This afternoon I mailed Asperger Services Australia a $100 book voucher so that books can be purchased for the library concerning both adults and children. As the office was flooded with the recent rain in Brisbane, I was informed that 10cm of rain caused damage to the office and files and papers have been sadly destroyed. I just hope that some positive light may occur and Asperger Services Australia can return to normal or more so obtain some assistance.
Asperger Services Australia does a lot of hard work raising awareness and helping to get the message out there for people with Asperger Syndrome. If it weren't for this organisation, we would be totally alone. Lets hope things return to normal soon and get back on track.
I have often been accused of being selfish but if I were really selfish then wouldn't the fact that I put out my spare time in helping raise awareness be really and act of selfishness? Furthermore, if I was also selfish then why do I care about people with Asperger Syndrome in terms of getting support and services? I am not a perfect person and I do not profess or pretend to be. I am a battler and I can only try my best to help where I can. There are also others in the community who put time and effort out also.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
What people think
I currently feel frustrated with some aspects of my life that when I try to do more and feel I could achieve a great deal that I confront people who do not understand me. I have been for the past 5 years felt frustrated in being within my current situation as I feel I am held back and that a stereotype exists about my own abilities and potential within an employment sense. I am given manual handling jobs but not jobs which involve thinking. I just hope that one day I can be involved in helping people with Asperger Syndrome in finding employment rather than existing within an employment framework where the main focus is on making money. People with Asperger Syndrome like to feel valued in employment and afforded the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and abilities more so than deal with a hierarchy which continually tries to not reward incentive. I just don't understand why. I see Equal Opportunity of working against a person with Asperger Syndrome as why does the opportunity go to other people more so than those who work hard and try to do their best. I also wonder if standing for the Disability Sub Committee is also worthwhile as I tried to serve to the best of my ability feeling my contribution worthless.
People often say or think that I am putting myself down or more importantly under selling myself in a confidence sense. I would like to emphasise that I am merely pointing out where my strengths and weaknesses exist. I am not a person who is talented and there are people on the Autism Spectrum who just battle through their lives on a day to day basis. All you can really do is continue to find ways to expand your networks and not believe or expect that you will be in the same job for the rest of your life being both undervalued and appreciated. If you try and do the right thing also, you just never seem to be acknowledged. I hope to eventually help people with Asperger Syndrome find employment and have a chance in being within work. I am looking at and exploring avenues to make this a reality but in the meantime, I just need to get the message out that more needs to be done for people with AS.
I felt proud of myself for having attended a meeting of Toastmasters last night and being around people who provided encouragement. I was brave to do so and I realised that there is a world out there who can be encouraging rather than discouraging. Society may hold expectations on people to either be achievers or just plodders, but I do believe I can do a lot more. Just shelving books in a library or sorting books in a warehouse is just a job to me but it is not something I want to do for the rest of my life. I know I can do more and I hope to help with making employment possible for people with Asperger Syndrome in the world. Too often you struggle on your own and are largely misunderstood or offend hierarchy. I hate being controlled and told what to do. I prefer to work on my own and I do not need people to give me direction which seems evident in NT employment. I was even asked on one occasion "What do you expect and what do you want us to do?". I felt the question very confrontational as it is not about me, it is about understanding better and raising levels of awareness so that more people and potential employers are aware. Within hierarchy I am always seen as some kind of trouble maker because I dare speak my mind. As I must again re emphasize, I am getting the message out there. I find it hard to trust people and to know who is honest and whom I can confide in but you can only do your best. I hope things change in the future and people need to not be so scared of change.
People can be very confrontational at times and you can get into trouble for speaking your mind and see the world from a different perspective. Does not this mean that we need to get the message out there? I have also found out that despite my efforts, that my book needs a lot of work? Why are things such a struggle and why do you have to battle all the time to get your voice heard? Why also do people react to you in a hostile matter whenever you point out a situation to them may need looking into or is not working properly and could be better?
People often say or think that I am putting myself down or more importantly under selling myself in a confidence sense. I would like to emphasise that I am merely pointing out where my strengths and weaknesses exist. I am not a person who is talented and there are people on the Autism Spectrum who just battle through their lives on a day to day basis. All you can really do is continue to find ways to expand your networks and not believe or expect that you will be in the same job for the rest of your life being both undervalued and appreciated. If you try and do the right thing also, you just never seem to be acknowledged. I hope to eventually help people with Asperger Syndrome find employment and have a chance in being within work. I am looking at and exploring avenues to make this a reality but in the meantime, I just need to get the message out that more needs to be done for people with AS.
I felt proud of myself for having attended a meeting of Toastmasters last night and being around people who provided encouragement. I was brave to do so and I realised that there is a world out there who can be encouraging rather than discouraging. Society may hold expectations on people to either be achievers or just plodders, but I do believe I can do a lot more. Just shelving books in a library or sorting books in a warehouse is just a job to me but it is not something I want to do for the rest of my life. I know I can do more and I hope to help with making employment possible for people with Asperger Syndrome in the world. Too often you struggle on your own and are largely misunderstood or offend hierarchy. I hate being controlled and told what to do. I prefer to work on my own and I do not need people to give me direction which seems evident in NT employment. I was even asked on one occasion "What do you expect and what do you want us to do?". I felt the question very confrontational as it is not about me, it is about understanding better and raising levels of awareness so that more people and potential employers are aware. Within hierarchy I am always seen as some kind of trouble maker because I dare speak my mind. As I must again re emphasize, I am getting the message out there. I find it hard to trust people and to know who is honest and whom I can confide in but you can only do your best. I hope things change in the future and people need to not be so scared of change.
People can be very confrontational at times and you can get into trouble for speaking your mind and see the world from a different perspective. Does not this mean that we need to get the message out there? I have also found out that despite my efforts, that my book needs a lot of work? Why are things such a struggle and why do you have to battle all the time to get your voice heard? Why also do people react to you in a hostile matter whenever you point out a situation to them may need looking into or is not working properly and could be better?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Attending Toastmasters
Tonight I attended a Toastmasters meeting and I was made to feel welcome. The meeting went for 2 hours and included the following:
Toastmaster
Traveling Tale
Word
Speech 1
Table Topics
Evaluation Speech
Raffle
Presidents closing remarks and award presentations
Toastmasters is a means for all people to improve on their public speaking abilities. It helps people to speak more confidentially and is world wide. You also received feedback on what things you did properly and areas which need improvement. I would encourage anybody to attend a meeting if they can and find out what happens. You don't know what you are missing!
Toastmaster
Traveling Tale
Word
Speech 1
Table Topics
Evaluation Speech
Raffle
Presidents closing remarks and award presentations
Toastmasters is a means for all people to improve on their public speaking abilities. It helps people to speak more confidentially and is world wide. You also received feedback on what things you did properly and areas which need improvement. I would encourage anybody to attend a meeting if they can and find out what happens. You don't know what you are missing!
Autism Works Employment for Adults with Asperger Syndrome and Autism
Autism Works is a United Kingdom based employer of adults with Asperger Syndrome and Autism based in the north of England. Friend and fellow Aspie - Chris Mitchell is involved in the project and the website is being launched as of today.
For anyone interested the work Chris is doing and colleague Peter is very important in that it provides potential hope for adults with Asperger Syndrome and Autism to obtain employment. I have been friends with Chris since late 1999 when I first met and corresponded with him on a website knows as "University Students With Asperger Syndrome". I am in touch with Chris regularly and the work he is doing seems very optimistic and others may want to visit his website which is http://www.autismworks.co.uk/
I intend to visit Chris next May and find out what work he is doing and hopefully Chris will be able to visit Australia with Peter and talk about this project here. Brisbane of course would be happy to host Chris for such an event and overtime more information and awareness will evolve.
I am sure there are many of us who will be following Autism Works with great interest and please feel free to visit their website in this pilot and pioneering project.
For anyone interested the work Chris is doing and colleague Peter is very important in that it provides potential hope for adults with Asperger Syndrome and Autism to obtain employment. I have been friends with Chris since late 1999 when I first met and corresponded with him on a website knows as "University Students With Asperger Syndrome". I am in touch with Chris regularly and the work he is doing seems very optimistic and others may want to visit his website which is http://www.autismworks.co.uk/
I intend to visit Chris next May and find out what work he is doing and hopefully Chris will be able to visit Australia with Peter and talk about this project here. Brisbane of course would be happy to host Chris for such an event and overtime more information and awareness will evolve.
I am sure there are many of us who will be following Autism Works with great interest and please feel free to visit their website in this pilot and pioneering project.
Feeling more confident
Since undertaking exercise I am starting to feel more confident and less anxious. I am finding that I do not have to control anxiety so much anymore and my mind is starting to feel a lot more free. I have recently applied for a Library Assistant Position on a part time basis at the University of Queensland Library and I am going to start looking into Toastmasters. Toastmasters helps to build confidence and public speaking ability. I understand that it also provides feedback on ways you can improve on your public speaking and in general conversation.
As I will be speaking on Friday 5th November 2010 with Dr Kate Sofronoff and be more than likely involved with future public speaking commitments, being more confident and able to deliver will be paramount. I also need to build up my networks if I want to go beyond just shelving books in a library for the rest of my life. It has been suggested to me that I contact Asperger Services Australia about contacting Toastmasters Australian Headquarters to find out about how more adults with Asperger Syndrome can learn public speaking, confidence and job interview skills. This is something I have mentioned to Asperger Services Australia for them to bring up at their next Board Meeting.
There are many benefits to exercise and building networks and more Aspies need to try harder where they can to improve on their own lives where they can. It is hard for us to navigate the social world but we need to try harder if we want to break down more barriers that prevent us from moving ahead. If anyone is interested in Toastmasters you can visit their link http://www.toastmasters.org.au/ Exercise has many benefits in severely reducing anxiety and I am also looking at a Mind for Mindfulness Course which was suggested to me by Chris Mitchell. More updates later but I hope that some of you may be interested in some of the possibilities available. I have submitted my book draft to Jessica Kingsley Publishers also and I am very interested in the work Chris Mitchell is doing with Autism Works in the United Kingdom. Please visit the following link for more information http://www.autismworks.co.uk/
As I will be speaking on Friday 5th November 2010 with Dr Kate Sofronoff and be more than likely involved with future public speaking commitments, being more confident and able to deliver will be paramount. I also need to build up my networks if I want to go beyond just shelving books in a library for the rest of my life. It has been suggested to me that I contact Asperger Services Australia about contacting Toastmasters Australian Headquarters to find out about how more adults with Asperger Syndrome can learn public speaking, confidence and job interview skills. This is something I have mentioned to Asperger Services Australia for them to bring up at their next Board Meeting.
There are many benefits to exercise and building networks and more Aspies need to try harder where they can to improve on their own lives where they can. It is hard for us to navigate the social world but we need to try harder if we want to break down more barriers that prevent us from moving ahead. If anyone is interested in Toastmasters you can visit their link http://www.toastmasters.org.au/ Exercise has many benefits in severely reducing anxiety and I am also looking at a Mind for Mindfulness Course which was suggested to me by Chris Mitchell. More updates later but I hope that some of you may be interested in some of the possibilities available. I have submitted my book draft to Jessica Kingsley Publishers also and I am very interested in the work Chris Mitchell is doing with Autism Works in the United Kingdom. Please visit the following link for more information http://www.autismworks.co.uk/
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Sensory Issues
I wonder if both Aspies and NT's (Neuro Typicals) communicate differently? I find that NT's tend to be more confusing to understand and their means of communication and signals are often always difficult to assimilate and interpret. When I am talking to someone, it can be often very difficult looking at the person in the face for you tend to look at their mouth more so than their eyes. For adults with Asperger Syndrome, looking at someone in the face is often not easy and overwhelming. I think we tend to rely more on our hearing and intelligence in order to communicate and perhaps miss out on the necessary visual queues that help carry a conversation.
The way I see it is that Aspies are only picking up about 20% of communication visual information but perhaps higher functioning Aspies in short periods of immense concentration can perhaps pick up 85% but they become mentally exhausted afterwards. Research is needed as to why Aspies are space dwellers and why we like to have our own space away from people. Perhaps our eyes, ears and noses become over sensitized and our minds over stimulated from too much interaction that our brains need to wind down?
I often watch some clips from "Temple Grandin" on how she adapted and coped with the sensory issues and I would recommend that anyone see her film. Are we as Aspies exposed to a different way of learning and receiving information? I think Temple Grandin is someone that has helped tremendously in making life much easier for those of us who are adults today.
Dr Temple Grandin on Asperger Syndrome in employment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok6jkDiJFAQ
The way I see it is that Aspies are only picking up about 20% of communication visual information but perhaps higher functioning Aspies in short periods of immense concentration can perhaps pick up 85% but they become mentally exhausted afterwards. Research is needed as to why Aspies are space dwellers and why we like to have our own space away from people. Perhaps our eyes, ears and noses become over sensitized and our minds over stimulated from too much interaction that our brains need to wind down?
I often watch some clips from "Temple Grandin" on how she adapted and coped with the sensory issues and I would recommend that anyone see her film. Are we as Aspies exposed to a different way of learning and receiving information? I think Temple Grandin is someone that has helped tremendously in making life much easier for those of us who are adults today.
Dr Temple Grandin on Asperger Syndrome in employment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok6jkDiJFAQ
The need for Aspies in employment
As the world grows and you see the need for more consumer products to widespread, you have to ask yourself the question. Are products that are purchased today really being tested thoroughly for weakness and for fault? I have recently purchased an Iphone in June of this year and I find the Iphone faulty as the microphone does not work at all and has also been faulty. I find also when I purchase other products that there is more a mass production of quantity more so than quality.
I have found out that most Information Technology jobs are based on graduate entry and social skills more so than actual focus on detail and attention. If this is so then perhaps a lot of items and products may be failing the attention to detail and thorough testing requirements needed for consumer usage. Surely a role which focuses on through testing and reliability could be a job for an adult on the Autism Spectrum? Adults with Asperger Syndrome have a mind set for errors and like to ensure that things are working properly with the elimination of possible errors and faults.
I remember being informed of the Aspie Mechanic who fixed a car in a service for an extended more than a service period warranty. He was later sacked for not towing the line and what needs to be focused on and realised is that can Aspies do the jobs that other people find too boring or difficult? This is why people with Asperger Syndrome need to be put to work as their contributions could make a lot of difference in terms of the quality aspect more so than the quantity outlay. I have been in touch with friend and fellow Aspie, Chris Mitchell. Chris is currently working for Autism Works in the UK after quitting his boring and stereotyped job before. He is happy to be doing something more productive and useful and I hope one day to assist where I can within this organisation as I could be doing a lot more and wanting to deliver a great deal to helping adults with Asperger Syndrome find employment. I intend to visit Chris in the United Kingdom next year and shadow him and Peter McDonald who also works in Autism Works. I intend to bring back these suggestions to Australia or possibly consider working in the United Kingdom but I am not sure how things will pan out exactly just as yet.
I intend to visit a Toastmasters Club and find out about possible training of Toastmasters to be more understanding of persons with Asperger Syndrome to help with confidence building and improving communication skills. Can employing adults with Asperger Syndrome therefore improve quality and improve quantity also? A question that needs to be asked and hopefully soon answered with greater employment opportunity for adults with Asperger Syndrome.
I have found out that most Information Technology jobs are based on graduate entry and social skills more so than actual focus on detail and attention. If this is so then perhaps a lot of items and products may be failing the attention to detail and thorough testing requirements needed for consumer usage. Surely a role which focuses on through testing and reliability could be a job for an adult on the Autism Spectrum? Adults with Asperger Syndrome have a mind set for errors and like to ensure that things are working properly with the elimination of possible errors and faults.
I remember being informed of the Aspie Mechanic who fixed a car in a service for an extended more than a service period warranty. He was later sacked for not towing the line and what needs to be focused on and realised is that can Aspies do the jobs that other people find too boring or difficult? This is why people with Asperger Syndrome need to be put to work as their contributions could make a lot of difference in terms of the quality aspect more so than the quantity outlay. I have been in touch with friend and fellow Aspie, Chris Mitchell. Chris is currently working for Autism Works in the UK after quitting his boring and stereotyped job before. He is happy to be doing something more productive and useful and I hope one day to assist where I can within this organisation as I could be doing a lot more and wanting to deliver a great deal to helping adults with Asperger Syndrome find employment. I intend to visit Chris in the United Kingdom next year and shadow him and Peter McDonald who also works in Autism Works. I intend to bring back these suggestions to Australia or possibly consider working in the United Kingdom but I am not sure how things will pan out exactly just as yet.
I intend to visit a Toastmasters Club and find out about possible training of Toastmasters to be more understanding of persons with Asperger Syndrome to help with confidence building and improving communication skills. Can employing adults with Asperger Syndrome therefore improve quality and improve quantity also? A question that needs to be asked and hopefully soon answered with greater employment opportunity for adults with Asperger Syndrome.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Trying to make progress
Yesterday I applied again for the 20th time for a Library Assistant Position and I am hoping that I will be given a chance to go beyond my current situation and position. It would be good to be able to learn more and contribute my energies at a higher level than just mainly shelving books and handling books which is what I am doing currently. It is often hard to get ahead unless you are given a chance to demonstrate your skills and abilities.
I am hoping that I am able to work part time which will allow me to continue with the Asperger Syndrome Advocacy I do in my spare time. I have also sent Dr Tony Attwood the rough draft I am writing in my book. Having the chance to publish something is also another hurdle because the publishing industry is very competitive at the moment. I have written approximately 26 000 words in this book.
The future of libraries is also changing and I believe that persons with Asperger Syndrome would play a beneficial role in the digitization process. What is needed is for necessary training and funding to assist libraries in making the transformation from text to a digital format. I would be interested in finding out the procedure involved for digitilising library information and it would be good if the Specialisterne concept of employing adults with Asperger Syndrome in computer software testing could be applied to an experimentation in library digitalisation software.
Working in a library allows me to see and understand the future of how I think a library is going to move forward in the future. Current students seem to spend a great deal of their time and study on a computer screen and for this information needs to be efficient and accessible. A future library would be an area of greater spare with books being replaced by a means of them being on line. The Librarian would need to become more Information Technology Trained and ensure that their subject areas have up to date information within a digital format. I see the library industry going through a dramatic change over the next 10 years. Perhaps the library will just have staff who have library experience without the need for Librarians, Library Assistants and other positions? It is something which needs to be thought about more. There are many benefits to digitalising books and one can only imagine what the future library will look like. Working in a university library perhaps the Stanford University Library is the way of the future? Please visit this link for more information http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=jMus6tZifGY&feature=related
I am hoping that I am able to work part time which will allow me to continue with the Asperger Syndrome Advocacy I do in my spare time. I have also sent Dr Tony Attwood the rough draft I am writing in my book. Having the chance to publish something is also another hurdle because the publishing industry is very competitive at the moment. I have written approximately 26 000 words in this book.
The future of libraries is also changing and I believe that persons with Asperger Syndrome would play a beneficial role in the digitization process. What is needed is for necessary training and funding to assist libraries in making the transformation from text to a digital format. I would be interested in finding out the procedure involved for digitilising library information and it would be good if the Specialisterne concept of employing adults with Asperger Syndrome in computer software testing could be applied to an experimentation in library digitalisation software.
Working in a library allows me to see and understand the future of how I think a library is going to move forward in the future. Current students seem to spend a great deal of their time and study on a computer screen and for this information needs to be efficient and accessible. A future library would be an area of greater spare with books being replaced by a means of them being on line. The Librarian would need to become more Information Technology Trained and ensure that their subject areas have up to date information within a digital format. I see the library industry going through a dramatic change over the next 10 years. Perhaps the library will just have staff who have library experience without the need for Librarians, Library Assistants and other positions? It is something which needs to be thought about more. There are many benefits to digitalising books and one can only imagine what the future library will look like. Working in a university library perhaps the Stanford University Library is the way of the future? Please visit this link for more information http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=jMus6tZifGY&feature=related
Friday, October 8, 2010
Knowing there is support as an adult with Asperger Syndrome
As an adult with Asperger Syndrome I am getting a lot of help with certain areas of my life. I firstly go to "Minds and Hearts" which is a clinic for adults and children with Asperger Syndrome and I am also visiting a speech pathologist at the University of Queensland. I have been referred to a Speech Pathologist to help me learn visual queues and assistance with making 'small talk' when around people which I find extremely difficult. The exercises I do vary from double meanings of words, for instance "Form" as in grouping together and a grade level at school. I also then am getting help with how to keep to a conversation, not stray from it and more importantly to not become overwhelmed by outside distractions or other thoughts I may be having.
When I undertake Asperger Syndrome Advocacy as an adult, it can be challenging at times for it takes some time for society to understand that what you have and other similar to you have with Asperger Syndrome as having an invisible disability. People do not always see what you are going through but the more and more awareness you provide, the better their understanding. I do believe that more awareness is happening as I hear from people I talk to that they have found out recently that their friend's son was diagnosed recently with Asperger Syndrome or that they read about it in the paper. The realisation that adults are affected is slowly becoming apparent but perhaps society does not see how exactly adults are affected by Asperger Syndrome.
A lot of day to day life is not always seen as adults with Asperger Syndrome look just like anybody else but it is their own ways of dealing with difficulty that people do not always see. The adults unemployed are but one example as some of them often spend a large amount of time within their own space in order to get help or may not want to bother anyone or fear being rejected. On my blog, I have indicated some useful links and I hope that these links are providing other adults wherever they may be in the world that support and services are always possible. Wrong planet is one world wide website that can provide useful information and shared experiences but also skype is another way, as adults with Asperger Syndrome can connect to skype in the comfort of their home. I hope in time that with more awareness of Asperger Syndrome that the difficulties of social isolation and unemployment will start to be overcome but the important thing is to always know help is available.
When I undertake Asperger Syndrome Advocacy as an adult, it can be challenging at times for it takes some time for society to understand that what you have and other similar to you have with Asperger Syndrome as having an invisible disability. People do not always see what you are going through but the more and more awareness you provide, the better their understanding. I do believe that more awareness is happening as I hear from people I talk to that they have found out recently that their friend's son was diagnosed recently with Asperger Syndrome or that they read about it in the paper. The realisation that adults are affected is slowly becoming apparent but perhaps society does not see how exactly adults are affected by Asperger Syndrome.
A lot of day to day life is not always seen as adults with Asperger Syndrome look just like anybody else but it is their own ways of dealing with difficulty that people do not always see. The adults unemployed are but one example as some of them often spend a large amount of time within their own space in order to get help or may not want to bother anyone or fear being rejected. On my blog, I have indicated some useful links and I hope that these links are providing other adults wherever they may be in the world that support and services are always possible. Wrong planet is one world wide website that can provide useful information and shared experiences but also skype is another way, as adults with Asperger Syndrome can connect to skype in the comfort of their home. I hope in time that with more awareness of Asperger Syndrome that the difficulties of social isolation and unemployment will start to be overcome but the important thing is to always know help is available.
Asperger Syndrome Awareness Survey on Dr Tony Attwood's website
I have just been visiting Dr Tony Attwood's website and an important survey is on his website "The perception of Asperger’s syndrome" (held by professionals and community members). If you are reading this blog you can go to the survey by visiting http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SB9QDFQ
As Australia has a long way to go in people understanding Asperger Syndrome, I am sure that by participating in this survey you can greatly assist Donna Kite, a Clinical Doctorate Candidate at Charles Sturt University. Donna is currently researching the perception of Asperger's syndrome (held by professionals and community members). By completing this important survey, it would help with research and hopefully getting more important and essential information to the wider Australian Community. Please help Donna in any way possible as the survey does not take very long to complete and your time would be both greatly valued and appreciated.
You can also help with research by visiting http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=124&Itemid=226
As Australia has a long way to go in people understanding Asperger Syndrome, I am sure that by participating in this survey you can greatly assist Donna Kite, a Clinical Doctorate Candidate at Charles Sturt University. Donna is currently researching the perception of Asperger's syndrome (held by professionals and community members). By completing this important survey, it would help with research and hopefully getting more important and essential information to the wider Australian Community. Please help Donna in any way possible as the survey does not take very long to complete and your time would be both greatly valued and appreciated.
You can also help with research by visiting http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=124&Itemid=226
The future Student and the Digital Library
As Libraries move forward towards digitalisation there are many positive benefits to having a digital library. Firstly a library needs to understand what exactly the student of the future wants in terms of library information access. It seems that with the advent of computers and the need for technology delivery to be faster and more efficient. A positive benefit of the digital library is access to computer information and more importantly the resource being always available on the internet digitally encoded. Library digitisation has a lot of benefits in also freeing up space but how can Librarians and other staff play an important role in library digitisation without the threat of entrenchment or staff members becoming obsolete? Librarians are inevitably going to have to rely and improve on an awareness of the Information Technology demands and requirements.
The future digital library would allow current books to become the modern day reference books. Older books needing student or academic staff access must remain within the library and freely available whereas other material in terms of demand needs to be considered for digitalisation. Working in a library I see few students using books and reverting more to using a lap top computer or mobile phone and books are in high demand and often not on the shelves within the library. There are many benefits to digitalisation which include:
1. Books are preserved better
2. Materials are available to library users worldwide
3. More space is made available.
4. Items seldom or never will become lost
5. The need for Inter Library Loans will be significantly reduced with items not getting lost or damaged in transit.
I see many benefits in library digitisation and I believe that a power point presentation needs to be presented within a library to highlight the benefits and outline strategies. A library needs to remember the needs of its staff but more importantly it has to move forward also. I will be working on in my spare time a slide presentation on the benefits of library digitisation which perhaps one day me be presented to anyone interested or a committee. Libraries need to begin by having a committee to look into the digitisation process within their library and to highlight the benefits for the future. I could see this as a job for Aspies also if given a chance?
The future digital library would allow current books to become the modern day reference books. Older books needing student or academic staff access must remain within the library and freely available whereas other material in terms of demand needs to be considered for digitalisation. Working in a library I see few students using books and reverting more to using a lap top computer or mobile phone and books are in high demand and often not on the shelves within the library. There are many benefits to digitalisation which include:
1. Books are preserved better
2. Materials are available to library users worldwide
3. More space is made available.
4. Items seldom or never will become lost
5. The need for Inter Library Loans will be significantly reduced with items not getting lost or damaged in transit.
I see many benefits in library digitisation and I believe that a power point presentation needs to be presented within a library to highlight the benefits and outline strategies. A library needs to remember the needs of its staff but more importantly it has to move forward also. I will be working on in my spare time a slide presentation on the benefits of library digitisation which perhaps one day me be presented to anyone interested or a committee. Libraries need to begin by having a committee to look into the digitisation process within their library and to highlight the benefits for the future. I could see this as a job for Aspies also if given a chance?
The Silent Aspie
What exactly is the "Silent Aspie"? The silent Aspie is the unknown Aspie who is a genius but fails to fall within or adapt to the conventions of the modern world. Some Aspies may be geniuses like Dr Temple Grandin for her knowledge in the Animal Livestock Industry but there are other Aspies who simply have a great deal of intelligence and ability but unfortunately they including myself just seem unable to adapt to the modern conventions of today's society. In my personal accounts, I have known of Aspies who have a phenomenal memory or an ability in a certain skill but sadly society perhaps or just does not see this of a strong point or an area of interest.
Sadly the "Silent Aspie" may often struggle through life and never really have the opportunity of a person seeing their underlying and true potential. The Aspie may struggle with executive function or more so simply be not able to express themselves in a a conventional sense. There are many "Silent Aspies" in the world and I hope that one day "Specialisterne" the employer of adults on the Autistic Spectrum is world wide. I firmly believe and although others may not agree with me, that wihtin such an employer, adults can fully utilize their true potential and with proper encouragement and support, a positive image can demonstrate and indicate to people that people on the Autism Spectrum can make a difference. I regard myself as an "unconventional aspie" because I struggle to fit into the conventional world. I am very intelligent but I am not able to demonstrate this through the mechanisms in society. I need people to explain things to me so that I can understand requirements and expectations from a "neuro typical" viewpoint and this may be difficult or exhausting for people.
The "Silent Aspie" does exist and he or she may not be a genius by conventional means but people take the time to understand us which often at first glance is not always possible. A "Silent Aspie" does exist and they me be struggling and you may not see it but you need to give them a chance. You don't to have a medical qualification to realise the "Silent Aspie" exists but more so write like I try to when you have Asperger Syndrome yourself and the way you see the world and things around you.
I know that Professor (Dr) Tony Attwood may throw more lime light onto successful Aspies but there are "Silent Aspies" and we to also need to be recognised for our achievements and abilities and how the world around us can be difficult to understand and relate to.
Sadly the "Silent Aspie" may often struggle through life and never really have the opportunity of a person seeing their underlying and true potential. The Aspie may struggle with executive function or more so simply be not able to express themselves in a a conventional sense. There are many "Silent Aspies" in the world and I hope that one day "Specialisterne" the employer of adults on the Autistic Spectrum is world wide. I firmly believe and although others may not agree with me, that wihtin such an employer, adults can fully utilize their true potential and with proper encouragement and support, a positive image can demonstrate and indicate to people that people on the Autism Spectrum can make a difference. I regard myself as an "unconventional aspie" because I struggle to fit into the conventional world. I am very intelligent but I am not able to demonstrate this through the mechanisms in society. I need people to explain things to me so that I can understand requirements and expectations from a "neuro typical" viewpoint and this may be difficult or exhausting for people.
The "Silent Aspie" does exist and he or she may not be a genius by conventional means but people take the time to understand us which often at first glance is not always possible. A "Silent Aspie" does exist and they me be struggling and you may not see it but you need to give them a chance. You don't to have a medical qualification to realise the "Silent Aspie" exists but more so write like I try to when you have Asperger Syndrome yourself and the way you see the world and things around you.
I know that Professor (Dr) Tony Attwood may throw more lime light onto successful Aspies but there are "Silent Aspies" and we to also need to be recognised for our achievements and abilities and how the world around us can be difficult to understand and relate to.
Anxiety Management
Anxiety and low self esteem can often be a problem for me. I find the main difficulty I have is trying to sell myself to people and within employment situations. It is difficult to lie about things I am not but more so provide people with an accurate description about my strengths and weaknesses. I see my major strength as having a lot of fortitude and dedication to something I put my mind to but often the conventions in place tend to make things difficult or perhaps now that I am more aware of these conventions. If I was asked to speak at the National Press Club in Canberra, I would not be afraid to do so, so long as I could be assured that what I am speaking about gets the message out there and ensuring that the message I deliver is both accurate and to the point.
In my life I have had chronic periods of anxiety to the point of it interfering with my mobility and it seems to be worse when you have low self esteem or a feeling of no direction in your life. Often you have no choice but to find solutions as best you can and usually this can be done through exercise or finding interests or activities to keep your mind busy. From what I observe a great deal many Aspies, including male aspies have some kind of low self esteem. Perhaps this affects them with the job interview process or in seeking relationships. Research needs to be undertaken to find out if true what the underlying causes are that cause this. I remember when applying for jobs that some prospective employers would say you have to stop putting yourself down when the way I saw it was I indicated to them what I was and was not capable of. For instance, I knew that managing people was not my strong point and being placed in this position or in dealing with the public would significantly raise anxiety levels.
If the Amygdala is large in Aspies, and it is the part of the brain which causes heightened anxiety levels, then don't you think this is why a lot Aspies get heightened or raised levels of anxiety? Some adults have been known to drink or in the worst instances resort to illegal substances to keep heightened anxiety levels down. Personally I think exercise is one solution and finding techniques to control anxiety are important in both adults and children. Dr Temple Grandin talks about a person on the Autism Spectrum being in a constant state of panic or fear and suggests her own technique for dealing with it. She has a "Squeeze Machine" which in her belief significantly reduces anxiety levels. Sometimes medication can control anxiety but in my own personal experience and I do not recommend others do this, I have weened off medications and resorted more so to strategies to control anxiety better. Everyone has to find a means of support and anxiety can be overcome with the proper methods and strategies. Drinking alcohol may be a solution but not a good long term solution, a regular exercise program is essential and techniques to control heightened anxiety levels.
In my life I have had chronic periods of anxiety to the point of it interfering with my mobility and it seems to be worse when you have low self esteem or a feeling of no direction in your life. Often you have no choice but to find solutions as best you can and usually this can be done through exercise or finding interests or activities to keep your mind busy. From what I observe a great deal many Aspies, including male aspies have some kind of low self esteem. Perhaps this affects them with the job interview process or in seeking relationships. Research needs to be undertaken to find out if true what the underlying causes are that cause this. I remember when applying for jobs that some prospective employers would say you have to stop putting yourself down when the way I saw it was I indicated to them what I was and was not capable of. For instance, I knew that managing people was not my strong point and being placed in this position or in dealing with the public would significantly raise anxiety levels.
If the Amygdala is large in Aspies, and it is the part of the brain which causes heightened anxiety levels, then don't you think this is why a lot Aspies get heightened or raised levels of anxiety? Some adults have been known to drink or in the worst instances resort to illegal substances to keep heightened anxiety levels down. Personally I think exercise is one solution and finding techniques to control anxiety are important in both adults and children. Dr Temple Grandin talks about a person on the Autism Spectrum being in a constant state of panic or fear and suggests her own technique for dealing with it. She has a "Squeeze Machine" which in her belief significantly reduces anxiety levels. Sometimes medication can control anxiety but in my own personal experience and I do not recommend others do this, I have weened off medications and resorted more so to strategies to control anxiety better. Everyone has to find a means of support and anxiety can be overcome with the proper methods and strategies. Drinking alcohol may be a solution but not a good long term solution, a regular exercise program is essential and techniques to control heightened anxiety levels.
Can Aspies be Whistle Blowers?
People with Asperger Syndrome as in my case see black and white and it is often hard to know why people may be telling inaccuracies when the truth actually exists. In a movie "The China Syndrome" I believe the character played by Jack Lemmon (Jack Godell) may have had Asperger Syndrome. Although he worked as a supervisor, he could not handle the lies and deceptions of the hierarchy of the power plant. Within his job he was made to carry out instructions of which he did not agree with and decided to blow the whistle on the organisation. Despite having to tact drastic measures of being armed to take control in the control room. Godell did not want to kill anyone but get his message across and to ensure the power plant returned to normal and what he believed was correct.
Jack Godell also took the drastic step of going live with his concern and telling the world the dire and reality of what was going on in the power plant. He disagreed with authority figures who provided him with the wrong information and more importantly he and the key figure on the Board of Directors did not see eye to eye. I would recommend this movie to anyone interested in seeing the actions of a whistle blower quite possibly on the spectrum. In the movie Jack Godell checks the power plant thoroughly and takes it upon himself to personally ensure that the power plant is working properly. Despite being seen as threat, Godell is killed in the movie by a SWAT Team for revealing too much but it is the actions of Kimberly Wells (played by Jane Fonda) that sees that Godell was trying to do the right thing and how hierarchy and can work against a person. I hope you enjoy watching the movie and see for yourself whether you think Jack Godell may have had Asperger Syndrome. Ask yourself does Jack Godell understand hierarchy? Is Jack Godell a Team Player? Is Jack Godell happy with being told to lie and not tell the truth?
Jack Godell also took the drastic step of going live with his concern and telling the world the dire and reality of what was going on in the power plant. He disagreed with authority figures who provided him with the wrong information and more importantly he and the key figure on the Board of Directors did not see eye to eye. I would recommend this movie to anyone interested in seeing the actions of a whistle blower quite possibly on the spectrum. In the movie Jack Godell checks the power plant thoroughly and takes it upon himself to personally ensure that the power plant is working properly. Despite being seen as threat, Godell is killed in the movie by a SWAT Team for revealing too much but it is the actions of Kimberly Wells (played by Jane Fonda) that sees that Godell was trying to do the right thing and how hierarchy and can work against a person. I hope you enjoy watching the movie and see for yourself whether you think Jack Godell may have had Asperger Syndrome. Ask yourself does Jack Godell understand hierarchy? Is Jack Godell a Team Player? Is Jack Godell happy with being told to lie and not tell the truth?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Aspie in Movies and Productions
As an adult with Asperger Syndrome, I wonder out of curiosity as to how many real life actors there are within the entertainment industry. One may assume that a person with Asperger Syndrome may not be able to handle being in the 'lime light' but who knows. Just out of interest the 'lime light' originates from an intense white light which is produced by heating a piece of lime in a flame of burning oxygen and hydrogen. It was mainly used in the early 1820's in London Theatre Productions and was widely used in 19th century theatres to illuminate the stage and was first used in a public theatre at Covent Garden in London in 1837.
Within entertainment, it is possible for Aspies to work within production because they can virtually put on and wear a mask on stage. This means they can rehearse to play a part and within an induced theatrical environment they are more than likely to perform. Of course anxiety may be an issue but this did not stop Actor Peter Sellars and Michael Palin who both had Asperger Syndrome. Peter Sellars apparently wanted to desperately play the role of "Chancy Gardiner" a character which I believe and can relate to in having Asperger Syndrome.
When watching "Being There" the movie focuses on Chancy Gardiner and his dealings with people. Despite being lower functioning and having no social skills, people see Gardiner as some kind of genius when his interest is primarily gardening. In the movie Gardiner walks out of the home he has lived in for most of his life and is dramatically under socialised. He does not know how to get on with people and obsessed with television and gardening. He is more Autistic in that he does not seem to understand the visual concepts of the objects around him. In the movie, Gardiner is asked if he wants a car to be transported in and he thinks the person asking him the question is offering him a car for keeps sake. In the movie the Doctor seems to be the only one who tries to understand or more so sees through Gardiner. What is interesting in that in the movie, Gardiner is confronted by death and rather than having any feeling or showing any response, he instead turns on the nearby television set and watches it. He does not understand authority and treats the President of the United States as is and does not really understand the importance of the President's position on the world stage.
I would suggest that people watch this as it shows Peter Sellars as a true "Aspie" but perhaps more Autistic. I think "Being There" is really an Aspie Movie by the following points:
1. Chancy Gardiner leads a structured life.
2. He does not understand people and uses a remote tv control to try and turn off a difficult situation before him.
3. He is very literal in his comments.
4. He fails to understand human emotions in relation to death and love scene in the movie.
5. He always wears the same clothing.
6. He is eccentric
7. He takes things literally for in the movie he is asked about the room upstairs and thinks it is referring to his bedroom than the afterlife.
8. He doesn't show emotion
9. He existed in the world unknown and likes his own space
10. He has no genuine friends.
Within entertainment, it is possible for Aspies to work within production because they can virtually put on and wear a mask on stage. This means they can rehearse to play a part and within an induced theatrical environment they are more than likely to perform. Of course anxiety may be an issue but this did not stop Actor Peter Sellars and Michael Palin who both had Asperger Syndrome. Peter Sellars apparently wanted to desperately play the role of "Chancy Gardiner" a character which I believe and can relate to in having Asperger Syndrome.
When watching "Being There" the movie focuses on Chancy Gardiner and his dealings with people. Despite being lower functioning and having no social skills, people see Gardiner as some kind of genius when his interest is primarily gardening. In the movie Gardiner walks out of the home he has lived in for most of his life and is dramatically under socialised. He does not know how to get on with people and obsessed with television and gardening. He is more Autistic in that he does not seem to understand the visual concepts of the objects around him. In the movie, Gardiner is asked if he wants a car to be transported in and he thinks the person asking him the question is offering him a car for keeps sake. In the movie the Doctor seems to be the only one who tries to understand or more so sees through Gardiner. What is interesting in that in the movie, Gardiner is confronted by death and rather than having any feeling or showing any response, he instead turns on the nearby television set and watches it. He does not understand authority and treats the President of the United States as is and does not really understand the importance of the President's position on the world stage.
I would suggest that people watch this as it shows Peter Sellars as a true "Aspie" but perhaps more Autistic. I think "Being There" is really an Aspie Movie by the following points:
1. Chancy Gardiner leads a structured life.
2. He does not understand people and uses a remote tv control to try and turn off a difficult situation before him.
3. He is very literal in his comments.
4. He fails to understand human emotions in relation to death and love scene in the movie.
5. He always wears the same clothing.
6. He is eccentric
7. He takes things literally for in the movie he is asked about the room upstairs and thinks it is referring to his bedroom than the afterlife.
8. He doesn't show emotion
9. He existed in the world unknown and likes his own space
10. He has no genuine friends.
Trying to problem solve
Often it can be difficult to problem solve when people are not always aware of exactly how you think. Often it can feel personally isolating and you have to figure things out for yourself and work out people around you. It is like you are an adult and you have to rely on your own self talk. Within the school system I was constantly having to stand up for myself as nobody else did and when the barrage of criticism, bullying or misunderstanding would occur it was both me and the adult in me that would need to take on teachers, authority figures and schoolyard bullies. I still find it very hard to make friends and to trust people because I never really know a person's underlying motives and true personality. My mind constantly tries to work out why people act the way they do and furthermore why people may react differently to some of my thoughts or actions.
People with Asperger Syndrome are supposed to apparently have an 'inner child'. My interpretation of this is is that we have both an adult and child personality within us but at time we may struggle within to show our true self. Problem solving often involves a lot of mental energy and furthermore working things out in your mind is often something that is required in order to figure out scenarios and required strategies. Dealing with people in itself can be hard but counseling is required in order to overcome the feeling of a persecution process and other factors. I think older adults with Asperger Syndrome may endure a life of more difficulty as early intervention did not exist at the time and emotional scaring can remain with in later life. Problem solving can be difficult but being able to find strategies is also important.
Research needs to be undertaken as to why people with Asperger Syndrome are more prone to bullying and what are the effects in relation to earlier diagnosis or later diagnosis? Are some older Aspies more negative in that earlier diagnosis was not apparent nor early intervention? How many older adults have withdrawn in knowing that hope, support and early awareness was not around earlier in their lives?
Before my diagnosis at the age of 26 years of age, nothing was known about Asperger Syndrome and I had to rely on my own mental intelligence and problem solving skills to survive as best I could. I think a lot of damage for me occurred in High School where I suffered a lot of bullying and had to defend myself the most from a lack of awareness and schoolyard bullies. Sometimes I often feel a need for reassurance and encouragement when I try to do something right. I am not sure what other adults with Asperger Syndrome think or feel in relation to their own personal struggles?
Some days you can also become very sensitive to emotion and feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster whereas other days you can feel very confident and in control.
People with Asperger Syndrome are supposed to apparently have an 'inner child'. My interpretation of this is is that we have both an adult and child personality within us but at time we may struggle within to show our true self. Problem solving often involves a lot of mental energy and furthermore working things out in your mind is often something that is required in order to figure out scenarios and required strategies. Dealing with people in itself can be hard but counseling is required in order to overcome the feeling of a persecution process and other factors. I think older adults with Asperger Syndrome may endure a life of more difficulty as early intervention did not exist at the time and emotional scaring can remain with in later life. Problem solving can be difficult but being able to find strategies is also important.
Research needs to be undertaken as to why people with Asperger Syndrome are more prone to bullying and what are the effects in relation to earlier diagnosis or later diagnosis? Are some older Aspies more negative in that earlier diagnosis was not apparent nor early intervention? How many older adults have withdrawn in knowing that hope, support and early awareness was not around earlier in their lives?
Before my diagnosis at the age of 26 years of age, nothing was known about Asperger Syndrome and I had to rely on my own mental intelligence and problem solving skills to survive as best I could. I think a lot of damage for me occurred in High School where I suffered a lot of bullying and had to defend myself the most from a lack of awareness and schoolyard bullies. Sometimes I often feel a need for reassurance and encouragement when I try to do something right. I am not sure what other adults with Asperger Syndrome think or feel in relation to their own personal struggles?
Some days you can also become very sensitive to emotion and feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster whereas other days you can feel very confident and in control.
Seeing Asperger Syndrome not as a disability but more needing to be done for people to understand better.
Australia has a long way to go and more so the rest of the world in beginning to see Asperger Syndrome as a positive. I believe personally that a lot of adults in Australia just feel society seems unable to change and really understand our needs and this is a very sad and unfortunate if true. I find in my own life that undertaking any challenges in a conventional and Neuro Typical way is either extremely difficult or virtually impossible. For instance will the book I am writing ever get published or will my words and thoughts just be wasted memories for another future difficult scenario? The important thing is therefore to try and stay positive.
I personally believe Asperger Syndrome should not be seen as a negative or debilitating disorder. When I have informed people largely unaware of the condition, people tend to say "Oh that must be hard" or "I am sorry to hear that you are affected by such an affliction". As you can imagine such comments do not really help much to raise your self esteem or make you feel or be seen within a positive and optimistic scenario. It often surprises me when I see people I know and I inform them that I am writing a book or have just presented a conference to ask, oh what did you talk about there? I feel at a loss to think and fathom why they are largely unaware of the work which I do on an unpaid basis. People just do not seem to get it but remaining positive is the only way. I may not be the best advocate in terms of being totally positive and one adult criticised me once for not being suitable in an advocacy role as in his words "we don't need someone who is depressed causing us to feel depressed". My attitude and response to this comment is that if I do not make people aware of the facts and situations, then is it making it harder on future generations to avoid the scenarios I or other persons on the spectrum may encounter? The Autism Community also experienced a time of sadness when an adult with Asperger Syndrome "Genevieve Edmonds" took her own life due to severe anxiety levels and I understand other significant factors in having Asperger Syndrome and people not understanding.
The Autistic Community mourns the death of Genevieve Edmonds (Quoted from Wrong planet)
Washington, DC - 2/18/08 – The autistic community mourned the loss of Genevieve Edmonds, a UK-based advocate and author on the autism spectrum who committed suicide this past week. Genevieve was a leader in advocating for increased visibility and support for adults on the autism spectrum. She authored four books: The Asperger Social Guide: How to Relate to Anyone in any Social Situation as an Adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, The Asperger Personal Guide: Raising Self-Esteem and Making the Most of Yourself as a Adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome And Employment: Adults Speak Out About Asperger Syndrome and A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome. Her work with the ASPECT group at Sheffield Hallam University resulted in numerous strides forward in autistic representation and a comprehensive study on the needs of adults with Asperger’s Syndrome in the United Kingdom.Genevieve will be remembered for her contributions to our community and commitment to improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. Her death is a tragedy and we mourn the loss of one of our own. Those wishing to express their condolensces to the Edmonds family can direct their thoughts to http://www.blackpooltiggers.co.uk/contact.pl
Ari Ne’eman
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
info@autisticadvocacy.org
The world cannot be one way and people without Asperger Syndrome should not be forced to become Aspie and Aspie people also need to realise that the world cannot be all their way either. Some adults need to realise that having Asperger Syndrome is not a means to continue with forms of behaviour that should be unacceptable and using the excuse that having a diagnosis explains and should therefore make my behaviour acceptable. It does not work that way. Some adults need to realise that although they may have difficulty in employment that they at least have to make an attempt to try and fit into the Neuro Typical World. I feel often that adults with Asperger Syndrome and I am to blame myself do not realise the hardwork and dedication that some people undertake to try and understand and help them. Lacking empathy in adults and children with Asperger Syndrome maybe common, but often they can be a difficult group to please. Furthermore they can sometimes have a 'set' on a person just because they say and have said something that they may not agree with but trying to get through to them to have a differing view can also be difficult. Sometimes you hear complaints or criticisms or an organisation is not doing enough to help people on the Autism Spectrum but what needs to be remembered is that persons with Asperger Syndrome should also realise that they have to try at times to also understand that putting themselves out or assisting an organisation which may be or who are trying to help them should also be undertaken. Although people may not always agree with what I say and do it is not all about me, it is about helping to raise awareness and doing your best to accommodate the issues which need to be addressed. I know adult unemployment is high but the adults need to realise that in order to get ahead in the world that they may need to make an attempt although it may be difficult in trying to understand that there are some people trying to help them. If Asperger Syndrome is to be seen as a positive then adults need to try and work together and assist those who are trying to help them rather than suggesting or having an issue with the way the person may be undertaking awareness. We all have different wiring as Aspies but instead of not working together we all need to work together to help provide a positive image and also to attend functions that are put on by an organisation wherever possible to support that organisation.
I personally believe Asperger Syndrome should not be seen as a negative or debilitating disorder. When I have informed people largely unaware of the condition, people tend to say "Oh that must be hard" or "I am sorry to hear that you are affected by such an affliction". As you can imagine such comments do not really help much to raise your self esteem or make you feel or be seen within a positive and optimistic scenario. It often surprises me when I see people I know and I inform them that I am writing a book or have just presented a conference to ask, oh what did you talk about there? I feel at a loss to think and fathom why they are largely unaware of the work which I do on an unpaid basis. People just do not seem to get it but remaining positive is the only way. I may not be the best advocate in terms of being totally positive and one adult criticised me once for not being suitable in an advocacy role as in his words "we don't need someone who is depressed causing us to feel depressed". My attitude and response to this comment is that if I do not make people aware of the facts and situations, then is it making it harder on future generations to avoid the scenarios I or other persons on the spectrum may encounter? The Autism Community also experienced a time of sadness when an adult with Asperger Syndrome "Genevieve Edmonds" took her own life due to severe anxiety levels and I understand other significant factors in having Asperger Syndrome and people not understanding.
The Autistic Community mourns the death of Genevieve Edmonds (Quoted from Wrong planet)
Washington, DC - 2/18/08 – The autistic community mourned the loss of Genevieve Edmonds, a UK-based advocate and author on the autism spectrum who committed suicide this past week. Genevieve was a leader in advocating for increased visibility and support for adults on the autism spectrum. She authored four books: The Asperger Social Guide: How to Relate to Anyone in any Social Situation as an Adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, The Asperger Personal Guide: Raising Self-Esteem and Making the Most of Yourself as a Adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome And Employment: Adults Speak Out About Asperger Syndrome and A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome. Her work with the ASPECT group at Sheffield Hallam University resulted in numerous strides forward in autistic representation and a comprehensive study on the needs of adults with Asperger’s Syndrome in the United Kingdom.Genevieve will be remembered for her contributions to our community and commitment to improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. Her death is a tragedy and we mourn the loss of one of our own. Those wishing to express their condolensces to the Edmonds family can direct their thoughts to http://www.blackpooltiggers.co.uk/contact.pl
Ari Ne’eman
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
info@autisticadvocacy.org
The world cannot be one way and people without Asperger Syndrome should not be forced to become Aspie and Aspie people also need to realise that the world cannot be all their way either. Some adults need to realise that having Asperger Syndrome is not a means to continue with forms of behaviour that should be unacceptable and using the excuse that having a diagnosis explains and should therefore make my behaviour acceptable. It does not work that way. Some adults need to realise that although they may have difficulty in employment that they at least have to make an attempt to try and fit into the Neuro Typical World. I feel often that adults with Asperger Syndrome and I am to blame myself do not realise the hardwork and dedication that some people undertake to try and understand and help them. Lacking empathy in adults and children with Asperger Syndrome maybe common, but often they can be a difficult group to please. Furthermore they can sometimes have a 'set' on a person just because they say and have said something that they may not agree with but trying to get through to them to have a differing view can also be difficult. Sometimes you hear complaints or criticisms or an organisation is not doing enough to help people on the Autism Spectrum but what needs to be remembered is that persons with Asperger Syndrome should also realise that they have to try at times to also understand that putting themselves out or assisting an organisation which may be or who are trying to help them should also be undertaken. Although people may not always agree with what I say and do it is not all about me, it is about helping to raise awareness and doing your best to accommodate the issues which need to be addressed. I know adult unemployment is high but the adults need to realise that in order to get ahead in the world that they may need to make an attempt although it may be difficult in trying to understand that there are some people trying to help them. If Asperger Syndrome is to be seen as a positive then adults need to try and work together and assist those who are trying to help them rather than suggesting or having an issue with the way the person may be undertaking awareness. We all have different wiring as Aspies but instead of not working together we all need to work together to help provide a positive image and also to attend functions that are put on by an organisation wherever possible to support that organisation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)