When comparing Australia to the United Kingdom in terms of awareness and support, one of the main differences is that the UK has more people, more densely populated and more clustered. This allows people to be closer together and services easier to reach. In Australia the distances are larger and the adults are more remote so getting to where the services and support are is far more difficult. Also the population of Australia is less and therefore less adults.
Australian Aspies are disadvantaged by remoteness. Some are able to get to services mainly due to cost, and limited transport. Also the government is not willing to fund as much in Australia due to other priorities which is unfortunate. The UK has better services also as awareness has been obtained earlier and information easier to reach the wider community.
In the whole I think the UK has better services for adults because of the cultural differences. British people are also closer to both the United States and to Europe. Furthermore, British people seem much more tolerant of diversity and acceptance of difference. They are least likely to be defensive or dismissive of someone who may not fit into the box so if you collect toilet brushes you have an opportunity for being admired more so than being seen to put into a strait jacket.
In my next book I discuss how eccentricity needs to be more embraced into Australian Society and how Aspies should be better understood and not rejected. It is my intention that my next book will shed light on allowing more tolerance and inclusion of Aspies into Australian society.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Authoring my next book
I am currently editing the manuscript for my next book "Crikey I'm Eccentric". I have spoken to Professor Tony Attwood about this book and he informed me that the word crikey is associated with Steve Irwin but was quite interested to know how this word can relate to an adult with Autism in the Australian experience. I am hoping that this book will allow Aspies to breathe a little easier in Australia and I hope that people will look upon the Autism Spectrum from a different viewpoint. I discuss eccentricity and how eccentric people make a valuable contribution to society and should be better understood and accepted.
I intend to write more books but shorter books are read quicker and have more impact. My last book has now obtained a wider coverage by people's kind purchases and donations to various libraries and Autism Associations around the world. I intend to eventually write a series that will start off with childhood and then the evolutionary steps into adulthood. I think people need to understand that Autism just does not go away once a person has reached the age of 18 or 21. So more manuscripts will be written in due course.
I intend to visit both the United States and Canada at some stage and look forward to eventually meeting Arman Khodaei who advocates for Autism in the United States. I will be corresponding more with Arman where I can and try to assist so as to spread the word about Autism. Arman is also writing a book or I think he has written one and is trying to get it published. I would like to read his book to gauge his experiences of having Autism.
Writing a book and publishing it is a mammoth undertaking. I have virtually had to rely on Facebook, Twitter and Asperger Services Australia to get the message out there. In order to penetrate the bigger and wider market, this I hope will happen eventually. The future of Autism needs further awareness so as to provide the necessary support and services to both children and adults with Autism. For now please visit my website for more information.
I intend to write more books but shorter books are read quicker and have more impact. My last book has now obtained a wider coverage by people's kind purchases and donations to various libraries and Autism Associations around the world. I intend to eventually write a series that will start off with childhood and then the evolutionary steps into adulthood. I think people need to understand that Autism just does not go away once a person has reached the age of 18 or 21. So more manuscripts will be written in due course.
I intend to visit both the United States and Canada at some stage and look forward to eventually meeting Arman Khodaei who advocates for Autism in the United States. I will be corresponding more with Arman where I can and try to assist so as to spread the word about Autism. Arman is also writing a book or I think he has written one and is trying to get it published. I would like to read his book to gauge his experiences of having Autism.
Writing a book and publishing it is a mammoth undertaking. I have virtually had to rely on Facebook, Twitter and Asperger Services Australia to get the message out there. In order to penetrate the bigger and wider market, this I hope will happen eventually. The future of Autism needs further awareness so as to provide the necessary support and services to both children and adults with Autism. For now please visit my website for more information.
Aches and Pains
I have heard from some Aspies about how they seem to experience aches and pains. I also have this at times and it may be due to anxiety? As Aspies suffer heightened or consistent anxiety, I think our immune systems have to work harder to cope. Also as we often have difficult with poor motor co-ordination or posture. This in itself may be a contributing factor to muscle tension.
I tend to think that the Cerebellum is responsible for some of the difficulties Aspies have as this part of the brain may tend to struggle a great deal more with day to day function. Also the Amygdala looks after balance and posture as far as I am aware. Sometimes I feel this part of the brain needing to struggle or at times not seeming to work properly. I find that it prevents me from fully functioning at times and I have to get by like a car with flat tyres.
It would be interesting to know how many Aspies have issues with pain, tension and stress in their everyday lives. Sometimes just getting through the day is often a major undertaking but like the car with flat tyres you just have to do your best.
I tend to think that the Cerebellum is responsible for some of the difficulties Aspies have as this part of the brain may tend to struggle a great deal more with day to day function. Also the Amygdala looks after balance and posture as far as I am aware. Sometimes I feel this part of the brain needing to struggle or at times not seeming to work properly. I find that it prevents me from fully functioning at times and I have to get by like a car with flat tyres.
It would be interesting to know how many Aspies have issues with pain, tension and stress in their everyday lives. Sometimes just getting through the day is often a major undertaking but like the car with flat tyres you just have to do your best.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Being a half cast between Aspie and NT
Being Aspie sometimes has its downfalls as often I can feel like I am very high functioning and sometimes feel frustrated at some of the executive function difficulties other Aspies have. It is not their fault but I find sometimes that joking with an Aspie is not always a good idea. They take things too literally and often and mostly so do I! Tonight I made a comment to an Aspie concerning this Aspie's employer. As the employer is American I thought that by saying in relation to a decision 'does this yank need to give you final approval"?. What I was more or less meaning was the frustration with trying for the Aspie concerned to obtain approval for leave. I sometimes find this with other Aspies as well as sometimes I need to remember they are Aspie and joking around with them on rare occasions simply is going to fall down like a lead balloon.
Sometimes I feel that I am almost NT but this is in rare spurts. I feel in these rare instances kind of euphoric and having a lot of confidence in myself. It is only when sadly things don't work out or that my expectation is too high that the reality of life starts crashing down on me like a whole heap of rocks falling off a cliff.
While I write this I do not feel depressed nor really worried. I sometimes wonder if perhaps I am very high functioning and other Aspies aren't but I don't like using the term high functioning because it puts other Aspies down. I don't really like the term. I sometimes feel that I am a half cast between Aspie and NT and I don't know which way I am. My mood swings sometimes change but not very often. I sometimes or often feel that I am living my life until the day I finally draw my last breath. Well I know I need to change this view and live more for the present. Chris Mitchell told me about this when I last visited him and his life seems to be changing. He told me he is busy now with his life. Chris converted me to being a soccer admirer and I can remember when visiting the Stadium of Light in Sunderland many years ago in England that when all of the spectators of the Sunderland Football Team got up to acknowledge a strike and I was slow to stand that Chris said "What's wrong with you man, can't you see what has happened?". Chris often spoke about Soccer being the world game and I think now I have started to tweak to some of his interests but not Steal Panther and Iron Maiden. I was surprised to find Chris actually interested in Death Leopard and heavy metal. However it is part of his persona so I guess it makes him unique as an Aspie.
Chris seems at home in Autism Works and the work he does with Peter MacDonald there is in my opinion pioneering. I still feel mostly Aspie and I am not sure I really want to be NT but us Aspies do have our charming points and it is just a matter of people digging deep to find them.
Sometimes I feel that I am almost NT but this is in rare spurts. I feel in these rare instances kind of euphoric and having a lot of confidence in myself. It is only when sadly things don't work out or that my expectation is too high that the reality of life starts crashing down on me like a whole heap of rocks falling off a cliff.
While I write this I do not feel depressed nor really worried. I sometimes wonder if perhaps I am very high functioning and other Aspies aren't but I don't like using the term high functioning because it puts other Aspies down. I don't really like the term. I sometimes feel that I am a half cast between Aspie and NT and I don't know which way I am. My mood swings sometimes change but not very often. I sometimes or often feel that I am living my life until the day I finally draw my last breath. Well I know I need to change this view and live more for the present. Chris Mitchell told me about this when I last visited him and his life seems to be changing. He told me he is busy now with his life. Chris converted me to being a soccer admirer and I can remember when visiting the Stadium of Light in Sunderland many years ago in England that when all of the spectators of the Sunderland Football Team got up to acknowledge a strike and I was slow to stand that Chris said "What's wrong with you man, can't you see what has happened?". Chris often spoke about Soccer being the world game and I think now I have started to tweak to some of his interests but not Steal Panther and Iron Maiden. I was surprised to find Chris actually interested in Death Leopard and heavy metal. However it is part of his persona so I guess it makes him unique as an Aspie.
Chris seems at home in Autism Works and the work he does with Peter MacDonald there is in my opinion pioneering. I still feel mostly Aspie and I am not sure I really want to be NT but us Aspies do have our charming points and it is just a matter of people digging deep to find them.
The thinking in the now and not the future
I was talking with Chris Mitchell about his meditation and ways of coping with stress and anxiety while I was in the United Kingdom. Chris informed me of how as an Aspie it is important to think about the present more so than the future which seems to raise levels of anxiety. Chris undertakes meditation which helps him to control some of his anxiety and to think more in the present than the future.
I would encourage anyone to look at Chris Mitchell's website which can be found by visiting the above link on the Title page.
I would encourage anyone to look at Chris Mitchell's website which can be found by visiting the above link on the Title page.
The Gillard Tax Fiasco
I really wonder about the legitimacy of the carbon tax introduced by the Gillard Labor Independent controlled government? Australia has a population of less than 23 million and yet this hypocritical tax has been introduced. Meanwhile the main polluters of India and China omit more carbon and greenhouse gases than any other country. Surely curtailing their omissions is an urgent priority??!
If you are going to tax carbon then exactly who and how is the tax going to better Australia and more importantly where is the money going to go? I am somewhat cynical and see the tax as a means of the government to raise more revenue to continue to fund the black hole and mismanagement of its own handling of the economy. What also concerns me more is that some people are just so thick that they harbour such views and are blind to see the exercise of revenue raising by the government to fill their own grandeur and black holes of incompetence. Politicians in Australia are set for life after serving only two terms it seems. They get all the perks of high office. Please double click on the title of this post for more information. They receive life long pensions and never have to stare poverty in the face ever again.
What exactly then is the tax going to do and I wonder how it will improve as Gillard said "It's for the good of the nation?"
1. Can road infrastructure be improved? Well if cars and roads pollute then building more surely will increase greenhouse omissions?
2. How will politicians be affected with their free travel etc? Will they be able to travel more while the rest of us are taxed to buggery?
3. Infrastructure. If more buildings are built then surely they will need to be taxed as well for where is carbon energy required in terms of materials, and machinery used to put them together?
4. Oh even the grass may need to grow without being cut in the parks, suburbs and on the plantations? I mean tractors, and other machinery causing omissions they ore more than likely to rely on the use of carbon?
5. What else may need to be taxed also? Paper for isn't carbon energy required somewhere to produce paper? Maybe we can use computers oh yeah and the energy for them has to come from carbon somewhere unless the government wants to get serious and use solar power? Even products for solar power probably needed carbon or still do to produce the parts for solar energy?
6. Perhaps you can become a carbon phobic? You can be so phobic about where carbon is used that you could develop a phobia that prevents you from using or seeing carbon somewhere which you may be taxed for? Good luck trying to survive for you may as well bury yourself in a wooden box or live in one?
Look if you want to get serious about a carbon tax then surely the world's biggest polluters of India and China and some other countries with larger populations need to be made to seriously reduce carbon omissions. Australia remains in a geographically isolated part of the world and the rest of the world I am sorry are not going to take notice of Australia. In the United States and in Europe very few people even know where Australia is actually positioned in the world stage so if action is needed to significantly reduce greenhouse gases then India and China have to come on board. Until this happens Australia will appear just a laughing stock to the rest of the world and nobody is going to take Australia seriously even for those who know of its geographic location. Oh I may be taxed also for writing my blog for carbon is used for energy. Maybe I will have to make my inscriptions and blogs on paper bark on trees from now on?!
If you are going to tax carbon then exactly who and how is the tax going to better Australia and more importantly where is the money going to go? I am somewhat cynical and see the tax as a means of the government to raise more revenue to continue to fund the black hole and mismanagement of its own handling of the economy. What also concerns me more is that some people are just so thick that they harbour such views and are blind to see the exercise of revenue raising by the government to fill their own grandeur and black holes of incompetence. Politicians in Australia are set for life after serving only two terms it seems. They get all the perks of high office. Please double click on the title of this post for more information. They receive life long pensions and never have to stare poverty in the face ever again.
What exactly then is the tax going to do and I wonder how it will improve as Gillard said "It's for the good of the nation?"
1. Can road infrastructure be improved? Well if cars and roads pollute then building more surely will increase greenhouse omissions?
2. How will politicians be affected with their free travel etc? Will they be able to travel more while the rest of us are taxed to buggery?
3. Infrastructure. If more buildings are built then surely they will need to be taxed as well for where is carbon energy required in terms of materials, and machinery used to put them together?
4. Oh even the grass may need to grow without being cut in the parks, suburbs and on the plantations? I mean tractors, and other machinery causing omissions they ore more than likely to rely on the use of carbon?
5. What else may need to be taxed also? Paper for isn't carbon energy required somewhere to produce paper? Maybe we can use computers oh yeah and the energy for them has to come from carbon somewhere unless the government wants to get serious and use solar power? Even products for solar power probably needed carbon or still do to produce the parts for solar energy?
6. Perhaps you can become a carbon phobic? You can be so phobic about where carbon is used that you could develop a phobia that prevents you from using or seeing carbon somewhere which you may be taxed for? Good luck trying to survive for you may as well bury yourself in a wooden box or live in one?
Look if you want to get serious about a carbon tax then surely the world's biggest polluters of India and China and some other countries with larger populations need to be made to seriously reduce carbon omissions. Australia remains in a geographically isolated part of the world and the rest of the world I am sorry are not going to take notice of Australia. In the United States and in Europe very few people even know where Australia is actually positioned in the world stage so if action is needed to significantly reduce greenhouse gases then India and China have to come on board. Until this happens Australia will appear just a laughing stock to the rest of the world and nobody is going to take Australia seriously even for those who know of its geographic location. Oh I may be taxed also for writing my blog for carbon is used for energy. Maybe I will have to make my inscriptions and blogs on paper bark on trees from now on?!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Do I really belong in Australia?
I find myself making the adjustment back to Australia especially Brisbane very difficult. I often wonder if I should live in some Eastern European country? There the women don't compete with the men and are not so outspoken and defensive as they seem to be here. I also feel that perhaps my way of thinking may be better accepted to where I currently share no similarities with the people around me. I am tired of people who say I need to try harder or that I need to think more positively. If this was the case I would have been cured or my way of life would have changed ages ago.
I find Australian society boring to be honest. The Rugby League culture is too obsessive for my liking and the emphasis on drinking and getting 'pissed' is something that it just a total waste of energy. I have wondered about teaching English in some eastern European culture and maybe meeting women who are not wanting to compete etc. Maybe this is something I need to look more into?
For some reason people always seem to be wanting to change me as a person or just be critical on the other hand. I walked through the park and talked to myself which I seem to do more in Australia than I do overseas about the way things are here. I saw a group of Indian people and I wondered how inclusive Australian society is of foreign people? Does there need to be more diversity? I think yes because diversity gets people to think and be more intellectually curious.
As an Aspie I struggle a lot more in Australia than I do overseas. There simply is not the social networks and the awareness that there is in other countries like the UK. The UK is not perfect but there are more groups for adults whereas here you are virtually left to your own devices. I think Aspies here don't look for services because they know either they don't exist or their needs are unable to be met. Some Aspies seem to turn on me here also which I do not understand. They can just be so nasty! I just think that they need help as much as I do and I guess they have to take it out on someone?
When I travel abroad I find people seem more open minded and less critical. I can be myself and not exist in a tribal culture and one that tries to fit you into a box. I feel a bit depressed this afternoon as I miss that which I have been exposed to while overseas. That is people who seem more accommodating and open minded. Perhaps looking and living abroad maybe a better option than it is living here. I am tired of the social isolation and feeling down most of the time by people simply not being able to understand.
I find Australian society boring to be honest. The Rugby League culture is too obsessive for my liking and the emphasis on drinking and getting 'pissed' is something that it just a total waste of energy. I have wondered about teaching English in some eastern European culture and maybe meeting women who are not wanting to compete etc. Maybe this is something I need to look more into?
For some reason people always seem to be wanting to change me as a person or just be critical on the other hand. I walked through the park and talked to myself which I seem to do more in Australia than I do overseas about the way things are here. I saw a group of Indian people and I wondered how inclusive Australian society is of foreign people? Does there need to be more diversity? I think yes because diversity gets people to think and be more intellectually curious.
As an Aspie I struggle a lot more in Australia than I do overseas. There simply is not the social networks and the awareness that there is in other countries like the UK. The UK is not perfect but there are more groups for adults whereas here you are virtually left to your own devices. I think Aspies here don't look for services because they know either they don't exist or their needs are unable to be met. Some Aspies seem to turn on me here also which I do not understand. They can just be so nasty! I just think that they need help as much as I do and I guess they have to take it out on someone?
When I travel abroad I find people seem more open minded and less critical. I can be myself and not exist in a tribal culture and one that tries to fit you into a box. I feel a bit depressed this afternoon as I miss that which I have been exposed to while overseas. That is people who seem more accommodating and open minded. Perhaps looking and living abroad maybe a better option than it is living here. I am tired of the social isolation and feeling down most of the time by people simply not being able to understand.
Would I run for politics?
I have been asked by some people would I run for politics? To answer this question simply and directly no I would not! The first thing is I don't trust people in political environments. I would virtually want to scrutinise everything. Where the money for my campaign would go, who I could trust to serve the best interests of the nation and finally would I be able to get things done once elected?
If I entered parliament more so as an Independent as I cannot trust the party towing of lines, I would ensure I would have as much authority as possible. I would find myself virtually needing an army of supporters to help me with decision making and putting forward a private member's bill. One of my first priorities would be of course to put forward a private members bill for an Autism Bill in Australia. This in itself would face opposition or possible defeat. I would need to work with NT's and this would be an overwhelming challenge. I would also endeavour to bring Australia up to International Standards with disability support. The economy would be another matter and I would employ possibly Aspies or professional people whom I can trust to ensure all the books balance and there remains no debts. I could not deal or handle debt and I would work at ways to reduce and decrease it.
My policies would remain unpopular also. I am tired of crime and I am sick of drugs. Drugs are increasing crime and more and more needs to be done to get people back into reality. As a society people have become so detached and isolated from their communities that we need to bring community and reality back again! People need to feel good about themselves. Possibly a National Service to restore pride in younger people may be but one way to go. People just need to have discipline, self respect and feel proud about themselves.
An Aspie in politics would be an interesting event. Just imagine the modifications required where necessary to assist with the difficulties that may occur. These being dealing with other personalities and looking out for possible snake oil where you may least expect it. I know of some Aspies in politics but some seem to be able to survive but in terms of progression then that is a different story.
What I would personally like to see for Australia besides Autism Bill are as follows
1. Roads upgraded and bringing in foreign labour to do the hard work where required.
2. More focus on green house friendly energy rather than just slugging taxpayers
3. Improvement in Australia's Rail network so fast trains between Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide
4. Make people feel better in themselves and make Australia more competitive on an international stage
5. Review certain laws and allow people to walk free on the streets and to get police back on the beat rather than slugging motorists who go one or 5 kms over the state limit on roads
6. Review State Parliaments especially upper houses. Are they still required?
7. Encourage younger people to communicate more and stop their brains from being exposed with mush and other unnecessary crap
Yes I wouldn't please everyone but frankly at my point in life as Clark Gable said in Gone With The Wind "Frankly my dear I do not give a damn"!". If I can't be who I am then I need to say what I think and feel. Australia needs to stand up more and stop riding on the veil of complacency which exists and despite its isolation it needs to compete and been seen more. This also applies to the Soccer World Cup!
I would not really run for politics but I do know of certain young people whom I think would make good leaders. They only just need to be given a chance and they may be more Autism Friendly we can only hope to help Australia move forward!
If I entered parliament more so as an Independent as I cannot trust the party towing of lines, I would ensure I would have as much authority as possible. I would find myself virtually needing an army of supporters to help me with decision making and putting forward a private member's bill. One of my first priorities would be of course to put forward a private members bill for an Autism Bill in Australia. This in itself would face opposition or possible defeat. I would need to work with NT's and this would be an overwhelming challenge. I would also endeavour to bring Australia up to International Standards with disability support. The economy would be another matter and I would employ possibly Aspies or professional people whom I can trust to ensure all the books balance and there remains no debts. I could not deal or handle debt and I would work at ways to reduce and decrease it.
My policies would remain unpopular also. I am tired of crime and I am sick of drugs. Drugs are increasing crime and more and more needs to be done to get people back into reality. As a society people have become so detached and isolated from their communities that we need to bring community and reality back again! People need to feel good about themselves. Possibly a National Service to restore pride in younger people may be but one way to go. People just need to have discipline, self respect and feel proud about themselves.
An Aspie in politics would be an interesting event. Just imagine the modifications required where necessary to assist with the difficulties that may occur. These being dealing with other personalities and looking out for possible snake oil where you may least expect it. I know of some Aspies in politics but some seem to be able to survive but in terms of progression then that is a different story.
What I would personally like to see for Australia besides Autism Bill are as follows
1. Roads upgraded and bringing in foreign labour to do the hard work where required.
2. More focus on green house friendly energy rather than just slugging taxpayers
3. Improvement in Australia's Rail network so fast trains between Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide
4. Make people feel better in themselves and make Australia more competitive on an international stage
5. Review certain laws and allow people to walk free on the streets and to get police back on the beat rather than slugging motorists who go one or 5 kms over the state limit on roads
6. Review State Parliaments especially upper houses. Are they still required?
7. Encourage younger people to communicate more and stop their brains from being exposed with mush and other unnecessary crap
Yes I wouldn't please everyone but frankly at my point in life as Clark Gable said in Gone With The Wind "Frankly my dear I do not give a damn"!". If I can't be who I am then I need to say what I think and feel. Australia needs to stand up more and stop riding on the veil of complacency which exists and despite its isolation it needs to compete and been seen more. This also applies to the Soccer World Cup!
I would not really run for politics but I do know of certain young people whom I think would make good leaders. They only just need to be given a chance and they may be more Autism Friendly we can only hope to help Australia move forward!
Keeping up to date with Autism Works
I am currently watching and observing the work of Autism Works very closely. I am also hoping that Stephen Hughes who works in a specialised area of Information Technology will also be soon visiting Australia. Stephen is finding it difficult to obtain leave from his employer to visit Australia and like other adults on the Autism Spectrum, he is affected by social isolation and a lack of services.
I talk regularly with both Peter MacDonald and Chris Mitchell from Autism Works. Autism Works has a Facebook page and as they rely on many sources of raising awareness, they can be found on Facebook by double clicking the above link. Your support and assistance will help them with their bid for further funding and start the ball rolling with employing more adults on the Autism Spectrum within employment.
I have now donated some of my books to the State Library of New South Wales, the State Library of California in the USA and the Ipswich City Council Library here in Australia. My book is starting to become more widespread slowly and I also have the book advertised on ebay. I can only do my best to help spread the message about Autism.
Australia is very slow with software testing and I have repeatedly tried to make contact with one of the key players concerned but to no avail. Hopefully some positive developments will occur in Melbourne and where to next remains a difficult question. At the moment all we can do is keep an eye on Autism Works and as much support as possible in assisting them obtain necessary funding would really help them. Good work Peter and Chris and we look forward to more updates soon!
I talk regularly with both Peter MacDonald and Chris Mitchell from Autism Works. Autism Works has a Facebook page and as they rely on many sources of raising awareness, they can be found on Facebook by double clicking the above link. Your support and assistance will help them with their bid for further funding and start the ball rolling with employing more adults on the Autism Spectrum within employment.
I have now donated some of my books to the State Library of New South Wales, the State Library of California in the USA and the Ipswich City Council Library here in Australia. My book is starting to become more widespread slowly and I also have the book advertised on ebay. I can only do my best to help spread the message about Autism.
Australia is very slow with software testing and I have repeatedly tried to make contact with one of the key players concerned but to no avail. Hopefully some positive developments will occur in Melbourne and where to next remains a difficult question. At the moment all we can do is keep an eye on Autism Works and as much support as possible in assisting them obtain necessary funding would really help them. Good work Peter and Chris and we look forward to more updates soon!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Why aren't people interested?
I find myself constantly thinking about things and the world around me. When I visit a historical site, read or watch something on TV I find myself totally interested and asking questions and cannot understand why other people are not the same?
People seem so tunnel visioned in the world around them. They wear blinkers and find constant distractions rather than deal with realities or responsibilities. For instance when you see someone not doing what you may assume to be the right thing, people just seem to accept it and not let it bother them. For instance if at a bbq the sausages are dropped on the ground and get dirt all over them, surely someone would think or know what to do rather than just dump them on the plate. This being a small example.
Tonight I spoke with Chris Mitchell. I have known Chris since 1999 and Chris seems to have a head's start in some areas of his life. He seems to be building up a social life and getting more speaking engagements and seems not really interested in keeping in touch anymore. Whereas he once visited well actually 3 times visited Australia, he seems to have little interest in returning. I guess times have changed. Keeping friends and communicating seems to be getting a lot harder nowadays and perhaps I am old fashioned in my beliefs?
Perhaps I should have lived in the 1950's or something? I just find people don't think often and they shirk responsibility. Nobody seems to have time to listen to anyone anymore and the reason why the world is so screwed up is that half of the world's problems could be avoided if only people had the time to listen. Before someone becomes down or depressed or feels lonely, it is just a matter of a phone call but times have changed. Neighbourhoods are surrounded by high fences and people only say hello and goodbye even in the odd chance if you see them.
As I approach 40 I feel somewhat nervous about my life. I know I am growing older and in my phone conversation with Professor Attwood, I mentioned how I seem to be living more on emotion more so than in reality. I often feel like I am pushing the envelope and surrounded by people who are strangers and I am unable to connect with them. I feel it my responsibility to ensure my health remains good. Chris mentions the need to live for the present and this seems to be helping him. His strategies may be useful to other adults on the Autism Spectrum and I wish Chris well with his journey ahead. Chris is younger than I am also which makes I guess a big difference also. If only people were more intellectually curious on the whole and I didn't feel so frustrated as to why people show as little interest in something which I find intellectually stimulating.
People seem so tunnel visioned in the world around them. They wear blinkers and find constant distractions rather than deal with realities or responsibilities. For instance when you see someone not doing what you may assume to be the right thing, people just seem to accept it and not let it bother them. For instance if at a bbq the sausages are dropped on the ground and get dirt all over them, surely someone would think or know what to do rather than just dump them on the plate. This being a small example.
Tonight I spoke with Chris Mitchell. I have known Chris since 1999 and Chris seems to have a head's start in some areas of his life. He seems to be building up a social life and getting more speaking engagements and seems not really interested in keeping in touch anymore. Whereas he once visited well actually 3 times visited Australia, he seems to have little interest in returning. I guess times have changed. Keeping friends and communicating seems to be getting a lot harder nowadays and perhaps I am old fashioned in my beliefs?
Perhaps I should have lived in the 1950's or something? I just find people don't think often and they shirk responsibility. Nobody seems to have time to listen to anyone anymore and the reason why the world is so screwed up is that half of the world's problems could be avoided if only people had the time to listen. Before someone becomes down or depressed or feels lonely, it is just a matter of a phone call but times have changed. Neighbourhoods are surrounded by high fences and people only say hello and goodbye even in the odd chance if you see them.
As I approach 40 I feel somewhat nervous about my life. I know I am growing older and in my phone conversation with Professor Attwood, I mentioned how I seem to be living more on emotion more so than in reality. I often feel like I am pushing the envelope and surrounded by people who are strangers and I am unable to connect with them. I feel it my responsibility to ensure my health remains good. Chris mentions the need to live for the present and this seems to be helping him. His strategies may be useful to other adults on the Autism Spectrum and I wish Chris well with his journey ahead. Chris is younger than I am also which makes I guess a big difference also. If only people were more intellectually curious on the whole and I didn't feel so frustrated as to why people show as little interest in something which I find intellectually stimulating.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Standing up to bullies
One of the biggest difficulties for a person on the Autism Spectrum is standing up to bullies. I think some people, especially those who may be unhappy with a part of their lives or who may exhibit a dominating personality tend to want to find some way to vent their anger and frustration. Unfortunately an Aspie is a prime target as usually our low self esteem puts us in a disadvantage. It can often be difficult to stand up to a potential bully or a stronger personality because an Aspie suffers from anxiety in most incidents or more sadly just thinks that bullying is something that they have to deal with alone. It can be difficult to know how to deal with bullying or the behaviours of a bully and often a solution can be to become stronger by building what I describe as a bullying shield.
Bullying in the workplace unfortunately can often be hard for anyone to deal with especially an Aspie. The work environment is not escapable and if there are not the mechanisms in place to deal with it, the Aspie or person bullied just tries their best to cope often with serious mental health issues or in worst incidents a means of resorting to medication or some other coping strategy.
Bullying severely cripples the self esteem of the person receiving it. It can cause stress and more sadly a further lowering of self esteem and can also make the person receiving the bullying sick. As an Aspie I have experienced a lot of bullying just by being and thinking differently. A person who bullies may not be happy within themselves and may feel that the only way to release the frustration is to take it out on someone else who has not as strong a personality. I think NT's for instance may have better coping strategies in relation to bullying but for an Aspie the lack of social networks and our inability to communicate and express ourselves to others is far more difficult.
The only way to stand up to bullies is to continue to report their behaviour until someone eventually listens! Nobody has to endure bullying and to have to put up with it and Aspies are no exception. The behaviour has to be continually monitored until it is resolved and in workplaces a far more effective approach in controlling bullying has to occur. For Aspies bullying can be crippling and can seriously escalate anxiety and mental health issues. Unfortunately for an Aspie also being naive and not always knowing with our different cognitive wiring how to deal with difficult situations, bullying can be a lot harder to deal with. What can also be sad is that an Aspie may lose hope in dealing with other people because the action of the bully can seriously cripple the means of being able to communicate and trust other people. In my case bullying was just a part of life when I was younger and there was no way to escape it!
Bullying in the workplace unfortunately can often be hard for anyone to deal with especially an Aspie. The work environment is not escapable and if there are not the mechanisms in place to deal with it, the Aspie or person bullied just tries their best to cope often with serious mental health issues or in worst incidents a means of resorting to medication or some other coping strategy.
Bullying severely cripples the self esteem of the person receiving it. It can cause stress and more sadly a further lowering of self esteem and can also make the person receiving the bullying sick. As an Aspie I have experienced a lot of bullying just by being and thinking differently. A person who bullies may not be happy within themselves and may feel that the only way to release the frustration is to take it out on someone else who has not as strong a personality. I think NT's for instance may have better coping strategies in relation to bullying but for an Aspie the lack of social networks and our inability to communicate and express ourselves to others is far more difficult.
The only way to stand up to bullies is to continue to report their behaviour until someone eventually listens! Nobody has to endure bullying and to have to put up with it and Aspies are no exception. The behaviour has to be continually monitored until it is resolved and in workplaces a far more effective approach in controlling bullying has to occur. For Aspies bullying can be crippling and can seriously escalate anxiety and mental health issues. Unfortunately for an Aspie also being naive and not always knowing with our different cognitive wiring how to deal with difficult situations, bullying can be a lot harder to deal with. What can also be sad is that an Aspie may lose hope in dealing with other people because the action of the bully can seriously cripple the means of being able to communicate and trust other people. In my case bullying was just a part of life when I was younger and there was no way to escape it!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Being an Aspie in an NT body
I have received remarks sometimes. You are very good looking or you look like everyone else and I wonder does this make it harder for me as an Aspie? I think for higher functioning Aspies that look like NT's, it is harder to actually find support and understanding from those around you. I may exist in an NT body but my mindset is Aspie and my way of thinking is differently wired. I find NT's try too hard to change Aspies and this only adds to pressure and a feeling of frustration, depression and confusion.
What is wrong with being Aspie? Most of the adults in the Asperger community like the term "Aspie" as it is something that we can cling to but not use as a label. Why does the American DSM V want to change and destroy something that provides us Aspies with a sense of identity. We are like Martians on another planet and we are great people but we have a few difficulties which really don't make us bad people. Aspies are actually very good people if they are provided a chance to be seen and heard. We can be very loyal once we become friends with you but often the fast paced life makes it difficult for you to get to know us properly.
I know a lot of Aspies from around the world. They are starting to feel a sense of ease now that they know they are not alone. There are other adults out there and it is a great feeling of sense worth to connect with other Aspies.
Can people try and understand us as Aspies and stop trying to change us. We just want to be better understood. So even though we exist in NT bodies does not always mean that we think and act the same way you do and if we don't you ignore or not want to have anything to do with us. Please give us a chance rather than remaining in ignorance and fear.
What is wrong with being Aspie? Most of the adults in the Asperger community like the term "Aspie" as it is something that we can cling to but not use as a label. Why does the American DSM V want to change and destroy something that provides us Aspies with a sense of identity. We are like Martians on another planet and we are great people but we have a few difficulties which really don't make us bad people. Aspies are actually very good people if they are provided a chance to be seen and heard. We can be very loyal once we become friends with you but often the fast paced life makes it difficult for you to get to know us properly.
I know a lot of Aspies from around the world. They are starting to feel a sense of ease now that they know they are not alone. There are other adults out there and it is a great feeling of sense worth to connect with other Aspies.
Can people try and understand us as Aspies and stop trying to change us. We just want to be better understood. So even though we exist in NT bodies does not always mean that we think and act the same way you do and if we don't you ignore or not want to have anything to do with us. Please give us a chance rather than remaining in ignorance and fear.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Having an Asperger Mindset
Being in my late 30's I find that having an Asperger Mindset puts me at odds with and thinking differently to those around me. I find at times obsessions can be difficult to control and certain levels of intensity. In other words just simply being patient can often be a big task!
I tend to see the world in black and white and I find the gray areas very confusing. People don't always say what they mean and I am very much confused when people do, act or say things which I just find it hard to get or understand. At times I struggle working out whether a person is being serious or whether they are having a joke and at times I find myself being made to feel inferior by simply asking if the person was joking. As I spend a great deal of mental energy in figuring out the world around me, much of my mental process is 80% on problem solving and 20% on other matters.
I am frustrated by people who are ignorant and just simply don't take the time nor the energy to simply understand rather than be more so critical and try and make me think and act like them. This tribal mentality is often overwhelming and at times I just do not feel human. I seem to be existing more so on emotion and mental energy than more so knowing who I am as a person. I am also very introspective and I have had people make very cruel comments such as, "I don't think Garry is capable of showing emotion or I don't think he has the capacity to be normal". Can you imagine how such comments make me feel as a person? Dr Tony Attwood describes Aspies as having empathy and not lacking it. There needs to be more awareness out there to prevent such negative comments from being said and directed towards Aspies.
I struggle with friendships as I often do not know what is involved in friendship and because I can become obsessed in making friends this can be misconstrued as either being homosexual, intense or pushing people away. It mainly is a problem as relating to a person is just so confusing. You struggle to know what a person is saying or meaning and more importantly what their motives are etc. I also find relationships just too difficult. Either I have been on the rare occasions hit on to experience intensity myself or simply there just is not the channel of communication available for an Aspie male to get to know a female and for this to happen slowly. Often the expectations are too high and the whole thing just falls apart even before it has a chance to begin. I find with ignorant people that their ignorance is something I cannot take personally. I just have to deflect it and know that either they will change or never bother to try. I also find going out to places not very comfortable as I just find all the mechanisms around me can often cause me to feel anxious. The sounds, the hierarchy and other mechanisms just make it all seem to overwhelming. I think this is why as an Aspie I spend vast periods of my time in my own company. Traveling is a good release but sooner or later I have to come back to reality. Just having someone to talk to who can listen, understand and provide some useful advice would be great. As Professor McGorry says and I agree with him, mental health is a big issue in Australia and more needs to be done about it.
I also try and help other Aspies and can become very anxious in the process. In the past just trying to think and help other Aspies out has caused me to experience very heightened levels of anxiety. I remember a friend on the Autism Spectrum informing me about Genieve Edmonds a female on the Autism Spectrum. She wrote a lot of books and tried to help other Aspies and was experiencing very high levels of anxiety and could no longer cope and sadly took her own life as a result. If only people around her could understand from the non Autistic community!?? The problem with obsessions also is that they tend to hijack your brain and thinking and interfere with other things which you do. Therapy is needed and more access to adult support groups. I will continue to lobby for services where I can!
I tend to see the world in black and white and I find the gray areas very confusing. People don't always say what they mean and I am very much confused when people do, act or say things which I just find it hard to get or understand. At times I struggle working out whether a person is being serious or whether they are having a joke and at times I find myself being made to feel inferior by simply asking if the person was joking. As I spend a great deal of mental energy in figuring out the world around me, much of my mental process is 80% on problem solving and 20% on other matters.
I am frustrated by people who are ignorant and just simply don't take the time nor the energy to simply understand rather than be more so critical and try and make me think and act like them. This tribal mentality is often overwhelming and at times I just do not feel human. I seem to be existing more so on emotion and mental energy than more so knowing who I am as a person. I am also very introspective and I have had people make very cruel comments such as, "I don't think Garry is capable of showing emotion or I don't think he has the capacity to be normal". Can you imagine how such comments make me feel as a person? Dr Tony Attwood describes Aspies as having empathy and not lacking it. There needs to be more awareness out there to prevent such negative comments from being said and directed towards Aspies.
I struggle with friendships as I often do not know what is involved in friendship and because I can become obsessed in making friends this can be misconstrued as either being homosexual, intense or pushing people away. It mainly is a problem as relating to a person is just so confusing. You struggle to know what a person is saying or meaning and more importantly what their motives are etc. I also find relationships just too difficult. Either I have been on the rare occasions hit on to experience intensity myself or simply there just is not the channel of communication available for an Aspie male to get to know a female and for this to happen slowly. Often the expectations are too high and the whole thing just falls apart even before it has a chance to begin. I find with ignorant people that their ignorance is something I cannot take personally. I just have to deflect it and know that either they will change or never bother to try. I also find going out to places not very comfortable as I just find all the mechanisms around me can often cause me to feel anxious. The sounds, the hierarchy and other mechanisms just make it all seem to overwhelming. I think this is why as an Aspie I spend vast periods of my time in my own company. Traveling is a good release but sooner or later I have to come back to reality. Just having someone to talk to who can listen, understand and provide some useful advice would be great. As Professor McGorry says and I agree with him, mental health is a big issue in Australia and more needs to be done about it.
I also try and help other Aspies and can become very anxious in the process. In the past just trying to think and help other Aspies out has caused me to experience very heightened levels of anxiety. I remember a friend on the Autism Spectrum informing me about Genieve Edmonds a female on the Autism Spectrum. She wrote a lot of books and tried to help other Aspies and was experiencing very high levels of anxiety and could no longer cope and sadly took her own life as a result. If only people around her could understand from the non Autistic community!?? The problem with obsessions also is that they tend to hijack your brain and thinking and interfere with other things which you do. Therapy is needed and more access to adult support groups. I will continue to lobby for services where I can!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Support for adult services
This afternoon I had a counseling session at the University of Queensland Department of Psychology Clinic. I found this meeting productive for not only did I mention the frustration I have with the lack of services but also the fact that my sessions will now be recorded. I also provided input into ways of improving awareness so that the university can understand better how to implement services for adults on the Autism Spectrum.
One of the things I discussed is the need for an adult group in Brisbane to meet at the University of Queensland. This may be looked into. The adult group would focus on support, discussions and run classes to deal with anxiety and stress related issues. It is just something I proposed but whether or not it gets off the ground will be something that remains to be seen.
As an adult one of the main problems I find is the lack of support to overcome social isolation. There isn't always someone to talk to, to discuss strategies and more importantly difficulties and issues that I may confront. I think for me personally that an adult support group on campus would be a means of assisting with some of the social isolation and ignorance that I seem to confront when trying to relate to the world around me. Just being told that I need to try harder, that I need to think positively which is some of the comments I receive from people just add to my frustrations. People just don't seem to understand!
I hope that counseling sessions will also assist in formulating strategies to think positively and find useful strategies to further assist with raising awareness. Also attending counseling sessions and more importantly having an adult support group on campus will be able to assist adults who ask me where support is available after diagnosis. I can only try my best.
Some of the issues I confront as an adult are as follows:
1. Anxiety issues
2. Social isolation
3. Feeling frustrated as people just don't understand!
4. Relating to people
5. Cognitive behaviour therapy
I really feel that adults are forgotten about and more importantly adults can assist future generations and provide parents of children with Autism some experience which may prove valuable when going about their day to day lives.
I will keep you posted with updates and I hope that other adults may be able to also benefit from counseling and an adult support group on campus?
One of the things I discussed is the need for an adult group in Brisbane to meet at the University of Queensland. This may be looked into. The adult group would focus on support, discussions and run classes to deal with anxiety and stress related issues. It is just something I proposed but whether or not it gets off the ground will be something that remains to be seen.
As an adult one of the main problems I find is the lack of support to overcome social isolation. There isn't always someone to talk to, to discuss strategies and more importantly difficulties and issues that I may confront. I think for me personally that an adult support group on campus would be a means of assisting with some of the social isolation and ignorance that I seem to confront when trying to relate to the world around me. Just being told that I need to try harder, that I need to think positively which is some of the comments I receive from people just add to my frustrations. People just don't seem to understand!
I hope that counseling sessions will also assist in formulating strategies to think positively and find useful strategies to further assist with raising awareness. Also attending counseling sessions and more importantly having an adult support group on campus will be able to assist adults who ask me where support is available after diagnosis. I can only try my best.
Some of the issues I confront as an adult are as follows:
1. Anxiety issues
2. Social isolation
3. Feeling frustrated as people just don't understand!
4. Relating to people
5. Cognitive behaviour therapy
I really feel that adults are forgotten about and more importantly adults can assist future generations and provide parents of children with Autism some experience which may prove valuable when going about their day to day lives.
I will keep you posted with updates and I hope that other adults may be able to also benefit from counseling and an adult support group on campus?
Aspies and Authority in the workplace
Why as an Aspie is hierarchy and bureaucracy so difficult? As an Aspie I find that I have to rely on my intelligence to work out the logic of both these mechanisms and find that often they may be used against Aspies as Aspies are literal and more than often intelligent. In some instances an Aspie can hold a wealth of knowledge which literally may scare or make other people uncomfortable. As we as Aspies have poor or difficulty with social skills the very nature of Authority etc can be used against us. NT's subconsciously may have the poor within the authority sense thus precluding the Aspie from understanding or adhering to protocol or authority etc
In the workplace for instance I know a fair but about library procedure and am keen to learn more but the process makes learning further tasks virtually impossible. I am quite simply doing menial work and yet I am a thinking person. I am able to store vast amounts of knowledge and find myself questioning things around me a lot. Rather than being able to implement such skills, I am held back mainly by an inability to read social skills and the necessary procedures in order to often play the NT games that go on.
The interview process and selection criteria from what I see as judged primarily on a person's ability to perform socially at an interview. However the main difficulty seems to be in relation to performance. How well will the person do once they have succeeded in the interview to carry out the job and to be consistent in optimum performance? Is the interview process really an accurate reflection on a person's abilities?
I think Aspies are able to do a great deal more within society but are held back because of fear. People are afraid of the knowledge and application that an Aspie can provide and so the system often works against us. When people say "Oh you need to think more positive or you put yourself down". Such people do not realise that Aspies are not wired to think like this. I think we are more practical thinkers more so than salesmen. What I am saying is that Aspies tend to struggle at 'bullshitting' because it is not a trait that comes natural to us. We prefer to be honest, think literally and learn tasks which may be expected of us. The interview process and selection process therefore can work against the Aspie because of the very focus on performance on the day.
Aspies also tend and again speaking from personal experience do not need a lot of supervision and tend to work better on their own. How then can workplaces be adapted to cater for such requirements?
In the workplace for instance I know a fair but about library procedure and am keen to learn more but the process makes learning further tasks virtually impossible. I am quite simply doing menial work and yet I am a thinking person. I am able to store vast amounts of knowledge and find myself questioning things around me a lot. Rather than being able to implement such skills, I am held back mainly by an inability to read social skills and the necessary procedures in order to often play the NT games that go on.
The interview process and selection criteria from what I see as judged primarily on a person's ability to perform socially at an interview. However the main difficulty seems to be in relation to performance. How well will the person do once they have succeeded in the interview to carry out the job and to be consistent in optimum performance? Is the interview process really an accurate reflection on a person's abilities?
I think Aspies are able to do a great deal more within society but are held back because of fear. People are afraid of the knowledge and application that an Aspie can provide and so the system often works against us. When people say "Oh you need to think more positive or you put yourself down". Such people do not realise that Aspies are not wired to think like this. I think we are more practical thinkers more so than salesmen. What I am saying is that Aspies tend to struggle at 'bullshitting' because it is not a trait that comes natural to us. We prefer to be honest, think literally and learn tasks which may be expected of us. The interview process and selection process therefore can work against the Aspie because of the very focus on performance on the day.
Aspies also tend and again speaking from personal experience do not need a lot of supervision and tend to work better on their own. How then can workplaces be adapted to cater for such requirements?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Blog updates
Today has been a somewhat busy day. It is mild now but apparently the rest of the week is going to be colder. This morning I found myself coughing a lot and I was not sure why. I guess it may have been something to do with the Snore Eze which I take to help control snoring and provide a better night's sleep.
Things are slowly getting back to normal upon my return to Australia. I ask myself how lucky do people know they are in this country? You can walk outside and see the sunshine, drive your car to anywhere nearby, and be grateful that your health is in good order.
Today some other staff member applied for the Team Leader's position at work. Despite the lengthy interview process, they are still waiting to know their outcome. I believe they are doing a great job and I hope that things work out for them. Things are quiet at the moment and I am starting to be grateful that at least I have a job.
I enjoy this time of year. The fact it can be somewhat cold provides some bliss compared to the terrible humidity of summer. It is amazing that everyday the earth revolves around the sun and we all get older. We live on a beautiful earth despite our hangups and worries.
Tomorrow I am going to see if I can get some counseling sessions at UQ to help me cope better. I just find it difficult to not always have someone to talk to and help me with some of the frustrations and issues I have with people and understanding society in general. I just hope that these can help? I am also reading about Spanish, North African and Portuguese history. I want to know more about the Moor invasion and especially the influence of cultural change on Spanish music. Tomorrow morning I am off to the gym also to do some cardiovascular work.
Things are slowly getting back to normal upon my return to Australia. I ask myself how lucky do people know they are in this country? You can walk outside and see the sunshine, drive your car to anywhere nearby, and be grateful that your health is in good order.
Today some other staff member applied for the Team Leader's position at work. Despite the lengthy interview process, they are still waiting to know their outcome. I believe they are doing a great job and I hope that things work out for them. Things are quiet at the moment and I am starting to be grateful that at least I have a job.
I enjoy this time of year. The fact it can be somewhat cold provides some bliss compared to the terrible humidity of summer. It is amazing that everyday the earth revolves around the sun and we all get older. We live on a beautiful earth despite our hangups and worries.
Tomorrow I am going to see if I can get some counseling sessions at UQ to help me cope better. I just find it difficult to not always have someone to talk to and help me with some of the frustrations and issues I have with people and understanding society in general. I just hope that these can help? I am also reading about Spanish, North African and Portuguese history. I want to know more about the Moor invasion and especially the influence of cultural change on Spanish music. Tomorrow morning I am off to the gym also to do some cardiovascular work.
Australia must come on board with Autism Support!
I am frustrated with the lagging of Australia behind the rest of the world in terms of support and services for persons on the Autism Spectrum. Even though things are slowly, slowly improving, I still think attitudes and awareness need to change.
Australia needs to vastly improve its track record of understanding the needs of any person with a disability and although I stand up for Autism, I simply am frustrated by governments, institutions and education authorities simply not doing enough. A vast improvement is needed across the board to provide support in terms of placing adults on the Autism Spectrum into employment and more importantly for schools to assist with early intervention and support. It is a slow and ongoing process but things need to happen fast.
I was recently criticized for being 'militant'. I found such a remark as uncalled for because what I am trying to do is implement change. At times it is frustrating when other people simply just do not understand and it is not their fault, it is just that more information and awareness needs to be spread across the Australian continent to greatly improve awareness. If the Autism Spectrum is seen as an epidemic it must not be ignored. Future children will become adults and politicians have to stop 'mud slinging' and take action. I am disappointed by the lack of input from both the prime minister and leader of the opposition in Australia. They seem largely disinterested in the issues concerning Autism and it feels like an annoyance to have to vote for them.
The Autism community do not ask for people to change but more so to understand. Standing up as an advocate like I do does at times place you in the firing line but quite personally I don't give a crap what critics have to say. They have their own personal problems and rather than criticise they should assist in raising awareness should they feel it necessary to do so. Again it is a personal decision but the more adults that become advocates of Autism the better. This will only help to bring change. As I get older things become harder and I grow tired of seeing counselors who say, especially at Minds and Hearts "What is your purpose of coming here?" and "What is it you want out of these sessions?". Surely they should be trained to find solutions other than often some form of criticism? I have been disappointed with Minds and Hearts in that as an adult they just really seem to be interested from my own personal experience of what it is like being an adult on the Autism Spectrum. Adults with Autism need to be listened to should they provide help and assistance more so than left in the wilderness. I am now going to see if a counselor at the University of Queensland maybe able to help.
All it takes is for people to listen and for Australia to come on board with Autism. In the above link Autism is described as a disease when in fact it is a disorder. Let us move forward and start to get the message out there!
Australia needs to vastly improve its track record of understanding the needs of any person with a disability and although I stand up for Autism, I simply am frustrated by governments, institutions and education authorities simply not doing enough. A vast improvement is needed across the board to provide support in terms of placing adults on the Autism Spectrum into employment and more importantly for schools to assist with early intervention and support. It is a slow and ongoing process but things need to happen fast.
I was recently criticized for being 'militant'. I found such a remark as uncalled for because what I am trying to do is implement change. At times it is frustrating when other people simply just do not understand and it is not their fault, it is just that more information and awareness needs to be spread across the Australian continent to greatly improve awareness. If the Autism Spectrum is seen as an epidemic it must not be ignored. Future children will become adults and politicians have to stop 'mud slinging' and take action. I am disappointed by the lack of input from both the prime minister and leader of the opposition in Australia. They seem largely disinterested in the issues concerning Autism and it feels like an annoyance to have to vote for them.
The Autism community do not ask for people to change but more so to understand. Standing up as an advocate like I do does at times place you in the firing line but quite personally I don't give a crap what critics have to say. They have their own personal problems and rather than criticise they should assist in raising awareness should they feel it necessary to do so. Again it is a personal decision but the more adults that become advocates of Autism the better. This will only help to bring change. As I get older things become harder and I grow tired of seeing counselors who say, especially at Minds and Hearts "What is your purpose of coming here?" and "What is it you want out of these sessions?". Surely they should be trained to find solutions other than often some form of criticism? I have been disappointed with Minds and Hearts in that as an adult they just really seem to be interested from my own personal experience of what it is like being an adult on the Autism Spectrum. Adults with Autism need to be listened to should they provide help and assistance more so than left in the wilderness. I am now going to see if a counselor at the University of Queensland maybe able to help.
All it takes is for people to listen and for Australia to come on board with Autism. In the above link Autism is described as a disease when in fact it is a disorder. Let us move forward and start to get the message out there!
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