country Church by Garry N Burge
In and out you hear the foot steps of time
Some have traveled different journeys and others painful ones
Numbers have come and gone
Some have endured struggles and others bliss
In thy heart do I seek comfort
Despite the toils of ignorance and comfort do we together dwell
God's voice all but be one
I standith pointing to the sky
Despite the many forces thrust upon me and time that has come and gone
I have witnessed the new, the bond of matrimony and the transition into eternity
How humble I stand upon thee
I draw you to comfort within my very heart but some do not sense the comfort
In all times I stand strong and exist within every city and town
In times of crisis or distress you may enter my repository
However I may stand alone
Forever I remain a structure that abounds
In and out you hear the foot steps of time
Some have traveled different journeys and others painful ones
Numbers have come and gone
Some have endured struggles and others bliss
In thy heart do I seek comfort
Despite the toils of ignorance and comfort do we together dwell
God's voice all but be one
I standith pointing to the sky
Despite the many forces thrust upon me and time that has come and gone
I have witnessed the new, the bond of matrimony and the transition into eternity
How humble I stand upon thee
I draw you to comfort within my very heart but some do not sense the comfort
In all times I stand strong and exist within every city and town
In times of crisis or distress you may enter my repository
However I may stand alone
Forever I remain a structure that abounds
Friday, January 14, 2011
Dealing with a natural disaster
In Brisbane the last week has been like a warzone. With the encroaching floods, people have had their lives seriously threatened by water which has been rapidly rising and seriously infringing upon and endangering people's lives. Despite the hardship, what I have noticed is the growing sense of community and support from among people. I have walked around the neighbourhood and seen at first hand the devastation of the flood. Submerged houses, cars under water and people anxious, in distress or close to tears if they had not already broken down. I have also heard fire engines and helicopters circling around in the skies and dealt with the anxiety myself of not knowing whether water was to go under the house which I am currently house sitting.
The flood did strike a chord of pain with my brother's house which had the lower floor flooded. On visiting his house yesterday, brown mud could be seen on the floors and on some of the furniture which could not be moved. Nearby streets were under brown water and some people were getting about in boats or in bare feet. For the last few days I have found it almost impossible to sleep as I felt on alert should I need to evacuate myself. Things were really scary. I have been impressed by both Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Lord Mayor Campbell Newman who assumed a very important and critical function of controlling a community in bedlam and needing hope. I thought to myself how Atlanta felt when General Sherman invaded it and how people were forced to evacuate after a city had been attacked. However this was not a human attack but an attack from nature.
In these very turbulent times we must not become complacent as this is still the wet season and we cannot predict what perils mother nature may inflict upon us. We just have to hope that things will improve and get better soon. We need your prayers and support from no matter where you are in the world at this very difficult time. Should you wish to support the flood appeal please visit the link above by again double clicking on the title. Any support would be appreciated.
The flood did strike a chord of pain with my brother's house which had the lower floor flooded. On visiting his house yesterday, brown mud could be seen on the floors and on some of the furniture which could not be moved. Nearby streets were under brown water and some people were getting about in boats or in bare feet. For the last few days I have found it almost impossible to sleep as I felt on alert should I need to evacuate myself. Things were really scary. I have been impressed by both Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Lord Mayor Campbell Newman who assumed a very important and critical function of controlling a community in bedlam and needing hope. I thought to myself how Atlanta felt when General Sherman invaded it and how people were forced to evacuate after a city had been attacked. However this was not a human attack but an attack from nature.
In these very turbulent times we must not become complacent as this is still the wet season and we cannot predict what perils mother nature may inflict upon us. We just have to hope that things will improve and get better soon. We need your prayers and support from no matter where you are in the world at this very difficult time. Should you wish to support the flood appeal please visit the link above by again double clicking on the title. Any support would be appreciated.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Thoughts of the day
As I write this blog, I am surrounded by maddening weather. It has been raining non stop in Brisbane and Queensland now since Christmas Eve. It is heart breaking to see how devastating these floods actually are. The town of Rockhampton has been almost washed out and yet the rain does not let up. Imagine having the unfortunate situation of being waste deep in water and seeing the contents of your house wrecked by continual and prolonged rain? Well this is a reality and I wonder what is happening in the world? I believe weather patterns are being affected by changes to climate and I believe worst is to come. Just think about how maddening it is with rain continually pouring down and no means of escaping it. Roads are closed, airports are shut down and people are displaced. Just imagine if the happens on a world wide scale. We have seen heavy snow now in the United Kingdom and in the United States and flooding in Queensland and the rain just not stop. More importantly weird weather patterns seem to be influencing the planet and what will be yet to come?
I just cannot understand what is happening to the world around me and I dislike the part of myself that never feels satisfied in life and not grateful in the world around me. I believe western society is seriously flawed and if we do not do something about changes our lives and being responsible for our own actions, we are going to seriously be in trouble.
Disturbed weather patterns are serious as they are now here in Queensland. Major town are being evacuated and people displaced. Not to mention business that are losing trading hours with every day passing by due to this incessant rain. Will these towns ever recover and will this rain ever stop!? It is like a form of punishment which is inescapable and the flooding leaves people with no choice but to relocate to other centres and putting a strain on support bases. If the rain continues, Brisbane is going to seriously be flooded itself. Communities will be cut off from other areas with roads not passable and airports closed down. The problem is more serious than you think. With displaced people, food shortages become a problem and not to mention the essential needs of hospital services and other important requirements. If Brisbane is to become flooded a population of approximately 2 million people will be affected and how will the city be serviced and how will people get by in their lives?
I believe global warming is a reality and the globe is out of whack due to disturbed weather patterns. We have already seen snow falls in the UK and the North America and now the floods in Australia. What is yet to come and how will people be prepared for it? It is a very serious issue and humanity is at the mercy of the forces of nature.
I just cannot understand what is happening to the world around me and I dislike the part of myself that never feels satisfied in life and not grateful in the world around me. I believe western society is seriously flawed and if we do not do something about changes our lives and being responsible for our own actions, we are going to seriously be in trouble.
Disturbed weather patterns are serious as they are now here in Queensland. Major town are being evacuated and people displaced. Not to mention business that are losing trading hours with every day passing by due to this incessant rain. Will these towns ever recover and will this rain ever stop!? It is like a form of punishment which is inescapable and the flooding leaves people with no choice but to relocate to other centres and putting a strain on support bases. If the rain continues, Brisbane is going to seriously be flooded itself. Communities will be cut off from other areas with roads not passable and airports closed down. The problem is more serious than you think. With displaced people, food shortages become a problem and not to mention the essential needs of hospital services and other important requirements. If Brisbane is to become flooded a population of approximately 2 million people will be affected and how will the city be serviced and how will people get by in their lives?
I believe global warming is a reality and the globe is out of whack due to disturbed weather patterns. We have already seen snow falls in the UK and the North America and now the floods in Australia. What is yet to come and how will people be prepared for it? It is a very serious issue and humanity is at the mercy of the forces of nature.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Early intervention something must be done
Constantly I hear that in Australian schools that little or nothing is being done in terms of early intervention of the Autism Spectrum. What is essential is that something must be done, and action is required urgently. In my own life, the school system failed me and caused a great deal of damage. This was because I was both bullied and teased. Furthermore, I was doubted and written off by a system which failed to provide support and a means of nurturing my strengths and working on overcoming my weaknesses.
It seriously concerns me that within schools little or nothing is being done. I have recently been in contact with Education Queensland and the Department of Employment Education and Training within Australia. I have also written a book about my own experiences and the way the school system let me down in terms of finding a career path or understanding my means of learning.
I believe I have the means to speak more in the community and within education systems. I have been in contact with a friend who has kindly offered for me to speak at his church about how the Autism Spectrum affects an adult. I am trying to do the best I can with as much support as possible.
I ask you to think about and wonder how why it is important to undertake early intervention within the school system. Something needs to be done and fast!
It seriously concerns me that within schools little or nothing is being done. I have recently been in contact with Education Queensland and the Department of Employment Education and Training within Australia. I have also written a book about my own experiences and the way the school system let me down in terms of finding a career path or understanding my means of learning.
I believe I have the means to speak more in the community and within education systems. I have been in contact with a friend who has kindly offered for me to speak at his church about how the Autism Spectrum affects an adult. I am trying to do the best I can with as much support as possible.
I ask you to think about and wonder how why it is important to undertake early intervention within the school system. Something needs to be done and fast!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Making Australia Green!
Surely with this continual rain that the South East Queensland Region is getting that the environment is either sending us a warning or reacting to environmental instability? What therefore can be done in Australia to lead the way in making the country greener and a leader of natural energy?
As I write this post there are probably engineers and environmentalists around who would say that what I suggest would be impossible and too difficult. Well here goes
Australia is comprised of a lot of useless land in its interior which can not support settlement so why not turn this land into solar energy farms? Surely the land could generate enough solar power to support Australian cities and towns and with a population of 23 million, could this not be possible? Furthermore with the rain, the dams are overflowing and cannot infrastructure be built to divert the water inland and perhaps even a pipeline up and down the east coast to distribute water to replenish water to dams a long the eastern seaboard that have insufficient water? Would it be better to use this water rather than let it be wasted by going out to sea?
Australia could do a lot more to be a greener country and solar power could do away with coal burning power stations and more importantly electric cars which harness the energy from the sun would significantly reduce the burning of fossil fuels going into the atmosphere? Perhaps I may only be dreaming but surely key persons can put their heads together and think of something? What do you think of the idea of solar farms and diverting water inland? Do you think it is possible and can be done?
As I write this post there are probably engineers and environmentalists around who would say that what I suggest would be impossible and too difficult. Well here goes
Australia is comprised of a lot of useless land in its interior which can not support settlement so why not turn this land into solar energy farms? Surely the land could generate enough solar power to support Australian cities and towns and with a population of 23 million, could this not be possible? Furthermore with the rain, the dams are overflowing and cannot infrastructure be built to divert the water inland and perhaps even a pipeline up and down the east coast to distribute water to replenish water to dams a long the eastern seaboard that have insufficient water? Would it be better to use this water rather than let it be wasted by going out to sea?
Australia could do a lot more to be a greener country and solar power could do away with coal burning power stations and more importantly electric cars which harness the energy from the sun would significantly reduce the burning of fossil fuels going into the atmosphere? Perhaps I may only be dreaming but surely key persons can put their heads together and think of something? What do you think of the idea of solar farms and diverting water inland? Do you think it is possible and can be done?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Inspiring adults and positive change
I draw comfort in that more and more adults around the world are starting to promote more awareness of Asperger Syndrome. This afternoon I was fortunate to catch up with one of my friends Damian who is on the Autism Spectrum undertaking a PhD this year "Emotion Regulation in Adolescents with ASD". Damian will be beginning his PhD this year and I hope to assist him where I can to help him get through in a minor way. Damian's work is important for both he and his academic supervisor will be targeting adolescences on the Autism Spectrum with a focus away from children and more directed towards the latter stages of developments. I am sure we can all be supportive and follow Damian's work with interest while he undertakes his PhD at the University of Queensland.
I also would like to mention Chris who is in the United Kingdom and involved with Autism Works. The work Chris is doing is paramount in that he and his company will soon be recruiting their first adult on the Autism Spectrum as a software tester. We can only wait and see how this goes and I am sure that the Autism Works website will be able to provide the general public with up to date information.
I am also proud of my own achievements and that of other adults around the work who are also undertaking pioneering efforts. One of them is Jesse who has just written a book on his own account of having Asperger Syndrome. There are also other adults who I cannot forget to mention but the good thing is more and more are starting to become united in our drive to promote and raise more awareness of the Autism Spectrum in adults. As adults we do not expect the world to change but I am sure that I can speak for all in that providing more awareness will help break down the barriers of ignorance and intolerance.
We can all look forward to 2011 as being an exciting year and it would be good to live in a world that understands Asperger Syndrome more so than questions it and causes adults on the Autism Spectrum to feel isolated, lonely and sadly unemployed. Things I believe are starting to look more positive.
I also would like to mention Chris who is in the United Kingdom and involved with Autism Works. The work Chris is doing is paramount in that he and his company will soon be recruiting their first adult on the Autism Spectrum as a software tester. We can only wait and see how this goes and I am sure that the Autism Works website will be able to provide the general public with up to date information.
I am also proud of my own achievements and that of other adults around the work who are also undertaking pioneering efforts. One of them is Jesse who has just written a book on his own account of having Asperger Syndrome. There are also other adults who I cannot forget to mention but the good thing is more and more are starting to become united in our drive to promote and raise more awareness of the Autism Spectrum in adults. As adults we do not expect the world to change but I am sure that I can speak for all in that providing more awareness will help break down the barriers of ignorance and intolerance.
We can all look forward to 2011 as being an exciting year and it would be good to live in a world that understands Asperger Syndrome more so than questions it and causes adults on the Autism Spectrum to feel isolated, lonely and sadly unemployed. Things I believe are starting to look more positive.
The Asperger Syndrome Wiring scenario
As an adult with Asperger Syndrome I think and act differently to other people. I do not do this intentionally but more so it is just the way my brain is wired. Often it can be both difficult and challenging in the regular world for people to come to terms with and relate to you if you may think outside the box. Often I find myself repeating some information over and over again. Often the use of mental energy and its implementation in conversation can be both draining and taxing.
What needs to be emphasized is that Asperger Syndrome effects a person differently. Some adults on the Autism Spectrum may choose to live an independent lifestyle and they may not wish to fit into the mainstream expectations from society. Some adults including myself may find relationships very difficult and may feel we are not able to handle them. Society therefore has to stop prying into my life or another persons life and try to ascertain why a person may not be in a relationship or which way they are sexually. There are some adults on the Autism Spectrum who are homosexual and there are some who choose to live a life of celibacy and there are some who do enter relationships and get married. I really get tired of people who question the person so much that the person on the Autism Spectrum may feel it necessary to be on the defensive. Until attitudes change, things will continue to be difficult for a person on the Autism Spectrum.
I live my life to the best of my ability and I feel I am not accountable to anyone as to who I am and why I am the way I am. If I chose to live life the way I do, I really do not appreciate people who are noisy and inquisitive. Just because I was never married nor have children does not mean I am an odd ball. It is my life and I live it the way I chose. I am probably more Autistic in that I tend to keep in my own company and often do not like to be around people or hassled by them. I also have had experiences of being 'hit on' by Asperger women and this has violated all of my boundaries as I cannot cope with this stress and it is my choice should I not want to contact them. Just because they may want a relationship does not mean that I do nor another adult. I get tired of people who continually pry in another person's business as they really need to mind their own business.
I do spend large amounts of time on my own and I have always been like this. I really don't have the mental energy to be around a person for long periods. If they are a friend that I can relate to, I can relate to them for certain periods and then I need my space. If a person does not respect my boundaries then I find myself overloaded and unable to handle this person so I have no choice but to rely on my own personal space.
When I talk to a person my communication relies on large amounts of mental energy in order to carry out a conversation with them. As you would be aware that such usage of mental energy creates the need for me to have downtime afterward. I know of some other Aspies who also rely on space after the usage of mental energy within a conversation. I find also that I tend to have looping thoughts and thinking patterns which may be difficult for some to understand but again I can only communicate the best way I can. A looping thought is when a person on the Autism Spectrum may talk about their special interest and then refer back to it within the conversation. Another characteristic of the Aspie thought process is that often I can repeat myself over and over or change the topic of a conversation without knowing that it may be inappropriate at the time. It would be good to see a world that is neither Aspie or NT but one that comes half way to allow both to work together. Perhaps this will become a reality one day? I feel comfortable being weird and eccentric as this is the way I am and I feel I should not have to conform to tribalism and be like other people just for the sake of fitting in as I do not believe this is fair on me or others on the Autism Spectrum.
What needs to be emphasized is that Asperger Syndrome effects a person differently. Some adults on the Autism Spectrum may choose to live an independent lifestyle and they may not wish to fit into the mainstream expectations from society. Some adults including myself may find relationships very difficult and may feel we are not able to handle them. Society therefore has to stop prying into my life or another persons life and try to ascertain why a person may not be in a relationship or which way they are sexually. There are some adults on the Autism Spectrum who are homosexual and there are some who choose to live a life of celibacy and there are some who do enter relationships and get married. I really get tired of people who question the person so much that the person on the Autism Spectrum may feel it necessary to be on the defensive. Until attitudes change, things will continue to be difficult for a person on the Autism Spectrum.
I live my life to the best of my ability and I feel I am not accountable to anyone as to who I am and why I am the way I am. If I chose to live life the way I do, I really do not appreciate people who are noisy and inquisitive. Just because I was never married nor have children does not mean I am an odd ball. It is my life and I live it the way I chose. I am probably more Autistic in that I tend to keep in my own company and often do not like to be around people or hassled by them. I also have had experiences of being 'hit on' by Asperger women and this has violated all of my boundaries as I cannot cope with this stress and it is my choice should I not want to contact them. Just because they may want a relationship does not mean that I do nor another adult. I get tired of people who continually pry in another person's business as they really need to mind their own business.
I do spend large amounts of time on my own and I have always been like this. I really don't have the mental energy to be around a person for long periods. If they are a friend that I can relate to, I can relate to them for certain periods and then I need my space. If a person does not respect my boundaries then I find myself overloaded and unable to handle this person so I have no choice but to rely on my own personal space.
When I talk to a person my communication relies on large amounts of mental energy in order to carry out a conversation with them. As you would be aware that such usage of mental energy creates the need for me to have downtime afterward. I know of some other Aspies who also rely on space after the usage of mental energy within a conversation. I find also that I tend to have looping thoughts and thinking patterns which may be difficult for some to understand but again I can only communicate the best way I can. A looping thought is when a person on the Autism Spectrum may talk about their special interest and then refer back to it within the conversation. Another characteristic of the Aspie thought process is that often I can repeat myself over and over or change the topic of a conversation without knowing that it may be inappropriate at the time. It would be good to see a world that is neither Aspie or NT but one that comes half way to allow both to work together. Perhaps this will become a reality one day? I feel comfortable being weird and eccentric as this is the way I am and I feel I should not have to conform to tribalism and be like other people just for the sake of fitting in as I do not believe this is fair on me or others on the Autism Spectrum.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Education Queensland and awareness
This afternoon I was on the phone to Education Queensland about my concern with children on the Autism Spectrum not obtaining early intervention. I have heard from both parents and teachers that little or no support is being offered for children on the Autism Spectrum and I feel enough is enough, I should try my best to do something about it. I spoke with a Disability Advisor this afternoon and I hope to hear from her within the next 2 weeks to provide a presentation to both teachers and educators concerning the crucial years of development as a person on the Autism Spectrum.
Yesterday I was also on the phone to Rotary International. I spoke several years back at a couple of Rotary Meetings but unfortunately my phone conversation made very little impact in persuading the representative in Sydney to allow me to give some presentations at some Rotary Clubs. Perhaps I may hear something soon, we can only wait.
I hope to work on and deliver a presentation which provides necessary information and impact for Education Queensland. Early intervention is required and more importantly assistance with the crucial stages onto adulthood. All I can say for now is hopefully more updates soon.
Yesterday I was also on the phone to Rotary International. I spoke several years back at a couple of Rotary Meetings but unfortunately my phone conversation made very little impact in persuading the representative in Sydney to allow me to give some presentations at some Rotary Clubs. Perhaps I may hear something soon, we can only wait.
I hope to work on and deliver a presentation which provides necessary information and impact for Education Queensland. Early intervention is required and more importantly assistance with the crucial stages onto adulthood. All I can say for now is hopefully more updates soon.
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