Being misunderstood, confronting ignorance and misunderstanding can be difficult for anyone. For persons on the Autism Spectrum it is necessary to see the good work which is being done by many persons, suprisingly some who are not on the Autism Spectrum in providing awareness and making the world a better place. For the many persons on the Autism Spectrum unable to get a job there are now organisations which work hard to make employment a reality. These organisations being Autism Works www.autismworks.co.uk Specialisterne http://www.specialistpeople.com/ Aspiritech http://www.aspiritech.org/ and Aspitech http://www.aspitech.com.au/about which are now starting to employ adults on the Autism Spectrum. The thing is having a job is important for a person on the Autism Spectrum as it provides support, structure and a sense of well being
Awareness of the Autism Spectrum can be challenging in some if not all most instances. People may not always understand you if you are different or see things in another way. It can be frustrating but all you can do is to try where you can to open the doors to more awareness. Some Aspies have become advocates because advocacy work helps to raise greater awareness and some choose to remain in solitude. Again this is their personal choice. We can only move forward in raising awareness by ensuring with adopt meaningful, realistic and non militant approaches. We need to support those who try to raise awareness even if we do not always agree with they may do. The world is not a perfect place and nobody has the best and easiest solutions to deal with any issues that may arise. I see having Asperger Syndrome as not so much as a label but more so as an identity. I think what is required is the changing of terms that seem to work against persons on the Autism Spectrum. Such words as 'normal', 'straight', 'gay', 'dating', 'single' etc are words that really need some careful thought when used in the Aspie world. Personally these words themselves invoke a somewhat defensive response in my personal opinion as a person on the Autism Spectrum. Labels and boxes do not define me. It is more so my own abilities and my what I term 'unconventional intelligence'. I see society as often difficult and challenging and at times maddening. I find when it is all too overwhelming that solitude is the best answer in order to recharge my batteries when I have to be exposed to it again.
The only way forward is to closely examine and support the work of persons on the Autism Spectrum and NT's if you want to use labels in this instance to make change and life better. I have closely followed the work of friend and fellow Aspie Chris Mitchell with the work both he and Peter MacDonald are undertaking in the UK in terms of software testing. Chris for instance works unbelievably hard in the work he does with Peter. He speaks at conferences, assists persons on the Autism Spectrum find ways of dealing with anxiety and spends a great deal of his time and energy to help make employability of Autistic persons possible. Back home in Australia we have Aspies working in research notably at a personal level Damian Santamauro who is undertaking work in his PhD. As Damian does not have a website his work and that of others can be found by visiting the homepage of my website www.garryburge.com Also there are Autism assocations both in Australia and around the world that devote a hell of a lot of time with no support or funding from the government such as Asperger Services Australia. Stefanie Evans who founded this organisation www.asperger.asn.au works tirelessly and often on her own to organise seminars, speaking events and conferences here in Brisbane and hopefully soon Australia wide. We also have Dr Tony Attwood www.tonyattwood.com.au also who is helping to spread the word. So there are persons out there committed, passionate and hardworking trying to help make change.
In Australia we unfortunately get very little if any support from governments. This is frustrating but it does not mean we should give up. We need to strive forward as best we can in the hope that change will take place. Change is the word I use instead of cruscades because crusades usually end up undermining valuable work or more importantly get nobody anywhere. Things are changing but it is going to take time and people need to get behind and support those who are trying their best to make for positive change, education and awareness.
Awareness of the Autism Spectrum can be challenging in some if not all most instances. People may not always understand you if you are different or see things in another way. It can be frustrating but all you can do is to try where you can to open the doors to more awareness. Some Aspies have become advocates because advocacy work helps to raise greater awareness and some choose to remain in solitude. Again this is their personal choice. We can only move forward in raising awareness by ensuring with adopt meaningful, realistic and non militant approaches. We need to support those who try to raise awareness even if we do not always agree with they may do. The world is not a perfect place and nobody has the best and easiest solutions to deal with any issues that may arise. I see having Asperger Syndrome as not so much as a label but more so as an identity. I think what is required is the changing of terms that seem to work against persons on the Autism Spectrum. Such words as 'normal', 'straight', 'gay', 'dating', 'single' etc are words that really need some careful thought when used in the Aspie world. Personally these words themselves invoke a somewhat defensive response in my personal opinion as a person on the Autism Spectrum. Labels and boxes do not define me. It is more so my own abilities and my what I term 'unconventional intelligence'. I see society as often difficult and challenging and at times maddening. I find when it is all too overwhelming that solitude is the best answer in order to recharge my batteries when I have to be exposed to it again.
The only way forward is to closely examine and support the work of persons on the Autism Spectrum and NT's if you want to use labels in this instance to make change and life better. I have closely followed the work of friend and fellow Aspie Chris Mitchell with the work both he and Peter MacDonald are undertaking in the UK in terms of software testing. Chris for instance works unbelievably hard in the work he does with Peter. He speaks at conferences, assists persons on the Autism Spectrum find ways of dealing with anxiety and spends a great deal of his time and energy to help make employability of Autistic persons possible. Back home in Australia we have Aspies working in research notably at a personal level Damian Santamauro who is undertaking work in his PhD. As Damian does not have a website his work and that of others can be found by visiting the homepage of my website www.garryburge.com Also there are Autism assocations both in Australia and around the world that devote a hell of a lot of time with no support or funding from the government such as Asperger Services Australia. Stefanie Evans who founded this organisation www.asperger.asn.au works tirelessly and often on her own to organise seminars, speaking events and conferences here in Brisbane and hopefully soon Australia wide. We also have Dr Tony Attwood www.tonyattwood.com.au also who is helping to spread the word. So there are persons out there committed, passionate and hardworking trying to help make change.
In Australia we unfortunately get very little if any support from governments. This is frustrating but it does not mean we should give up. We need to strive forward as best we can in the hope that change will take place. Change is the word I use instead of cruscades because crusades usually end up undermining valuable work or more importantly get nobody anywhere. Things are changing but it is going to take time and people need to get behind and support those who are trying their best to make for positive change, education and awareness.
