Defying the Conventions

I have never really been good at anything nor do I know my strengths or talents. I was not good at school and I struggled through university but in the Neuro Typical World, I am unable to strive according to the requirements and expectations of me. I find it really hard to excel in anything and I have learned to cope and live life the best way I can. I just don't understand why people do not see Autism and how it affects an individual. It seems that you live in a silent struggle and nobody really understands just exactly what you are going through. I feel often that people don't think I try harder to succeed in relationships and in a career sense but I just find the social implications just too much. At times I feel so overwhelmed by the way the NT world is designed that the only real way to cope is just to withdraw or more importantly obtain your own space. I remember once reading about Helen Keller and the only way that Helen could communicate was through feeling people's faces or simply hearing sounds through the vibration of a balloon. Despite society deeming Helen Keller is incapable or not following the conventions, she was able to succeed in her own way and prove so many people wrong. For instance some people just saw her as an animal without manners and a means of communicating or simple unable to learn but fortunately for Helen she was able to prove them wrong. People who are different are not incapable, we just learn differently and we should not be written off nor judged wrongly. We may need longer time than you do or a different means of explanation but not everyone can be shaped by the conventional world and nobody should alone judge to preclude others the opportunity. Conventions may be hard to penetrate but one can simply learn their own way and reach their optimum by simply being encouraged, excepted and understood.

Learning to be self sufficient

One of the few things I actually did learn in High School was being able to cook for myself. I was able to make casseroles, cheese cakes, spaghetti, fried rice, and lemon meringue to name a few. I have been dabbling in cooking recipes to avoid the monotony of eating the same food and keeping my food costs down. I will be making a Lasagne, a Caramel Tart and an Italian Salad, so I will need to put my cooking skills to the test again. I am currently getting help also with Speech Pathology and the Staff Development Manager in Corporate Services is helping me with my slide show presentation for the upcoming employment seminar, so I am also getting much needed help which is good. Last night, I met with the steering committee of adults with AS and other important delegates and the early foundations are hopefully underway but more information will be made available about this at some future point. I am disappointed with Mr Robert Oakeshott as I feel he has deserted people with Autism. I have had previous correspondence with him and he seems more interested in a ministerial post and I thought we as adults and those of us in the Autism Community may have had support but again we are without a voice or support at a federal level and I guess it is back to the drawing board. I had hope that Mr Oakeshott may have been able to help us but I am not feeling so confident anymore. Maybe I am wrong and things may change? I will be attending the Asperger Services Australia AGM this Saturday and will be enquiring about another house sit which I am due to commence in October/November. I am getting help with speech pathology to learn how to relate to others and understand visual queues so I feel proud of myself for giving things ago. More updates later and wish everyone well in the meantime.

Issues of harrassment, boundaries and friendships

I have always struggled at making friends in my life and understanding people's boundaries. I have been accused of harassment by contacting a person too much or by being wrongfully intense not knowing a person's boundaries or personal space. I think it is hard to actually understand boundaries and hierarchy and this can often cause you to land in difficult situations unexpected. What exactly do you do as a friend and what is a friend? How much or how little or what responses should a friend provide so that you know they are or not a friend? As the social world is so difficult, I speak from personal experience in that people with Asperger Syndrome may fall into some kind of naivety or unconventional friendship. Sometimes you can contact a person too much and be wrongfully accused of harassment when you are simply just wanting to contact them. Work environments can be particularly difficult when it comes to dealing with the opposite sex. I have known personally of some adults on the Autistic Spectrum coming into direct conflict with women in the workplace because they are attracted to them and try to get to know them with the result of this infringing on harassment and sexual discrimination scenarios. As the boundaries are not always clear and people not always up front in what is appropriate or inappropriate forms of behaviour, the person with Asperger Syndrome may find themselves in hot water and with discrimination not fully versed on Autism, the rules of anti discrimination, sexual harrassment and equal opportunity may seriously misrepresent the issues relating to Autism. I have known of one adult for instance who in a work situation ended up crying, feeling totally heartbroken and unaware of why a female work colleague was not interested in him nor trying to understand that he was attracted to her. I think speaking personally that the judicial system needs inclusion of Autism or an awareness of Autism in all factors of legal matters and workplace scenarios. Personal boundaries are not always clear with certain people and the person with Asperger Syndrome may feel confused by what these boundaries are and how to relate to them. I have known of some adults who have been particularly and especially vulnerable in social situations. I have heard personally of women on the spectrum being exposed to rape or vulnerable to exploitation and in one rare instance an adult experiencing male rape because he thought he was being friends with someone he had met at a pub, thinking that going for a drink with him later was to cause him him. The problem is that adults on the spectrum are often very trusting with people who they may perceive are friends and not realising the immediate dangers that may unfold with the individuals concerned. I remember when I met with Dr Tony Attwood, he told me how vulnerable adults are to being exploited, vulnerable and in worst instances abused. Adults are also exposed more dangerously to predators and not knowing how or what dangers to look out for, they can be lead into difficult situations. Added to this a poor network of friends and an increase in social isolation can mean there is no safety net around the person with Asperger Syndrome and they are left vulnerable. I have known of adults, particularly women on the spectrum trusting males in believing they are friends and not realising the underlying motives. It can be very difficult for women on the spectrum as they can be defenseless in vulnerable situations. Adults on the spectrum can really want to make friends and not realise that their intensity can be wrongfully misconstrued into some other factor. I think NT's have boundaries and they follow a code and socialisation process when making friends and evolving in their lives whereas people on the Autistic Spectrum just see everybody the same. They can become wrongfully punished by hierarchy because the judicial system may see an adult having difficult looking into the eye of someone in authority as perhaps deviant behaviour or the inability to explain themselves in a legal matter as a quick means of judicial discipline. What can be done then to ensure an awareness exists at a judicial level. I think it is important for Autism Associations to educate the judiciary about Autism and it is important that should the person on the spectrum be brought before a court or a legal issue, that the legal representative has an awareness of Autism. Autism is by no means an excuse to let the individual with Autism off in a legal case but clearly an understanding of the condition is required to ensure that the person on the Autistic Spectrum is fully understand and guided by his or her rights and responsibilities. In Australia I believe there is a serious neglect of Autism awareness in adults and this in itself creates a lot of difficulty in society. Some adults may wrongfully be incarcerated simply because it is easy to lock away the problem than to deal with it. As I write this article there are perhaps adults on the spectrum who by no fault of their own or ignorance of hierarchy are before the courts with no representation and understanding of Autism. Just simply upsetting hierarchy by no real intention of causing or creating trouble may in itself add to difficulty and severely elevate anxiety levels in the adults on the Autistic Spectrum to dangerous and uncontrollable levels. Surely by getting the message out and educating all levels of society is but one important means of ensuring awareness and fair handling of all matters both legal and social? Dr Temple Grandin Movie Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6s9j0pwDEs

War Service Years

It seems to be common that amongst adults with Asperger Syndrome that they were bullied either in the High School or Primary School Years or both. For me, my years at High School were the worst with constant teasing and a school system that failed to understand. I constantly had to deal with teachers who did not understand and furthermore not following the 'tribal' ways of other students caused me to retreat to the school library in order to obtain protection from the onslaught. When I was younger, nothing was really known about depression and I spent a great deal many years of my teenage life either feeling unhappy, frustrated or depressed. I didn't have anybody really to turn to who could understand, and I even a couple of times contemplated suicide. The kids at school would say, "It isn't a pity that you don't go and die" or furthermore I would out smart them when they insisted on calling me dumb that by saying "If I were dumb then how can I speak?" In Grade 11 1989 of High School, I kept on experiencing depersonalization syndrome which meant that to avoid the over stimulation and constant discomfort in class, I would retreat into some kind of trance and at times my body would undergo some kind of transformation and I will feel numb and removed from my surroundings. My parents took me to see a Psychiatrist at the time and instead of letting him find out what was wrong with him, I instead asked questions as to why he spoke slow, wore a suit in the evening, and started to ask him questions about psychology etc. I often was able to prove or manipulate my way out of difficult situations. I was told I had no brains for Senior School and a teacher commenting that all the kids in the class knew the answer except Garry and was made to stand up in front of the Deputy School Mistress to admit that I cheated in my Art Assignment. Such memories don't go away easily and more importantly the school bus stop was the 'horror zone'. Here I suffered the same as Jesus Christ, I was spat at, I had stones thrown at me, I had kids try to hurt me and words that were said that you would not say to your aunt, grandmother or parents. I was totally alone but I always had and still continue to demonstrate strength. Why do adults with AS confront bullying and bad treatment? One never really heals but they learn to try and move forward. I am tomorrow going to visit an Independent School in Brisbane to see about independent learning. I hated High School and was 'over the moon' when I left there in 1990! I can remember feeling a great sense of liberation but the next challenge was to get a job which was not an easy task. This will be talked about and discussed at the presentation I am giving on September 24th 2010 with Asperger Services Australia. Please visit their website for further information http://www.asperger.asn.au/

The Universe how it can be explained

Last night I was watching on SBS 2, Brian Cox and his narration of a Science Show from 7.30 to 8.30pm. I was just flicking through the channel and I began to watch the program half way through. The Program was interesting as Cox explained or attempted to explain the "Big Bang Theory" and how the universe is supposedly expanding from a gigantic explosion billions of years ago. What I think the question that most of want to know is what caused the explosion and what in fact did the explosion explode into? The theory is that time has always existed but time in itself is distorted by large objects around it. For instance the measurement of time taken from earth may be different from the time measured on the sun. Do our lives evolve and does the present already exist and our future already determined? This is one of the greatest mysteries of life. We are but one tiny tiny tiny infinite part of the growing universe. If you look for instance at Science 100 years ago, the very concept of the universe expanding and the theory of a "Big Bang" creating everything which surrounds us, would have been ruled out. It begs the question of what will humanity know in 100 years to come? Will time in itself be explained and more importantly, the formation and existence of the universe itself? As more and more technology is invented to gaze into the heavens, and more and more planets are discovered. We perhaps one day will realise we are not alone in the universe. If life does exist on another planet, it may not be human and instead take on some other manifestation. If human evolution is a reality, then what will future humans look like also. Do such entities exist and have far superior intelligence than we do? I am often intrigued by the vastness and infinity of space. When looking at space, humanity barely rates a pin prick in its vastness. To discover other life forms and more importantly, the existence of other solar systems. Humanity would need to master the ability to travel such great speeds and furthermore overcome the need to travel so widely. Perhaps the speed of light will be achieved one day but the human or entity body would need to adapt to handle the Mach or G Factor with the forces of strong thrust and strains on the body. I cannot see how Tele porting could be possible as how could a human body be transferred from one location and re-produced in another with all limbs and organs intact? How could a beating heart be tele ported and clothes etc? One other theory I found interesting was the possibility of a fourth dimension. If a fourth dimension exists then why are we unable to see it? Perhaps our eyes and ears are unable to see or adapt to its existence. If as Einstein believed the past, present and future all exist simultaneously then why are we not able to see the future but know of the existence of the present and the past? If we know our future, does this mean that we could alter our lives in order to prevent ourselves reaching its destiny? I remember when studying Philosophy of touching upon Emile Descartes and his "Cognito Ergo Sum" which simply translated to "I think therefore I am". According to Descartes, if we think we know we exist and time and space around us are a reality. The whole notion of space and consciousness is something we all take for granted and the fear of death is something for which we need comfort and perhaps turn to religion to find this. What has always been of interest also is the fact that planets are round or spherical and orbits are the same. There are many questions that perhaps we will never know but at least with reasoning and thought we can begin to question if we so choose.

Trying to be sociable and struggling at the same time

It is difficult for a lot of people to socialise and some people may be shy while others just find it hard to know what to say. The problem I find is that my mind is like a wound up generator which I have to keep fueling in order to socialise with others. The problem is that like a generation, it will overheat and breakdown causing the power to go out and a need to recharge the batteries or restart the motor to get things back on track again. Within social situations, I find that the generator has to keep working and it can feel overworked, overheated and close to burning out while others don't see the process happening. This is why I often avoid a lot of social situations because I feel so totally burned out and drained afterward, that I need to somehow restore and replenish my energy levels. Within the work environment, I have to keep the generator going as best it can and it is like I need to try and service it more but sometimes it becomes stuck or breaks down and I have to run on what little reserve energy I have until I can withdraw or retreat into my space to restore my energy levels. I don't know nor can I speak for other Aspies but navigating the social world is in itself a very difficult process. I often interpret things wrongly and read too much into situations and furthermore when I am stressed or in meltdown, things become more confusing. I find it easier if I can follow some kind of routine which produces outcome but in a high pressured world, such a tactic is not always possible. You have to do your best and get by as best you can. Often people say, you need to get out more and try harder but it is not so much a matter of effort, it is more a matter of knowing how to cope and what safety phrases and techniques which can be employed in certain social situations. It is hard to make small talk and develop a lighter side and I am trying to get help in these areas by way of Speech Therapy. I am not sure about other adults with Asperger Syndrome but navigating the social world and having different wiring presents itself with a lot of difficulties.

Sensory Issues and Meltdowns

You may ask yourself what exactly is meant by a sensory issue and more importantly what is a meltdown? Quite simply when you are under stress, especially in social situations, your hearing and visual responses become more intense and over whelming. For instance, you could be working in a particular environment and the sound of feet walking up stairs may hurt your ears, or the constant flickering of a florescent light and the sound of it when it goes on and off may cause your hearing to become overwhelming. Added to this is the additional sound of an air conditioner when you can actually hear the sounds while others cannot. I have very sensitive hearing myself but my sight is impaired due to hereditary poor vision which I guess has needed to compensate. Certain sounds in themselves can become over powering and ear plugs may be one way of reducing auditory sounds but the other is to avoid situations where certain sounds cause you distress. I think a lot of adults with AS have to work hard at blocking out sensory issues and some may or may not be self concious of them. Added to this can be certain forms of claustrophobia and one of the fears I had when younger was the actual fear of fainting in public. I was told by a Doctor at a young age that I had low blood pressure. I thought that to reassure myself, that eating healthy was one way to ensure I would not feint or collapse which I never did. I can remember while at school that an intense social environment raised my anxiety and sensory issues. To avoid classrooms, I would try to to go the sick room so that I could escape being around other people. This was in itself a coping mechanism. I still confront sensory issues but I try my best to control them. I can never understand Brisbane which I believe is a right brained city. All the roads seem to have no left turns in certain areas and it can make things tough depending on which side of the brain is stronger for you. What is a meltdown then? A meltdown is when you feel you can no longer cope and function within difficult situations. You feel that everything is falling in on you or more importantly you are going to fall apart. For me a meltdown is when everything becomes too much and I need space from others and the world around me. Some Aspies have severe meltdowns while others perhaps don't even know they may be having one. I have known of some Aspies including myself who have reached melt down to the point that it is difficult to function and seclusion seems to be the only way to deal with the situation as it is hard for people to see and understand when you are going through a meltdown. I think meltdowns may be experienced differently by other adults and children but the commonality perhaps is a need for space and a way to re energize.

House Sitting and Executive Management

As I am on a low income, I undertake "House Sitting" through an agency to assist me with independent living. The requirements are that I look after a person's house while they are away and "Pet Sit" their pets. The assignments I am given range from a week, a fortnight and a month depending on the absence of the owner. I get to house sit in and around Brisbane and get to stay in different houses. One condition and arrangement is that I will not stay in a house which is considered too uncomfortable and more importantly that I adhere to a set of rules and procedures implemented by the agency which I assist. I have had many different experiences while house sitting. I have looked after different animals which range from big dogs, a cat or two and smaller dogs. The only issue I ever confronted was when I let a strictly indoor cat out and my needing to contact the emergency contacts and alert the nearby neighbourhood to the cat getting out. As you can imagine, cats do wander and they wander far and wide. They can jump fences and are very agile creatures. Luckily after forming and conducting a search party, I was able to get this cat back and any likelihood of being liable not a problem. The animals in the house sits are often treated differently from house to house. Some animals are kept outside while others are kept indoors and sadly some animals can become basket cases for being kept inside too much. On the whole though, House Sitting allows me the opportunity of having an independent lifestyle and allows my parents whom I live with a break from me and me them. When listening to Dr Tony Attwood and having been diagnosed by him also, he told me that a lot of adults need an Executive Secretary to help them in their lives. Often this can be the adult's mother, who helps them to organise their day and to try and help with the difficulties of Executive Function. Some adults find it difficult to keep appointments and to organise their day ahead. Without support, Executive Function can be a strain on elderly parents if they are unable to help the adult with Asperger Syndrome in their day to day lives. Some adults have difficulty with relationships and because of this lead solitary lives. Not having the necessary social skills and the difficulty with having a lighter side can cause many adults with Asperger Syndrome to be excluded from the community. This in itself raises the issue of depression and anxiety levels. For some adults anxiety can rise to very extreme levels and in one situation a female from the United Kingdom actually took her life as she couldn't find help and nobody could understand. Mental Health Issues become apparent as a secondary symptom for most adults because society is not always accepting and understanding of people who are different or those who simply struggle with day to day social interaction. If one day support can be provided for adults on the Autistic Spectrum, this in itself would greatly assist in over coming the issues of social isolation and depression. As a lot of adults are also unemployed and those very few who are in employment are not able to obtain on the job support or awareness through employment agencies, it can lead workplaces to wonder what is needed and how much or how little should they be able to provide support and assistance. In time hopefully things will improve with more support and services made available to adults on the Autistic Spectrum. Support by way of a lifestyle assistance package may be one possible approach but hopefully these issues will be assisted shortly.

Australia transition to a Republic

I am not well versed as a former Political Science Student about the concept of an Australian Republic but I do think Australia needs to take the step and make the move. What really needs strong consideration and careful scrutiny is an exact and workable model that does not cause or create confusion. Several years ago, Malcolm Turnbull put forward a suggestion for an Australian Republic and at the time, I really didn't understand nor really knew how possible this could be achieved. What really needs careful consideration is the present system Australia has and how easy or how difficult it can be to be changed. To begin with I think a careful examination is needed of the state governments. Do we really need them and if Australia were to become a republic who exactly would their Head of State be? In terms of a Federal Republic how can we do away with the Queen who probably will serve another 10 years at the most to appoint or elect an Australian President? Perhaps the American model is an example that Australia could follow where if the states are retained they reflect the federal system with a Congress (Legislature) and a Head of State (Governor). From my understanding the American State Governors are a microcosm of the federal system. The American states have an elected Governor and an elected legislature. If Australia were to adopt a similar approach, then the Westminster System which works best under a Monarch could be abolished and be replaced with an American style of government. The whole concept of change is not easy. The parliaments would need to be modified and more importantly necessary changes implemented to adopt a new style of democracy. I think at the present moment, constitutional reform and the concept of an Australian Republic needs to be considered. It would take time and more importantly community consultations around Australia could be encouraged for experienced individuals to sway the public on a new style of parliamentary change and reform. I think Australia needs to head towards a Republic as its traditional ties to the United Kingdom are now fading away. Who knows how long Britain will remain a Monarchy and furthermore whether or not it may even institute a republic. For Australia it could begin by doing away with the state governments and focusing more on strong regional governments. I think that it is time for state governments in Australia to seriously question whether it is necessary to have a Legislative Council (Upper House). All states in Australia except Queensland have a Legislative Council as Queensland abolished its Legislative Council on March 22 1922. An Australian Republic needs key individuals to draw up a proposal and ensure that this proposal is workable before it is sold to the Australian people. One other consideration is the abolition of compulsory voting and to encourage people to be involved in government. I am fed up with the constant berating and mud slinging that goes in parliament and I think it is about time that politicians seriously work together to get things done. The concept of multi parties is something that is becoming a reality world wide and should Australia also be following and no longer existing in the political wilderness? Some questions to consider? Should the Australian President be elected or appointed? If elected by whom and who should be eligible to stand? If appointed, should this be done by the government or the parliament. Perhaps the citizens when they vote could opt for another vote similar to the House of Representatives and Senate with another ballot paper for the President in an electoral college style system? Should the Westminster System remain or should it be changed to American Style Legislatures? Could a President clash with a parliament? Should state governments be abolished or more importantly state upper houses be abolished? Should State Governors be a reflection of the Federal Style of President? Perhaps you need to ask yourself some important questions and strongly question whether Australia can become a republic and how??! Should the Independents now put the Republic to the electorate or should they work on political reform?? It is best for you to decide and think about.

Life before adulthood

I was born in Brisbane but spent the first six years of my life at Albany Creek. When I lived here despite my vague memories, I used to remember that I didn't live in Brisbane but just outside of it in Albany Creek within the Pine Rivers Shire. I can remember my very first years at both Pre School and Grade 1. I can remember attending the sports days and getting out of the athletic events by wearing trousers. I can remember being baby sitted by our English Neighbours from the Midlands, their dog Patchy (Dalmation Dog) and being given topping with milk as some kind of milk shake. I can remember being fascinated with the neighbour's laundry shoot and how it consisted of an opening under the linen cupboard door and drop away to some kind of intricate set of tunnel like construction to the unknown below. I remember one afternoon after school that I wanted to know where the laundry chute went and being given a demonstration of Patchy's Dry Dog Food being dropped in the chute and making its way down to the room below which seemed like a hidden passage way to another room. If I were to visit the house now and see the laundry chute I am sure it would take on another dimension to what I remember. I used to be called Tiger by our English Neigbhours and remember their thick Midland English Accents and jamming all the key holes and figuring out what existed behind the doors. One time I actually filled all the key holes with chalk and I can remember eating watermelon in our suburban back yard. My early years of Grade 1 were very overwhelming. I remember seeing tall people and having a fear of going to the toilet on my own. I remember seeing the chain and the troughs and furthermore the big kids that existed in the school yard. One time while in class I actually had another boy go to the toilet with me as I was fearful of the school lavatory and despite being shown where the school lavatory was, I still was not able to relieve myself and when my mother came to the school, I remember she commented that I must have been the only boy she knew that gave a suburban school yard tree a watering. I can also remember rehearsing for the school play known which we all remember "There's No Business Like Show Business" and seeing other kids washing dishes up in coloured water. The school would often place different coloured water into make believe sinks ranging from yellow, blue, green etc. I remember also blowing paint on Butcher's Paper with a straw to compose a toddler piece of art and remember throwing up while trying to eat a cheese stick and some fat boy often stealing my lunch and working strategies out to avoid it continuing over and over again. When I was about 6 my family moved to a more 'well to do' kind of suburb. People were kind of guarded and snobby and my life took on a totally different dimension. I can also remember sensory issues and feeling like I would enter a trance while at school. The sound around me would change and it was like some kind of transformation that I could not explain. I can remember being bullied by a teacher and often getting bin duty where if you were naughty you would have to spend 20 mins collecting rubbish around the school yard. I got bin duty because I refused to play "AFL" (Australian Football) and got into trouble for not wanting to play cricket and swim in the deep end of the pool. I was fearful of drowning and I would try all tactics I could implement to avoid swimming lessons. Being in the toilet for too long or saying I had an ear ache usually got me out of trouble. I struggle both at school and in my childhood life in making friends. I often spent a lot of time on my own and I hated and detested school sport and dodgy teachers believing that I should comply with their stupid ways of teaching me information and their means of discipline. I suffered a lot from anxiety but I could also hear sounds nobody else could hear. I could hear the sounds given off by electrical equipment and found that I often had to turn down the volume of the television set in order to allow my ears protection from the sound. I could go on more about my early years but this is just a glimpse and I will write more later for anyone who may be interested.

Issues of intensity and misunderstanding

As more and more awareness of Asperger Syndrome becomes apparent there are still pockets in society and a great deal of awareness that need to occur. I often have a lot of difficulty with intensity and not always understanding barriers that are clearly visible in the social world can present themselves with problems. I was recently asked relating to employment in a general question "What do you want, and how do you expect people to be in employment?". Such a question is in itself very specific but yet difficult define by a simple answer. All I can possibly suggest is that Managers and Supervisors perhaps need training to ensure they understand the needs of a person with Asperger Syndrome and as awareness is in its early stages, this in itself is one possible approach. I cannot outline a strategic plan but I do believe awareness of Asperger Syndrome is important to ensure work places understand the person and should any issues arise that the Supervisor or Manager raises this with the staff member with Asperger Syndrome to rectify the problem or issue as soon as possible. One of the areas I have difficulty with is understanding a persons personal space. Sometimes not knowing the boundaries and being too intense can cause the issue of harassment as I don't think Neuro Typical are always understanding of intensity. I have had issues in the past concerning intensity in making friends and this can in itself become a problem. One of the ares as I understand it being looked into in the United Kingdom is the judiciary as people with Asperger Syndrome having little eye contact with those in a position of authority and not being always to explain their course of actions, can cause difficulty within judicial matters. I don't really know everything or can answer everyone's questions in terms of what can be done but all I know is the neuro typical world in itself can be very challenging at times. I know NT people may talk to themselves and experience similar issues to adults on the spectrum, but I think for people on the spectrum we struggle more with not having a lighter side, not being able to read body language and more importantly understand body language and visual queues. Currently there is little or no support for adults on the spectrum and some adults are in relationships and others not which can also make life challenging. By getting the message out there we can hopefully continue to break down the areas of confusing and misunderstanding but of course this is going to take time. I don't think people with Asperger Syndrome can use having Asperger Syndrome as an excuse for certain types of behaviour but I do believe that communication and clear direction and guidance is required to avoid difficult situations.

Diet and Asperger Syndrome

As more and more we hear about Asperger Syndrome, and diagnosis appearing in adults, I often wonder what may be the cause of Asperger Syndrome and why Aspies are more susceptible to sickness than other groups of people. Firstly, there have been several research studies as I understand on AS, food and gluten intolerance. Some evidence does suggest that gluten attributes to Aspie behaviours and perhaps further investigation is needed to prove that gluten is a problem in Aspies. Perhaps cow's milk may also need investigation as the first liquid a baby consumes is milk and it would be interesting to investigate if certain cows may carry some kind of genetic code in their milk which may attribute to Autism but of course this is mere speculation. I do believe that from person experience that some foods worsen AS tendencies. Some foods cause internal stomach upsets and irritable bowel or just internal discomfort which can change moods. I find if a certain food annoys my digestive system, it sticks with me all day and furthermore has an impact on my moods. I can't seem to narrow down what foods actually cause this and if you seek medical advice the medical fraternity want to put you through a rigid series of tests. Sometimes you feel an allergic reaction to some foods and if you have anxiety combined, then the intolerance may become more of a problem. What needs to be understood is not so much the generalisation but more so whether or not some foods may release toxins into the blood stream which of course fuels the brain. Our brain is chemical and I don't think we are fully aware of how all chemicals affect a person's mood swings and again it is hard to describe what I am suggesting without certain comments or criticism. Amongst Aspies, I have noticed a higher proportion suffer allergies and deal with colds. Perhaps with the Asperger person under or feeling the affect of anxiety, immune systems are also under pressure thus causing a weakness in the immune system. I often find myself susceptible to allergies and have what I call a social skills hangover. A social skills hangover is when you tax all your cognitive and social skills function to the extreme that you need isolation from the world around you. Sometimes you may need a matter of minutes, hours or sometimes days to start feeling yourself again. Sometimes I can sense and I know this may sound weird, areas in my own cognitive function that struggle or feel tense, sore or cramped. I have high executive function but simple things like negotiating public transport can be a challenge. I find it hard to sometimes read small messages for example when catching a train and purchasing a ticket. Of course this also heightens anxiety for if you say I will work it out as I go a long you could be breaking the law by riding on the train without the train ticket and thinking you can purchase a ticket on the train. I find doing away with humans in employment really annoys me for when I need to ring up a department and obtain a series of automated messages, often your query cannot be answered. Bureaucracy is also maddening and it tends to work against Aspies for some reason. Perhaps being too literal and not seeing the gray areas causes us problems.

The Specialisterne Model for Australia

Early developments or more I say hopefully the early beginnings are going to lay the foundation stone for Specialisterne in Australia. Specialisterne can be visited at the following website http://www.specialistpeople.com/ I have a meeting tomorrow with some key individuals regarding its implementation in Australia. It would be a first for Australia if we are able to get this employer of Autistic Adults off the ground and a lot of considerations are needed. I am hoping that other adults on the Autistic Spectrum may have some ideas or suggestions and of course input. If for instance Brisbane is to introduce Specialisterne here and of course with relevant support and funding, the ground work can be laid for an Aspie conducive work environment. In my meeting with the key members of this group tomorrow, I hope we can discuss a viable strategy and a framework to lay the foundations for a realistic, and workable approach to get something done. Not only with Specialisterne employ adults on the Autistic Spectrum, it will furthermore provide a means and a link with Specialisterne in Europe. It will help assist Australia to be more competitive and recruit a productive and reliable means of labour which in a positive and supported work environment will hopefully be free of the difficulties adults with AS confront in conventional employment. I know that many of you have wondered what exactly is involved in Specialisterne but it is the hope of many including myself that a positive light will be cast on people on the Autistic Spectrum. Australia will hopefully begin to see the merits of employing adults with AS rather than casting them aside and over looking them within traditional employment. Hopefully Thorkil Sonne CEO of Specialisterne will be able to visit Australia and our adults here can be seen upon the world stage rather than existing at present in a low quality of life. I was asked by a friend, "I hope you are enjoying life". The answer is of course because I feel I am promoting awareness and hopefully getting something done about issues concerning Autism. I don't need to buy material objects to feel happy within myself nor do I need to live in some kind of surrealistic existence. Just knowing many talented and wonderful people who are often overlooked by society is in itself something to feel proud about. I will be mentioning Specialisterne within my presentations on employment and Asperger Syndrome. Even though you can only eat an elephant one mouthful at a time, the fact I feel awareness is occurring is in itself rewarding. I will keep this blog up to date with the meeting tomorrow and further advocacy. Specialisterne is an opportunity to allow Australia to compete or more importantly produce something so please if you can try to support Specialisterne and the work behind it in making use of adults on the Autistic Spectrum!

Australian Exists in a backwash in terms of disability and support

As I write this post and some people may choose to read it or not. Australia has a disgraceful record in terms of neglect of people with a disability. Recently in the Geneva Convention on Disability, Australia ranked well below a fail and what if anything is being done to rectify this? Well the simple answer is nothing. Across the disability sector as well as mental health, adults with disabilities confront neglect and it seems that society does not give a damn. I am just one voice as an adult with a disability. I find no support and services available and furthermore the necessary services and support that are needed simply do not exist. In terms of dealing with relationships, lifestyle management and handling anxiety levels, I live alone and try my best to cope. I think it is about time that Australia lift its veil of complacency and do something about support and services to people with disabilities. I am aware that isolation is a reality from the rest of the world in terms of Australian attitude but this is no excuse. With the pressure of more and more immigration issues confronting this country, the attitude of "she'll be right" needs to change. Society has to accept and be responsible for adults who are confronted with a disability and to simple shirk this responsibility and think that it either does not exist or that it will go away is simply not good enough. We need to as a society to think outside the box and be a part of the rest of the world for Australian attitude needs to change. I often get extremely anxious in my own time whether vital support and services will become available to those in need or whether it will take several generations to finally implement what support and services are needed. I grow tired of simply shelving books in a library and constantly being overlooked into what I can actually to to make more contribution to the needs of people with disabilities, especially Asperger Syndrome in adults and children. As I don't have a qualification, this simply makes it difficult to be simply heard and get the message out there to do something and to make a difference. Adults with Asperger Syndrome need lifestyle management and the world has to have a mutual understanding of the difficulties and challenges confronting individuals with a disability including Asperger Syndrome. I cannot help the way I think, I try to get by in life and often I fall and make mistakes and break conventions without knowing it. In terms of people trying to understand me, I am overlooked, seen as eccentric or wrongly labelled as someone who has a temporary condition and the problem will eventually go away. Life can be very difficult at times. I house sit in order to try and obtain an independent lifestyle as I try not put the strain on my elderly parents but instead of getting support and services, I get by as best I can. I have to handle my life's challenges myself and I have very few friends and family I can call on for support. Counseling is also not there when you need it and I encounter other adults on the spectrum who are close to breaking point and trying to help this is difficult when I try to keep myself afloat. I wonder if Australia will ever pass an Autism Act or whether it is just going to be another let down in the long series of letdowns that my life has experienced. It just seems at times that nothing works out and I realise that I live an unconventional existence and try my best to cope with it. I see relationships as a real obstacle and I have learned to talk to myself to advise myself on what I need to do with my life because nobody is around. I really begin to see withdrawing from society and giving up as a serious option and I really don't want to have to go on medication again. I just wish I could be utilised to advise those who are interested on the needs of people with disabilities. I tried to help out in hospitals where people have been involved in car accidents but finding the bureaucratic cogs of volunteering and being knocked back has even made this impossible. I really don't know what to do. I need help in certain areas of my life but I struggle to find it and when you turn to the medical profession they just don't understand. They want to medicate the problem and I don't want to be medicated. I have a good mind and intelligence but society just doesn't know how to deal with this. I am tired of seeing crap on television, I am tired of people who are not intellectually curious and furthermore fiercely conservative. Can people just open their minds for once. Also the adults with AS and I don't always see things the same way. I try very hard to help them and some of them just need help which I am not able to provide. I really think that Australia can make a difference but we need as a country to jettison this complacent way of thinking that we have at the moment. I am tired of the me focused world. Neighbourhoods live in fear, there is increasing crime and gang violence and the NT world is caving in on itself. I really hope things change for the future and I can make a positive contribution!!!!! Please watch the episode called "Breaking Point" regarding Australia's neglect of people with a disability by coping and pasting this link into your web browser http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/special_eds/20100215/disability/

Autism organisations need to unite in Australia

If Australia needs to pass an Autism Act and ensure that a united approach is carried out, we first need to unite all Autism associations and Asperger Syndrome Associations together. What is a constant problem is the internal division and rivalry between organisations and such negative and unhelpful behaviour seriously undermines the very people that it is supposed to support. I have in the past not seen eye ball to eye ball with some key individuals in certain associations and I am not wanting to affect their position but more importantly get the message out there that the people affected by Autism who of course may not see things the same way I do, need support where it is available. I am constantly briefed about what I want and I am not wanting to be on the national stage, I am just trying my hardest to get support to those individuals affected by Autism to be linked to important services and support. As a community, people with Autism cannot live in or expect the world to be all one way but if we can work towards an approach of having a mutual understanding between both parties then we are clearly setting a bench mark to achieve something realistic. One of the things I grow tired of is Autism organisations failing to support those individuals or persons seriously in need. I am tired of the power play that goes on because this is not helping people on the spectrum at all. We need to re-evaluate our position within the community and focus on those people who need our help. We need stringent, meticulous and thorough auditing on an annual basis to ensure that funding and monies are being channeled and distributed to essential services. These being lifestyle support, employment agencies, employment support, adult accommodation, schooling, and community awareness and I am sure those involved in Autism can think of a great deal more. I have been in touch with Mr Robert Oakeshott - Independent for Lyne and I am also meeting with some key individuals next Wednesday to replicate Specialisterne hopefully in Australia. Adults on the Autistic Spectrum need to give this employer a go and I hope they will. Also with necessary job support agencies, this may also help in combating the problems adults on the Autistic Spectrum have in relation to employment. Over the coming weeks, I will be house sitting to try and maintain an independent lifestyle and of course doing advocacy where I can. I will writing again and provide updates when they are required.

Autism Australia Act possible drafting

We the Parliament and Commonwealth of Australia agree to support and implement the National Autism Act into Parliament. Autism is a growing problem in Australia with more and more children and adults being diagnosed with this disorder. As Autism represents adults who comprise 1% of the population and currently diagnosis is growing, this Bill ensures that the government and those departments responsible ensure that support and services are made to both adullts and children. This bills acknowledges the need to address Autism and ensure both support and services are made available to address a growing problem of Autism in Australia. The Autism Bill Australia ensures the following: 1. Early intervention is recognised, acknowledged and treated as early as possible. 2. Autism awareness begins at school with the school environment making the necessary accommodations and support for the needs of children. i.e creation of schools to cater for the needs of children with Autism 3. Services made available to children, their family and carers where required. 4. Employment Agencies established within Australia and its territories to ensure adults with Autism are getting assistance and support with workplace support and on the job placement. 5. Services made available to adults with Autism to ensure and overcome the issues of social isolation, depression and loniliness 6. Funding to Autism Agencies with such funding undergoing careful and meticulous audting on an annual basis to ensure funding is being channeled to the correct departments and adults with Autism and children are obtainng the help they need. 7. The Australian Autism Act to roughly follow the Autism Act in the UK http://www.autism.org.uk/autismact2009 8. The Australian Government to introduce the UK model of diagnosiing Autism and to abolish the current DSM5 or American based diagnostic criteria? 9. The medical fraternity to be trained and made aware of the needs of Autism with a greater understanding of how Autism effects and individual 10. Awareness both media and in print to be distributed to the Australian Community to enlighten and educate them on the needs of people with Autism. 11. An overview of the Disability Discriminationa Act to incorporate Autism and ensure discrimination against people on the Autistic Spectrum does not occur within the work environment or in society in general.

What does a Hung Parliament mean for Australia?

Election 2010 was indeed an interesting outcome. Never has the federal parliament been in such a predicament since the Election of 1941 to where the Menzies Conservative Government sat on a knife edge with certain key people ensuring the government remain in power. For Menzies a hung parliament did not work in his favour for in a plane crash the members who ensured the government have its numbers, caused a change of hands and a shift of power to John Curtain. With the current situation what will be the future of this situation as the is clearly no numbers to test the floor and thus form a government. What needs important consideration is that all independents are from former conservative party backgrounds. I think personally that things can be done and majority rule exists no more. Perhaps for Julia Gillard she is unable to afford and enjoy the numbers and complacency. This is a perfect opportunity to get things done and of course as a friend on the Autistic Spectrum indicated, a means of an independent passing a Private Members Bill to get an Autism Bill in enacted. More importantly it allows Professor Patrick McGorry to furthermore get Mental Illness also mentioned. Despite his tireless efforts to get something done about mental illness, adults with Asperger Syndrome do fall into the mental illness category. Adults who cannot find work are forced often than not to take medication as a means of survival and sadly Autistic Children are medicated to be controlled and clearly something needs to change. Hopefully something will be done to clean up the mess of disability neglect, mental illness issues and Autism in Australia. I think Election 2010 was a mess personally left by factionalism and Mr Rudd give me a break, you were shafted and to turn around and ask for forgiveness is just ridiculous. The election in my view was a total mess with no clear policies or a means of a mandate. It reminded me of a Punch and Judy Show the whole election scenario. The current situation is indeed a time of uncertainty and what exactly will the independents do and how will they work to ensure a majority as a block? Personally I think Robert Oakeshott can get things done and I have had some contact with him. He seems a keen and enthusiastic younger member of parliament whom I can see is somewhat disillusioned with the 2 party status quo. Tony Windsor who is the Independent for New England doesn't look like he will take any crap and Bob Katter is good with the one liners and I am sure his input will be interesting as well. I cannot speak for the other independents but hopefully things will be done in all directions and mundane and out of date two party American type of style will go out the door. I personally felt unconvinced voting for Labor or Liberal/National but being forced to vote and not having a clear policy or what I believe in not existing within the political candidates, I personally will be watching the Independents as they go to work. I have been in contact as stated earlier with Robert Oakeshott whom I also was glad to see go to Canberra at a Federal Level. We need change and youth in the parliament and I think seeing Mr Oakeshott's input will be interesting from a younger Australian's perspective. As the weeks unfold, of course there will be jockeying for power but I do tip an interesting outcome will eventuate.