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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
