This year has been a busy year. The work of Ben Wilshire of Carewest has been very important and not to mention Chris Lovell and Blake Connolly in the Brisbane Aspie Adult Group. We have seen the group continue and furthermore welcome guest speaks including Maja Toudal and Professor Tony Attwood. We have also had some other interesting speakers attend the group to speak about social activities as well as ways of improving better physical and mental health.
For me I have continued to the best of my ability the work which I am doing. I also have received some good results in terms of growing upon my own foundations and requirements in terms of learning. It will be good to see these accommodations implemented within due course.
As I get older I note the need for improved services not only for myself but for other adults. We need to see vast improvements in terms of dealing with mental health, independent living, employment and on raising more awareness. I am confident in saying that we have made much progress in these areas but more work needs to happen. There still sadly are attitudes that having Autism is something that people think I am making up as an excuse in order to avoid certain responsibilities. I can assure you that this is not the case. Why would I almost in my mid 40's be making things up when really I want things to get better? I really need to find ways of raising more awareness which is constructive so that I can really change more attitudes and break down barriers.
Like all Australians and people world wide, I was deeply saddened by the events in Sydney. I think of the two innocent lives that were lost and the others that have been traumatized by what happened on Australian soil. I only hope that peace will continue to remain in our world. I also am coming to terms with someone close to me that is going through some personal struggles of her own. It is hard to come to terms with old age and especially seeing changes and wondering what is actually happening? I have to look after myself as I know nobody else will when my own structures may soon disappear. I know that despite all nastiness that there are good people and that they will continue to support me as much as possible. Despite my vehicle being scratched by another motorist who didn't even pay the courtesy of leaving a note with contact details, I have to again be strong and not let anyone get to me. There are good people who are assisting me and I thank them for their support. I really and sincerely hope that next year will be a better year. I know that in my own time there is only so much that I can physically and socially change. I hope that my own legacy will now and into the future assist future generations. Autism is not something to eradicate but more so understand. People with Autism are not damaged nor defective. I know of many adults who live with the condition like myself who want inclusion and a chance to also become equals in the wider world. Many still have challenges and difficulties ahead of them.
I pray that next year will be even better and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2015 who reads this post. I also ask you to please support and continue to like my page Facebook Page
Seasons Greetings
Garry Burge
Founder of www.garryburge.com
