The Aspie community

Last night I attended a local meeting of Asperger Services Australia at Sherwood a western suburb of Brisbane. At this meeting were two other adults and a lady by the name of Vivian from Kids Matters www.kidsmatters.com.au Vivian spoke about the help undertaken to try and assist children on the Autistic Spectrum Disorder and ways to overcome the symptoms. A handout was given which I will try and upload later on the Integration of Models of Practice. This focused on several key areas of difficulty for people with Autism. At the meeting several parents of children on the Autistic Spectrum expressed their concerns relating to lack of community and lack of awareness. I found the meeting interesting and it is good to know that more support is happening out there. At the meeting I tried to mention the difficulty that adults with Asperger Syndrome confront. The difficulties of unemployment, the inability to adjust to the socialisation process and the problems with anxiety and depression. There seems to be more of a focus on children and adults still seem to exist in a void which hopefully over time will begin to break down. Also mentioned was diet and foods which cause intestinal irritation and the concern of gluten intolerance. For people and families affected by the Autistic Spectrum the world can be an isolation and lonely battle. There are just some people who don't understand and trying to enlighten or mention the issues you have is a complete waste of energy. They just don't get it. The Aspie Community does not want to take over nor does it want to prevail but quite simply a lot of families and adults plead for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. Support groups are but one means of assisting with this but breaking down the barriers also needs to occur. In Australia, especially Brisbane we can be thankful to Asperger Services Australia for providing us with workshops, support and a means of working together to break down the barriers. It is important that unification occurs within this organisation. Some workshops are coming up soon with Asperger Services Australia and by going to their website more information can be obtained. http://www.asperger.asn.au/Home.aspx