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?
Our meeting with Jane Prentice below. Please contact Jane by visiting the following link http://janeprentice.com.au/
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
Our meeting with Jane Prentice below. Please contact Jane by visiting the following link http://janeprentice.com.au/
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| Meeting with Jane Prentice MP today 8th June 2013 |
