Asperger Services Australia Conference 2012

This afternoon I was contacted by Asperger Services Australia to be informed about speaking at next year's conference in Brisbane 2012.  This conference has Australia and New Zealand covered by entertaining and informative speakers.  Key note speakers include Dr Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett.  Other speakers include Anthony Julian from Victoria, Leith McMurray and Gabrielle Hogg from New Zealand, other adult speakers and myself.

Of interest will be our presentations which you will find very informative and awareness providing.  It is great to see adults coming together in such a conference and where else to do it but in Brisbane!   As adults we are all preparing our presentations so information as this stage remains in the planning process but believe me it should be a very informative conference.  I would encourage anyone to visit the websites of Leith McMurray who has worked tirelessly to assist adults on the Autism Spectrum find support within the community.  Leith's website Aspie Help greatly assists persons on the Autism Spectrum obtain support.  Something which is very much needed within our community.  It will be great to hear the work Leith does with Aspie Help so please come a long and listen also.  You don't know what you are missing.  Also you can hear from Anthony Julian who has worked very hard in Melbourne where he can to assist with advocacy work.  Anthony's website Anthony Julian Net is another great source of information.

Of the coming months I am sure that Asperger Services Australia will be promoting the conference and we encourage you no matter where you are to visit the website of Asperger Services Australia to find out more. You may also wish to visit Dr Tony Attwood's website for information also.

I have been informed that the setting in Brisbane is conducive for us Aspies in that the location is quiet away from sensory issues etc.  So our speakers from New Zealand, Western Australia and other states can also be assured that our presentations will hopefully reach maxium impact and enlightenment.  I am currently working on my presenation as we speak.  We have been asked as speakers to submit our synposis and then the next phase our presentations.  I for one am proud to that as adults we stand united in our attempt to better inform the wider community of our experiences but all we need is wonderful, delightful, caring and supportive people to attend as we have a lot of information to share with you.

Please stay tuned for more updates and we hope to see you there!  It will be a great conference not worth missing!  I have provided a conference video which I hope can help promote the event but the conference is for all of us to share our talents and experiences with the rest of you!

Please remember to contact Asperger Services Australia so that we can meet you!

Australia now comes on board with software testing

It is great news to now hear that software testing has become a reality to employ adults on the Autism Spectrum here in Australia.  Please read the following link for more information.

Software testing companies now exist in the United Kingdom, United States, Denmark, Switzerland and now Australia has come on board.  The  next step is to replicate these companies to reach other countries, cities and towns throughout the world.

Please note that the following information session hosted by Info Exchange and Alpha Autism below


Date: Monday 5 December 2011
Time: 4.00pm to 5.30pm
Cost: Free
Location: Melbourne (venue TBA)
RSVP: Wednesday 30 November 2011

I think all adults on the Autism Spectrum should have a go at software testing to see whether or not it is for them.  I am currently undertaking work for a replication of software testing to happen here in Brisbane.  Also there is the Asperger Services Australia Adult Conference which will be hosted in Brisbane, Australia next year.

Please stay tuned for further updates on software testing which has now reached Australia.

People's conformist ways

One of the things that really irriates me are attacks and criticisms from people who say "oh you just have to try harder" or "you can join my clubs and socities in order to meet people".  The thing is you try but you still struggle to fit in.

Yesterday I had another bogan attack.  As I walked outside the house, a bogan came past with his bogan mate and criticised my appearance again making a homophobic slur within his car.  How gutless!  I am sick of such people.  I just wish in all honesty they could be deported to some other country or place.  Brisbane seems to have too many of them and you always need to be aware of them being around.  I try to deflect the comments but mostly I find myself living in social isolation as Brisbane's population seem mostly bogan.  No matter where you go you cannot avoid them as they seem to be like walking zombies.

I am almost 40 years old and life at times grinds painfully slow.  I try not to worry about things around me but at times I feel as though I am trapped in a prison sentence.  It is hard to go places as you are more than often on your own and trying to mix with the non Autistic population seems impossible also.  I really hope that things change in the future but of course I cannot control this.  I am for one would like to see a change in government here in Queensland.  The streets are no longer safe and the Bligh Government just seem neglectful of responsibility such as policing the state.  Also there seems to be no accountability and bogans seem to be taking over everything.  It is a real concern.  The federal situation does not seem better either and hopefully this will change.  A desperate government doing everything it can to hang on more so than go to an election.  It is a depressing situation to be honest.  Not only does it provide a diservice to the country but the very party it represents is severely being undermined.  It would be good if an election were called to vote for a stable government more so than a dishonest one.

It is hard when you try as many options as possible to alleviate your situation only to know that in return people just don't really understand.   My experience with the selfish old lady and her two cats as a house sitting assignment did not help my already low self esteem and trying to find someone of the opposite sex even for friendship just seems impossible.  All you can try and be is optomistic and hope things will improve.  People have to stop trying to force others to be their way or no way and need to be a bit more accommodating of others who may think differently to themselves!

Positive role models required.

In the world today it is hard to find positive role models.  In my own life though I have been fortunate to have had some positive role models.  It can be very difficult when there are no others around in whom you can strive towards exemplary standards and good principles.  However when getting a job, you can find some good people in the area of management.

In 1999, my first real job was working in the Queensland Parliamentary Library.  I don't know why but I find female managers are persons I look up to more so than male managers.  I find most male managers seem to have a false sense of ego and want to try and prove some nonsense masculinity insecurity with you.  I enjoyed working in the Queensland Parliamentary Library because I could go to work and I felt I was valued.  I used to wear a shirt and a tie as well as sports coats.  I was also confident in that I used to enter the Parliamentary Library via the main parliamentary stairwell.  There existed this stupid attitude amongst the parliamentary attendance staff that I thought I was better than them.  Whenever I entered or left because I had to catch a bus that left at 4.45pm, that life would be made difficult.  I had to surrender my parliamentary pass and what's more I had to observe this stupid inferiority mentality that existed.

Anyhow I enjoyed my time working in audio visual.  I worked with an older man whom I assisted in encoding videos onto CD's and DVD Roms.  I spent my days watching old "Country Wide" episodes as well as archive parliamentary footage.  I even was able to tape news segments which related specifically to politics.  So I was in my elements just having recently completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Politics and Sociology.  I would spend my lunch hours trying to find quiet space in Parliament House.  I would often walk into the disused Legislative Council Chamber and sit in the Queen's Chair.  I did this when nobody looked of course.  I also used to analyse the parliamentary term boards to see when and where my Great Grandfather who was an MLA in the Queensland Parliament was on the board.  He served as a Ministerialist between 1889 to 1899.  My mind was always looking for similarities as well as historical moments.

When I worked in the Parliamentary Library I worked under a very good manager.  She always ensured that I was given good direction within the work environment and more importantly was approachable.  I also undertook data entry and other duties.  I worked in the Queensland Parliamentary Library for 6 months but was again unemployed when another staff member came back from Long Service Leave.  Positive role models assisted greatly in helping me to refine some of my social skills which I have today.  Of course I still have a long way to go but I never give up.  My latest Positive Role Models

This afternoon I met with Kelvin Ross, Kelvin J Ross & Associates (HR) and Mark Pearce regarding software testing.  The meeting went for approximately 2 hours.  At the meeting I discussed software testing and how an adult on the Autism Spectrum may benefit from providing high quality input and delivery.  At the meeting I also mentioned Autism Works and I informed all at the meeting concerned the work Autism Work are doing in the United Kingdom.  The website of Autism Works is www.autismworks.co.uk

I have put my name down for summer school classes at UQ for IT classes.  I also informed those at the meeting concerned that it is important to meet up again.  The next meeting will be scheduled for Friday 16th December 2011 when I will be contacted concerning updates.  Kelvin J Ross & Associates are going to look into 'hands on' software testing and hopefully adults on the Autism Spectrum will be able to have an opportunity to test their strengths at the University of Queensland.

I was able to sell a copy of my book "I Want To Work An Asperger Story" to Kelvin J Ross & Associates and as Kelvin will be away until April, I mentioned the need for things to not die in the wind.  Currently I will look into undertaking some IT courses and have offered my own services as an adult on the Autism Spectrum to see how the potential for employment may become a reality.  Contact will hopefully also be made with Peter MacDonald from Autism Works and I have put Kelvin in touch with Peter respectively.

My meeting today was productive and hopefully there are clear benchmarks and targets to get things happening and underway.  Please stay tuned for further updates when they come to hand.

Yours faithfully

Garry Burge
www.garryburge.com

When things don't seem to go right

Recently I undertook a house sit which was for 7 weeks.  I was contacted yesterday or more so I returned a phone call to be informed that my services were no longer required and that I was responsible for an animal getting sick and having to be put down.  In this situation I do not feel responsible because firstly the owner knew darn well the answers were sick prior to leaving and secondly I was not a vet.  It is not a very pleasant experience when a neighbourhood gangs up on you and you find yourself wrongly criticised for failing to act in relation to the situation.  I was told I was neglecent and that I would not be trusted with the home owner's other pet.

I really find some people selfish and shallow.  I did not fail in my duties to look after the person's home and when I informed the person that I feel I did a good job in looking after her home, I was told I left the kitchen dirty.  I really felt like saying well 'how about we prepare a list and you can tell me all the things I did wrong if it makes you feel any better?!' Honestly some  people are so stupid and shallow.  The home owner knew when going away that her animals were sick and since when was I a vet?  I was also informed that I should not render my services to people to do house sits.  Well maybe I should just live in a cardboard box or up a tree where at least people can bloody well leave me alone!  In all honesty I get fed up with society.  I get annoyed and frustrated at how people 'gang up' in their shallow, spineless ways to attack a person on their own.  A complete act of cowardice if you ask me.  It's not the first time this has happened.  There have been several other times. People honestly can be so darn mean and nasty!

Well I guess I can say that now I will have to strike off house sitting as another thing in life which I have been unuccessful in.  I often wonder sometimes how I go on.  I have to deal with this crap on a daily basis and having to also confront noisy neighbours who have nothing better to do than to pry into other people's business.  Really people at times can be a real pain in the butt.  I just need to be strong once again!

Updates on software testing progress

This afternoon I met with Professor Paul Stropper from the University of Queensland Head, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering and Dr Kelvin Ross from K J Ross & Associates  concerning software testing.  Also an adult on the Autism Spectrum was briefly in attendance.  


The meeting was very intense and I finally had the chance to use my brain after 6 years of inactivity. At the meeting I discussed the highlights and benefits in employing an adult on the Autism Spectrum and also mentioned my knowing Chris Mitchell (Adult with Asperger Syndrome) and Peter MacDonald from Autism Works In the discussion which roughly went for just over an hour at the University of Queensland I discussed my visit to Autism Works and the need for the southern hemisphere, more so Australia to take on board software testing.  I informed both Kelvin and Paul the need for Brisbane to start the ball rolling as it is close also to the Asian, New Zealand and Western Australia markets.  I also suggested that contact be made with Peter MacDonald from Autism Works to find out if their model could be used here in Australia.

The meeting was very informative and it is hope that contact can be made with Peter MacDonald from Autism Works to get things rolling here.  The concern is that adults on the Autism Spectrum represent the highest unemployment stastics and many are simply unable to find employment.  Also 'specialist' people need to be utilised more so than sitting on a government pension with a substandard and lower quality of life.  I also discussed the benefits of employing an adult on the Autism Spectrum and have offered my services to learn software testing and provide advice to get things happening here.

The outcome of the meeting was very productive.  Next Tuesday afternoon I will be visiting K J Ross & Associates to personally find out what is involved with software testing and more importantly to provide a perspective as an adult on the Autism Spectrum.  Many advantages were discussed as delivering higher quality outcome in terms of organisations which use computer software such as the RTA in NSW (Roads and Traffic Authority) and other businesses both in Australia and in New Zealand.  What would be hopefully satisfactory is putting smiles on the faces or more so a better quality of life to those on the Autism Spectrum and more importantly future generations.  The overall projection would be as follows

• I need to understand what is involved in software testing
• Software and other resources need adjustment or formulation for person on the Autism Spectrum
• Ways of utilising and obtaining maxium performance for adults on the Autism Spectrum concerned
• University of Queensland to offer expression of interests for testing to see how adults with Autism go
• I also indicated working in the UQ Library for 6 years shelving books properly in Library of Congress Classification so mindset for errors.

Of course this approach is jumping off the deep end but I am concerned about the many adults on the Autism Spectrum who could have a better quality of life than simply sitting on a government payment.  More importantly why are not good minds being utilised to their full potential?  This is all experimental at this stage but I am trying my best to play a part in providing jobs and better quality service delivery by those who could contribute so much more than existing in a current void or in a negative stigma or stereotype.  

I will keep you posted with developments and what I learn next Tuesday afternoon when I visit KJ Ross & Associates at their Spring Hill Office.

Regards

Garry Burge

www.garryburge.com

Please help Autism Spectrum Australia as an adult on the Autism Spectrum by completing their survey for adults on the Autism Spectrum 

Being held back by social barriers

Any social situation is confusing but it is even more confusing when you are on the Autism Spectrum.  Within employment I find most if not all of my energy being focused on getting through the day and the work which is required of me.  Performing new tasks can be especially challenging.  This is more so because I need to find a routine or pattern in order to undertake them.  My employment history has not been one where I have worked for multiple employers.  In fact in the very few jobs I have been in, it has been the social setting which has caused me the most confusion.  Within some jobs, I have summed up the people from a distance and sadly I  have experienced some who are potential bullies or people who are difficult to get on with.  I find the stronger personality type the most difficult. Usually the person has an ego about them or some kind of 'dodgy' personality.

Now to get to the main thrust of my argument.  In employment I struggle socially.  Concentrating on given tasks requires not if all of my energy.  It is difficult when a person asks you to 'drop what you are doing' to suddenly do some other job. My mind tends to think "what about the other job I have asked to drop?"  "Who will finish it?" Also I find a workplace mainly desired in a way that tends to largely focus on a person's social ability.  It is like the fabric of the organisation requires communication to allow allocation of work, work flow, job tasks and more importantly direction.  If a supervisor is not clear in direction, then I have usually had to rely on my intelligence to try and problem solve. As you can imagine this becomes exhausting.

I have always noticed that within employment, those with the greater social abilities are usually the ones that get promoted.  Also I have noticed that if you encounter stress and need longer to learn tasks, that usually you don't get a chance.  It is hard within employment to mention your strenghts and weakeness as you are told you put yourself down more so than an understanding ear which can try to listen and explain.  Within employment, especially job interviews not understanding the social barriers can cause difficulty.  I have found myself more than often being held back within employment.  I simply just exist in a hole and others are moved around me.  It is hard to stand up for your rights when you appear as a trouble maker and have few or if anyone to actually support you. I just find it hard to explain to people around me without having to be defensive where I need help.  I also feel at times that my life is going nowhere, I have few friends and feel largely alone the majority of the time.  How is a person therefore with Autism held back by social barriers?  Perhaps my experiences and questions above will hopefully start to enlighten you on such matters?

National Autistic Society video please watch National Autistic Society

How much is enough contact?

I often or rather I say sometimes hear from other adults on the Autism Spectrum wanting to contact me and to talk about their experiences.  However, I really do not have the energy to talk and often I am disappointed with the lack of availability of services and support to help with communication.  I can remember with some adults I knew that I found it hard to know how much or how little I should be in contact with them.  Recently due to stress I have had to end communication with some adults because I am unable to communicate on a daily basis.  I find skype very tiring and more importantly I cannot speak for long periods.  When I have spoken on skype and webcamed, I have found too much communication draining and I have had had to cease communication with persons on the Autism Spectrum from skype as a coping mechanism.

I try to visit adults on the Autism Spectrum when I go abroad but really I cannot communicate on a daily basis and I find skype and msn draining to be honest.  Even email can be difficult as sometimes reciprocation does not always occur and I cannot do other people's thinking for them.  Unfortunately some adults on the Autism Spectrum implode because they cannot handle communication.  I cannot help but more so suggest that they visit Dr Tony Attwood's website www.tonyattwood.com.au as a source of information and communication.  Adults on the Autism Spectrum need to take into consideration the conference being held in Australia by Asperger Services Australia www.asperger.asn.au At this conference adults on the Autism Spectrum are provided with an opportunity to meet other adults and to talk about the challenges and achievements they have undertaken in their lives.  For more information about next year's conference this can be found on the website of Asperger Services Australia above.

From personal experience I believe Aspies do not handle rejection well, especially if it is from another Aspie but in my own case, I cannot handle people who really can get professional help elsewhere but to still make contact where they can.  I am interested to know of any achievements adults on the Autism Spectrum encounter and through my website www.garryburge.com I can be contacted.   I think Aspie to Aspie friendship can have intensity issues as well as rumination.  Also there can be sabotage where the Aspie may use mechanisms to end or cut off a friendship.  As stated earlier better services are required to assist the adult population.  Does an Aspie care if another Aspie goes under (stress wise) which can sometimes happen?

Contact is important between adults as well as friendships but too much contact can be a problem.  In reviewing contact on skype, facebook or msn I find it best to minimise contact but it is good to see adults trying to have a go in improving their lives.  It is good to hear from adults who seriously want to better themselves and look for a job or improve their lives etc.  I also think blogs are a good way for other adults to communicate and it would be great to see more of them.  Anyhow what level of contact is best between adults on the Autism Spectrum?

Being born in the wrong place

When I was in primary school I told other people around me that I was born in England.  For some reason I could identify more with the English culture than I could Australian.  I was not rough, crude, played sport or swore and as my grandfather was English (born in Bristol) I had to imagine I had some kind of English lineage.  I always wanted to go to England and this was to eventually happen in 2011 when I met Chris Mitchell. 

Even today I still find it difficult to fit into Australian culture.  I like in England how everything is so close.  You can jump on a plane and be in another country for little under an hour whereas in Australia, you have to travel to the moon almost to reach another destination.  I have been to England a few times now.  Every time I have returned, I feel more welcome and at home in England than I do Australia.  For one thing the summers here are too much and also Australia lacks the tranquil greenery that you find overseas.  The thing is that it is hard to live there. I do know that if you have an English grandfather that you can obtain an ancestry visa.

Having visited Europe, conversation is different than it is here.  People talk more about national affairs and what's even more interesting is that the conduct of politicians is slightly better.  For instance you can sit at a dinner table in Europe and people have more intellectual debate whereas here in Australia it tends to be more putting people down or some engaging in gossip.  The truth of the matter is Australia is too remote.  People here are like a detached and remote European colony.  Australia seems more Irish than English in some ways.

When I have been in England I like the quaint English towns and I can identify with the reservedness of the English as they go about their lives.  I also tend to dumb down or alter my Australian accent to sound more English when I have been in England.

I feel I am really born in the wrong country and I ask myself on occasions; "Why did the British every come here and leave the land to the Aborigines?".  I like the European streets with their cobbled stones, the buildings that have stood longer than European settlement in Australia, and the history that surrounds.  When entering a historical site you feel the energy of the events encapsulate you.  You can for instance see the grave of Elizabeth I in Westminster Abbey or the tomb of Lord Horatio Nelson in St Paul's Cathedral.  You can even visit the historic town of Newcastle upon Tyne in the north of England where life is so different.  You can drive 30 miles which to the English can be quite a long drive and be in another town.  I have thought about moving to England or Europe but it is just so difficult to get a job when I don't have any skills.  I have been fortunate to have traveled.  I had 2 days in Madrid, Spain on my last day and was totally alone in a culture where only little English was spoken.  Of course I was in Spain and I should have been more versed in the Spanish language. I people watched in Madrid and in Portugal.  I felt like being a double Aspie in that not only could I not communicate with the Spanish or Portuguese but I could feel only a human connection.

In England you can pass people by on the street and they greet you with "Good afternoon, it's a lovely day isn't it" compared to Australia where you pass people by and  you are lucky to even get a warm hello.  There is also this 'blokey' culture where alcohol is consumed as a test of manhood or masculinity.  How it is so shallow and flawed.  The English can be cold as well but personally the north of England is more friendly.  Even across the Tasman the New Zealanders have less of this 'blokey' crap but Australia and New Zealand are countries I like to forget when traveling abroad.  I will alter my accent where I can to sound more English than Australian and cut out the 'aye' which I do very little of at any rate.  I like the work of Bill Bryson an American poet who left the United States to reside in England Notes from A Small Island  Have you ever wondered why so many outspoken and eccentric Australians have left Australia to live in the United Kingdom?  I can list several from Rolf Harris, Germain Greer, and the list goes on.  

Meeting with software testing companies

This Friday I will be meeting with K J Ross & Associates Software Testing and Professor Paul Stropper from the University of Queensland concerning software testing for adults on the Autism Spectrum and for Brisbane to come on board.  I cannot make any promises at the meeting that employment can be created immediately for adults on the Autism Spectrum but it is important to get the ball rolling.

This morning I received an email from Chris Mitchell at Autism Works  In this email Chris informed me that Autism Works has now employed 5 adults on the Autism Spectrum as software testers.  This is great news and it seems as though Autism Works are playing their part in reducing unemployment in adults on the Autism Spectrum.  In Australia there still seems to be no software testing employer and despite all efforts, it seems to be taking time for something to start here.  So this is why I need to take urgent action in trying my best to get something done.

Unemployment amongst the Autism Community remains very high.  A lot of adults have very good minds but lack the necessary experience to get a job.  Most are coping as best they can and others are close or have already given up.  Why for instance in Australia and New Zealand are some adults confined to a Disability Pension or an Invalid Pension when they could be working for an employer who best understands their needs and abilities?  It is only a matter of time I guess until something changes.

Next year Asperger Services Australia will be hosting their conference.  Hopefully as many adults as possible will be able to attend.  There is already interest from within Australia and New Zealand for adults to attend the conference but the wider community need to understand more also.  Hopefully this will occur.

I hope to provide updates on Friday's meeting and please stay tuned to my blog for more updates

Kind regards

Garry Burge
http://www.garryburge.com

How can Asperger Syndrome be defined as a social skills disability

In my own situation I would describe Asperger Syndrome for me as me being disabled socially. I find it hard to make friends and to communicate with the world around me.  I am able to socalise where necessary but the main difficulty I find is being able to adjust to the work environment.  I find holding down a job often a difficult task.  I am able to do the job but I find it repetitive.  Quite often I am doing routine work but knowing the social skills necessary in order to obtain promotion or acceptance within the work environment difficult.

I am 39 years of age and I still find it difficult making friends.  This year I have had 2 failed friendships with persons on the Autism Spectrum as well as several not on the Autism Spectrum.  I just need and am trying to work on some cognitive issues which I have and trying to overcome these. The main difficult has been mainly due to anxiety and an inability to know what exactly was required in the friendships.  I also seem to struggle with relationships and find I do not get anywhere.  People can say that I need to try harder or join more things but does such an approach really help when  you are 'disabled socially".  As a result of my own inability to make friends and to understand the social skills necessary I virtually spend almost all of my life within social isolation.  People think I am like them but yet my cognitive wiring is different.  I just think differently to them even though I look the same.

If I were to describe Asperger Syndrome as being disabled socially I would more or less imply that the word 'disabled' would more apply to the non Autistic population not understand or being able to deal with the symptoms.  It is not easy for the non Autistic person to easily understand as being disabled socially is not always apparent.  People never allow the person on the Autism Spectrum enough time to be understood or more importantly the person with Asperger Syndrome may just think and act differently.  The only way a greater understanding and awareness of being disabled socially can occur is for a greater awareness.  It is almost like the non Autistic population need a guide book as to understand the Autistic Person better.

As a person on the Autism Spectrum would you describe yourself as being disabled socially and what are your opinions on such a term?  Also does being disabled socially interfere with forming friendships and having an affect on job interviews?  Do you think also that friendships for persons both on the Autism Spectrum are easy?  Perhaps something for you to think about?  

Counseling at UQ

Every Thursday morning I have counseling sessions at UQ.  These counseling sessions assist me with managing anxiety, overcoming difficulties and trying to find coping strategies to assist me to move forward in my life.  Recently I have had some difficulties with communication and I have thought and worked on strategies to overcome such difficulties.  One suggestion was to mark a date in my diary to communicate with a person again rather than having continual and consistent communication which causes heightened anxiety and too much intensity.

The one thing I would like to work on in my life is to improve my social circle.  I have very few friends and not many real interests that can help me to communicate with others.  I often wonder why I receive no phone calls or emails and I realise life has to be lived more so than having to wait for someone to contact me.  Last night I had a very odd dream which I cannot recall.  In the dream I dreamed that a person from my past when I was in high school who gave me a hard time was within my family circle i.e. sitting around a table with members of my family and was holding a newly born baby.  I cannot work out what this dream meant but it kind of made me uncomfortable for to dream about a baby being born can often mean death or I think also re birth of life. 

I still hold hope that one day I may meet someone of the opposite sex and develop a friendship or relationship.  I know that I have a lot of things going for me and I am keeping myself fit also.  I no longer have weight on my stomach which is good as I constantly undertake cardio vascular work and minimize stress as much as possible.

The counseling at UQ helps me to find ways of moving forward past anxiety and to find and develop coping strategies to live in the moment and to not be held back by fear and worry etc.  Tomorrow I will be assisting in research being carried out by the University Department of Psychology called the "Aspie Brain".   This research will hopefully aid in a better understanding of how the mind of a person with Asperger Syndrome works.  I realise that I cannot help everyone and the recent correspondence I had with another Aspie which had some difficulties has been kept to monthly correspondence.  I have to look after myself first and I need to maintain some dignity. I am always reliable and honest in terms of communication and hopefully for anyone that I keep in contact with they need to understand how I best function.  As I said I cannot help everybody. 

The fear of rejection is not easy for anyone and I don't like having to resort to drastic measures but the worst consequence may be very high levels of anxiety which of course can have a significant impact upon your health. In my recent phone call with Dr Tony Attwood I mentioned to him how as an Aspie I often struggle with understanding the social world and in making friends and entering relationships.  I told Tony some of the challenges of being a man on the Autism Spectrum as well.  As stated earlier, Tony informed me that I am helping with creating many more services and support.  Firstly there is Aspergers@UQ and also the advocacy work which I do.  Often I feel lonely within the world socially but hopefully with more counseling I can better manage the issues I confront and more importantly move forward in my life.  I no longer think about the past as much and recent communication with another Aspie has helped me to understand where I need to make significant changes in my life. 

I wrap up my house sitting this weekend as I finish next Monday 14th November.  It has been great to have had some freedom and to better come to terms with some areas of my life. I may write another book again some day but for now I just need to focus on jumping over some hurdles.  More updates soon.

Phone call to Dr Tony Attwood

This morning at 8.55am I contacted Dr Tony Attwood.   I spoke to Tony about the following and also on my advocacy work.   I spoke to Dr Attwood for approxmately 20 mins.  I described to Tony the following.

1. Aspergers@UQ
2. Friendship/relationship difficulties for adults on the Autism Spectrum
3. Book sales
4. Changes to the library with branch rotations etc
5. The need for more services
6. House sitting
7. Autism Works/Software Testing in the Australia region
8. Next year's adult Conference hosted by Asperger Services Australia www.asperger.asn.au
9. Dealing with loniliness
10. Adult issues etc

I found my phone conversation with Tony very informative as Tony diagnosed me with Asperger Syndrome in 1998 when I was 25 years old.  In my phone call I discussed with Tony how hard it can be for Aspies to make friends.  Also how Aspies tend to withdraw into their own space when making friends can be difficult and when or how much reciprocation needs to occur. Also how we can leave communication open to others by asking them to contact us at their own conveience should they wish to do so and to control ruminating thoughts.  We put in a lot of intensity and often as Aspies we ruminate and sometimes obsess about what is a friend etc.  Tony acknowledged my history of wanting friendships and I informed him that I am getting counseling at the University of Queensland Department of Pscyhology to assist me.  I informed him how I am also trying to overcome some of the issues I confront as an adult at 39 on the Autism Spectrum.  Dr Attwood will be attending next year's conference hosted by Asperger Services Australia in Brisbane and I hope many adults attend.  We can only hope and Asperger Services Australia are yet to release more information on next year's conference happening in April 2012 in Brisbane.

Tony also asked me how my book was doing "I Want To Work An Asperger Story" with a Foreword from Tony.  He also asked me if I am going to write another book and I informed him that a lot of work is required and he understood and mentioned how after writing a book that he also needed some time out.  I may consider writing another book at some future stage but for now I just need to focus on marketing my present book which can be purchased through my website www.garryburge.com

I informed Tony about my work situation and how UQ Library have offered staff at Hew 2 Level the opportunity of shift preferences to work in other branch libraries.  I have indicated my desire where possible to work within other branches for a change.  Hopefully this will happen soon?

I informed Dr Attwood about my house sitting and furthermore some of the difficulties I confront with trying to live independently from my parents.  I informed Tony that I work hard with advocacy work which he acknowledged and he informed me that I am doing a great job in providing more services.  Tony said that I put a lot of myself out to help other people but I still am looking for a companion or good friendships also. I informed Tony that I find it difficult to meet persons of the opposite sex but I am going to find strategies to assist me with this and it is just a matter of how?  Tony was again very supportive

I informed Tony about the meeting at UQ for software testing which hopefully may reach Australia soon.  A real chance of providing employment for adults on the Autism Spectrum in getting a job more so than sitting on a government pension.  I will be having a meeting at the University of Queensland very shortly to discuss such options further.  I also informed Tony that I am in touch with both Chris Mitchell and Peter MacDonald from Autism Works www.autismworks.co.uk and Tony knows I have been friends with Chris Mitchell since my diagnosis in 1998.

Anyhow this is my update from Dr Tony Attwood.  Tony was very supportive and caring towards the work I do and has asked me to keep up the good work where possible.  I hope as many adults as possible can join with Asperger Services Australia to attend next year's conference in Brisbane in February 2012.

Kind and warm regards

Garry Burge
www.tonyattwood.com.au

Dealing with the cards you are given

Life sometimes feels like you are given a deck of cards and you have to make the most of them.  You may have a full house, a full flush and a few aces or just a combination of cards that you can only do little with.  As you get older you throw away or some of the cards are removed from the deck and you are left with few playing cards to actually play. 

Throughout my life I have had to make the most of the cards I have been given.  In terms of relationships, the cards I have been given present few options. Low socio economic status, lack of relationship skills and some of the cards I have got and some are just a poor hand.  I guess everyone has a different setting of playing cards.  If you are successful for instance or come from a money situation, the playing cards can be played better resulting in better return but if you are provided with a crumby hand then you have little or few options to use your cards to your advantage.

Why it is that some people do better than others.  How come if some people are smart they don't always do well whereas others who may just float a long in life get what they want and make the most of the cards they are given?  I think also that social skills play a major part in a person's ability to succeed for people who know the social queues and the correct interaction tips seem to go further in life but also fall backward if their personality flaws are exposed.

Within a job interview it seems for instance that a person is chosen on their credentials but also on their social skills.  If you perform or struggle at a job interview, it is harder to sell yourself and obtain the desired result which you are after.  I have never really done well in job interviews on my own.  With the assistance of a disability employment consultant I have been able to obtain some jobs but if the position is not ongoing there are often excuses to get rid of you. We have to downsize, or as a result of corporate restructure we unfortunately can no longer keep you on etc.  These are some of the responses I received in the past.

In terms of relationships, I think Aspie men have a lot of difficulty, well in my own situation of being able to handle dating and other relationship requirements. Not knowing what to say or more importantly how to handle emotions can in itself present difficulties.  Perhaps Aspie men and Aspie women need coaching on strategies to make dating and relationships work better?  It is like an Aspie needs a whole army to help with social skills and making friends also.  I find interaction differs from adult to adult.  Some adults on the Autism Spectrum are easy to talk to whereas others need more work. It can be difficult keeping in touch with them.  Some adults also seem to implode as they find making friends and interacting all too difficult.  It is better to sabotage a friendship than to keep it as there is too much work involved not to mention the necessary social skills. 

Ask yourself the question.  Do you feel as a person in life that your set of cards represents a good playing hand or do you think finding or being given better cards in the deck may make your life better?  It seems that we are all given a deck of cards and we have to play these to the best of our ability if we want to get ahead or live our lives. 

The social challenges

Yesterday morning I attended local church congregation.  I find it good to go to church but what I find difficult is the social aspect afterwards.  Just to simply talk to other people is in itself a daunting experience.  It can be easy to avoid social situations but often this comes with consequences.  You can push yourself more into social isolation and loniliness.

I often wonder with church if people are attending to connect with God or what other reasons?  Church in itself should be a place for a congregation to attend in order to find enlightenment and acceptance.  Sadly sometimes people go for the wrong reasons.  At church yesterday I enjoyed hearing some stories from the Old Testament.  These stories mainly focusing around the Philistines and the story of David.

The church at least is a somewhat community atmosphere where there are some healthy people more so than a toxic environment.  It really depends on what your beliefs and core values are as a person.

Social situations require a lot of work and use of mental energy.  Simply being able to talk to a gathering or to a person one to one requires full use of thought and speech.  At the church yesterday I managed to speak to a few people and received a greeting upon exiting the church but what I find very difficult is to talk in a lighter side.  Often as I think so much I tend to have difficulty in replying to others.  I have learned that when I talk with someone that I have to try and ask them about themselves more so than focus on my own introspection.  Communication is not like a tennis volley but more so an ability to find connections with others.  Often this can be very difficult.  How much and how little are you supposed to contact a person?

I find with a lot of Aspies that conversation is often one sided.  They talk a lot about themselves but seldom if at all ask me how I am.  Even if you try and explain from things you have learned yourself it can be sometimes difficult to get through to them.  I may have had more help through the years but I sometimes find myself introspective at times and find it difficult to ask other people about themselves.  It just seems to be the way people are I guess?

I simply would describe the social challenges as:

1. Confronting crowd situations (which even non Autistic people find difficult). 
2. Trying to make small talk and having a lighter side
3. Knowing how to respond and finding the mental energy to do so.
4. Dealing with the anxiety of confronting a social situation.
5. Knowing what clothes to wear or how to act etc.
6. Difficulty in talking to people in a group situation.
7. How to respond to people's comments and responding correctly


The social challenges at work are also difficult.  Often it can be hard to talk socially when your mind is on specific tasks within the work environment.  People often dismiss me as being aloof or uninterested but the difficulty is more so that I cannot understand why a work environment is also a social one to a large extent.

Everyone has their own social challenges but I guess it depends on person to person?

Traveling to Jarvis Bay and back and Australasia

Australia is a big country and I have been fortunate to have travelled some parts of it.  I have however not travelled any furtherer north than Bundaberg as the thought of more heat and humidity have put me off.  In 2008 after some stress related issues when I had to take stress leave from work, I needed a break from Brisbane.  Brisbane can be suffocating at times as you can become trapped in its conformity.  So with this in mind as well as needing stress leave which was also due to a long distance relationship break up, I journeyed from Brisbane to Jarvis Bay. My main intention was to drive to Sydney but as I drove down the Pacific Highway enjoying the spectacular beaches and scenery which the rest of the world knows very little about, I arrived at my first stop of Ballina.  Ballina is a picturesque coastal town approximately 2 and a half hours south of Brisbane.  It was here that I walked a long the beach and enjoyed mostly untouched coastal beaches.  The next leg of the journey heading Sydney bound was to Port Macquarie.  Another spectacular place on the beach.  The journey from Brisbane to Sydney a long the coast road is by no doubt the best in the world.  You tavel a long the coastal route making your way over the Northern New South Wales Rivers through Coffs Harbour, Yamba, Evans Head and then onto Port Macquarie.  As you edge closer to Sydney you notice things become busier.  Driving through Newcastle for instance as I headed towards Gosford which is north of Sydney brings you to the Central Coast of New South Wales.  It is only then a matter of reaching Sydney itself.  Driving through Sydney with GPS made life easier.  By the time I got to Gosford I became ambitious and thought I would drive down to the South Coast of New South Wales.  This coastline is much sleeper and the beaches different.  The beaches and scenery reminded me of some parts of the South Island of New Zealand. There is a town on the South Coast called Eden.  Although I would have liked to have gone there, time was against me and I only made it as far as Nowra to stop over and to Jarvis Bay to observe.

I have always had a fascination with lighthouses.  In Jarvis Bay there is a lighthouse which I observed in the distance.  It would have been interesting to actually see it but it involved navigation a long a dirt windy road.  However I did get to see a bit of Jarvis Bay and put up with the cooler winds from the Tasman Sea.  I liked the sleepy and laid back coastline of the South Coast of New South Wales and I hope one day to drive down the coast to Melbourne.  Just outside Nowra there is a lighthouse and it was disused.  It was a very tranquil  location.  A lot of people think of Australia as being a vast and empty dry land but it does have scenery.  Upon my return from Jarvis Bay, I returned to Brisvegas through Lithgow on the Blue Mountains, and Gunnedah.  I drove the car I still have which endured a slight mechanical problem hitting a dead wallaby on the road before I reached Gunnedah.  Gunnedah seemed remote from anywhere and I saw kangaroos on the side of the road on ocassions.  Kangaroos can be dangerous for they can suddenly hop out in front of you and cause serious injury to both you and your car.  Anyhow that was the trip I did to Jarvis Bay.

I have also met Aspies in Melbourne.  I met Bridget and Anthony.  Anthony showed me around Melbourne and it was cool catching up with him.  I attended a bbq on the side of Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne and caught up with some German friends who used to live next door to our family home in Brisbane.  I have met Aspies in the United Kingdom and the United States also and it is always good to meet others where possible.  I have been fortunate to have travelled to Tasmania (Hobart), Norfolk Island, Western Australia (Perth) Adelaide, Canberra (not missing much) and Sydney.  Never been to Darwin and have no desire to heat and humidity wise as Brisbane is bad enough for 4 months let alone having to endure it double strength. I remember the airport on Norfolk Island which was small and all lights were turned on with a single power switch.  Warnambool in Victoria was good except for the Bogan motel I stayed in as I thought to myself the motel owner looked like he had served time in a Melbourne jail.  Anyhow this is my trip to Jarvis Bay and to some other places.  Oh I have been to New Zealand also but would never go on a tour again. I did a week of the South Island only to find the tour guide an unhelpful drunkard bogan.  she actually could not take the tour and had to hand over to the coach driver a proud kiwi who actually did a better job.  I have to say on the tour that the New Zealanders were better than the Aussies as this tour guide was not a gleaning Australian example.  I have no desire to do Asia really but so long as one can remain somewhat sedated the trip to Europe is always worth it.  Traveling is good fun but remember to avoid the wet floors in the European Hotel Bathrooms to avoid a possible broken leg like I almost did in Portugal.  Luckily I avoided injury.  I hope once again to return to the UK and possibly do Germany and some other parts of Europe.  I just hope Julia's tax doesnt cripple the savings?  Anyhow an Aspie can travel but it is just a matter of preparation and enthusiasm for the journey ahead.  It is good to know some contacts across the Tasman and it would be great to meet them one day if at all possible. I know that some will be visiting next year's conference to help with the awareness cause ;)!

Aspergers@UQ

Dear Readers

Just an update on how things are progressing with Aspergers@UQ.  Yesterday we had our meeting and thanks to Damian we had a room to meet in.  Damian Santomauro is an adult on the Autism Spectrum undertaking a PhD in the Autism Spectrum and besides Damian we had approximately 10 people turn up.

The group meets in a non threatening environment. We discuss various topics from not understanding NT's (Neuro Typicals) as well as just talking about whatever is on our minds.  Soon we hope also to play board games but the idea of the group is to more or less avoid the confusion and over sensory issues associated with Autism.

I think it is important that the group meets as people on the Autism Spectrum including myself find it hard to connect with the wider community and be understood.  Often non Autistic people can be confusing and more importantly there needs to be mechanisms and support to assist with some of these difficulties.

The group is also important for there is no real centrally based group in Brisbane and meeting on a university campus ensures that proximity and location are not issues.  Also the room on campus has lots of space and a means of supporting more people but I think finding a facilator is also important to just help things a long a bit.

Our next meeting is on Friday 18th November where we will meet at Merlos Cafe at the University of Queensland and then meet in the room shortly afterwards. For more information about the group or to visit please visit my website www.garryburge.com

Kind regards
Garry Burge

Asperger Parental Denial

In my advocacy work I have come into contact with some adults who confront parental denial.  This means their parents do not understand, try to change or not accept that their offspring is on the Autism Spectrum.  I can think of many examples of this situation.  One adult had parents that refused to accept his diagnosis.  He knew he was on the Autism Spectrum but his parents believed otherwise.  I felt sorry for him in his situation.   Recently another adult confronted parents who were hostile of his siutation.  Again this making things difficult.

Most adults on the Autism Spectrum want an independent life but simply cannot afford it.  Housing for persons with disabilities especially those with Autism is pathetic or worse still simply does not exist.  This causes the adult to find or implement measures of desperation just to live independently.  In my own situation, I house sit. My parents are supportive of me as a person on the Autism Spectrum but in order to take the strain off my parents, and to obtain some independence house sitting can be a means of freedom.

If an adult confronts hostile or unsupportive parents this can in itself make life difficult.  I feel powerless in my advocacy work where I have encountered adults overseas who simply are not getting the support and services they so badly need in order to have a better lifestyle.  Mental health seems to be bad in both Australia and New Zealand from the experiences I have heard.  If an adult cannot get access to services then I think they have to fight and tough it out as best they can.  Some adults perhaps are left in social isolation and suspeptible to mental health issues.

For the adults I have ceased contact with I have to say that on my part this was not as a result of me not liking them but more so a means that I just cannot help them.  I need to look after myself first.  I can list many names of adults from around the world that I have been in touch with but sadly having to end communication because of anxiety, and proximity issues.  When other adults are on their own it is sadly just not possible to hang out with them because I cannot be there physically.  As they have no access to support or services what can you do?  In Australia services need urgent improvement and for those adults who cannot live with their parents due to issues of'stress or non acceptance, they just have to use whatever measures possible to surive as best they can.

It is pleasing to note that with next year's conference that there are some adults from New Zealand attending.  Here in Australia I would like to see better services but across the world as well.  Aspergers@UQ is open to anyone and I hope that visits from Australia, New Zealand and abroad my one day happen.  All you can do is just try to keep things going.

I would like to conclude by saying that parental denial is not helpful.  If you do not accept that your child/adult is on the Autism Spectrum then you are making life hell for them. They need your support and encouragement and you are making life difficult by refusing to allow the person to be who they are and how they cope.  Social isolation is hard to deal with as it is but to deny a person is on the Autism Spectrum just makes life impossible and more difficult.  

The rumination dilema

As an Aspie often I encounter rumination which can be explained in the following video Rumination
What I have found is that this rumination causes me looping thoughts which if not controlled keeping going around in circles and get bigger and bigger if not controlled. It is like a wound up spring and if the spring is not stopped it keeps 'ruminating' until it spirals out of control causing anxiety.

Conversation can be especially difficult if rumination is not controlled and I think all Aspies ruminate but some more so than others. Within friendships one Aspie ruminating as well as another can cause a doubled up affect. There is just no way of controlling or stopping it.  From my own experience I think the Aspie brain has a moderate level of anxiety but this can be exasperated when rumination occurs at higher levels.  In a recent friendship I found myself experiencing a lot of rumination as I was more concerned about keeping the friendship with the other Aspie more so than overcoming the rumination.  Although the other Aspie was younger than me, the person did not seem to realise nor was able to control the rumination I was experiencing.  This is why I think Aspies cannot help other Aspies.  I have in the past tried to help other Aspies and found myself almost a mental wreck at the end of the day as I just can't seem to put the brakes on.  They have their rumination and i have my own and something has to stop or put the brakes on it.

I think younger Aspies are better prepared socially than what I was in my mid 20's.  Nothing was known about Asperger Syndrome when I was 24 for example.  I used to exercise a lot by mainly bike riding and walking to keep my anxiety levels down.  There was nothing known about Asperger Syndrome but some limited information about Autism.  I find personally and again speaking from personal experience that persons and not all with mental health issues can cause Aspies grief.  I have found that for instance bipolar disorder and other conditions can overly tax the Aspie brain. 

It is interesting that persons on the Autism Spectrum experience difficulty and again this has been discussed with other Aspies of a connection between both hemispheres of the brain.  Apparently if both hemispheres of the brain were to connect then we would technically be cured of the condition. Apparently talking to one's self is the one side of the brain trying to connect with the other.  Perhaps rumination in itself is the inability of both hemispheres of the brain connecting to cause us difficultly.  Rumination perhaps at higher levels causes obsessions and as an Aspie obsession is not always easy to stop.  One Aspie told me that his means of controlling assumptions and analyzing is to control his thoughts and not the thoughts control him.  However, is this easy for everyone to do.  I know of another Aspie who practices meditation and mindfulness to reduce anxiety levels.  It seems that within the adult population different strategies can be used. 

Within friendship rumination can be a problem because again speaking from personal experience rumination can create an obsession with wanting a friend than actually sharing interests. Dr Tony Attwood describes how Aspies admire each others intelligence more so than it seems sharing of interests.  It seems that having interests can create a distraction from friendship obsession which in itself is not healthy in that it causes high intensity and boundary issues.  I think the Aspie mind is often confused between multi skilling and interaction.  Aspies can be very blunt with each other and often not always aware of their actions.

When observing an Aspie perhaps you can understand that rumination is part of the condition and depending on the level of severity rumination levels may vary from one Aspie to another.  I find forming and making friendships difficult.  If two Aspies have similar experiences of difficulty in making friendships for instance and again through personal experience there may be a means of trying to sabotage the friendship if anxiety levels are too high. I also speak from personal experience in saying that Aspies are often wrongly diagnosed as depressed because of our monotone voices and the fact we may not always have the energy to engage in social situations.  Ask yourself as an Aspie do you think you ruminate and if so how do you control it or manage it?  Does it affect your interactions with others and do you find it hard to make friends?

The lonely people of the world

I often come into contact with people on the internet who are interesting people and yet lonely.  It makes me wonder why the world has so many often very smart and intelligent people who simply cannot get a job or more so given up on socialising.  It seems as a society that we have lost focus on community and sadly interaction just seems to be a thing of the past.

In the neighbourhood you see people living behind fences and within the community you see people going about their lives with very little interaction between themselves and others.  Why as a society have we become this way?  It seems that more and more desire for happiness is in itself causing more and more emptiness.  You actually hear of people dying in their homes due to family neglect or simply a lack of interaction as a result.

I feel powerless when I have spoken to various persons through Facebook, Skype and other mediums when people are often socially isolated and lonely.  From my own observation and I may be proven wrong that both Australia and New Zealand have very poor mental health records.  In this country for instance people often resort to medications just for being lonely and what assistance is available to them?  I have even heard that on Christmas Day some people have no friends or family to turn to in their time of need.

As a Christian well trying to be a good one, I sometimes prey to God for answers but sometimes it is hard to know what God actually says.  In a recent situation in which I felt powerless in trying to help another person, I asked God for advice but I guess my prayers were answered in ways unbeknown to me.  I really think that being a good Christian is not always a person having to attend church but more so a way of trying to be kind and supportive.  Sometimes I have had to turn people away not because I don't like them but because I really cannot handle them at a chosen or given time.  I feel bad about it but what can I do?  I have to look after myself first as my health is important.

It is sad in a world when community disappears because people do need each other and more importantly the very fabric of community safeguards against lonliness and mental health.  Today I spoke to the counselor about some aspects in my life where I was experiencing high anxiety levels within a social situation.  This was causing me anxiety and furthermore I just did not have the mechanisms to deal with the situation.  It always disappoints me how when as Aspie we need others to help us that the support is not always there.  Tomorrow is the meeting of Aspergers@UQ.  I hope that adults not only in Brisbane are able to attend but adults from abroad. It would be great one day to see new faces and seeing them included within the group.  Perhaps this may happen.  I realise now that I can only advocate for myself as all Aspies are different.  However to overcome loniliness we still need support and understanding across the board as social isolation and loniliness and even worse still depression are not fun to live with. 

My Aspie Routines

A few years back I watched the movie "Adam" starring Hugh Dancy.  The movie best describes the routines of an adult with Asperger Syndrome like myself.  Another movie "Being There" also describes the routines.

I think the difficulty I have as an Aspie is that I respond to routines better than I do unpredictability.  For instance if my day is structured I find I am able to cope better but of course life in itself has many grey areas.  My routine usually consists of getting up, having a shower, having breakfast and living my life around the clock. On work days for instance, I take notice of the clock in relation to my routines.  I don't like being late for work so being on time is always important.

Much of my time is spent on the computer.  It is here that I write blogs, check emails, keep up to date with the social media and the list goes on.  In all honesty I don't really hear from many people and my life is mainly spent in seclusion.  It's not that I don't want to socialise with people, it is more that I find the wider world at times difficult to navigate.  I never really know how much or how little I am supposed to contact people and I really am clumsy in the process of making friends.  If you think about this and can understand then you can begin to imagine how difficult relationships can be and why I find them difficult.

I often upset people just for being me.  I never really know how to relate to people and find the socialisation process very difficult.  In the movie Mary and Max the character Max describes his very existence and the struggles he had in finding employment and relating to people around him and responding to his many routines.  Max is also very literal in his interpretation of the world and his routines.  It describes my life in most ways.

An example of my Aspie routines can be.

1. Observing the clock in terms of daily living ritual.
2. Seeing the world literally
3. Describing attention to detail.

When I have travelled abroad for instance, I need to prepare in advance.  I need to have the energy to navigate and negotiate customs.  I also find that abroad having routines is also important.  A holiday needs to be structured so that I can feel less anxious.  I hope you enjoy the movie clips linked with this post.  This scene shows from Mary and Max shows the anxiety associated with making friends. 

Reading Autiobiographies

From time to time I find it enjoyable to read autobiographies of people who have made a contribution to their own lives and the world around them.  I am currently reading the autobiography of Bill Hayden Hayden - Bill Hayden An Autobiography  As I am house sitting there are some books sitting on some shelves and having looked through the shelves I thought I would start to read this book.  The book is interesting as Bill Hayden talks about his Irish heritage and about his family.  Bill Hayden grew up in Brisbane when the streets were safe, when there was community and more importantly Brisbane during the second world war.  He recounts his early years and reflects on when the Australian Labor Party for instance maintained its strong working class links to what it is today. 

I am only in the early stages of the book which is well written but I do recall when Bill Hayden was leader of the Australian Labor party who confronted defeat in 1983 and when Mr Hayden was Governor General in the 1990's.  As I read the book Bill Hayden talks about his early childhood when he mucked around with other people his own age and in the days when people used their imagination to find their own sources of entertainment.  I am slowly reading the book as we speak and I think reading is important to get the brain thinking.  A lot of people today seem to have become lazy with reading and I think this is concerning as well as the issues of concentration.

I have read several autobiographies which have included Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt but always look out for ones that are interesting.  The thing about reading autobiographies is that they illustrate other people's struggles, and challenges as they try to come to terms with life.  Bill Hayden for example was a police man and from a working class background.  He lived in times when people knew how to toil and more importantly experienced reality.  I think in today's society we are losing emphasis on quality people because this sleazy "Americanization" is taking away people's thinking.  How many times do you turn on the television to see some tacky or crap American show that bears no relevance to Australian Society?  Who wants to know about American's biggest loser, or about Charlie Sheen's conquests etc?  I mean how boring is this as well as the fake existence of Hollywood?

Look don't get me wrong America has some good points but there is also a lot of crap also.  This crap does nothing but to undermine Australian society and we are fast losing our identity.  It is often hard to read nowadays as there are too many distractions.  You can flick through Foxtel and see the various channels which seem to provide an insight into the dysfunctional lives of people who just do not have any core of reality in their lives.  Very few educational shows are on except for the occasional animal documentary. I was watching a show on Hummingbirds and was interested to learn that when they fly the chirping sound they make is made with their wings and not through their beak.  Also the BBC occasionally shows Simon Reeve as he tracks through various parts of the world.  He does have some interesting shows and recently showed land erosion in Bangladesh.

Reading autobiographies however is a way of broadening one's mind but getting back into reading is in itself a challenge but at least it gets the brain to think.