Letter from Tony Abbott's Office concerning the NDIS

This morning I received an email from Dr Tony Abbott's Office concerning the NDIS.  Please find below

This morning I received the following message from Tony Abbott concerning the NDIS

Dear Garry

Thank you for your email supporting the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Before the last election, the Coalition strongly supported the Productivity Commission inquiry and pledged to take its recommendations seriously. Since the election, we have fully supported the Disability Care and Sup...port report recommendations and pledged to work constructively with the Government to implement them as soon as possible.

The Coalition supports the Commonwealth funding that the Government announced as part of the 2012 Federal Budget and the subsequent commitment to the establishment of launch sites in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. However, we are concerned that there are still key barriers to the implementation of a full national scheme which need to be addressed.

The disparity between the Prime Minister’s words and her actions is disappointing. The Commission recommended that $3.9 billion be allocated to the NDIS from 2012-13 to 2015-16. However, the Government has only been prepared to commit $1 billion, which is a $2.9 billion shortfall.

This announcement was a significant step away from the Productivity Commission’s recommendation that the Commonwealth Government be the single funder of the NDIS (on top of what the States and Commonwealth currently spend on disability); and that the NDIS should be financed from general government revenue.

The Commonwealth may have agreements with individual jurisdictions on launch site funding but is yet to reach agreement with the States and Territories on how the NDIS will be funded in the long-term. Critically, there is no indication about when this might be reached.

We are also concerned that the Commonwealth Government is yet to make a commitment on the implementation schedule for the NDIS. The Coalition thinks that the Productivity Commission’s timetable for the establishment of the NDIS would be achievable with prudent financial management.

The Coalition has called for the establishment of a joint parliamentary committee to oversee the establishment and implementation of the NDIS. The Coalition believes that such a committee would be a good way to progress the NDIS, especially by working through key issues like the Scheme’s funding model and implementation timetable.

To this end, I have written five times to the Prime Minister regarding the establishment of a joint select committee of the Parliament co-chaired by the Government and the Opposition and comprising Members and Senators with a vested interest in making it work. To date, the Prime Minister has rejected my suggestion for a joint committee. You may also be aware that in June the Coalition moved a motion in the Senate for the establishment of the joint parliamentary committee. Unfortunately, it was defeated.

The Coalition will continue to place this issue above politics and is prepared to work with State and Commonwealth governments towards a better deal for people with a disability.

The NDIS is a once-in-a-generation reform that will unfold over the life of several parliaments that will be nothing short of a new deal for people with disabilities and their carers. We have to get this right.

I have attached a copy of a speech that I made on Friday 13 April 2012 with a corresponding media release, as well as a copy of my first letter to the Prime Minister for your information.
 
In 2013, there will a Federal election. All elections are important but we believe this election will be one of the most important in generations. There will be a clear choice between the Coalition and the Labor Party – a clear choice between the Coalition’s positive plans for Australia and Labor’s continued incompetence and untrustworthiness, a clear choice between the Coalition’s plans to help families and small business cope with the rising cost of living and Labor’s new and increased taxes.
 
If you would like to read more about the Coalition’s vision for Australia, you may be interested in my recently released book ‘A Strong Australia’. This book brings together the major speeches I delivered in 2012 and the over 50 major policies and initiatives that have been announced since the last election. ‘A Strong Australia’ sets out the Coalition’s plans to build a strong and prosperous economy and a safe and secure Australia. The e-book is available free of charge in formats suitable for iPad, iPhone, Kindle or Kobo e-reader, or as a PDF. To access the book, please visit www.liberal.org.au/strong-australia.
 
I also encourage you to maintain contact with the Shadow Minister for Disabilities, Carers and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Mitch Fifield who is an excellent advocate for people with a disability. Senator Fifield can be contacted via e-mail at senator.fifield@aph.gov.au or at his electorate office on (03) 9584 2455.

Summer almost over as well as some progress

Well it is almost the end of Summer as in a few days time it will be Autumn in the southern hemisphere.  I have some good news in that I am beginning to understand just how challenging software testing can be...  As some of you probably may know, who have been following my posts on Facebook and Youtube, I am now undertaking a self paced free online course to understand what is involved with software testing.  I may be or may not be on track but making use in my spare time of what is involved is better than simply stagnating with not learning any new skills base.  The website for the free online course is https://www.udacity.com/course/cs258 and if other adults are interested they may want to jump on board and give it a go to see if they like it or not? Trying to learn the course would seem far more worthwhile than not having anything to fill in your days with for those who cannot find employment and feel a lack of purpose or sense of direction.  What would be good is if other adults could also create a skype account and start some kind of online discussion to try and work out and problem solve the varying requirements and challengs for software testing. I can only offer a suggestion and it is for others to take this up?

I would like to report that our support group for adults is doing well and on average we receive 20 people attending our bi monthly meetings.  At our last meeting we discussed relationships, boundaries and implementing scripts within conversation.  Over the coming months, we welcome input into assisting with improving and enriching the quality of lives for thus who want to overcome social isolation and difficulty in connecting with people in general.  At our last meeting we also welcomed Damian Santomauro who is undertaking a PhD. Damian is on the Autism Spectrum and is needing young adults as participants for his research.  Should you be interested, please contact Damian by visiting his website http://www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=1876 Damian really would appreciate your offers of support.  I also hope to engage younger adults, especially in high school to attend some meetings if possible to talk to and see older adults as perhaps mentors to guide them through some of the difficulties and challenges which lie ahead.  I have also been and am in touch with Micach Hadley who is involved with Two Wolves Freelance Contractors.  For more information please visit their Facebook Page at  https://www.facebook.com/twowolvespack?filter=3

Often I have enquiries as to finding out more about the group here in Brisbane for adults and adolscents.  Should you wish to contact me please feel free to do so through my website www.garryburge.com

In the meantime I wish you all the best and I will be providing more updates as they come to hand.

Warm regards
Garry Burge

2013 is an election year

Well 2013 has now started.  More importantly 2013 is a federal election year for Australia.  I have concerns about the election because I think people seem to be more focused on themselves than on the well being of their nation.  I just hope that there will not be another hung parliament as this in itself will be detrimental.

People need to understand that when you acquire too much debt you no longer have any control over your country.  For Australia, I think that this can be seen with China.  People need to realise that Australia's natural resources such as coal and minerals cannot continue to be sold to China and Chinese money only being used to employ Chinese and much worse, people in Australia missing out on employment and a better quality of life.  Australia needs to return to a manufacturing base and to slash imports.  If this does not happen then Australia will be under the control of China and I am not sure whether people want this?  It is understandable for those who want material possessions to want to purchase them at a cheaper rate, but by purchasing them from China you are actually supporting slave labour and worse still overseas manufacture. 

It concerns me when I see a country divided and an a selfish me society existing.  It also is not good when many people are unable to get a job for those who want them and they feel a sense of hopelessness.  I find I switch off the news because I have already made up my mind and I am tired of lies, propaganda and deception.  I would personally like to see a return of strong, and stable government with control of the borders. This just doesn't seem to be happening at the moment.  Also it doesn't seem fair that people's hard earned money is being spent on persons who are not from here when some protest or are unhappy in return. Australia needs to employ its own. 

Education needs to return to Australia and more of a focus on teaching people about their political system as well as an introduction of a National (Military) Service.  I believe younger people would benefit from a means of self discipline in their lives.

As far as this National Disability Insurance Scheme is concerned. This needs better explanation and money to fund it and not add to more bureaucracy.  Surely we should be looking after the disabled which seems to be not a big priority at the moment? 

 

The Importance of delegation

Over the last few months "Aspie Support" has grown in size and with this it is important to delegate work to allow the group to run more smoothly, function better and take less work and responsibility of myself.  Despite having guest speakers from Queensland Legal Aid, Queensland Relaxation Centre and Queensland Education, the group now welcomes Michael, and David.  Michael is assisting the group with future activities and greater participation.  He has also provided other adults with a survey to assist with a future direction.  David also is responsible to ensure that group members are provided with a name tag so as to avoid the difficulty with  not remembering the names of other group members.  On behalf of the group, we welcome both Michael and David and it is great to have them on board assisting us.

The group also thanks Simon who is Pastor of Toowong Uniting Church and Linda who is a mother of an Autistic daughter who is helping with catering.  The good thing about our meeting place is that it is a non threatening environment and more importantly an inner sanctum of support and advice.  It can be especially difficult if you are a person on the Autism Spectrum and you may be finishing high school or being an adult and finding it difficult to obtain employment.  Social isolation is not pleasant and can also have with it negative implications.  As we look forward to the future it is hoped that the group will be able to provide a meeting point and advice for persons on the Autism Spectrum to be able to no longer feel allowed and misunderstood by the community. 

Last Tuesday I met with my employment consultant Michael from Comepass Employment.  I discussed with him any help he could provide to assist me personally with staff development and more importantly Autism advocacy work.  I was able to sign a document with him to assist me in both these areas and to approach the employer about a means of learning more skills and obtaining hopefully qualifications within training.  It would be good if this was in house but I feel relieved that I can leave the responsibility of training and career development in his hands.  It was unfortunate to hear that funding to allow for Alpha Autism to come to Queensland did not go ahead.  This is why I feel it is important to raise awareness within the community about the Autism Spectrum in adults and to take small steps a long the way. 

As today is Remembrance Day our thoughts are with the families of those in the Armed Services and I would like to take the opportunity of extending my thoughts to you all "Lest We Forget".   

The quality of education today

I remember back to when I was a student at university and what education was like back then.  There was no online information and books being shredded.  Also you either passed or failed and if you failed you either worked out why or tried to change subjects. Now things have changed.  The student is at university in most instances because they are unable to obtain employment and the focus on quality has changed with this.  It seems that the Heads of Department which existed with the more traditional British model seem to have disappeared.  This process allowed a professor or experienced academic to monitor course work.  This now has been replaced with excessive administration staff which seem to have little grasp on course content at all in itself outlaying a poor quality of course material for students to obtain access to quality course material. 

In the past a basic Bachelor of Arts Degree would allow a student a means of furthering one's knowledge and to question information which was processed and received.  Now a Bachelor of Arts degree is more or less the equivalent of a high school certificate.  This degree as well as other Bachelor Degrees would enable the student to obtain a basic understanding of a subject area and either use this as a means of enabling them to better understand the world around them or to entertain the idea of undertaking further study.  I have no desire myself to undertake further study because I believe there is too much information and too little assimilation of authentic or accurately substantiated information.  Also I see students seeming in some instances of knowing very little about what they are actually learning.  It is a sad loss to make very little use of valuable time within a university.  The changes of doing away with faculties and implementing schools which seems to be a more American based system in my opinion leads to poorer output.  Information and learning within universities needs to be about quality and more importantly an encouragement of higher and more critical thinking.  I cannot understand also how some universities can be so narrow minded, tunnel visioned and controlling in their approach to supposedly learning.

I cannot understand why education has deteriorated so much today as it seems there is more of a focus on pushing people through educational systems or attending university to obtain a better job.  Time is simply wasted on the interim period and actual fact based, constructive, and critical thinking.  A university should be a place for the student to explore the world and knowledge around them and be a place to encourage higher thinking instead of a place in some instances to hibernate from the difficulties of finding employment.  It frustrates me when I see students and very few actually show little or no interest in what they are learning or more sadly unable to discuss what they are learning as they are too afraid of standing out as independent.  If students were actually able to enter a higher state of thinking then a university environment would be a different place.  One where quality would be much higher and more importantly thinking more evident. 

All persons are able to obtain an education in all walks of life but sadly very few seem to be able to find the path within an educational sense to apply a knowledge of thought and higher thinking into the world around them.  Going back to the period of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the word academic was derived from what I understand academy.  I am not sure of the actual Greek word but this was a place of thinking and learning as well as a focus on athletic ability.  What needs to be implemented within educational institutions to engage students in thought and to connect them with a better way of thinking and learning?  I guess there must be an answer somewhere?

A different way of thinking and functioning

Ever since I was born, I have always found that the way I interpret, learn and process information is different to that of other people. I could never understand why within the school system I always found myself on the outer and failing in this system, which supposedly deemed my intelligence level.  I found myself at an early age wanting to know more about gravity and water flow and how counterweights worked and studying the effect of marbles in certain experiments.  Added to this, I found myself reading encyclopedias as the words made sense than a manipulated education system that was specifically flawed in many ways to allow for retention.

The school years, especially the latter ones were like a combat zone.  I spent my lunch hours avoiding combat zones instead reading the Guinness Book of Records breaking the records information.  How tall was the tallest man?  What was the longest record with an algebraic equation? The list went on.  Despite wanting to have a purple bicycle and replicating Disney characters onto sheets of cardboard when I was about 11 years old, I also became interested in growing orchids.  I collected many different species and became fascinated with the little maintenance required in growing orchids.  My grandmother's next door neighbour had many orchids but sadly trying to get an orchid runner (a way to grow a new orchid) my attempts were unsuccessful.

I had many interests and also had a telescope which I would set up and gaze into the heavens with. I became interested in looking at the moon and wondering what a crater looked like.  I also wondered whether the moon itself rotated as the patterns on the moon never seemed to change.  The moon represented mystery to me as how did the moon glow with its magical whiteness and pure glow?  I wondered whether it had some kind of florescent characteristic although I knew the sun really was responsible.  I also looked for nebula and also Mars.  Why was Mars red, why did Saturn have a ring around it?  What was God's plan I used to wonder to myself? 

I was told within school that having no intelligence I would not go far but I knew that such assessments were incorrect.  I would learn when I was ready or how best learning suited me.  When I first attended university, I enrolled in Ancient and Modern History, English and Philosophy.  I enjoyed researching philosophy and looking back I think I can remember a few Aspies teaching the subject.  The many theories and concepts such as Descartes and the "Brain in the Vat" did get me thinking.  When I was totally consumed in philosophy at the University of New England, I could reach a point of being in a higher state of consciousness.  We all seem to live our lives in capsules being our own bodies and we cannot ask anyone else if the world and reality exist because we have to absorb and process through our own bodies.  I believe we are all a blue print of God as ourselves are never replicated even in identical twins there is a difference.  Perhaps we live on earth in the physical world and then go on in eternity in the spiritual world.  By this I don't mean that people walk around carrying a ball and chain but more so an eternal consciousness that defines who we are as individual people.  Perhaps in the eternal life, the fourth dimension is evident through the so called tunnel and spiritual realm.  I often even wonder about the Egyptians and what exactly they knew and whether they were the forerunner to Atlantis.  A city that perhaps although I will sound crazy on a higher state of thinking.  Nothing is known about the construction of the pyramids and how such structures were created.  They seemed to think differently to us.

I find reading difficult because my eye sight is not the best.  My ears have very sensitive hearing and I can hear even the slightest of noises.  Now when I have to live in this world not designed for Aspies, sounds can be simply overwhelming.  Music in gyms or in shopping centres are just like sound explosions at times.  It is like being again in a combat zone as well as all this visual thrust in your face junk that you seem in shopping centres.  I look at myself in the mirror to see who I really am and to see what I like and don't like about myself. For each and everyone of us God provides us with a vessel which is our own body but sadly some of us do not look after it.  We also operate in a more physical sense to bring out the absolute worst that as a creature which can be inflicted onto others.  People seem highly stressed now as if some kind of force is controlling them and making them question and even dislike themselves.  It is about time people look within and start to open and awaken their spiritual selves.  In the spiritual sense a person can be much happier. They can detach themselves from this physical world which brings out often the worst in human behaviour such as greed, selfishness and harm to others.  I cannot understand why people don't open their eyes to the spiritual world because the world would exist more in harmony but instead humanity has to learn the hard way. Perhaps if there is a life review, a person will understand what and how they should have acted within the physical sense. 

I spend my time constantly thinking and questioning the world around me.  I believe this monetary system inflicts misery onto people because it suppresses and controls them but in the current world man is stuck with it unless he opens his mind and starts to understand his spiritual self.  Just think the world would be so much a better place if people opened their eyes and didn't consume with their heads and lust.  Perhaps this is God's message to humanity and that which Jesus demonstrated that goodness makes for a better world? 

Is it God's calling?

It is seems that whenever you mention God today that most people look at you odly or dismiss you as a bible basher which seems sad in the so called modern world.  I often wonder just what God thinks of the world when most people don't want to connect or become distracted by material possessions or other objects? 

It is my belief that God does exist but the problem many confront is that they tend to shut themselves of and not want to think or find ways to connect with God.  For instance churches have failed over the centuries to instill this God fearing term to now a more cynicism that if God exists how come there is misery and famine in the world?  What people need to understand is that God is not human and is above humanity's understanding. To put it simply people need to discover and unlock their spiritual selves.  In a more spiritual sense, there is no greed, envy, hatred, judement of others etc. Greater thinking encourages more tolerance and understanding and forges a better world but humanity seems to be possessed with greed and existing in a veil of ignorance primarily through the fear of death.  To be comfortable within yourself you need to understand your inner self.  That which lies within. What energy is contained within you and how such energy can lead you in a more positive and productive direction within your life.  I believe that God provides us with life and it is up to ourselves to discover our own individual journey.  Some people are kind and all loving and others are simply unsavoury and here to touch us lessons.  If the spiritual self is nurtured, better coping strategies can be implemented to deal with situations but sadly now such strategies are not nutured.  The world has become confused and people can often be better, carry hurt and harm  other people.  If people were more spiritual then this would not happen.  I see people and difficult people as a means of trying to learn to become a better person myself and to try and become more spiritual.

I think people have lost touch with themselves and connecting with God because they fear death and more so themselves.  People need to love within and accept more so than consume and seek happiness.  The latter causes more unhappiness and it does not purify and create peace within one's self.  One of the things I have noticed with humanity is how people are stressing themselves unnecessarily, not eating properly and living beyond their own means.  Money does not buy happiness but inner happiness does.  I know God is helping me because I know some very kind and beautiful and all loving people in my life.  Such people help guide me through times of difficulty and help me to understand God much better.  It is up to every individual a special blue print of God to find their own journey but I am saddened when so many people just feel a sense of loss or distraction within their lives.  People fear that death is the end and that some will be judged.  I don't believe God judges anyone.  Jesus was a physical embodiment of God but I think some stories written about Jesus were somewhat exaggerated.  This being that Jesus walked on water, could cure people of sickness etc.  Very little is known about what Jesus actually looked like but I do believe he had unique abilities to guide people to a better understanding, and higher way of thinking within God's all lovingness. 

I often spend my time over thinking and one thing I am looking into at the moment is the existence of Atlantis.  Just before I mention Atlantis, I would like to provide special mention of Egypt.  Very little is known about the Egyptians but one thing we do know is that they were mysterious and seemed to exist in a higher way of thinking.  They seemed to have been involved in very few wars if any?  They had a belief in life beyond death and built the pyramids and other notable monuments.  I often wonder with their higher way of thinking whether the Egyptians ascended into Atlantis?  Atlantans seemed if Plato was correct to have lead very productive and higher thinking existence.  Perhaps Atlantans knew far more than any other civilisation.  Their untimely destruction could have been through the fact that they destroyed themselves or perhaps entered another dimension or even gone beyond a physical life?  Again if you imagine the next life, perhaps they perished because of ignorance because they knew too much?  Again this needs further research.  It seems that ignorance causes humans to become greedy and in most cases destructive.  It is not a spiritual way of life.  In the next or eternal life all of us exist in a spiritual form but fail to do so and learn the lessons of harshness and destruction within our physical bodies?  God perhaps allows us the opportunity in our physical lives to see how we learn from our mistakes?  If you make mistakes then you will learn and understand just what evil can do?  I dislike in myself some of the physical characteristics of sometimes judging others and finding it hard to forgive.  I see more the need to complain about wrong doings than to react to them.  I also find avoiding them is another way but when exposed to them, I need to operate more in a spiritual sense so that I can cope better. 

Lastly as humanity exists in the third dimension, perhaps the fourth dimension is entered upon the physical life?  The tunnel which is often described and the peaceful light and the spiritual presence is found in the next dimension?  Some people just think death is final but one thing is for sure that people have no control over it like they have no control over birth.  However perhaps as humans we live a mortal life and then an eternal life?  The tunnel may be a step into the next dimension leaving the physical 3 dimensional world behind?   I just wish people would think more and try and find their spiritual selves because the world would be a better place if they did?  Why do you think people who claim to have experienced near death experiences come back with a renewed outlook upon life?  Why do people foster a better life when there is goodness?  Perhaps more people need to understand their spiritual selves better?  Imagine a world without greed, selfishness, hatred and judgement?  Why can't this be so?  Why does this empty materialistic world continue with all the anger, bitterness and hatred to go a long with it?  As people we shouldn't be cruel and violent and one has to wonder what exactly is causing this?  Just have a think about it, can you activate or find your spiritual self?  How does God work for you or perhaps you are not letting God into your life or don't open your heart to see how God is helping you?  I will leave these thoughts with you for now to have a think about.

Running Aspie Support

Well today was the second meeting of Aspie Support.  The group had a good turn out.  I needed to get names of members and find out what they wanted from the group.  The wants vary from support on campus, to finding a job and going on a camp.  The group met initally at 10.30am but did not finish until 1pm today.  It was a good means for adults on the Autism Spectrum to talk about their concerns, find friendships and look forward to future outings.

One adult spoke about his interest in movies and how he wants to become a movie director to another who likes music and was able to play the guitar to the group.  It is good to see such interaction.  The good thing also is that young adults just finishing school or in the final stages of school can talk to older adults about what they may expect once the schooling process has finished.  So there are many good things happening in the group.

Our location is great and we now have a meeting location which provides both routine and structure.  No noises or other interuptions are good to. 

Over the coming months I will be collating feedback from adults attending to try and work out what activities may be suitable for them.  Adults will also be encouraged to run an activity which may be in relation to their special interest which helps to build confidence and self worth.  One of the pressing issues was accommodation.  Some adults just find it impossible to live on their own and independently and this is something that the group will need to look into in terms of lobbying departments, agencies and government bodies concerned. 

Although this post is brief as I have been busy with running admin matters, please stay tuned for more information and updates and please be sure to friend me on Facebook - Garry Burge.  Also you may want to visit Asperger Syndrome New Zealand on Facebook as it has lively discussions and useful feedback. 

Laying the foundation stone for "Aspie Support"

Yesterday was both a big and exciting new day for adults on the Autism Spectrum in Brisbane.  We had our first inaugural meeting in our new location which has been kindly offered to us by Toowong Uniting Church.  I spent the morning, feeling excited about our new location as there is no noise, plenty of room to stretch out and places for others to go should they feel stressed or in meltdown or if they simply wanted to have a quiet chat. 

Aspie Support Group meeting at Toowong Uniting Church

Laying the foundation stone also means a lot of work ahead.  Like other Autism Associations of which we intend to work with, "Aspie Support" intends to provide information about what may be happening for instance at Asperger Services Australia with their new Games Group, Workshops and more importantly access to Asperger Services Australia can be provided by rail so there is no need to drive cars, catch buses etc.  The idea is to get more support happening for adults on the Autism Spectrum and adolescents for which I am happy to mention.  Although we are in our very early stages, the aim of "Aspie Support" would be as follows.

• Provide an adult support group to help overcome social isolation, loneliness and to manage anxiety better
• Allow for advice and better access to services and contacts to assist in these areas.  This may  include "Aspie Friendly" Doctors, Medical Professionals and Psychologists.
• Foster and forge friendships between adults on the Autism Spectrum
• Invite guest speakers to share stories for instance an elderly person who may have had an interesting life and just want people to listen and ask questions.
• Movie nights and other social events such as bushwalks, and outings. 
• Book reviews, sharing of special interests and musicals.

Stay tuned for more!

Aspie Support also has a long term vision to assist young adults and adolescents with finding employment and managing anxiety etc. For concerned parents they may feel confused about what and where next they can find assistance for their adolescent son or daughter on the Autism Spectrum.  I will also be endeavouring to make contact with more software testing organisations and with the help of Gordon Sanderson and others, help get things organised on this front.  Brisbane has also been considered for the next branch of Alpha Autism to assist adults on the Autism Spectrum.

I hear from many persons on the Autism Spectrum, families and friends who just find they are either confused or at a total loss of where to go next and a society just simply not understanding.  Over the coming months, organisations will be contacted more on the viewpoint of the adult perspective as to how to raise more awareness, tolerance and understanding.  I hope and anticipate to work within the group and with supporters of my own advocacy to better raise awareness, tolerance and understanding of Autism with such organisations to greatly improve the lives of persons on the Autism Spectrum. 

I must stress that we are in our very early stages but I do believe a great deal more is required to better accommodate adults on the Autism Spectrum and we hope in time to reach and achieve this goal.  Hopefully in time "Aspie Support" will allow adults on the Autism Spectrum to have a greater say and influence within the community to break down the barriers of misunderstanding and a lack of awareness and education.  So please stay tuned. 

Being a constant thinker and the land of suffocation

I often find myself thinking and analysing information.  Looking for ways of perfection and trying hard to make sense of a world that isn't always easy to understand.  I just find it almost impossible to go beyond a sentence with information relating to my special interest.  I do have many but I have had to over the years not talk about them as I have either been told I go on about them too much or that nobody else is interested. 

Living in a world which does not always fit in with my ways of thinking can in itself be a challenge. Beyond my personal space which I can more than often adjust to, the world is often just an overwhelming place.  People just don't seem to get me at all.  Often confusion can make me feel that nobody is listening nor understand.

This morning while writing this post on the computer I had the pleasure of talking with Courtney about spirituality, being Aspie, understanding the world and raising awareness of things in general.  I spoke to her for about 30mins.  Again I believe God at work.  I just do not understand at times why people cannot see that finding their spiritual side is important.  I spoke about my interest in Buddhism also and it was awesome.  I think God is working on me again. If only people would find their spiritual sides then life would be even better.  Using your brain and raising the lever from 10% to 90% or even above may be possible.  People don't always see that God works within them and if only they would just look more deeply into themselves.

This afternoon I am off to counseling but feel really good in that I had this conversation this morning.  I feel like my aura is strong and my feelings are not those of non Aspies.  I just like to help make the world a better place.  I think people have to stop shutting themselves off from the world around them and look deeper within.  I find people are now saying 'it was great talking to you!".  What is it within me?  Is God really working within me?  I sometimes find that words just flow and I feel more spiritual than I have previously.  This ability is allowing me to think more and feel connected with the world around me.  Also I feel I have a thirst for knowledge or perhaps it may be that I turned 40?

Perhaps people may like to look at this story on Jesus and the resurrection I am currently researching into the Shroud of Turin  I know I cannot change people as they probably think I am just Aspie and obsessed but what if you could use your brain more?  Wouldn't the world be a better place for you? Thought this In Search of episode may be of interest?          

Trying to make sense of the world around me

I often feel like I am more so a phantom who seems to observe society more so than participate in it.  I see people around me, institutions and other forms of human existence and wonder why people behave the way they do and why people seem hard to connect with.  Recently I was watching the 3 episodes of the 3 episodes of Dannion Brinkley on youtube and despite people perhaps labeling me as maudlin or obsessed, I found some of his comments very interesting.  I just hope that he is telling what he believes to be the truth instead of merely making money.

The world at the moment seems a very turbulent place and a hard place to live in.  Not at my own making, nor of other people I know but it seems by just the way things are.  I was in a discussion the other day concerning the existence of God.  The question was asked how come God existed if the holocaust or world wars existed?  In all reality perhaps God is beyond human comprehension and the way to find or understand God is to think, question, read and try to understand.  Unfortunately there may need to be an evil for people to understand good.  Throughout the ages, there has been evil in the world but goodness has prevailed longer than evil so perhaps this say something?  Despite the holocaust existing, and people suffering it may have been more so in the hands of evil people such as Hitler and his cronies.  Evil may exist on earth due to the human condition and the failure in man to learn, rectify his actions and understand?  Before I am criticised why not ask the question of yourself as to what you may believe or question?  I am merely just stating a view or question to arouse your own thinking???

I find this world very difficult to live in because people are becoming increasingly more selfish and you only here about something when you have done something wrong or offended someone.  You seldom receive praise for trying to do the right thing and acting honorably and this I feel perhaps is across the board.  We live in a world that is cut throat, selfish and often just difficult to exist in because the pressures of life are just so high and more so the expectations to accompany them.  I believe that if you strive to be good and try to do the right thing then you are more than often guided by what God wants to make for a better world.  I am fortunate to have some good people in life whom I believe are guided by God but at the risk of sounding self important, I have to be careful to choose my words.

In the video of Dannion Brinkley perhaps you need to ask yourself is the question of whether or not what he says actually does make sense?  Are people fearful and afraid of the very truths and some Aspies because we actually say things like they are?  In the words of Socrates "I only know that I know nothing".  Perhaps we need to understand this in ourselves but to strive and learn more about the world around us by thinking more and rejecting this material world which wants to just inflict things onto us without thinking and more so questioning?

I think that people need to strive towards making a better world but this cannot be done by just accepting the way things are and allowing greed and selfishness to prevail.  Recently I was told that I place myself in an "Aspie persecution box" but seriously is it me that needs to change or other people's attitudes?  It's a two way street.  I often spend vast periods of time to myself and just find the world often overwhelming and hard to make sense of.  I just think that people need to alter their ways of thinking and take the time to toil in the earth more and question so called things they may watch on television, read in newspapers or buy in the supermarket.  The fast food industry creates a way of  non thinkers as people are not getting the nutrition they require to fuel their brains and this throw away society does have some very negative implications to go with it? 

One final question.  Why has not a human being ever been the exactly them same apart from identical twins which are not exactly identical in this world ever?!  Are all humans a blue print of God and some cryptic code?  

A world which accepts neuro diversity

It would be a dream come true if the world at large was able to embrace neurodiversity.  One where people who think outside the square that have unique talents and abilities are accepted and not discriminated against.  A world where non Autistic persons could provide the hand of friendship to Autistic persons and finally say in the words of Martin Luther King "Free at last, Free at last, Lord Almighty we're free at last!".  This would be a much kinder option than persons on the Autism Spectrum confronting apartheid.  Most if not all of us can still not get a job and our condition holds us back and we confront an ever flowing tide of discrimination and often poor treatment.  Just like Martin Luther King spoke of freedom in civil rights in August 1963, persons with Autism are now confronting this within the cotton fields of the wider community.  Many are sitting on disability pensions, welfare, and in poor quality housing by the fact that employers simply will not give them a chance in a job!

As I stated before, Autism spreads across the whole globe and embraces every town and community.  Many are simply surviving as second rate citizens often being largely overlooked and facing the ever growing apartheid of ignorance and discrimination.  Why is this so?  The reason I believe is because Autistic persons are disadvantaged by an inability in having the essential and necessary social skills to help get them or us by in society.  Why then is neuro diversity not embraced?  People seem to have a fear of what they do not understand.  Throughout my life I simply have just wanted a friend or friends.  To be accepted and not feel that every time I try to communicate with people or try to enter relationships that I feel a sense of total rejection and deflation.  I don't care how old the persons are it would be nice to just feel included for once and accepted for the person I am.  I cannot change into some artificial person just for the sake of fitting in but it would be good to have people say hello, and if possible just be kinder and not so abrupt or hostile in terms of reciprocating often what little words are exchanged.

It is hard to constantly argue and stand up to people when in the first instance they are critical of the words and expectations which I may want.  If people could have better people skills also rather than reactive it would also make for a better world.  It just requires more awareness and understanding.  I often look at the speeches made by Martin Luther King on civil rights and implement the word Autism.  I see parallels with Autism when I still see high unemployment, social isolation, and discrimination.  The list sadly goes on.  Also how many women are willing to give an Aspie man a go in a relationship or friendship without the fear of treading carefully to avoid minefields within the communication process.  There is just no help in this area and every step with limbs feeling like they are blown off just makes you weary of treading any field where you may suspect you will walk away with no arms or legs until you can grow these back again and then lose them as there is still insufficient help and guidance to help you.

What is wrong with neuro diversity?  Why do people fear it?  Wouldn't the world be a boring place if everyone watched rugby league, drank beer and just didn't think?!  Ask yourself shouldn't the world have more time to embrace neuro diversity to make for a better world more so than fears of homophobia etc?   

Happy Memories in the 1980's

Life wasn't always so tough for me.  The times I enjoyed the most were the early 1980's.  At the time I lived in Kenmore in the western suburbs of Brisbane.  I did have some friends who used to visit.  One friend lived up the road with his bike and English Shephard dog.  In 1984, I also had a birthday party, and I had about 11 friends turn up. I knew some other people around my own age and sometimes they did visit.

In 1983, my parents were concerned about my lack of performance in school and after consulting with a school guidance counsellor, it was suggested that I have my eyes checked.  Before this period, I lived in a blurry underwater vision world.  Everything became clearer when I put on glasses and the blurred world all became sharp and better visioned.  At the optometrist in 1983, my response was when putting on a pair of glasses "how come I can now see black lines?".  You see everything before this was blurry for me.  Within a few days I was riding a push bike and would often explore around the neighborhood which was a lot safer back then.

Primary school also brought back memories of 1980's music and rotary telephones.  I used to ring up number combinations on the old phones back in the days of Telstra.  I also remember a few friends would play cricket on the top of the street and I never fitted in because I was clumsy at sport.  I also remember the Halloween trick or treat and watching Happy Days.  Back then Kenmore was a somewhat well to do suburb with a kind of New Zealand feel about it.  I remember one friend coming from there.1985 was the turning point as Grade 7 was the last year of primary school.  Everybody was changing around me and I did my best to adjust.

Having reflected on the memories I have and despite connecting with some people I remember on Facebook and knowing one person who sadly passed in 2000! I wonder why people don't wish to reconnect.  We were different back then and we are all older now? Thoughts and feelings have moved on.  I really don't want to know what happened to people I knew in the past as I could not bare any more sad stories.  I have moved forward a lot of ways emotionally and beginning to understand why people have boundaries.  We all evolve as people and we change in our lives.

When I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome  in 1998,I finally could understand why I was different.  Before this time the word Autism was uttered only once by my Late grandmother before her death in 1990. I never understood why I annoyed people and seemed to live in my own world.  The reformation began in 1998 to try and work on overcoming my faults.  I am learning all the time still.  I am trying to work on communication with some people I know.  I still remember other people who weren't all bad in both primary and high school, and some are on my Facebook. 
I remember some good people though but sadly friendships were never nurtured nor did teachers understand.  Where are these people now apart from the ones I remember?  I have learned humility, pain and tolerance as well as humility.  There is still however a long way for me to go.  Every dream supposedly opens up another Neuro pathway and I wish I could control the AS more which seems to control me.  I struggle with reading and concentration but manage to get by.  I won't be checking any cemetery records either as I don't want to feel sad about people who are no longer with us.  I may seem somewhat depressed to you but I am more so emotional.  I am grateful for having other Aspie friends on Facebook and would like to thank everyone for support me.  I know my way of communication may not be easy for others to understand but I appreciate others who are tolerant.
I have my own beliefs and I know that God is always around.  Thanks once again.  I am getting better
I think but I always appreciate the friendships and support I receive.  I also am trying not to still take
things literally or seeing things one dimensional.  It's hard work but I am trying to continue to get
help despite the difficult challenges and road ahead.
Over the last week I have found more Neuro pathways have opened up.  Hopefully this will help me grow.

A time of over thinking and some mental exhaustion

For some reason I find myself in some form of mourning again.  Last night I had a look at the Brisbane Cemetery Records http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community/community-support/funeral-planning-and-grave-search/grave-location-search/index.htm just out of interest as I wanted to find out if a person I once knew was still alive.  At looking at the record I found that he died in June of this year 2012.  I also wanted to check on some people I knew from my primary school days and found sadly that one person I knew died at the age of 27 in 2000.  This being in the western suburbs of  Brisbane.  His cause of death is unknown.  It makes you realise when you see some of your contempories passed on, that you see life as precious.  It saddens me that  27 is just such a young age.  I turn 40 this year which is an achievement but what will the parents of this deceased person think when their deceased sons 40th birthday would have been on 1st December this year?  Perhaps they do not want to think about it?  Although I went to school with this person, it makes me realise that turning 40 is in itself an achievement.  I still have good health but with some anxiety and misunderstanding from others.  I know a few other people my own age and know one already who has hit the 40 mark.

I wonder to myself what will life be like from now?  Will things get better?  I am trying again at a very slow pace online dating.  I have shared a few emails back and forth but my head is gripped with some anxiety and emotion.  I don't know how to go, where things may lead or whether I am just putting myself through emotional torture.  I just try hard to not look for expectations.  I have the Facebook community and I at least have a job!  I also have support.  Reaching 40 well almost is a milestone for me as an Aspie because every year forward just gets harder and harder.  Trying to communicate and be understood by others is not easy.  Often the difficulty stems from the fact that people cannot understand or relate to what I go through and experience.

The life expectancy of an Aspie is unfortunately lower than that of non Aspies.  People don't realise understand us and we have to work harder at trying to coexist in a world that doesn't always get it.  As I go through this period of over thinking and some mental exhaustion, I know that I am moving forward ever so slightly.  This is better but it does take its toll.  

Brisbane Asperger Adults

I have some great news to inform you of Brisbane Asperger Adults.  This group has met for the second time and now attracts over 6 people, not that the numbers really matter anyway.  The group meets on weekends and it also provides adults with a real opportunity of paving the way to better support and hopefully improved services.

The group meets for coffee in Indoorrpilly in Brisbane's western suburbs on a Saturday and as well as enjoying a coffee, we also play board games such as scrabble and do other things which please members.  I am in the process of trying to find out about every member's individual interest to organise a group outing to make it possible for Aspies to establish real friendships and hopefully some interaction.  It is also pleasing that the adults attending would also be interested in software testing.  As I run the group meetings, I encourage other adults to work together without pressure which is in all honesty going well.  If only we could get software testing or adults into the library sector, I do believe it is possible that I can work with them to allow for a means of production.  It's just a matter of when software testing can reach the Brisbane market?

The group also operates within a non threatening environment and also I try to allow for grater turnout more so than just wanting more numbers.  Please stay tuned for further updates

Why writing is a release

Here it is Friday afternoon and the end of another working week.  I look ahead to the weekend but I also wonder how I can again write something in my blog in the attempt of not sounding obsessive or wanting the world to suddenly understand me more.  I take some comfort in knowing that I am getting more support but I still want to try and help those who follow in my footsteps.

The world is a confusing and yet overwhelming place but if you're an Aspie it's doubly so!  Just trying to make sense of those around you and to find inclusion is like climbing Mt Everst with loose sandals.  The more you climb the more the sandals may break apart but you know you have to keep climbing otherwise you'll never get to the top.  You will never be able to see that which you have left behind you in every step you make.

I draw comfort in the increasing and stable support I have on both Facebook, twitter and in my networks.  Without it I am a lone rock just weathering away in time.  I write to release the stress which builds in my body within my awareness of Autism in adults crusade.  By writing it provides me with a literary release but the thought of publishing remains a present volcano waiting to erupt.  I struggle with reading due to poor vision, concentration and attention but fortunately I can write!

I am currently lying on my back in my home office typing this post with one finger and my thoughts coming with the finger tapping.  Tomorrow the adult group meets in Brisbane and I am also in communication with others around me on Facebook.  It is truly awesome to see the many Facebook accounts, you tube videos and blogs that exist in cyberspace.  It is great to see more adults expressing themselves and as the adults and the new coming Aspies follow, I just hope thar the world will be a better place for us!  A world where inclusion becomes a reality and rejection a word of the past.  Where tribalists can stop trying to change Aspies and acceptance can become a reality.

Are Aspies born worriers?

Within the Aspie adult population I wonder how many of us are worriers or have a mutual understanding of our own concerns and issues?  As you may be aware I am in regular contact with Aspies from around the world.  I see that in the Aspie world there are often no boundaries or rules etc.  Some Aspies are in employment while others are not.  I am aware of the many issues which arise such as unemployment and increased levels of anxiety but there is often little that I and other advocates can do when we are in another country or in areas where there are a lack of services.

I take comfort in knowing that Autism and Asperger Syndrome are now known more about.  Back when I was diagnosed by Dr Tony Attwood, having people pronounce the word "Asperger" system often meant with ignorant responses like for instance "I didn't know someone could be allergic to Asparagus" or "what the hell is that!".  I have been concerned by recent unfounded comments notably from Joe Scarborough and some others portraying Aspies as violent people which we are not. If we are violent people then how come there has been such a concerned response from adults within the Autism Community of being likened to the mass murder James Holmes?  As Aspies most of us if not all want inclusion and better understanding in society more so than further exclusion and rejection?   Time and time again there are comments which can arise from within the media and it takes strong and active advocates to contact those media persons concerned to ask them to retract unfounded comments.  After all the Autism Community doesn't want to step back in time.

Advocacy work often feels at times like it is unrewarding and a thankless job.  There are some adults on the Autism Spectrum that despise me and the advocacy work which I do.  You cannot please everyone.  It is just a pity that more Aspies cannot work together more so than cause or create division.  Quite simply this is not helping our cause.  I am concerned for Aspies and I am a born worrier when I witness Aspies whom I believe may fall into the concern or even possible risk of suicide category.  The finger can't be pointed at the Aspie adult all the time but more so the fingers from the Adult Autism Community need to be held out or more so from the non Aspies to try and encourage inclusion.  It would be good to live in a world that does not carry stigmas, labels etc.  A world which would acknowledge that the Autism Spectrum in adults is a reality and that instead of hostility or reactive responses that these would be replaced by more accommodating ones.  I am not say that all people are like this but there are some and it doesn't really help the Autism cause.

I would suggest that Aspies are natural worriers and I think our minds constantly ruminate about certain feelings and thoughts. Some comments which may be shrugged off by others may be instead for an Aspie something we may not always understand or agree with.  I just hope that attitudes do change and that younger and all people allow Aspies into their worlds.  We can only hope.