What do we do at Aspie Adult Group Meetings?

If you like the idea of having fun and mixing business with pleasure, well that's what our gatherings are about.  Whether you like to play chess, talk about special interests or be around thinkers, then this is what we also do. The world can be a serious place and for many of us, we want to enjoy each other's company and go out once in a while also.  Currently ideas for outings may include Lawn Bowls, Cafe at Shingle Inn at City Hall as well as other suggestions.

So whether you would like to come a long and meet other like mind souls and enjoy the opportunity to unwind and be yourself, why not come a long?  You may find even more about yourself. We also have some fine musicians and creative thinkers.

Meetings are twice a month on the second and fourth Saturday of the month and for more information please contact www.garryburge.com Please enjoy the picture from near Gosford, Australia below.

Knowing which horse to back and choose

It is now approaching the September 14 election and again like all Australians compulsory voting is again inflicted on all of us to decide which political party should be chosen to govern. In all honesty I wonder how many people are actually aware or care about the political system at all and furthermore it is quite alarming how little some actually know nor care? 

As a person on the Autism Spectrum, the political parties seem to have their agendas and this is the way I guess it could be described the best way I see it. 

The Labor seems to think that welfare is a means of dealing with disability.  From my own experience, I found it difficult to obtain opportunity with courses and programs going nowhere. 

The Coalition seem to want to get people off welfare but more or less place people with disabilities and on the Autism Spectrum into unsuitable jobs.  Furthermore, flexibility seems almost non existent. 

I have no real interest in joining a political party as the social and internal politics just put me off.  I would rather get things done more so than following a deluded path of swishing glasses of chardonnay and talking about pointless things, when I could be getting something done.  The work I currently do in the advocacy area which very few people are unaware of in minute detail, and what goes on behind the scenes, is more about action than doing nothing.  At this current time what concerns me mostly is just wanting to put in an appearance just to get into government more so than actually getting things done.  Over the past years, I have tried relentlessly to argue the need to employ persons on the Autism Spectrum within employment but it just seems to fall on deaf ears.  I think to myself, why can't work choices allow a means for instance of bargaining between a person with a disability and or Autism and an employer?  Surely the energies and attributes of the Aspie can be more meaningful if fully utilised properly? 

I remember several years back that I attended a meeting with some guy who was standing for the National Party.  I was naive enough to believe that this person was keen to meet with me with myself instead being used to assist with a campaign ballot.  What was worse was that even despite his attempts and his wife who carried a small dog with her, was that my presence at this meeting was actually useless.  I also had to find my own way home again calling a taxi. If this was my usual prediction of trying to help out or believe that my presence was to be used then I was correct.  I just simply don't have the time for up starters and chest beaters.  I regard my own vote as important and I will cast it however I see fit. 

The situation at the moment seems to be between squabble and that untested.  I would rather politicians work harder for the electorate and less so on lining their own pockets.  If I were prime minister for instance which I have no interest of being so as entering the political domain just puts me off, I would rather if I were given perks etc to put these into causes where result could be obtained.  As a low income earner, I just find it hard to function in a society which seems to screw the very people who try and work hard and who want a better quality of life.   I wonder if there should be a party for persons on the Autism Spectrum but how and would we function in a political environment when social skills and people skills just get us off side with others for speaking our minds?   Never underestimate the intelligence of an Aspie as you may find many surprises a long the way. 

One thing is for sure is that Australians are complacent.  If the New Zealand dollar starts to catch up with Australian, they don't seem to care.  If you go out of your way to help someone, they just say 'No I'm right" and the list goes on.  No wonder I always used to think I was more English when I was younger.  As much as American culture is with us, I am not a real fan of it.  I prefer to help others, have community and not be screwed or see others screwed.  I think the one thing about the past 3 to 7 years is that people surely have woken up!  Or haven't they?  Is Australia going to return to another hung parliament again and the sensible ones of us burying our heads in the sand screaming once again, asking why?!  It is alarming how many people don't think and know very little in this country.  I recently spoke to one woman who could not even pin point on the map where she was currently living and was born in on the map!  She had no idea at all!  Interesting times ahead.  What Australians also don't realise is that so called 'wogs' which I even call myself one, are the people who worked hard to get this country where it is today.

Escaping the conformity and being able to operate in like minded space

I begin this post with today's adult group meeting.  It was great to welcome new members and also have existing members feel able to just be themselves. Over a game of scrabble, chess, some dominoes and other games, people were able to enjoy each other's company and express the frustrations which exist and to let go of.  Some of the adults are unable to obtain a job. One wants to work in a library and I suggested he contact some libraries to do some volunteer work. Some of the other adults are in jobs which they don't enjoy but have some unique talents. One adult in particular likes to play the piano and guitar. So he enjoys coming to the meetings and expressing his musical ability. 

The group roughly is now getting around 15 to 20 members.  The group exists on Facebook but to join they must firstly touch base with the admin of the group to ensure that the group meets their needs.  We are looking to have more fun at our meetings and to avoid the serious things which often get us down a lot.  The group also allows us a means to connect with like minded souls to share in and participate in activities which we enjoy. 

Although today's meeting was more recreational, the group now how sharp meeting formalities then just recreational fun. Please contact www.garryburge.com to find out more.
 

Pushing ahead but finding only ant tracks

I have been working very hard over the last few weeks.  I also find that there are some brick walls but I try my best to keep remaining strong.  At times I feel I cannot connect to others as they don't understand me.  No matter how hard I try, I just find that people seem to think that I should just change and not be hard on myself.  Well this is what I think at the moment anyhow.  Still some people can be unbearable and I try my best to avoid them.  However, unfortunately this may not always be possible.  

What is a relationship is just beyond me and in my discussions with John Greally and others, I can find solitude in  not knowing that I am alone.  If anyone thinks I am a so called hero, then you should know more about John Greally. Despite being very modest, John is to be commended.  He knows how to talk to Aspies and we can all be grateful that he exists. Despite his own struggles, John provides us with words of wisdom and explanations on how to better survive in a world that is not always understanding of Aspies.  As I move forward, I still find myself trying make sense of the world around me.  Just thinking and acting differently when even I mention how I function can sometimes be impossible. When or if I feel depressed, I try to do something else and stop the cycle from starting.  It just feels at times that nobody really understands and people whom I found supportive seem to just drop away. I guess they are trying to survive as best they can during difficult times.

I don't believe in writing sugar coated false blog posts that say everything is ok and offering strategies that may often not work.  What I instead attempt to do is to make and call for change.  To help people understand better. I have so many adults contacting me without a job and wanting one that I feel powerless to know what to do.  I have my own struggles in trying to learn more skills on the whole and despite wearing out, I feel at times that any hope in trying to be both productive and tapping in on my full potential as just a dream that will never see the light of reality. 

I may sound hard on myself in this post but my only way to communicate is to write, and post youtube videos.  This seems the only way to express myself.  People seem to insist on me communicating and interacting with them on their own terms which my own internal cognitive wiring has a different means.  I know more adults on the Autism Spectrum but the way many are treated by a world which does not always understand is very distressing.  If only people would try to listen and learn.  The weekend is finally here though which is good.  I am trying to do my best even though people seem to think that I am shutting them out when instead I am just trying to function as best I can.  This in itself is being Aspie. 

I am connecting with more adults now but the road forward is often a difficult journey.  Hopefully with God's guidance it will make the walk much easier.

Being worn down with nowhere to go!

As times get tougher I ask myself the question of where my life is going.  I just find that despite the obstacles and difficulties that exist around me, that just putting in all my efforts or implementing them seems impossible.  I have always struggled to fit into the Australian scene.  I am a person who when focused like to ensure that I achieve maximum result.  The only problem is that trying to both demonstrate and provide such examples seems near to impossible.  I have thought about moving to New Zealand, Germany and even Japan.  I think that more so Japan and Germany have a better work ethic.  For me it seems that if you work very hard and show dedication that your efforts are rewarded or you have an easier chance to learn more and become very productive.  In Australia though I think that there is too much union domination in the wrong areas.  Unions instead of standing up for important rights, seem more so interested in protecting unproductive workers.  Also unions seem to make it impossible by dictating certain conditions making it hard for people with disabilities, particularly those on the Autism Spectrum to just obtain a job!

I feel at times constantly worn down but I try my best to work very hard where and when I can.  For everyone workplaces can be challenging environments and we all need some form of downtime.  However, I also like to see within my own productivity and performance result.  In my own life I just find that throughout Australia there seems to be a near enough is good enough or she'll be right attitude.  I could have gone much further than I currently have but I find that my own difficulties of having low self esteem and not knowing how to 'bullshit' or lowering myself to 'suck up' has caused me some stagnation.  I would relish the opportunity to learn and receive good training but I just feel that this just remains a kind of dream that will only ever remain a dream.  I know I have so much to offer and I often wonder if I should remain in Australia or go elsewhere?  Of course there is the whole immigration process which just presents itself with another obstacle. 

Every time I try to push forward I find that venturing into unchartered territory makes me concerned about my own health.  What if I get someone off side or if I offend someone without knowing it?  As John Greally said people are not like throwing a boomerang in which you know that the boomerang may only slightly detour off its original path.  The world just seems overwhelming but thankfully I have the support and encouragement from within the Aspie Community to survive in this world.  I just hope one day that people will listen to us and stop trying to ridicule or make me out to appear or be stupid. 

The political situation in Australia is just maddening.  Now there is talk of a return to Kevin Rudd which worries and concerns me.  I remember what happened with mental health and the other difficulties which occurred.  For all I just think an election is the only answer but waiting for this to occur just seems an overwhelming reality.  I also spoke with some person yesterday who lives in an Australian capital city and could not even pin point on the map where this city exists. This is very concerning.  Are enough people educated here and able to think?

Tremendaspie email

Hi Garry

I am based in Melbourne. On the odd occasion I am up in Brisbane and may be

able to touch base with you if I am up there but at this stage I can't

afford to come up there for free. 

Also I try to talk more to teachers or employers to spread the word about

the positives of Asperger's and how to utilise strengths rather than

weakness so I generally don't talk to adult groups with Asperger's. I'd be

happy to but I generally don't focus on that area as there seems to be a lot

of people already talking about Asperger's to people with Asperger's and I

try to focus my energy on getting the message out to others who don't yet

know much about it. 

Also you may be interested to know, although it will only be available in

Melbourne, is that through my Chartered Accounting Practice I am looking to

offer some kind of work experience/internship to people with Asperger's who

have finished uni or school and are looking for office work. The idea of the

program would simply be to give each person a short introduction to office

life, ie. I might ask them to grab a coffee with me, answering phones,

utilising computer skills, etc. So they don't need to come from or want to

work in an accounting background. The idea is simply that they are exposed

to a workday without the stress of worrying about stuffing it up. I think I

would be looking at offering a program of 4 weeks, working Monday, Tuesday,

Thursday, Friday. I am thinking about leaving Wednesday out as a break in

the middle of the work week. And I am also thinking about the hours being

9-3 each day. 

I haven't started the program yet as I want to pay full office award rates

(I don't want this to be a free/volunteer program). I want them to be

properly rewarded for the job and I want it to simply be a safe environment

for an Aspie to learn some skills to take with them into an actual job in

the field they want to work in. I haven't seen much of this about but I'd be

interested if you had any thoughts on such a program and whether you would

have found something like that useful.

My meeting with a young adult on the Autism Spectrum

This morning I attended a meet up of support.  At the local café near to where I live, I met a young man at the age of 18 with his concerned parents.  I spoke to both parents about their son's situation. Like so many it was one of wanting a better quality of life and more importantly, a job.  This young man not only was brave to meet with me, a complete stranger to both he and his parents, but to also disclose how life is treating him.  He wants to work in a library but being on the southside of Brisbane, he is not getting the proper support from his employment agency and more importantly his employment consultant.   I discussed with both he and his parents my own experiences of being diagnosed by Dr Tony Attwood in 1998 and of the challenges in just finding employment which just seemed impossible.  The young man concerned was on the DSP (Disability Support Pension) and he told me that all he wants is a job in a library where he can have a more meaningful and structured life.  Although I wish to not disclose his name for privacy reasons, I also learned that he experienced severe bullying at school and dropped out of Grade 12. 

I hear from many parents who simply want their son or daughter to have a job.  Often times the parents may speak more so than their child, but when I meet with adults and their parents, I try to make provision for both to speak so I can gauge the situation and offer what support and guidance although small currently which may be available.  I also referred this young man to the work of Damian Santomauro who is on the Autism Spectrum as the young man concerned had some issues with emotions etc.  We look forward to meeting both at the group in the not too distant future. 

Today I also was fortunate to have Jamie come over and play the piano. Often adults have to deal with social isolation which can be difficult. This is one of the reasons why I formed the group. 

Please stay tuned for further updates!

Is all sanity lost?

I write this entry tonight because I believe as Australians that we have well and truly lost the plot.  No matter how you try to keep sane in a confusing world, the very foundations that you try to rely on are just slipping away beneath your feet.  I will go as far as saying that I believe there is an underlying agenda and motive behind this but I am not prepared to say by whom and for what.  I would like to say that I believe that its head is Godless and its motives destructive.  To begin with, western culture simply is collapsing. This is happening by men being made to feel redundant and furthermore women confused.  In western culture this severely impacts on the fertility rate as women turning away from men causes less fertility and furthermore a decline in a country's culture. 

I find that the biggest problem confronting men is that men simply are incapable of working with each other.  This factor alone being a significant problem in increasing mental health issues and furthermore depression.  In some ways I detest being a man for the connotations that society dictates on you.  These being that you are supposed to be good with women and exist in a 'blokey' image that just seems to me shallow and devoid of any substance.  I also think a lot of men have issues and seem uncomfortable with forming friendships with other men which is sad really. 

The thing which also is concerning is this disconnection with the depiction of God.  People in western cultures seem to have given up on believing that God exists.  This very issue creates a sense of coldness and fear because the church has failed to allow many to think, more so indoctrinating many to attend.  When you shut out goodness in the world and the very foundations that what a true Christian should be and how they should act, you create a mould of person who just seems uncaring and bereft of tolerance and compassion.  I see in this world so many inequalities and yet I wonder to myself of what I can do to try and remain a just upright and free person.  There are many men who given encouragement and guidance will become good people as well as women but today there seems to be an over emphasis on women and little in relation to men. 

I believe that politics in Australia is disgraceful.  In fact I am beginning to despise politicians totally.  The way they increase their pensions, payments, perks etc, I really wonder if they care for anyone at all?  It seems that any political party is incapable of stopping further increases in politician's perks with the only exception of Ted Mack an Independent from North Sydney who refused them.  The problem with the political parties is that they have lost touch with the people.  Firstly the Labor Party have lost their connection with their grass roots and the Liberal Party the business.  In fact I am disappointed by a recent video from the New Zealand Government https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cck1y6kM5c8  Any government who starts to swish chardonnay with the big end of town and screw everyone else should ultimately suffer a reality check in the polling booth whereas if a government hurts people should also suffer the same fate.  I have no interest in political parties because I cannot stand the internal politics and all of the nonsense that goes a long with it. 

I think the biggest problem in this world is the monetary system because it makes people greedy, corrupt and dishonest.  It is about time the world gets a reality check! 

In meltdown

Well after a busy couple of days, I finally feel the effects of my busy schedule.  For anyone wanting to understand what a meltdown is, it is when you feel as though you are mentally hung over and forming words, finding energy and needing rest are essential.  This is how I feel at the moment. I feel that going outside or more so driving a car is just an overwhelming task.  It is just a matter of trying to remain calm and finding some time to rest. 

People don't realise just how emotionally draining it is to be someone on the Autism Spectrum.  This very world can simply be overwhelming and it is best to just remain in hibernation until you can find the energy again, to do what you need to do.  As I get older, I find myself restricted in what I can and cannot do.  I find the push and shove existence something I like to avoid and more so the coldness of people when you try and be friendly to them.  It is just saddening when people just don't bother to respond the way you may like them to.  We live in a very uptight world. 

As a Christian, I often wonder at times what God has planned for me.  I know that God exists in my own life as I have met and know some very wonderful and kind people.  I also have experienced situations which I define as divine intervention.  However, I wonder why so many people seem troubled and uptight in an increasingly becoming evil world. Just the ability and means to make a friend or have friends just seems impossible.  The greatest and healthiest thing in life is to have positive interaction. However nowadays it seems just about impossible to obtain.  People seem coy or insular within themselves and I am more or less forced to just survive and tread water as best I can.  Nobody seems to want to have fun anymore and despite some of the unsavoury elements in our society, people seem incapable of having fun.  Within the group for Aspies, I try and change this.  Bring in music, initiate games and provide a pleasant and non threatening atmosphere makes a world of difference.  When I go into the outside world again however this all sadly just melts away. It is back to cold people and negative energy.  It is ironic that where our group meets is in a church.  I often wonder at times whether I should have studied Theology as studying the scriptures at least opens your mind more to the world around you.  I have some friends who are Christian and some who are ministers of a church.  I guess this also says something about me?

Over the coming months, I hope things improve.  I no longer feel any connection with this country and I see so many young people unhappy and confused.  This is not good. More needs to be done to make life better for them and they need our encouragement.  For me I need to take time out and I just try my best to do what I need to and listen to God's guidance.  I pray that I have the strength to continue to get by in a difficult world and I try not to become a wicked person. There are forces around which try to inflict this upon me. 

I wish everyone well for the upcoming week and God bless you all :)

Brisbane Adult Aspie Social Group

Today we had a great meeting and turn out with Jane Prentice MP turning up.  It was good for Jane to meet with the group and for the group to discuss any concerns and issues they have pertaining to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, accommodation and employment.  On the whole we had approximately 20 adults in attendance.  The thing about the group is that we meet in an informal and non threatening environment.  The group doesn't set about setting up a wall with bricks and mortar with labels, but more so a means of allowing our abilities and strengths to work together. We also try to work with persons not on the Autism Spectrum to allow for cohesion.  For instance today's meeting we had Gordon Sanderson and Linda Fullerton as parents of Autistic children assist with the presentation of issues confronting adults and solutions. We also had Linda assist with food and catering to make our members feel comfortable and new guests welcome.  We also have support from John Greally in New Zealand if we need some guidance or advice in relation to information.  John is on the Autism Spectrum and advocates and works very tirelessly to assist persons on the Autism Spectrum.

At our meeting today we focus on having fun also.  Members feel comfortable and are at ease coming out of themselves and sharing interests and communication.  Through my own efforts I am able to assist with this and today we had many games which was good to see. Board games, music playing and a game of celebrity heads.  So nobody was left to feel out of it.  One of the hardest things about being Aspie is the social isolation that comes with it.  It is dreadful as it makes you feel depressed and if left untreated much worse.  Members of the group feel at ease therefore and we are finding our meetings productive.  What of course would be great would be for the group at some stage in the future be able to relate to persons not on the Autism Spectrum.  What I can see personally for the group is a means of furthering awareness by attending venues and functions where others can learn and understand the Autism Spectrum better. In our current location, adults learn the importance of working together and take an active role where possible to raise awareness. It would be good to see this manifest itself in employment but hopefully one day this will happen?  Awareness of the Autism Spectrum is like frontier territory.  Getting the awareness out there and allowing for more Aspies as an identity to flock home like pigeons wanting to roost is still taking some time.  Hopefully one day it will happen more? 

Ask yourself what would you like to see in an adult support group?  Perhaps you may want to answer the following points?

• A means of overcoming social isolation
• A way to make new friends
• Sharing of special interests
• Something to do on the weekend
• Obtain advice with employment
• Improve services and awareness
• Outings and events that are conducive to those with Autism
• Support with university and further study

The list goes on.  I am sure you can think of more?  Please don't hesitate to contact me via my website www.garryburge.com should you wish to know more.  We meet at the Toowong Uniting Church http://toowongunitingchurch.org.au/

Our meeting with Jane Prentice below.  Please contact Jane by visiting the following link http://janeprentice.com.au/

Meeting with Jane Prentice MP today 8th June 2013

Getting the message out!

Well this afternoon I felt compelled to put Chris Mitchell's book to some good use.  As it had been sitting on my table for some time, I thought that it may be useful in assisting other adults and undiagnosed adults about being on the Autism Spectrum.  I met Chris in 2000 when he came to Australia on his first overseas trip.  He came for about 3 weeks. It was a long way to come and like me Chris was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in 1998. You may want to read more in the book also and the book is called Glass Half Empty and Half Full.  I have donated the book to Griffith University Library after contacting them today. The lady I spoke to has an undiagnosed son herself who has Asperger Syndrome. He currently cannot find work nor make friends. 

Yesterday I attend the Apple IBook session.  I find it a very interesting session but what I find difficult was that there was a lot of information to absorb.  I felt I obtained the basics but not having an Apple Computer only an IPod, IPhone and IPad unfortunately I am unable to edit the book.  Other people had a chance also to create the same book which I did, so learning something new was certainly a worthwhile experience.  Perhaps one day I can put what I have learned to use?

Today I have felt somewhat energetic. I have also been dreaming a lot, so as they say more neuro pathways have no doubt opened.  I feel as though my mind is awakening more and more but slowly overtime. I find I can handle some levels of stress better and being patient is something which I am learning.  Although I was keen for some reason to get Chris' book into the library so other people can read it.  I hope younger people and students will read the book if it is hopefully accepted by the library.  It certainly would be a valuable resource for adults as more awareness is needed for adults to allow them to be understood, function and come out more.  So many adults still seem afraid of coming out as they still are somewhat afraid as to how society will treat them.  It would be great to see things change in this regard?  I think my advocacy work is doing something right? 

On Friday I will be speaking for Autism Focus www.autismfocus.com.au  I hope I can meet some new people there whom I can hopefully help?  I met a new person today and I am receiving some emails and being asked by people who know persons with Autism about the adult social group.  I also received a very nice email from Dr Tony Attwood.  I am hoping that Tony may visit the group one day here in Brisbane?  I hope to speak with Tony sometime soon also but understand he has a busy schedule. 

Different wave length and frequency?

I was thinking recently of whether the thought and mindset of being Aspie is in fact due to our use of different areas of the brain, hemisphere and also responding to different frequencies.  I have noticed that certain noises, sounds and locations can help to trigger meltdowns.  Not to mention people who just think differently than what I do. For instance I wonder if my brain has a stronger, different or regional hemisphere difference to that of others?  Some people are just impossible to communicate with and it seems that I speak a totally different language to them.  Why is this so and what effects if any does it have on my own health and well being? 

In almost all Aspies I have spoken to, anxiety presents itself as a problem. It creates a fight or flight sensation in us or it controls our everyday lifestyle. Perhaps it may be caused by a different part of our brain working harder than that of other people.  I have noticed within my own head at times a clamping feeling.  This can be brought on by busy locations or over stimulation in places which just creates further difficulty in my mind and body trying to shut down.  I cannot for instance handle busy shopping centres nor places which are in your face.  Just like locations, certain people can be difficult to relate to also.  They can just be impossible to make sense of and to understand.  What they find helpful and useful in terms of functioning, I simply do not.  However how can you cope in a world that doesn't understand you.  Trying to be left handed in a right handed world.  Have you ever wondered why the left hand is considered to always be Sinister and the right hand Dexter?   Perhaps people didn't want to know of people who existed in an unconventional existence?

I believe that as an Aspie that I operate and function in different frequencies.  I have noticed that regular people seem to be more at ease in noisy locations, when I find these excessive and to be avoided at all costs.  I also notice that my hearing is ultra sensitive and I find myself turning the volume of a radio or television down very low. In fact others cannot hear the sounds when turned right down, which I can. 

A group for adults

Today was our carry over meeting from last Saturday.  As I was away, the meeting was brought forward to today. 

Brisbane Adult Aspie Social Group

At our meeting we discussed how and where the NDIS would affect us and how it can also help us. I am continually frustrated at how little is being done or in fact anything for persons with disabilities.  Those of us on low incomes with a disability seem to be getting nothing and yet having to pay a levy for something which does not support us.  If you are a person with a disability and on a low income, there is virtually no support and services.  For instance nothing exists within the accommodation areas and we are being more or less forced to exist within a society which is not compatible with us.  At the risk of sounding to many as though I am perhaps deluded and unrealistic, I just think more needs to be done. 

The good thing is that at today's meetings adults had a chance to put in their concerns and issues which urgently need addressing. With so many children and people becoming diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum, the world cannot continue to ignore the growing realities of Autism.  Instead it seems to want to force us to just accept the status quo and think that our problems will go away. The only real problem is ignorance and a lack of awareness which needs to be overcome.  Next Saturday is our meeting with Jane Prentice and it would be good if as many adults as possible could attend this meeting.  We need your support! 

Apart from our serious side, we also have a fun side. We can be ourselves and not have to conform within the pressures of conformity that are forced upon us daily. We can be ourselves and talk about things which concern our every day lives.  In fact today's meeting was a lot of fun but perhaps different to our sister group in New Zealand.  They seem to get up to a lot more activities than we do.  We still find within the world that Autism creates a barrier where people want to avoid us more so than understand us.  We are told we suffer, need to be cured and are somehow devious just for being who we are.  Hopefully things will change in the weeks, months and years ahead? 

Please stay tuned to this blog and my youtube channel for more awareness and updates.  Below is today's video clip which I briefly did. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gNMbACtXb4