Why it is hard for Aspie Men in the relationship stakes

One of the most difficult things I find as a man on the Autism Spectrum is the whole concept of dating.  Yesterday I received some shattering news that I was no longer suitable. I was told that I was also too full on and that all feelings toward me were no longer there.  As distressing as it was as I don't take too kindly to rejection, I thought I need to not be beaten by this.  I am a nice guy but what is in my head, mainly the way Asperger Syndrome effects me is something I just cannot allow to win.  I wrote a response after some consideration thanking this woman for providing me with feedback in that I can be negative and furthermore intense.  What can I do when I struggle with a so called lighter side and knowing what every other man probably can be able to navigate with and deal better?


I think for men on the Autism Spectrum it may be hard to succeed in dating because the very concept is just so overwhelming not to mention the fear of rejection.  Furthermore with online dating, an Aspie or a good quality man has to compete with the endless males on such sites canvassing women to show off their abs, biceps and lure these women into sex.  I just find that old fashioned courting and chivalry just seem a thing of the past.  If it were easier like in my parents day for people to meet at a dance or a non threatening place more so than a pub or nightclub etc would this be a better option...?


One simply finds the concept of Internet Dating simply overwhelming. The constant "I am sorry I am not interested" or "I wish you all the best in your search" is to me just a polite way of telling you to get lost.  When you constantly receive such messages more so than positive responses you can tend to think that being worn down and giving up is the end result.  I often wonder if meeting women in Europe where feminism is less of an issue and there is more tolerance of men is perhaps a better option?  However it seems that immigration and simply not having a career path just makes things impossible. You have no choice but to play the cards you are given.  I can remember some years ago that I met one woman who wanted to meet me in all places of McDonalds.  Despite going there, I didn't stay long and I felt that the hole process was a bogan exercise.  That seems to be one of the main problems within Australia the very often overwhelming scenario of a bogan culture that you really try so  hard to avoid. 




Are women more interested in men with good abs and is the man expected to have sex after so many encounters?

It seems to me that the Hollywood Stereotype of sexuality has also done a great deal of damage to the way the honest man is portrayed.  In almost every modern Hollywood movie couples are expected to get their gear off, more so than the man to portray his so called masculinity.  For me I would rather to work on a foundation of friendship for after all isn't friendship the important key to ensuring a relationship continues more so than on image and performance?  I also find this shallow perception from other men that sex is everything is just also damaging.  I think that more emphasis needs to be placed on getting to know someone of the opposite sex and hoping that the person will at least give you a chance.  Instant love is often a myth and I think for some women that they may be deluded in wanting to think that the ideal man exists.  For some men the same scenario may exist but perhaps the reason as to why so many marriages and relationships fail is because more of an expectation is placed on image more so than on quality. 


What has happened to the good guy and the concept that good men finish last?  Why are women nowadays so fascinated with the bad boy image and overlooking men of quality?  I do think that perhaps it is because the Hollywood personification and stereotype has done so much damage.  In western culture it seems that for guys having good abs and biceps are essential and for women a slim and slender body. In reality though does this really matter?  Isn't it really what is in the person and how they are as a character? 


I like the idea of sharing my life with someone and to go on outings.  To spend quality time together is also another important requirement but nowadays this just seems impossible. Perhaps also some cities and towns fail to offer romantic outlets because there simply isn't the effort or emphasis to allow for people to find places to induce more feelings and mutual attraction?  Perhaps I may be unrealistic with my expectations but being an unconventional outside the box thinker, perhaps I belong in another place and time? 


My time in all honesty is spent on the Autism cause.  Last night I spoke to Ben who is in Orange. Ben is about to lose his job.  Just like a good quality relationship and or friendship which seems to be harder and harder to reach these days, Ben is a good quality employee.  Ben has a good attitude to his job and works very industriously to do his best.  He only found out yesterday but knew fairly much in advance that his contract ends in June. Ben doesn't know what to do.  He has only ever taken one sick day and he feels that his employer, Kmart in Orange don't give a stuff about him.  He is experiencing anxiety and I have concerns about Ben's well being as a friend because I know that without a job that he may become depressed and even more.  I am currently working with Ben as best I can to assist him to obtain support but with a government prepared to slash benefits and make no effort to encourage employers to take on people with abilities such as Autism, that I think what can I do?  I really hope that Ben is able to obtain support and an extension in his contract.  He feels dejected by the fact that he will not have a job soon.  What also will happen with the good work Ben is doing in Autism Advocacy?  I ask you to please support Ben in his endeavours by supporting him to obtain a contract renewal or to find other suitable employment. 


If you can assist Ben please reply to this blog post as we would be happy to hear from you as we really need your support and assistance.  

The circuitry is different but the framework appears the same

This year I turn 42 years of age.  By every account I just seem like any other regular middle aged guy.  I keep myself fit, well at least I try to and furthermore I live in a world which just seems like a constant maze, often of vast confusion.  This morning I went out again for my third outing.  I went into the city earlier on the CityCat but what really frustrated me was that no matter where I tried to go there were people around, and the seating was very poor.  I just wanted a seat with a backing on it so I could sit comfortably and talk to myself.  I tried to counsel and prepare for myself for what lay ahead.  What if I didn't feel comfortable holding hands or what to expect next?  I just find that it is really tough work as a man for I feel men are expected to do everything and make the moves and be the innovators.  In all honesty I find communication much easier via Skype compared to going out for the face to face interaction seems just so much harder.  Just with everyone I find this and I just find my communication is different and largely misunderstood.  I have talked to myself since I was 2 year old so that is almost now a 40 year record.  Even the Aspie Group seems to be going well without me so even with them, I find communication much harder. At times I just wish I could find a special interest which I could totally absorb myself in and just say sod the rest of the world as communication is just so hard to implement and figure out. 


I left today wondering where my life is going.  I seem to control my routines very well but anything that involves people is just a different kettle of fish.  I can be polite and all that but connecting with someone unlike connecting to myself, my real close and best friend is unique.  It took me years to evolve from self loathing to self acceptance.  I can be in my own company and just find that what I listen to and think can be tolerated by me and me only.  I can look at others and try not to compare myself and just think that I am special because I know that I am.  I just find it is hard for other people to really see below my tough exterior which incidentally I had to reinforce over the years because shyness in men, well acute shyness is misinterpreted. 


At times I just wish I could be a total hermit escaping society's expectations and pressures.  Not wanting to be the guy with the good biceps and abs but more so the person who can be just accepted for the sake of being individual.  In all honesty I find dating just so taxing.  Just the amount of mental energy required to communicate with a person and to be understood can be just so mentally exhausting.  Furthermore, having to conform to expectations is just even more overwhelming.  Why is it just so difficult to escape into the country where I don't have to try and pretend to be someone I am not?  I can't stand comparing myself to others or having to conform to expectations.  In all honesty if this is what is required in being a male, I want nothing to do with it.  I just prefer simplicity and a life with no pressures but finding the words to properly describe just how I feel may be beyond the English language.


I guess also the weather in Brisbane annoys me.  It never changes nor is there seasonal variation.  I like a touch of cold weather but wanting or expecting it in Brisbane is like wanting penguins to sip soda's on a hot beach.  It just often feels like a trap but perhaps I trap myself with my own routines? 


I now will retire into my solitude which I know wont cause me so much distress for the moment and just forget about humanity for the time being.  Going for a walk and talking to myself is but one way to deal with my own thoughts which go over and over in my mind.  Who knows one day I may get a round of applause for what I have had to endure and overcome in life but for now it is just battling the often difficult terrain in order to find a pathway through.

Weathering the test of time

Concerns about the NDIS

Whenever it comes to attempting to improve the quality of lives or to make things better for people with disabilities either the following happens.  Labor governments spend money they do not have and Conservatives governments start slashing.  It really makes you wonder why such approaches are taken when the solution really needs to be to change attitudes, deliver necessary infrastructure to accommodate disability and or provide better housing and employment.

Over the past months, the news seems to suggest that the current government wants to use a razor in order to slash spending to improve the nation's finances.  Well it is important to balance the books and to have continued surpluses but it is also necessary to look after those people seriously and desperately in need.  Instead of coming down on people who are on disability pensions why not spend the money or allow for money to make employing people a reality.  There are adults out there who are trying to make for change but we are simply ignored because we either are not heard or very little attention is provided to us to allow for opportunities to happen.

Since 1998 when I was diagnosed as having Asperger Syndrome, I have tried my best to raise awareness of Asperger Syndrome and Autism.  I have set up adult social groups and met with people to try and make employing persons on the Autism Spectrum a reality. Instead I have either watched this fizzle away or ideas just crumble away with myself being worn down in the process.  This is the reason why I now have to start pulling back as I am finding governments and businesses are just not listening.  Furthermore, I said slack service in many departments and wonder to myself whether persons with attention to detail and a focus on perfection should be involved in such organisations.  How many times for instance have you had to suffer slack service simply because the persons employed within it just either don't care about their work or have a couldn't be bothered attitude?

Is having a disability just simply overlooked?

In Australia it seems to me that you just have to remain strong and put up with a growing attitude that things are never going to change.  You also have no choice but to put up with substandard service in terms of infrastructure and hostile attitudes that struggle to relate to those with challenges.  

Is having mental health a lonely sentence?

If you also have mental health challenges you find you are in solitary confinement as people just don't seem to know how to assist when you need others to listen and understand.  In my travels, I have heard of people coming to Australia and leaving again as they find the isolation just too overwhelming.  There simply is not the services and awareness needed to make things better.  Can this change or is it something that forever will remain a negative stigma lacking the necessary support which it requires?

I am only one person but I call on politicians to have a heart and think about people with disabilities and realise that we have a voice to.  We may have struggles and challenges in our lives but we cannot continue to simply be ignored.  It is about time that money is set aside to ensure that the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is implemented with strict auditing and regulation so that money goes to people in need and not more admin people who really are after money and nothing else.  It's time to wake up and start listening so that the lives of people with disabilities reaches the same level as every other person who is able to function in society!

Starting to feel good again

In my last blog post I spoke about the changes which are happening in my life.  Will I can add that having met this lady twice now things are going a long quite smoothly.  I haven't felt good since 2008 and it is good to finally feel human again.  I enjoy the chats with this lovely lady as we chat often most every night on Skype.  The good thing is that she also guides me and we work together in finding out what things best suit each other.  Being asked to hold hands on Saturday is in itself a very warm and comforting feeling. As of now things just seem to be getting better and better each day and she knows I have Asperger Syndrome and is looking into it more to hopefully understand me better. She is originally from Canada which makes things even more exciting.  There will be good things in the years to come hopefully and plenty of overseas travel together in the years to come.

As changes are taking place in my life, I am stepping back from the Asperger Adult Group.  I don't want the group to be dependent on me and furthermore the expectations that I always need to be there.   The adults are connecting quite well. On Saturday both myself and Chris who is now taking over some of the facilitating role with some other adults, met another Aspie who lives on the northside of Brisbane.  We both visited him last Monday and he is coming out of himself.  He seems  happy that there is a group in existence and there are a lot of things planned over the coming months.  As my life is undertaking some important changes, these changes may hopefully assist other adults to know that things are possible.  I also would like to have a go at skiing in New Zealand later this year in September but I need to find out where an absolute novice like myself can have a go.  I also intend to travel from Queenstown to Christchurch a long a scenic route.  Hopefully this will be my last trip going on my own as next time I would like very much to travel overseas with the special lady in my life.

I attempt to try skiing this year

Anzac Day will be this Friday and I intend to go to a Dawn Service at 8am. I am still old enough to have memories of Anzac Day when soldiers serving from the First World War used to attend.  Anzac Day, the blues ribbons that almost everyone used to wear and Anzac Biscuits bring back memories. In both Australia and New Zealand, Anzac Day is an important day for both countries.   Next year of course will also mark the 100th anniversary year of the landing at Gallipoli landing. I wanted to go to Gallipoli last year but due to some tensions in Syria, felt it best not to go.    

Remembering the Anzacs at Gallipoli April 25th 1915

I am still undertaking my exercise program to try and keep fit.  Things are getting a bit better on the home front and I am still trying my best to improve my quality of life but this still requires some work.  Anxiety is becoming less of an issue and I hope in time that people can understand me better.  My thinking still at times can tend to meander but now that other adults including Ben Wilshire from Orange are out there also trying to raise awareness of Autism in adults, there is less pressure on me.  I also hope that the Brisbane Asperger Adult Group which I have worked hard to get to where it is today will now adjust with the transition.  I really need to look after myself at the moment in order to get myself back on track.  It will be good for other adults to take on an active lead in the group to ensure that the group continues to serve its members and future generations.  We also welcome Ben Wilshire to Brisbane in August when Professor Tony Attwood visits the group. Ben will be hosting this meeting and providing us with updates from his groups in Orange and now Bathurst.

Please stay tuned to Ben's Aspie Blog for the latest updates.  Please note that I also intend to have an article I wrote referenced and published in an Italian Autism compilation soon.  Both Ben Wilshire who assisted me with editing and  David Zimmerman who is undertaking a PhD in Autism at Griffith University is helping with referencing.  Both Ben and David will also be mentioned in the article if everything goes to plan. 

The relationship journey and Internet Dating

Today was a very special day for me in that I met a very nice woman through the dating website RSVP. Face to face is hard for anyone, especially two people but for me it was even more of a challenge as I really didn't know what to think and expect.  I don't want to divulge too much information but this will be the second relationship if everything continues to go smoothly in my life since my first one back in 2008 and which was in another country. 


For any man on the Autism Spectrum I wouldn't rule out ever finding that special someone but I think and do believe that this needs to be done at a comfortable pace.  The lady I am seeing knows about my Asperger Syndrome and wants to find out more but to remain within due bounds, I feel it necessary just to focus on my experience at the moment.  I am using Skype to communicate and having skyped now for about a month, and not meeting in person, today it finally happened.  I also wore jeans which I rarely do and we met in the city gardens.  I am still coming to terms with the many boundaries which may exist around me and more importantly, I am trying to deal with the expectations which if pushed too much will cause me stress and anxiety.  The good thing is that the lady I am communicating with knows that I have Asperger Syndrome and is happy to assist and know me more which is great. 


I am currently trying to keep a low profile although I am not sure how aware the social media may be by reading this blog of what I am currently experiencing, but it is just between both of us for now.  I would also like to provide hope and inspiration if it is desired for other men on the Autism Spectrum to know that finding a connection is possible.  I think it is important to focus on a pace which works for both people concerned and more importantly to find a means of communication which works best. I don't always think that sex or intimacy are needed on the first date but more importantly communication as this is the essential foundation in any relationship.  I was advised recently to ensure that communication is 50/50. I find Skype is good for communicating where face to face can be a bit daunting as I just confront mind blindness.  This simply meaning that I cannot see facial gestures and boundaries etc that may exist which I am not aware of.


I think that although Internet dating may be daunting that it can work if approached with a formula.  More importantly there needs to be someone who is willing and tolerant to actually love you and see having Asperger Syndrome as only being part of you.  I don't want to boast in this post but more so enlighten and educate as relationships are not for everyone.  I feel energised and very happy at the moment but I don't want to rush into things too quickly. I just want to take things at a steady pace and provide encouragement for future generations of Aspies that there is always hope and not despair. 
We are going to continue communicating and over time just see where things lead.  I turn 42 years old this year and things can become both hard and easy at the same time. I would like to have more friends but in a way that people understand me.  I would like for RSVP to take note that there are people who like me have a story to tell to inspire others.  It would also be good to educate and enlighten other people.  So there are good times ahead.


I am now going to rest and try to deal with what is ahead of me as well as see if I can get some assistance with trying to navigate the NT world as an Aspie. I have also contacted Professor Tony Attwood whom I haven't heard from as of late.  He has been interested in my progress and I have emailed him to let him know about my travels.  I just hope that the future looks even brighter, especially having someone special to share it with.  Perhaps my journey may see other Aspies if they are interested see Internet Dating as one way to go in terms of having a relationship if they so choose. 


I will provide more updates soon. I am also putting together a contribution with assistance in terms of referencing to an Autism Academic project based in Italy. 

Trying to relate to Neurotypicals

For anyone not clear about what a neurotypical is, a neurotypical is a person not on the Autism Spectrum.  I find that trying to communicate with neurotypicals is just about impossible.  They don't always say what they mean and furthermore you never really know what they are thinking and what is in their mind.  This can present challenges when trying to communicate and function.  For instance you can be working a long side one and you may have a different objective and outcome to what they do.  Sometimes this can cause communication challenges and boundaries. 


I also have to admit that I find internet dating just beyond me and more so dating itself.  Even if I am successful to go on a date which is almost impossible, I find that the expectations on me are just so large. What am I supposed to do?  How am I supposed to react?  What is expected of me?  I have even been told by some people that I don't seem to have Asperger Syndrome but I am not sure if they are trying to be polite or perhaps fall into the ignorance category of not understanding?  I just feel at times like I am stuck in a rut not knowing where to move or how to go beyond the status quo.  I feel as an Aspie that the quality of life as an Aspie is not the same as a neurotypical largely because of the way I think and function.  I just don't see things, process information and communicate the same way as neurotypicals do.  I really need to be honest in what I am saying here because I see things differently and often by doing this it can cause me grief or mistreatment by others.


I find that being honest and speaking my mind is always something that exists in me but neurotypicals sometimes want to play games and implement "Theory of Mind' strategies. Theory of Mind is something I believe that Aspies struggle to grasp to because we often are influenced by our literal thinking and speaking our minds.  Although a neurotypical may be better at grasping Theory of Mind, an Aspie seems to struggle more with it. I find I am largely relying on my intelligence more so than automatic thinking to problem solve situations and events around me.  I often find even within the Autism Community where Neurotypicals have a large influence that I am expected to think and implement structure similar to the way that they do.  Why can't I think like an Aspie in a community which is supposed to represent me but controlled by Neurotypicals.


I find social situations in all aspects challenging.  I find just because of the way I think and function that I am largely misunderstood and sometimes may even offend without knowing it. I am not always aware of boundaries and can sometimes get into trouble and even reprimanded for not understanding them.  I just wish at times things were clearer and more accommodating for a person on the Autism Spectrum.  

The Ins and Outs of Internet Dating

Over the past months I have been using an Internet Dating Website known as RSVP Despite changing my dating profile a few times, my profile has been getting a lot of hits but very few if any replies.  Every time I have sent kisses in order to contact potential females, I find myself instead receiving messages of 'sorry I am not interested' or 'thank you for your response and all the best for your search.  I am communicating however with one person but am finding it very difficult in some ways.  First of all the person is kind of reluctant to meet me in person, and both she and myself have been communicating via Skype. Although she lives in Brisbane from another country, the very concept of meeting up for a date is itself overwhelming.  The amount of expectations and furthermore understanding the cues and boundaries just seem daunting at the moment.  However, communication is via Skype and text messages and this seems to be working for now. 


I have to admit that I find online dating often very shallow as it seems that there may be too many men just looking for sex and women holding high expectations, so if you are just the ordinary good guy, you don't stand much of a hope.  All I can do is just take things slowly for now.  It is hard when you don't have many friends to communicate with or more importantly others in a similar situation to yourself who may understand.  You just have to work it out the best way you feel possible.  It is very overwhelming to be honest when you closely explore the very concept of going out on a date for a start.  What is next? What am I required to do?  Will the other person understand my boundaries and me theirs?  All these questions and not knowing what to expect just cause some anxiety issues but all I can really do is try to travel a long as best I can. 


I wonder how many people find Online Dating comforting?  Is the meeting up part the most daunting?  Are things going to work out?  All these questions turn over in your mind like a tumble drier and really just don't know what to expect. 


I think that prior communication before a date seems a much more comforting atmosphere as it seems to reduce the anxiety and expectations when they come about.  However both persons need to establish a common ground in order to feel comfortable.  At the moment I am just cruising a long with this person and I am not sure when and where we will meet if we ever do but all I can do is to try and keep communicating where and however best I can.  I have also emailed Dr Tony Attwood about what is happening but as yet have not received any response.  I will keep you posted on how and if things develop. 

The Inescapable Australian Trap

Throughout my life I have always wondered whether living in Australia is a good thing.  You hear how Australia is supposed to be the 'lucky country' and everyone has a right to a fair go. Is this really the truth however?


The first thing that I find a significant problem is Australia's political system of government.  First of all politicians make themselves untouchable and look after themselves first.  Furthermore preferential voting just seems to be rigged with dishonesty and manipulation.  While even low income earners are forced to pay tax, the government insists on taxing them however what is their in return?  For a low income earner and for someone with a disability, there is very little provided in the way of services when taxes are paid.  Furthermore the current government now wants to start slashing everything in sight, and it just looks as though the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) will not see the light of day.  I am not saying that the previous government was any better. 


The other problem seems to be union domination.  This creates over regulation and makes for barriers when looking at overall production.  Perhaps this is why it is almost impossible for persons with disabilities to enter the workplace?  It just doesn't dangle a carrot that provides for incentive?  It also appears that the Carbon Tax is here to stay and it defies logic that everything else is taxed except for fuel consumption.  By God Australians just seem to be largely stupid people.  The complacency factor alone creates so much inefficiency in that current system just doesn't seem to work properly.  Why do people also let politicians get away with what they do?  You would think surely that if you have the right to vote that you would vote responsibly but in Australia people are forced to do just about everything being slapped with a fine if they don't. Even for voting which is compulsory it seems the complacency factor alone sees governments elected and then people whinging that measures are made which they are not happy with. 


I think living in Australia is a trap because you are forced to think and function in a system that really doesn't work for everyone.  You can spend your life working but never really fitting into the box of a high paying individual.  Furthermore if  you are a politician you just get everything you want anyhow.


I ask the question of what is going to happen for people with disabilities if the government forces people to work longer?  If the unemployed are unable to obtain employment, then what will happen in terms of the longevity of people with disabilities in Australia?  Does the government simply not want to know or understand the need to encourage everyone to work but to work in a safe and supportive work environment free of bullying and toxicity?   It seems that in Australia if people are lazy they just get promoted up.  If you work hard however, you are just left in a pigeon hole continuing to work as long as possible while you remain in a system that is flawed and largely unfair.  Isn't this a trap?  Isn't this ignoring the concept of "A right to a fair go" or the saying  of 'the lucky country'?  


It is just about impossible to obtain skills and experience to put you at a competitive edge and furthermore make you attractive for overseas markets. The reality is that if you try to improve on your qualifications that you are again worn down by incompetence or poor training.  As stated above how many skilled and professional people are there in existence in Australia?  Or do these people just get fed up and leave!?  Does Australia really miss out on the injection of incentive and professionalism as people just up and leave and go elsewhere?   It seems for the most part that watching sport and drinking grog make for a good distraction.  Furthermore if you drink you may also hide mental illness also as there are very few if not non existent support and services available to deal with the issues and challenges in the first place.  It just all seems impenetrable and there is no way out. 


The trap also seems to be that you just have to put up with the way things are even though you may not always agree with the conformity which is imposed.  It seems that the majority of Australians perhaps are not interested in world affairs or even interested in being concerned about how decisions made may affect them.  Remaining insular and unaware of the goings on just seem to be the easy option until it may be too late.  It looks almost certain that Australia will keep the Carbon Tax but it defies logic as to how such a tax is going to make things better?  Surely it will just employ more people to sit around idle pretending to do things when really no outcome may occur? 


Also trying to do things properly and expecting good standards just seem impossible. Furthermore for some reason people after a while drop you and you never hear from them again.  In the most instances you never really know why and ponder at times as to why people behave the way that they do.  People seem to also criticise you if you say Australia has many flaws and suggest you move elsewhere.  Perhaps though if you were able to move elsewhere then you may work harder and not have to deal with the majority of nonsense that you are forced to in Australia.  Really the answer seems to lie in the overcoming of complacency and the imposition of incentive and high quality but perhaps I just leave myself open to be criticised as always. 

Penetrating the Impenetrable an April Fools reality or not?

Advocating for Autism 24/7 can sometimes feel like a thankless task.  Not to mention the social isolation which I endure.  For some reason people can drop away from any contact with you and you can never really understand why?  Is it the way that I think?  Is it that I offend people without knowing it? Or do I appear as somehow standoffish and aloof?  No matter how hard it gets, all that you can really do is to battle on as best you can. 


I am not sure if many of you are aware but I have taken an interest in German innovation and production.  I have noticed that in Germany there seems to be a large focus on attention to detail and good work ethics.  As this video indicates.  What I like about German workplace culture is that most and if not all the people seem to think the same way that I do.  I for instance like to ensure that when I am working that a task needs to be done properly and completed fully.  I tend to find in other western countries that more emphasis seems to be on a person's social skills more so than on performance.


In any task which I carry out, I find that my total concentration is required on the task at hand.  I sometimes feel though that I am let down by certain infrastructure or equipment that simply is not up to standard.  For instance I was thinking the other day that the simple inclination of a stairwell can affect mobility and access. Furthermore what is the best and most appropriate length for wheelchair access within a building? 


On the weekends here in Brisbane, very few places are open for business.  If you want something actioned urgently you need to wait until business hours for it to be repaired or looked into as Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm are the usual times.  Also can people with attention to detail and focus be able to improve on quality?  This can simply be with a money transfer or even a product that is vigorously road tested to ensure that it works properly and is up to standard.


Yesterday I was called upon to use my skills with a mindset for errors to improve on an environment that needs better turn over.  I spent almost 2 hours indicating on ways I could see fault and improvement and it was good to receive acknowledgement in return.  I did notice however that equipment which indicated weight was still in imperial weight measurements when it should be imperial, as Australia converted to the Metric System in the early 1970's. 


It can often be very challenging to change mindsets which somehow see having attributes as some kind of flaw or provoking fear.  What is wrong with spend vast amounts of time in carrying out duties and furthermore trying your hardest to block out sensory issues?  Hand driers for instance can be excessively noisy and why is this so?  Also leaf blowers and other equipment can give off irritating sounds which can be toxic in nature by way of noise pollution.  Also what is required to change attitudes in terms of quality output?  Can't simply a work environment exist where a strong attention to detail can co-exist with a social one?