I was asked at a Flood Relief Centre yesterday. As an adult with Asperger Syndrome who were you affected by the floods?
To answer this question I need to be very thorough in my response. In a time of crisis which was experienced over the last week I felt very anxious. As my parent's home was cut off by flood waters, I was anxious about being evacuated. Also the rising flood waters made think what if I could not get out of the house or the car was flooded? What also about sewage etc? I wondered if I would have had somewhere to go should I need to be evacuated and thought of the only option was to sleep on the floor of the church if it was opened on a doona with a pillow. I was in contact with other adults with Asperger Syndrome and some of them were very anxious. They were concerned about being stuck in the house and having a preference for social isolation and an inability to deal with people, this was a serious concern. As a person with Asperger Syndrome has difficulty with executive function the simple issue of being able to evacuate was an anxiety provoking experience. Some adults thought it best to stay in their house because being asked to leave would leave them in the difficult situation of not knowing where to go and being removed from their physical surrounds. I was anxious myself because I could hear helicopters, also other people providing over cautious comments about rising flood waters and a feeling of being alone. It was a very scary time and for everyone not just a person with Asperger Syndrome.
I felt reassurance when I spoke to some people at the Flood Relief Centre about the needs of a person with Asperger Syndrome. I explained how some adults become especially anxious and distressed when their routines are broken. All I can do was to provide information on my website. As I sat in the house, I watched the unfolding news stories and felt Premier Anna Bligh was doing a great job in providing information as well as Campbell Newman. It was good that politics was put aside and both people worked hard to assist in raising awareness. I also was anxious when power was lost as I could not watch tv to see flood reports and obtain vital information. Also with no power I was anxious about food supplies and refrigeration etc. I will provide more posts later on this but for now I need to get my life on track again and raise awareness of the Autism Spectrum where I can. I also contacted Dr Tony Attwood's Office yesterday.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Aspies and strong personalities
As a person on the Autism Spectrum I find strong personalities are difficult to handle. In both employment and in social situations, a strong personality triggers anxiety. This is because I find that I have to constantly approach when I have to the person with the strong personality and feel extreme anxiety when trying to stand up for myself or something which may affect me personally. Living arrangements can be especially difficult when you may be required to share a house or perhaps work in a work environment. The person with the stronger personalities makes you feel as follows
1. Anxious and stressed
2. Affects sleep patterns because your mind worries about dealing with the person
3. A feeling of being bullied or intimidated
4. Anxious about when the other person may encroach or interfere with your personal space and boundaries
5. Feeling anxious about the person's response when you try and stand up to them
I have endured stronger personalities in my own life and I have virtually felt stressed, anxious and worn out. My life style is also affected and if the behaviour exists in a work environment it may cause me to take days off sick or finding ways to avoid the person altogether. Shared accommodation is also difficult as the person may interfere with stress, anxiety and sleep levels. For instance the person may play music or want to socialise at 12am at night and the person with Asperger Syndrome may feel stressed about approaching the person and standing up for their rights to ensure our own personal space is protected. I find personally that having Asperger Syndrome and dealing with stronger personalities just do not mix. I have been so stressed and anxious that my quality of life is personally affected.
1. Anxious and stressed
2. Affects sleep patterns because your mind worries about dealing with the person
3. A feeling of being bullied or intimidated
4. Anxious about when the other person may encroach or interfere with your personal space and boundaries
5. Feeling anxious about the person's response when you try and stand up to them
I have endured stronger personalities in my own life and I have virtually felt stressed, anxious and worn out. My life style is also affected and if the behaviour exists in a work environment it may cause me to take days off sick or finding ways to avoid the person altogether. Shared accommodation is also difficult as the person may interfere with stress, anxiety and sleep levels. For instance the person may play music or want to socialise at 12am at night and the person with Asperger Syndrome may feel stressed about approaching the person and standing up for their rights to ensure our own personal space is protected. I find personally that having Asperger Syndrome and dealing with stronger personalities just do not mix. I have been so stressed and anxious that my quality of life is personally affected.
The Country Church
The Country Church by Garry N Burge
In and out you hear the foot steps of time
Some have traveled different journeys and others painful ones
Numbers have come and gone
Some have endured struggles and others bliss
In thy heart do I seek comfort
Despite the toils of ignorance and comfort do we together dwell
God's voice all but be one
I standith pointing to the sky
Despite the many forces thrust upon me and time that has come and gone
I have witnessed the new, the bond of matrimony and the transition into eternity
How humble I stand upon thee
I draw you to comfort within my very heart but some do not sense the comfort
In all times I stand strong and exist within every city and town
In times of crisis or distress you may enter my repository
However I may stand alone
Forever I remain a structure that abounds
In and out you hear the foot steps of time
Some have traveled different journeys and others painful ones
Numbers have come and gone
Some have endured struggles and others bliss
In thy heart do I seek comfort
Despite the toils of ignorance and comfort do we together dwell
God's voice all but be one
I standith pointing to the sky
Despite the many forces thrust upon me and time that has come and gone
I have witnessed the new, the bond of matrimony and the transition into eternity
How humble I stand upon thee
I draw you to comfort within my very heart but some do not sense the comfort
In all times I stand strong and exist within every city and town
In times of crisis or distress you may enter my repository
However I may stand alone
Forever I remain a structure that abounds
Friday, January 14, 2011
Dealing with a natural disaster
In Brisbane the last week has been like a warzone. With the encroaching floods, people have had their lives seriously threatened by water which has been rapidly rising and seriously infringing upon and endangering people's lives. Despite the hardship, what I have noticed is the growing sense of community and support from among people. I have walked around the neighbourhood and seen at first hand the devastation of the flood. Submerged houses, cars under water and people anxious, in distress or close to tears if they had not already broken down. I have also heard fire engines and helicopters circling around in the skies and dealt with the anxiety myself of not knowing whether water was to go under the house which I am currently house sitting.
The flood did strike a chord of pain with my brother's house which had the lower floor flooded. On visiting his house yesterday, brown mud could be seen on the floors and on some of the furniture which could not be moved. Nearby streets were under brown water and some people were getting about in boats or in bare feet. For the last few days I have found it almost impossible to sleep as I felt on alert should I need to evacuate myself. Things were really scary. I have been impressed by both Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Lord Mayor Campbell Newman who assumed a very important and critical function of controlling a community in bedlam and needing hope. I thought to myself how Atlanta felt when General Sherman invaded it and how people were forced to evacuate after a city had been attacked. However this was not a human attack but an attack from nature.
In these very turbulent times we must not become complacent as this is still the wet season and we cannot predict what perils mother nature may inflict upon us. We just have to hope that things will improve and get better soon. We need your prayers and support from no matter where you are in the world at this very difficult time. Should you wish to support the flood appeal please visit the link above by again double clicking on the title. Any support would be appreciated.
The flood did strike a chord of pain with my brother's house which had the lower floor flooded. On visiting his house yesterday, brown mud could be seen on the floors and on some of the furniture which could not be moved. Nearby streets were under brown water and some people were getting about in boats or in bare feet. For the last few days I have found it almost impossible to sleep as I felt on alert should I need to evacuate myself. Things were really scary. I have been impressed by both Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Lord Mayor Campbell Newman who assumed a very important and critical function of controlling a community in bedlam and needing hope. I thought to myself how Atlanta felt when General Sherman invaded it and how people were forced to evacuate after a city had been attacked. However this was not a human attack but an attack from nature.
In these very turbulent times we must not become complacent as this is still the wet season and we cannot predict what perils mother nature may inflict upon us. We just have to hope that things will improve and get better soon. We need your prayers and support from no matter where you are in the world at this very difficult time. Should you wish to support the flood appeal please visit the link above by again double clicking on the title. Any support would be appreciated.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Thoughts of the day
As I write this blog, I am surrounded by maddening weather. It has been raining non stop in Brisbane and Queensland now since Christmas Eve. It is heart breaking to see how devastating these floods actually are. The town of Rockhampton has been almost washed out and yet the rain does not let up. Imagine having the unfortunate situation of being waste deep in water and seeing the contents of your house wrecked by continual and prolonged rain? Well this is a reality and I wonder what is happening in the world? I believe weather patterns are being affected by changes to climate and I believe worst is to come. Just think about how maddening it is with rain continually pouring down and no means of escaping it. Roads are closed, airports are shut down and people are displaced. Just imagine if the happens on a world wide scale. We have seen heavy snow now in the United Kingdom and in the United States and flooding in Queensland and the rain just not stop. More importantly weird weather patterns seem to be influencing the planet and what will be yet to come?
I just cannot understand what is happening to the world around me and I dislike the part of myself that never feels satisfied in life and not grateful in the world around me. I believe western society is seriously flawed and if we do not do something about changes our lives and being responsible for our own actions, we are going to seriously be in trouble.
Disturbed weather patterns are serious as they are now here in Queensland. Major town are being evacuated and people displaced. Not to mention business that are losing trading hours with every day passing by due to this incessant rain. Will these towns ever recover and will this rain ever stop!? It is like a form of punishment which is inescapable and the flooding leaves people with no choice but to relocate to other centres and putting a strain on support bases. If the rain continues, Brisbane is going to seriously be flooded itself. Communities will be cut off from other areas with roads not passable and airports closed down. The problem is more serious than you think. With displaced people, food shortages become a problem and not to mention the essential needs of hospital services and other important requirements. If Brisbane is to become flooded a population of approximately 2 million people will be affected and how will the city be serviced and how will people get by in their lives?
I believe global warming is a reality and the globe is out of whack due to disturbed weather patterns. We have already seen snow falls in the UK and the North America and now the floods in Australia. What is yet to come and how will people be prepared for it? It is a very serious issue and humanity is at the mercy of the forces of nature.
I just cannot understand what is happening to the world around me and I dislike the part of myself that never feels satisfied in life and not grateful in the world around me. I believe western society is seriously flawed and if we do not do something about changes our lives and being responsible for our own actions, we are going to seriously be in trouble.
Disturbed weather patterns are serious as they are now here in Queensland. Major town are being evacuated and people displaced. Not to mention business that are losing trading hours with every day passing by due to this incessant rain. Will these towns ever recover and will this rain ever stop!? It is like a form of punishment which is inescapable and the flooding leaves people with no choice but to relocate to other centres and putting a strain on support bases. If the rain continues, Brisbane is going to seriously be flooded itself. Communities will be cut off from other areas with roads not passable and airports closed down. The problem is more serious than you think. With displaced people, food shortages become a problem and not to mention the essential needs of hospital services and other important requirements. If Brisbane is to become flooded a population of approximately 2 million people will be affected and how will the city be serviced and how will people get by in their lives?
I believe global warming is a reality and the globe is out of whack due to disturbed weather patterns. We have already seen snow falls in the UK and the North America and now the floods in Australia. What is yet to come and how will people be prepared for it? It is a very serious issue and humanity is at the mercy of the forces of nature.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Early intervention something must be done
Constantly I hear that in Australian schools that little or nothing is being done in terms of early intervention of the Autism Spectrum. What is essential is that something must be done, and action is required urgently. In my own life, the school system failed me and caused a great deal of damage. This was because I was both bullied and teased. Furthermore, I was doubted and written off by a system which failed to provide support and a means of nurturing my strengths and working on overcoming my weaknesses.
It seriously concerns me that within schools little or nothing is being done. I have recently been in contact with Education Queensland and the Department of Employment Education and Training within Australia. I have also written a book about my own experiences and the way the school system let me down in terms of finding a career path or understanding my means of learning.
I believe I have the means to speak more in the community and within education systems. I have been in contact with a friend who has kindly offered for me to speak at his church about how the Autism Spectrum affects an adult. I am trying to do the best I can with as much support as possible.
I ask you to think about and wonder how why it is important to undertake early intervention within the school system. Something needs to be done and fast!
It seriously concerns me that within schools little or nothing is being done. I have recently been in contact with Education Queensland and the Department of Employment Education and Training within Australia. I have also written a book about my own experiences and the way the school system let me down in terms of finding a career path or understanding my means of learning.
I believe I have the means to speak more in the community and within education systems. I have been in contact with a friend who has kindly offered for me to speak at his church about how the Autism Spectrum affects an adult. I am trying to do the best I can with as much support as possible.
I ask you to think about and wonder how why it is important to undertake early intervention within the school system. Something needs to be done and fast!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Making Australia Green!
Surely with this continual rain that the South East Queensland Region is getting that the environment is either sending us a warning or reacting to environmental instability? What therefore can be done in Australia to lead the way in making the country greener and a leader of natural energy?
As I write this post there are probably engineers and environmentalists around who would say that what I suggest would be impossible and too difficult. Well here goes
Australia is comprised of a lot of useless land in its interior which can not support settlement so why not turn this land into solar energy farms? Surely the land could generate enough solar power to support Australian cities and towns and with a population of 23 million, could this not be possible? Furthermore with the rain, the dams are overflowing and cannot infrastructure be built to divert the water inland and perhaps even a pipeline up and down the east coast to distribute water to replenish water to dams a long the eastern seaboard that have insufficient water? Would it be better to use this water rather than let it be wasted by going out to sea?
Australia could do a lot more to be a greener country and solar power could do away with coal burning power stations and more importantly electric cars which harness the energy from the sun would significantly reduce the burning of fossil fuels going into the atmosphere? Perhaps I may only be dreaming but surely key persons can put their heads together and think of something? What do you think of the idea of solar farms and diverting water inland? Do you think it is possible and can be done?
As I write this post there are probably engineers and environmentalists around who would say that what I suggest would be impossible and too difficult. Well here goes
Australia is comprised of a lot of useless land in its interior which can not support settlement so why not turn this land into solar energy farms? Surely the land could generate enough solar power to support Australian cities and towns and with a population of 23 million, could this not be possible? Furthermore with the rain, the dams are overflowing and cannot infrastructure be built to divert the water inland and perhaps even a pipeline up and down the east coast to distribute water to replenish water to dams a long the eastern seaboard that have insufficient water? Would it be better to use this water rather than let it be wasted by going out to sea?
Australia could do a lot more to be a greener country and solar power could do away with coal burning power stations and more importantly electric cars which harness the energy from the sun would significantly reduce the burning of fossil fuels going into the atmosphere? Perhaps I may only be dreaming but surely key persons can put their heads together and think of something? What do you think of the idea of solar farms and diverting water inland? Do you think it is possible and can be done?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Inspiring adults and positive change
I draw comfort in that more and more adults around the world are starting to promote more awareness of Asperger Syndrome. This afternoon I was fortunate to catch up with one of my friends Damian who is on the Autism Spectrum undertaking a PhD this year "Emotion Regulation in Adolescents with ASD". Damian will be beginning his PhD this year and I hope to assist him where I can to help him get through in a minor way. Damian's work is important for both he and his academic supervisor will be targeting adolescences on the Autism Spectrum with a focus away from children and more directed towards the latter stages of developments. I am sure we can all be supportive and follow Damian's work with interest while he undertakes his PhD at the University of Queensland.
I also would like to mention Chris who is in the United Kingdom and involved with Autism Works. The work Chris is doing is paramount in that he and his company will soon be recruiting their first adult on the Autism Spectrum as a software tester. We can only wait and see how this goes and I am sure that the Autism Works website will be able to provide the general public with up to date information.
I am also proud of my own achievements and that of other adults around the work who are also undertaking pioneering efforts. One of them is Jesse who has just written a book on his own account of having Asperger Syndrome. There are also other adults who I cannot forget to mention but the good thing is more and more are starting to become united in our drive to promote and raise more awareness of the Autism Spectrum in adults. As adults we do not expect the world to change but I am sure that I can speak for all in that providing more awareness will help break down the barriers of ignorance and intolerance.
We can all look forward to 2011 as being an exciting year and it would be good to live in a world that understands Asperger Syndrome more so than questions it and causes adults on the Autism Spectrum to feel isolated, lonely and sadly unemployed. Things I believe are starting to look more positive.
I also would like to mention Chris who is in the United Kingdom and involved with Autism Works. The work Chris is doing is paramount in that he and his company will soon be recruiting their first adult on the Autism Spectrum as a software tester. We can only wait and see how this goes and I am sure that the Autism Works website will be able to provide the general public with up to date information.
I am also proud of my own achievements and that of other adults around the work who are also undertaking pioneering efforts. One of them is Jesse who has just written a book on his own account of having Asperger Syndrome. There are also other adults who I cannot forget to mention but the good thing is more and more are starting to become united in our drive to promote and raise more awareness of the Autism Spectrum in adults. As adults we do not expect the world to change but I am sure that I can speak for all in that providing more awareness will help break down the barriers of ignorance and intolerance.
We can all look forward to 2011 as being an exciting year and it would be good to live in a world that understands Asperger Syndrome more so than questions it and causes adults on the Autism Spectrum to feel isolated, lonely and sadly unemployed. Things I believe are starting to look more positive.
The Asperger Syndrome Wiring scenario
As an adult with Asperger Syndrome I think and act differently to other people. I do not do this intentionally but more so it is just the way my brain is wired. Often it can be both difficult and challenging in the regular world for people to come to terms with and relate to you if you may think outside the box. Often I find myself repeating some information over and over again. Often the use of mental energy and its implementation in conversation can be both draining and taxing.
What needs to be emphasized is that Asperger Syndrome effects a person differently. Some adults on the Autism Spectrum may choose to live an independent lifestyle and they may not wish to fit into the mainstream expectations from society. Some adults including myself may find relationships very difficult and may feel we are not able to handle them. Society therefore has to stop prying into my life or another persons life and try to ascertain why a person may not be in a relationship or which way they are sexually. There are some adults on the Autism Spectrum who are homosexual and there are some who choose to live a life of celibacy and there are some who do enter relationships and get married. I really get tired of people who question the person so much that the person on the Autism Spectrum may feel it necessary to be on the defensive. Until attitudes change, things will continue to be difficult for a person on the Autism Spectrum.
I live my life to the best of my ability and I feel I am not accountable to anyone as to who I am and why I am the way I am. If I chose to live life the way I do, I really do not appreciate people who are noisy and inquisitive. Just because I was never married nor have children does not mean I am an odd ball. It is my life and I live it the way I chose. I am probably more Autistic in that I tend to keep in my own company and often do not like to be around people or hassled by them. I also have had experiences of being 'hit on' by Asperger women and this has violated all of my boundaries as I cannot cope with this stress and it is my choice should I not want to contact them. Just because they may want a relationship does not mean that I do nor another adult. I get tired of people who continually pry in another person's business as they really need to mind their own business.
I do spend large amounts of time on my own and I have always been like this. I really don't have the mental energy to be around a person for long periods. If they are a friend that I can relate to, I can relate to them for certain periods and then I need my space. If a person does not respect my boundaries then I find myself overloaded and unable to handle this person so I have no choice but to rely on my own personal space.
When I talk to a person my communication relies on large amounts of mental energy in order to carry out a conversation with them. As you would be aware that such usage of mental energy creates the need for me to have downtime afterward. I know of some other Aspies who also rely on space after the usage of mental energy within a conversation. I find also that I tend to have looping thoughts and thinking patterns which may be difficult for some to understand but again I can only communicate the best way I can. A looping thought is when a person on the Autism Spectrum may talk about their special interest and then refer back to it within the conversation. Another characteristic of the Aspie thought process is that often I can repeat myself over and over or change the topic of a conversation without knowing that it may be inappropriate at the time. It would be good to see a world that is neither Aspie or NT but one that comes half way to allow both to work together. Perhaps this will become a reality one day? I feel comfortable being weird and eccentric as this is the way I am and I feel I should not have to conform to tribalism and be like other people just for the sake of fitting in as I do not believe this is fair on me or others on the Autism Spectrum.
What needs to be emphasized is that Asperger Syndrome effects a person differently. Some adults on the Autism Spectrum may choose to live an independent lifestyle and they may not wish to fit into the mainstream expectations from society. Some adults including myself may find relationships very difficult and may feel we are not able to handle them. Society therefore has to stop prying into my life or another persons life and try to ascertain why a person may not be in a relationship or which way they are sexually. There are some adults on the Autism Spectrum who are homosexual and there are some who choose to live a life of celibacy and there are some who do enter relationships and get married. I really get tired of people who question the person so much that the person on the Autism Spectrum may feel it necessary to be on the defensive. Until attitudes change, things will continue to be difficult for a person on the Autism Spectrum.
I live my life to the best of my ability and I feel I am not accountable to anyone as to who I am and why I am the way I am. If I chose to live life the way I do, I really do not appreciate people who are noisy and inquisitive. Just because I was never married nor have children does not mean I am an odd ball. It is my life and I live it the way I chose. I am probably more Autistic in that I tend to keep in my own company and often do not like to be around people or hassled by them. I also have had experiences of being 'hit on' by Asperger women and this has violated all of my boundaries as I cannot cope with this stress and it is my choice should I not want to contact them. Just because they may want a relationship does not mean that I do nor another adult. I get tired of people who continually pry in another person's business as they really need to mind their own business.
I do spend large amounts of time on my own and I have always been like this. I really don't have the mental energy to be around a person for long periods. If they are a friend that I can relate to, I can relate to them for certain periods and then I need my space. If a person does not respect my boundaries then I find myself overloaded and unable to handle this person so I have no choice but to rely on my own personal space.
When I talk to a person my communication relies on large amounts of mental energy in order to carry out a conversation with them. As you would be aware that such usage of mental energy creates the need for me to have downtime afterward. I know of some other Aspies who also rely on space after the usage of mental energy within a conversation. I find also that I tend to have looping thoughts and thinking patterns which may be difficult for some to understand but again I can only communicate the best way I can. A looping thought is when a person on the Autism Spectrum may talk about their special interest and then refer back to it within the conversation. Another characteristic of the Aspie thought process is that often I can repeat myself over and over or change the topic of a conversation without knowing that it may be inappropriate at the time. It would be good to see a world that is neither Aspie or NT but one that comes half way to allow both to work together. Perhaps this will become a reality one day? I feel comfortable being weird and eccentric as this is the way I am and I feel I should not have to conform to tribalism and be like other people just for the sake of fitting in as I do not believe this is fair on me or others on the Autism Spectrum.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Education Queensland and awareness
This afternoon I was on the phone to Education Queensland about my concern with children on the Autism Spectrum not obtaining early intervention. I have heard from both parents and teachers that little or no support is being offered for children on the Autism Spectrum and I feel enough is enough, I should try my best to do something about it. I spoke with a Disability Advisor this afternoon and I hope to hear from her within the next 2 weeks to provide a presentation to both teachers and educators concerning the crucial years of development as a person on the Autism Spectrum.
Yesterday I was also on the phone to Rotary International. I spoke several years back at a couple of Rotary Meetings but unfortunately my phone conversation made very little impact in persuading the representative in Sydney to allow me to give some presentations at some Rotary Clubs. Perhaps I may hear something soon, we can only wait.
I hope to work on and deliver a presentation which provides necessary information and impact for Education Queensland. Early intervention is required and more importantly assistance with the crucial stages onto adulthood. All I can say for now is hopefully more updates soon.
Yesterday I was also on the phone to Rotary International. I spoke several years back at a couple of Rotary Meetings but unfortunately my phone conversation made very little impact in persuading the representative in Sydney to allow me to give some presentations at some Rotary Clubs. Perhaps I may hear something soon, we can only wait.
I hope to work on and deliver a presentation which provides necessary information and impact for Education Queensland. Early intervention is required and more importantly assistance with the crucial stages onto adulthood. All I can say for now is hopefully more updates soon.
Getting a diagnosis
Often I have adults who suspect they may be on the Autism Spectrum. Unfortunately I am unable to offer diagnosis but I try my best to assist them with information where necessary.
Should you feel you are on the Autism Spectrum, I would strongly encourage you to contact Minds and Hearts or go to Dr Tony Attwood's website. You may also want to contact an Asperger Association in your area or if you are in Australia to contact Asperger Services Australia.
Sometimes diagnosis is best should you feel a need to truly understand where you stand in the world.
Some information from Dr Tony Attwood's website may also be of some interest
A qualitative impairment in social interaction:
* Failure to develop friendships that are appropriate to the child’s developmental level.
* Impaired use of non-verbal behaviour such as eye gaze, facial expression and body language to regulate a social interaction.
* Lack of social and emotional reciprocity and empathy.
* Impaired ability to identify social cues and conventions.
A qualitative impairment in subtle communication skills:
* Fluent speech but difficulties with conversation skills and a tendency to be pedantic, have an unusual prosody and to make a literal interpretation.
Restrictive Interests:
* The development of special interests that is unusual in their intensity and focus.
* Preference for routine and consistency
Should you feel you are on the Autism Spectrum, I would strongly encourage you to contact Minds and Hearts or go to Dr Tony Attwood's website. You may also want to contact an Asperger Association in your area or if you are in Australia to contact Asperger Services Australia.
Sometimes diagnosis is best should you feel a need to truly understand where you stand in the world.
Some information from Dr Tony Attwood's website may also be of some interest
A qualitative impairment in social interaction:
* Failure to develop friendships that are appropriate to the child’s developmental level.
* Impaired use of non-verbal behaviour such as eye gaze, facial expression and body language to regulate a social interaction.
* Lack of social and emotional reciprocity and empathy.
* Impaired ability to identify social cues and conventions.
A qualitative impairment in subtle communication skills:
* Fluent speech but difficulties with conversation skills and a tendency to be pedantic, have an unusual prosody and to make a literal interpretation.
Restrictive Interests:
* The development of special interests that is unusual in their intensity and focus.
* Preference for routine and consistency
Aspies and Neuro Typical Success
For an Aspie Neuro Typical Success is something we are unable to adapt to or achieve. Often the essential requirements of implementing the correct and necessary social skills causes us to feel held back and unable to aspire to anything within a neuro typical success. Despite people telling me that I put myself down, I feel in this life I will struggle or perhaps have accepted the following.
1. I will never get married
2. I will never be able to afford my own house or an independent lifestyle
3. I more than likely will never be promoted or fall into a career which utilizes my skills.
4. I will struggle to obtain or implement the necessary social skills to help me get ahead in the world.
As I am close to turning 40, I have come to the realisation that trying to find something I am good at is just a waste of time and furthermore I am likely to be crushed by such goals not working out or being obtainable. Despite some people being envious of my life style, I would ask those people not to be but instead cast their eyes back on my life before diagnosis. Here I did not know who I was and I had nobody help me to understand the world around me. At one time I even thought about taking my own life as I was just not understood and accepted. I just didn't seem to be good at anything and felt my life had no purpose. I also endured depression but back then you could not turn to anybody as society just did not understand. I worked hard to get to where I am today despite the many set backs a long the way. I was just not prepared to listen to the critics who told me I was worthless and and had no brains. I can also remember feeling angry at one person who was more or less interested in how much sex I had when I was in a long distance relationship with an Asperger woman overseas than more so of asking me about what it was like to have my first girl friend at 36 years of age. I just though how insensitive and shallow! Couldn't this person think of something better to occupy their small mind?
I have come to the realisation that I need to do my best to promote awareness. Conventional means of promoting awareness just seem to not work for me. I don't think I can write a book that really interests anyone and furthermore I am not a high profile person with lots of money, so all I can really do is just try my hardest and do the best I can.
I would wish more so for a world which is accepting of Autism rather than dismissive and sometimes critical. It would be good to live in a world where a person on the Autism Spectrum could be accepted rather than isolated and in some instances bullied just because we do not fit in.
Not all Aspies are geniuses. I know of some who are struggling in a world around them to find their place in the world. Although we may not be cut out to make it in the neuro typical world, we therefore are dependent on support and services which really either do not exist or provide insufficient support. Things really need to change and change fast as Autism is not going to go away and children with Autism are going to become adults with Autism.
For me, my goal is to provide and raise awareness where I can. I can only do my best and I am one person. More adults with Autism need to support me in what I do so we can begin to make changes. I believe this will happen soon. If an Aspie is unable to make it in the neuro typical world then it is necessary that they have support and access to services to assist them. Why should they suffer in silence and furthermore endure low self esteem and social isolation? Together we can make a difference! I am not out for personal glory but I do hope my efforts bring upon change to make the world a more accepting and supportive place for persons on the Autism Spectrum.
1. I will never get married
2. I will never be able to afford my own house or an independent lifestyle
3. I more than likely will never be promoted or fall into a career which utilizes my skills.
4. I will struggle to obtain or implement the necessary social skills to help me get ahead in the world.
As I am close to turning 40, I have come to the realisation that trying to find something I am good at is just a waste of time and furthermore I am likely to be crushed by such goals not working out or being obtainable. Despite some people being envious of my life style, I would ask those people not to be but instead cast their eyes back on my life before diagnosis. Here I did not know who I was and I had nobody help me to understand the world around me. At one time I even thought about taking my own life as I was just not understood and accepted. I just didn't seem to be good at anything and felt my life had no purpose. I also endured depression but back then you could not turn to anybody as society just did not understand. I worked hard to get to where I am today despite the many set backs a long the way. I was just not prepared to listen to the critics who told me I was worthless and and had no brains. I can also remember feeling angry at one person who was more or less interested in how much sex I had when I was in a long distance relationship with an Asperger woman overseas than more so of asking me about what it was like to have my first girl friend at 36 years of age. I just though how insensitive and shallow! Couldn't this person think of something better to occupy their small mind?
I have come to the realisation that I need to do my best to promote awareness. Conventional means of promoting awareness just seem to not work for me. I don't think I can write a book that really interests anyone and furthermore I am not a high profile person with lots of money, so all I can really do is just try my hardest and do the best I can.
I would wish more so for a world which is accepting of Autism rather than dismissive and sometimes critical. It would be good to live in a world where a person on the Autism Spectrum could be accepted rather than isolated and in some instances bullied just because we do not fit in.
Not all Aspies are geniuses. I know of some who are struggling in a world around them to find their place in the world. Although we may not be cut out to make it in the neuro typical world, we therefore are dependent on support and services which really either do not exist or provide insufficient support. Things really need to change and change fast as Autism is not going to go away and children with Autism are going to become adults with Autism.
For me, my goal is to provide and raise awareness where I can. I can only do my best and I am one person. More adults with Autism need to support me in what I do so we can begin to make changes. I believe this will happen soon. If an Aspie is unable to make it in the neuro typical world then it is necessary that they have support and access to services to assist them. Why should they suffer in silence and furthermore endure low self esteem and social isolation? Together we can make a difference! I am not out for personal glory but I do hope my efforts bring upon change to make the world a more accepting and supportive place for persons on the Autism Spectrum.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Are humans really supposed to fly?
It is weird when you take off and land from one place to another that we say we flew to here or overseas. It is also ironic that a big metal contraption with elongated pieces of metal known as wings can take us over the oceans and to other cities. Such is the jet age!
I am used to flying but I wonder how many people feel totally comfortable with the fact they are more than 35 000 feet in the sky? How do you feel when a large metal object is tossed around in the sky when there is different atmospheric pressures and air pockets? I guess you become accustomed to it.
I find the most fear I have in flying is the take off and the landing. Once the plane has leveled out and so long as there is no turbulence, everything is fine by me. I don't mind the sound of the engines as the begin roaring to take off but I wonder how long it will be before we have galactic flights. What would you think of traveling from Brisbane to London in less than an hour? I guess anti gravity would be something different as you would be eating your food out of a straw rather than a small plate and tiny cup? I guess such travel will soon become a reality as there would be no turbulence but I guess you may or may not need a space suit?
I remember the worst turbulence I had was on a trip to Christchurch, New Zealand. New Zealand has a lot of air turbulence and Wellington has a scary airport. It was like being on a roller coaster as people were tossed around inside the fuselage of the plane. Should we again introduce supersonic aircraft like Concorde and would it not be better to fly up, around, under or over turbulence? You be the judge.
I am used to flying but I wonder how many people feel totally comfortable with the fact they are more than 35 000 feet in the sky? How do you feel when a large metal object is tossed around in the sky when there is different atmospheric pressures and air pockets? I guess you become accustomed to it.
I find the most fear I have in flying is the take off and the landing. Once the plane has leveled out and so long as there is no turbulence, everything is fine by me. I don't mind the sound of the engines as the begin roaring to take off but I wonder how long it will be before we have galactic flights. What would you think of traveling from Brisbane to London in less than an hour? I guess anti gravity would be something different as you would be eating your food out of a straw rather than a small plate and tiny cup? I guess such travel will soon become a reality as there would be no turbulence but I guess you may or may not need a space suit?
I remember the worst turbulence I had was on a trip to Christchurch, New Zealand. New Zealand has a lot of air turbulence and Wellington has a scary airport. It was like being on a roller coaster as people were tossed around inside the fuselage of the plane. Should we again introduce supersonic aircraft like Concorde and would it not be better to fly up, around, under or over turbulence? You be the judge.
Assistance with improving Australian and New Zealand Medical Services for people with Asperger Syndrome
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am emailing in the hope you may be able to help me with a project I am planning to undertake in July and August 2011.
I am a GP in Bournemouth, England. Details of my practice can be found at http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/pages/GP.aspx?Pid=7cdbf320-f637-49e0-a7d9-8e9f77bb393b&TopicId=9
I have the opportunity to take a sabbatical from my post in 2011. I have applied to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for a travel fellowship to allow me to do this work.
My project is about looking at how primary care medical services can offer a better service to people with Asperger’s syndrome. I would hope to be traveling through Australia and New Zealand meeting people from care organizations, which help people with Asperger’s syndrome. I would like to meet people with Asperger’s syndrome and their families to discuss what they feel is good about the services they access and what they feel could be improved.
This is why I am asking for your help. I would be very grateful if you would allow me to spend some time with your staff/volunteers/service users and their families to understand how your service works and the benefits received by your clients. This will allow me to reflect on how things can be improved in my own work environment for people with Asperger’s syndrome, for their carers and to liaise better with organizations that support people with Asperger’s syndrome.
One of the motivations to do this work is that my son, who is now 13 was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome a few years back and I would like to use this opportunity to understand more about the syndrome to help him and my family as well as the wider community.
I will need to complete a piece of written work for the fellowship and I will be looking at other ways of informing relevant statutory and voluntary agencies of my findings. This will allow others to consider if they can improve what they do for people with Asperger’s syndrome.
I am in the latter stages of applying for the travel fellowship. The final decision about whether WCMT will support my project will come in February 2011. Therefore, I am making an initial contact with relevant organizations to establish a willingness to be involved. I would be expecting to be in Queensland in early July for approximately 2 weeks and would very much like to meet up with you.
I would be grateful if you could respond to this email to confirm whether or not this project is something you could help me with.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Yours faithfully
Dr Jamie Sutherland
PS Having seen the news, I appreciate this is a difficult time for Queenslanders. I apologize for troubling you if you have been caught up in the flood disaster. My thoughts are with you.
I am emailing in the hope you may be able to help me with a project I am planning to undertake in July and August 2011.
I am a GP in Bournemouth, England. Details of my practice can be found at http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/pages/GP.aspx?Pid=7cdbf320-f637-49e0-a7d9-8e9f77bb393b&TopicId=9
I have the opportunity to take a sabbatical from my post in 2011. I have applied to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for a travel fellowship to allow me to do this work.
My project is about looking at how primary care medical services can offer a better service to people with Asperger’s syndrome. I would hope to be traveling through Australia and New Zealand meeting people from care organizations, which help people with Asperger’s syndrome. I would like to meet people with Asperger’s syndrome and their families to discuss what they feel is good about the services they access and what they feel could be improved.
This is why I am asking for your help. I would be very grateful if you would allow me to spend some time with your staff/volunteers/service users and their families to understand how your service works and the benefits received by your clients. This will allow me to reflect on how things can be improved in my own work environment for people with Asperger’s syndrome, for their carers and to liaise better with organizations that support people with Asperger’s syndrome.
One of the motivations to do this work is that my son, who is now 13 was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome a few years back and I would like to use this opportunity to understand more about the syndrome to help him and my family as well as the wider community.
I will need to complete a piece of written work for the fellowship and I will be looking at other ways of informing relevant statutory and voluntary agencies of my findings. This will allow others to consider if they can improve what they do for people with Asperger’s syndrome.
I am in the latter stages of applying for the travel fellowship. The final decision about whether WCMT will support my project will come in February 2011. Therefore, I am making an initial contact with relevant organizations to establish a willingness to be involved. I would be expecting to be in Queensland in early July for approximately 2 weeks and would very much like to meet up with you.
I would be grateful if you could respond to this email to confirm whether or not this project is something you could help me with.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Yours faithfully
Dr Jamie Sutherland
PS Having seen the news, I appreciate this is a difficult time for Queenslanders. I apologize for troubling you if you have been caught up in the flood disaster. My thoughts are with you.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Things are looking optomistic despite the slow grind.
As many of you are aware I am somewhat passionate about allowing society to understand and to accept Autism more in the adult population. It would be good one day to have people not think twice about Autism nor question it in the adult population. It would be good to break down the social isolation and to be accepted and understood by those around you rather than distanced and made to live in social isolation. Throughout my life the most difficult aspect has been to make friends between to 18 to 40 age break. I either seem to not fit in, stand out, be misunderstood, judged wrongly or forced into social isolation which has been more of a hindrance than a help. I do not see it as the fault of people but more so the lack of awareness I endured at an early age. The keys phases of growing up were periods of frustration and non acceptance for me. I was not good at sport nor was I good at mixing with people my own age. I struggled with finding and maintaining relationships and I hope soon that such barriers will break down. It would be good to live in a world where you could be accepted more so than isolated and in some cases remain on the outer and having to constantly defend yourself for just being the way you are as a person.
I cannot understand why society often has to be so harsh in its treatment of those of us who are different and may see the world around them differently and respond in a way that may not fit the normal conventions of mainstream society. Often for regular people, especially younger people understanding Autism in adults may just be too difficult and furthermore sometimes seen as impossible. However there are some strategies that may help in overcoming some barriers.
Friendship is not really a big requirement. Just being a friend can make a person's life different on the Autism Spectrum. For a regular person you may need to define boundaries more clearly as to how much or how little you can be a friend. Also just some understanding of the person's special interest or eccentricity may need to be required. People with Asperger Syndrome including myself are not always aware of what we may do, say or behave when we are around other people. Quite often we are at the mercy of anxiety which controls our thoughts and actions and we may appear akward but just being tolerant and perhaps guiding us where we may be doing something wrong or which is irritating may be more helpful than just simply writing us off. I often find NT's (Neurotypicals) challenging but I don't think adopting an us and them mentality is always helpful. All that is required is for an acceptance of eccentricity more so than an intolerance of it. Just see a person on the Autism Spectrum as perhaps being like a migrant in that we may not always understand the culture which exists around us but if you take the time to see how we think and feel about the world you may be quite interested in what we have to say or what we may think. It is not really fair that adults with Autism should have to suffer social isolation and rejection as we are not really isolated dwellers. We do want friends just that we don't really know how to go about making or keeping them. Large periods of social isolation does not mean that we dislike you or do not want to be your friend. It is just that we need more time to recover from excessive social interaction or the use of large amounts of mental energy.
It would be good to see Australia as a country which starts to embrace Autism in a more positive manner. This would be better than the alternative of living in social isolation and people never really taking the time to understand how exactly Autism affects an adult. Over the coming days, months and years, I intend to get more and more of the message out there about Autism in adults. I would like to see adults with Autism in employment and to be given and afforded the same opportunities of the general community. I do not want or wish to seek popularity but I do want to be liked and of course have friends. I do not understand why in this world that people pursue endless materialism but fail to take the time to build, find and nurture friendships. The common excuse of being busy is common nowadays but interaction cannot all be one way. There needs to be a common ground for both Aspie and NT alike to find common ground. We need to build a society which stops seeing Autism as a disability but more so a means of change and a tolerance of eccentricity and diversity. People need to shirk their ignorance and embrace Autism as something new, and a different way of thinking from the boring normality which exists in life. I know of children who also are the same. If we take the time to learn what it is that they like about their special interest you may find it an alternative to trappings of society.
I really hope 2011 will be a better year and a more progressive year than the one just passed. We need to move Australia forward to embrace Autism in adults and let us begin with the very moment to allow such progress to begin.
What you can do to enrich a person with Autism and their life
1. Try to be a friend and let the person know your boundaries
2. Be honest to the person with Autism and do not lie to them
3. Realise Autism is not a bad thing and the person with Autism may not always be responsible for how Autism affects them
4. Keep an open mind more so than judge at first sight
5. Try to understand the person with Autism
6. Accept eccentricity as a means of creativity and change from boredom
7. See how you can help to lower unemployment rates in adults
8. Try to include a person with Autism into a planned event or activity
9. Embrace Autism as a positive
10. Just be tolerant and do not judge the person with Autism too quickly.
I cannot understand why society often has to be so harsh in its treatment of those of us who are different and may see the world around them differently and respond in a way that may not fit the normal conventions of mainstream society. Often for regular people, especially younger people understanding Autism in adults may just be too difficult and furthermore sometimes seen as impossible. However there are some strategies that may help in overcoming some barriers.
Friendship is not really a big requirement. Just being a friend can make a person's life different on the Autism Spectrum. For a regular person you may need to define boundaries more clearly as to how much or how little you can be a friend. Also just some understanding of the person's special interest or eccentricity may need to be required. People with Asperger Syndrome including myself are not always aware of what we may do, say or behave when we are around other people. Quite often we are at the mercy of anxiety which controls our thoughts and actions and we may appear akward but just being tolerant and perhaps guiding us where we may be doing something wrong or which is irritating may be more helpful than just simply writing us off. I often find NT's (Neurotypicals) challenging but I don't think adopting an us and them mentality is always helpful. All that is required is for an acceptance of eccentricity more so than an intolerance of it. Just see a person on the Autism Spectrum as perhaps being like a migrant in that we may not always understand the culture which exists around us but if you take the time to see how we think and feel about the world you may be quite interested in what we have to say or what we may think. It is not really fair that adults with Autism should have to suffer social isolation and rejection as we are not really isolated dwellers. We do want friends just that we don't really know how to go about making or keeping them. Large periods of social isolation does not mean that we dislike you or do not want to be your friend. It is just that we need more time to recover from excessive social interaction or the use of large amounts of mental energy.
It would be good to see Australia as a country which starts to embrace Autism in a more positive manner. This would be better than the alternative of living in social isolation and people never really taking the time to understand how exactly Autism affects an adult. Over the coming days, months and years, I intend to get more and more of the message out there about Autism in adults. I would like to see adults with Autism in employment and to be given and afforded the same opportunities of the general community. I do not want or wish to seek popularity but I do want to be liked and of course have friends. I do not understand why in this world that people pursue endless materialism but fail to take the time to build, find and nurture friendships. The common excuse of being busy is common nowadays but interaction cannot all be one way. There needs to be a common ground for both Aspie and NT alike to find common ground. We need to build a society which stops seeing Autism as a disability but more so a means of change and a tolerance of eccentricity and diversity. People need to shirk their ignorance and embrace Autism as something new, and a different way of thinking from the boring normality which exists in life. I know of children who also are the same. If we take the time to learn what it is that they like about their special interest you may find it an alternative to trappings of society.
I really hope 2011 will be a better year and a more progressive year than the one just passed. We need to move Australia forward to embrace Autism in adults and let us begin with the very moment to allow such progress to begin.
What you can do to enrich a person with Autism and their life
1. Try to be a friend and let the person know your boundaries
2. Be honest to the person with Autism and do not lie to them
3. Realise Autism is not a bad thing and the person with Autism may not always be responsible for how Autism affects them
4. Keep an open mind more so than judge at first sight
5. Try to understand the person with Autism
6. Accept eccentricity as a means of creativity and change from boredom
7. See how you can help to lower unemployment rates in adults
8. Try to include a person with Autism into a planned event or activity
9. Embrace Autism as a positive
10. Just be tolerant and do not judge the person with Autism too quickly.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
As a society are we becoming ruder
As an Australian I am very concerned about the future of this country. What concerns me is the way people seem to not really just how lucky they are to be living here and more importantly the lack of pride and respect that seems to be increasing. In my travels I have come across some very rude people and I really do not know what is driving such anger and rudeness when it is not provoked. For instance I stayed in a motel in Warnambool and despite me paying money and being a customer, I felt uncomfortable when approaching the motel owners concerned. I was more or less rudely informed that the motel owners had put themselves out to offer me the motel rates and furthermore, I was abruptly corrected when filling out a request for a breakfast order. Look I know people have it tough but does the fact that a person have their own issues need to become my issue also? I am paying these people a service and should not feel that I have to be privy to such crap. Also I was told more or less by another service provider that despite them having a tough day that I should be more considerate of their situation. I do not pay my money to hear excuses but more so to be provided with a service like any other customer who relies on a merchant to offer them service. I find people are becoming increasingly rude and intolerant of the needs of other people and enough is enough. It needs to stop. I talk to some older people who have a great story to tell but quite simply fall in the wayside of our fast paced society. We hear enough excuses and now it is time for action. I am tired of the rudeness, the coldness and the serious concern regarding the way this country is going. Australia should be a proud nation instead of an unfriendly and rude one. Whenever a person is rude to me I try not to suffer fools gladly.
I enjoyed the Flagstaff Village in Warnambool as the Tourist Operator took the time to answer my questions concerning the work and research of history that went into it. I could have spent several days just looking around. We have a history in Australia. We just don't take the time to explore it and be proud of it. Both Aboriginal and European History are important and yet nobody seems interested in opening their minds more. I am sick and tired of the sleaze factor and the projected garbage that seems to be contaminating people's minds. I mean don't people think and open their minds to the world around them? If I travel the great length of this country, I expect to be treated with some respect from a service provider and do not feel I should have to suffer rudeness. There is no place for it nor any excuse. Please do not call me mate if I do not know you or provide crap service because perhaps you had a hard day. I do not go to work if I have a crap day and blame everyone around me for the way I may feel on a certain day. People seriously need a reality check in Australia and the rest of the world as things can get better with the right attitude.
The Australian dollar is strong so we should be proud. We should do something to make use of who we are as people instead of dwelling in our misfortunes. Open your minds up to think and explore and you never know what you may learn. I just don't think people want to think anymore and expect things to be done for them. Also why does society insist on punishing a person's sensory areas as an act of cruelness. This applies to a person on the Autism Spectrum who society can cause trouble to by being mean in areas where they should not be. Furthermore I get sick of people who stare at me. I do not stare at them so they should not stare at me. I find it impolite and I find people who think narrowly should be given an injection of intellectual curiosity.
Things that really annoy me are the way some people have become sleazy, pry into other people's business. Also do you notice how many people now have tattoos and I have to admit on some people they do not look good.
I enjoyed the Flagstaff Village in Warnambool as the Tourist Operator took the time to answer my questions concerning the work and research of history that went into it. I could have spent several days just looking around. We have a history in Australia. We just don't take the time to explore it and be proud of it. Both Aboriginal and European History are important and yet nobody seems interested in opening their minds more. I am sick and tired of the sleaze factor and the projected garbage that seems to be contaminating people's minds. I mean don't people think and open their minds to the world around them? If I travel the great length of this country, I expect to be treated with some respect from a service provider and do not feel I should have to suffer rudeness. There is no place for it nor any excuse. Please do not call me mate if I do not know you or provide crap service because perhaps you had a hard day. I do not go to work if I have a crap day and blame everyone around me for the way I may feel on a certain day. People seriously need a reality check in Australia and the rest of the world as things can get better with the right attitude.
The Australian dollar is strong so we should be proud. We should do something to make use of who we are as people instead of dwelling in our misfortunes. Open your minds up to think and explore and you never know what you may learn. I just don't think people want to think anymore and expect things to be done for them. Also why does society insist on punishing a person's sensory areas as an act of cruelness. This applies to a person on the Autism Spectrum who society can cause trouble to by being mean in areas where they should not be. Furthermore I get sick of people who stare at me. I do not stare at them so they should not stare at me. I find it impolite and I find people who think narrowly should be given an injection of intellectual curiosity.
Things that really annoy me are the way some people have become sleazy, pry into other people's business. Also do you notice how many people now have tattoos and I have to admit on some people they do not look good.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Back in Brisbane again 2011
Well it is a new year 2011 and I am back in Brisbane again. I have just written a letter to Virgin Blue Airlines concerning my treatment on the plane as a person on the Autism Spectrum. The trip from Brisbane to Melbourne was somewhat bumpy and anxiety provoking but on my return the flight was much smoother with less turbulence.
Now to write about my trip to Melbourne!
I was very impressed with the greater level of awareness and support in Melbourne for adults on the Autism Spectrum. When and if I am able to talk with Dr Tony Attwood soon, I will be informing Tony of the support for adults in Melbourne. My thanks go to Anthony, Daniel, Ryan, Jason and Brigit for making me feel welcome while in Melbourne. I was able to attend a bbq of the Asperger Syndrome adults on one of Melbourne's bayside suburbs. Also co-ordinator Brigit needs to be mentioned and thanked for her work in hosting these events and allowing adults with Autism the opportunity to connect with each other and to forge friendships. I now have more friends and it is good to know that I have friends in Melbourne as well as other countries in the world.
2011 will be a big challenge and together we all need to work together to ensure necessary awareness and support begins in Australia. I hope to be visiting schools over the coming months and raising awareness both in Australia and possibly New Zealand to know what level of support and awareness is happening. Over the coming months, I will be hoping to work on unemployment issues with adults on the Autism Spectrum and with my planned visit to the United Kingdom in June 2011, vital work will be obtained to help Australia move forward to create jobs for adults with Autism.
In the meantime please continue to support awareness where you can and more importantly I would encourage every adult to become more open in their own efforts in raising awareness of the Autism Spectrum within their community or country.
Now to write about my trip to Melbourne!
I was very impressed with the greater level of awareness and support in Melbourne for adults on the Autism Spectrum. When and if I am able to talk with Dr Tony Attwood soon, I will be informing Tony of the support for adults in Melbourne. My thanks go to Anthony, Daniel, Ryan, Jason and Brigit for making me feel welcome while in Melbourne. I was able to attend a bbq of the Asperger Syndrome adults on one of Melbourne's bayside suburbs. Also co-ordinator Brigit needs to be mentioned and thanked for her work in hosting these events and allowing adults with Autism the opportunity to connect with each other and to forge friendships. I now have more friends and it is good to know that I have friends in Melbourne as well as other countries in the world.
2011 will be a big challenge and together we all need to work together to ensure necessary awareness and support begins in Australia. I hope to be visiting schools over the coming months and raising awareness both in Australia and possibly New Zealand to know what level of support and awareness is happening. Over the coming months, I will be hoping to work on unemployment issues with adults on the Autism Spectrum and with my planned visit to the United Kingdom in June 2011, vital work will be obtained to help Australia move forward to create jobs for adults with Autism.
In the meantime please continue to support awareness where you can and more importantly I would encourage every adult to become more open in their own efforts in raising awareness of the Autism Spectrum within their community or country.
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