Comment "I just don't understand the difference"

Yesterday I was talking to a friend on Facebook.  Within this discussion the friend more or less informed me that he did not understand me

"I'm not criticising. I'm just confused. It doesn't make any sense to me, but you don't have to explain yourself to me"


I informed the friend that he should not try and figure me out and more or less just accept the fact that I think differently and process information the same way also. Why is it that I have to conform to other people's expectations?  I think in all honesty that people on the Autism Spectrum have a different way of thinking and processing information and we pay the price either through ignorance, intolerance or in the worst instance bullying.  I believe future generations will one day regret the way that Autistic people have been treated within society.  First of all we should not be treated in a condescending manner as we are not children nor are we stupid!  Secondly people have to get it out of their heads that Autistic people lack empathy.  We just show empathy in different ways.  We don't always need to be comforted in times of distress but we need people to talk to when our emotions exhibit themselves in different ways.  

 For some reason non Autistic people become defensive if you more or less try and explain things to them.  I really cannot understand the 'reactive' approach more so than the more 'tolerant' one.  I do not think it is anyone's business how I live my private life but in 'nosey parker' Australia, people seem to become obsessed with people's private lives and I think in all honesty it depicts a display of small mindedness.  I feel at times that people see me as deluded and I am supposed to 'break out of it' and 'get a lighter side'.  Do they not realise how extremely difficult and merely impossible this is if you have Autism?  For a start, the Autism Spectrum is an impairment in two way interaction and secondly most of us have extreme difficulty in keeping up socially.  We use mental energy constantly which non Autistic people have more so automatically.

I received a comment some years back "mate what is your problem" when I had difficulty in not being able to communicate sufficiently with the other person.  I felt like saying in response "I think you are the one with the problem, trying listening to what I have to say and then you may understand it!".  You reach a point that no matter what words that come from your mouth you are going to offend someone.  If you talk too much about your special interests you are told you are obsessed, if you speak your mind you offend, and if you try to engage in conversation you more or less so sit on the outer and gradually internalise and feel uncomfortable to find an excuse to leave.  This in itself is difficult when surrounded by a lack of awareness.

I do believe that people on the Autism Spectrum process information differently.  More research is required to back this up of course but much work is happening in terms of brain scanning and other techniques.  One of the realities with some Autistic People is that we expect everyone to be as passionately interested in things we are interested in.  Sometimes our interests may offend others.  We don't often understand the social queues or conventions required and sadly can offend without knowing it.  Non Autistic people seem to operate more within boundaries and conventions whereas persons with Autism are largely or totally unconventional.  We could walk in front of a crowd of people and think everyone is looking at us or we may say things that are considered socially inappropriate.  A bit like the scene in "My Fair Lady" to where Elissa Dolittle spoke her mind and blunders small talk and at the horse at the horse race.

In conclusion there needs to be a common ground for both Autistic and Non Autistic people.  The world cannot be all one way but currently it seems to be Non Autistic and those of us with Autism live in a world which largely does not understand our different ways of thinking and behaving.  This can only be overcome by providing more awareness and more importantly understanding.  The Autism Spectrum has to be understood as a different way of thinking and processing information.  As I stated earlier more research is required and the sooner the better.  I would encourage as many people as possible to visit the University of Pittsburgh website to find out the latest research into Autism.  

Autistic Communication Devices

As people are not always aware of how to deal with persons who are on the Autism Spectrum, sadly sometimes people can be treated in a condescending way.  It is a bit like being treated as if you are stupid or somehow unable to think for yourself etc.  Persons with Autism are not stupid and we just think differently than do others.  Just because we think, socialise and process information differently does not mean that we are incapable of thinking at all.  People need to understand this in order to understand us better.

At the Asperger Services Australia Conference I was pleased to see that now Information Technology Equipment is now available for persons on the Autism Spectrum.  Whereas before it was believed that a person with Autism was unable to speak, the use of a communication device has made things different.  Once again people now realise that persons with Autism can think but it is just a matter of how they do so.  Ipads and other communication devices have opened many doors to allow more effective communication for those unable to use conventional means. 

Persons on the Autism Spectrum often find communication exhausting and I think that those of us on the higher functioning end, despite being able to communicate struggle and find it mentally taxing for long periods.  This effects us in employment for the very few of us who have employment or within social situations.  It is encouraging to see older Autistic adults now involved in helping younger Autistic people in creating such devices and communication applications for Ipods, Iphones etc.  This has made people understand that Autistic people no longer exist in a world of silence and nor should they. 

As the world is exposed to more and more Autism, people need to come to terms with accepting and understanding that Autism is a reality.  Not only does it exist in children but adults also.  Communication devices have opened many doors and it is great to see that communication is now more possible.  Wouldn't it be good to see persons who find the means of communication difficult able to communicate? 

On browsing Facebook I noticed this organisation Autistic Smiles and I have tried to make contact with them. I notice that there are few Autistic Adults now directly involved with the creation of such communication devices for Autistic people.  Surely other countries can come on board with this?  We need to see a bridge of communication between Autistic and Non Autistic People.  It would be good to see such devices and applications in schools, universities, workplaces and in the wider community.  Many doors will open. 

Meeting today with Gordon Sanderson

This afternoon I met with Gordon Sanderson who has a son on the Autism Spectrum about ways adults with Autism can be employed.  Gordon asked me several questions about how I handle employment and more specifically of whether adults on the Autism Spectrum can hold down a job.  I expressed a great deal of interest in helping Gordon to find ways of assisting employers to better understand Autistic Adults and to give them a chance in employment.

One of the biggest challenges in employment is the shear amount of mental energy required in order to get through the working day.  Added to this are also the performace and direction issues.  I would like to be able to assist adults in finding employment and holding down a job but more importantly see the creation of "Aspie Friendly" employment which allows adults a real chance in employment.

I have been contacted by the ANZTB (Australian and New Zealand Software Testing Board) and I hope to present to some software testing authority people in Brisbane on Tuesday 3rd April 2012.  We really need to get the ball rolling in Brisbane and more importantly in this part of the world.  I will provide updates when they come to hand.

This weekend I will be visiting Murwullimbah and meeting with adults on the Autism Spectrum at Cabrita Beach in northern New South Wales.  I have also been in touch with a young adult interested in Science and Engineering in this region.  So things are moving a long nicely.

I am wanting to start a skype group for Aspies.  What we need to do is have an informal roster of adults taking turns in hosting a skype conference or perhaps a once a month touching base.  This I intend to look into.  On another front I will be learning new duties in another branch of the University Of Queensland Library, so things are going well there also.

More and more adults are starting to connect and this is truly magnificent.  More updates soon.  On the cards is support for an adult meeting room to discuss issues such as employment, support for managing finances and other issues.  

Letter Proposal to Canberra

Dear Canberra MP

I am an adult on the Autism Spectrum in Brisbane, Australia.  The Autism Spectrum is becoming a world wide reality with more adults being diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum as we speak.

Recently statistical information was provided from Mr John Greally an adult on the Autism Spectrum from New Zealand as to the exact number of persons on the Autism Spectrum worldwide.  John arrived at the following information

"Based on the sounder SNAP project Revision 2 (2009, Baird et al) figure of 1:92
and 7,023,219,161 (World Population Clock, today)
I get 76,339,339 people with an ASD
(Kanner's+CDD+HFA+Asperger's+PDD-NOS, not Rett Synd anymore).
- Turkey or Iran or Egypt have roughly that number of people!
- ASD represents around 7.5 to 8% of all world-wide disabilities (15.6% of humans alive approximately have a disability) and about 15% of childhood disabilities!
- ASD is equal in numbers to Multiple Sclerosis (0.15% of world pop) plus Alzheimer’s (0.4%) plus Blindness (0.6%)!
- ASD attracts about 1/14th as much government funding as those conditions per individual affected.
- About 6/7ths of Autism is Asperger's Syndrome or PDD-NOS.
- Between 1 in 4.5 and 1 in 5.8 people with Autism are female".


As you can see Autism is a world wide reality.  Recently a story was aired on "A Current Affair' about Ricky Stuart a Rugby League Player here in Australia who has a daugher Emma with Autism.  This story revealed that there are many families aching for support and change not only in Australia but world wide for governments to become better aware of the Autism Spectrum.  We want action and something to be done.  The National Disability Insurance Scheme referred to simply as the NDIS seems to be hitting a snag.  Quite simply nothing seems to be happening and Australia has scored very poorly in terms of disability ranking worlwide scoring 27th as an OECD country.  The bottom of the list.  Something needs to be done and fast!

It seems that political parties are ignoring Autism but I have been pleased to note that the Liberal National Party here in Queensland has supported my advocacy work by listening.  The local candidate has put me in touch with the Liberal National Party Headquarters here in Brisbane and I have spoken to them about my concerns and the many people who so desperately want government to listen.  In all honesty I have heard nothing from the Australian Labor Party and I advocate as best I can to get my voice heard.

I have heard that Tony Abbott will support the National Disability Insurance Scheme but only when the budget has been balanced.  Is there any chance that the coalition could clarify its position on the NDIS and whether or not it or all major political parties in Canberra will support a combined effort to get something done?!  Currently the NDIS is simply stagnating and people want and demand action.  

We can only hope that things improve for disability soon as all disability sectors are not getting the support which they require.  People with disabilities should no longer remain as second rate citizens and I frankly do not care what critics may voice in relation to this post but there are people who could be better off than they are at present.  We need political parties to listen in Canberra and something urgent needs to happen with the NDIS now and not 5 years.  I participated in the Productivity Commission and I for one would like to see changes happen.  I urge all Australians at the upcoming federal election to approach their local candidate s and ask them what is Canberra going to do about the NDIS in Australia. Also should a party be formed for Australia called the "Autism Action Party".  I am in consultation with some adults on the Autism Spectrum in New Zealand who are also lobbying very hard to make changes in Wellington, New Zealand.

Let us strive for more acceptance, understanding and change

Kind and warm regards

Garry Burge
www.garryburge.com 

Feeling I am at a dead end

I really enjoyed attending the Asperger Services Australia Conference between Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th February 2012 hosted by Asperger Services Australia Not only did it provide adults with a chance to meet each other but it also enabled an opportunity of not feeling alone being an Aspie. 

I feel at a loss currently because I am in a job which does not utilise my skills and abilities.  I have become so disillusioned with employment as there just seems to be too many obstacles that get in the way of making satisfaction and stimulation possible.  I have reached the point of desperation in that I want to do something for people with Autism.  I really do not know exactly but I am going to look into possibilities.  I am sick of nothing being done for people on the Autism Spectrum and enough is enough.  Services are needed and employment support also.  This afternoon I am meeting with another Aspie in Brisbane to look into options and on Thursday I am going to have a meeting with an employment consultant.  I just feel I am not understood and the tentacles of conformity yet abound.  People need to understand more and it saddens me that not enough is being done.

Recently I heard back from the Kenmore Baptist Church and it is through them that I hope to broaden my social circle.  I am currently spending a great deal of time sitting in front of a computer when I know that being more around people in terms of overcoming social isolation is necessary.  I will try my best.  

Last night I watched a story on "A Current Affair"  called "Fighting Autism" I would like to get in touch with the persons concerned in this story as like many families who are aware of Autism they should not be 'fighting' Autism but more so accepting it.  What people do not understand is that Autism is reality and people have to stop pretending it is not evident nor exists in society.   In the story the Rugby League Player - Ricky Stuart and his wife discussed their daughter Emma who is 14 and has Autism.  What is sad for them as parents is that Emma does not called her parents mum and dad.  One of the realities of Autism is that often empathy is shown and expressed in different ways.  When I hear of families affected by Autism it makes me wonder about the many families around the world who come into contact with Autism.  It is a reality and more needs to be done I believe.

As an adult on the Autism Spectrum I feel as though I am pioneering and also battling.  It is hard when people think that just because you look like everyone else that you think like them also.  Holding down a job for me is a day to day challenge and I am overwhelmed largely by the social component.  I feel that trying to establish a so called career path is exhausting and furthermore trying to find a social circle outside of working is impossible.  I am 40 this year and I still live with my aged parents.  They are in their early 70's and are anxious a lot about what will happen to me after they pass on.  I don't even know myself what will happen to me and at times I feel so overwhelmed by life that I literally think the worst thing is that I would have to live inside a cardboard box.  I also have been depressed by a book retailer asking me for a refund of two books they ordered.  Why do people behave like this?  Surely having the two books is not going to hurt them and they can find another library who wants them? 

I often find that people try and hold me accountable for things I mostly do not understand and then when I do not understand then I am criticized.  It is truly sad that for persons on the Autism Spectrum that being so very kind as we usually are that people treat us with contempt or often are hostile towards us.  I wonder why this is so?  At times I feel alone and I wonder what purpose there is in life with the lack of implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme here in Australia.  There are no services or you have to have a lot of money to pay for them and still the majority of people do not understand!  I hope soon things improve and that I no longer feel like I am at a dead end in my life.  Maybe other people can relate to what I am talking about? All I can do is try and remain optimistic. 

Re-introducing the Legislative Council in Queensland

Queensland has always been governed differently to the rest of the Australia.  This mainly being that Queensland does not have a Legislative Council (Upper House).  This chamber was abolished in 1922 and ever since then it seems that politics in Queensland has functioned as a unicameral state.

However, I wonder whether the Legislative Council should be re-introduced  into Queensland?  An upper house acts as a house of review and also ensures checks and balances.  It seems that throughout Queensland politics that governments and more so premiers have accrued a lot of power.  This creating a one party state system.  Quite simply legislation is introduced into the parliament, then sent to Governor for Royal Ascent. However, is it being reviewed and should an Upper House be the means of carefully checking legislation and debating it more before it goes for Royal Ascent?  Current governments have set up endless committees which actually cost more than a chamber itself in reviewing legislation.

When the Queensland Legislative Council did exist, MLC (Members of the Legislative Council) were appointed more so than elected. Unfortunately clashes and gridlocks occurred between both the chambers which frustrated Labor Governments which more so wanted the Legislative Council gone.  I tend to think that an upper house is required because I think state premiers just accrue too much power and there just seems to be no accountability.  The re-introduction of the Legislative Council from what I understand only requires and act of parliament.  Referendums were conducted after the chamber's abolition which were voted against but people seem to be reluctant to accept that the Westminster System requires a bicameral system.  One without the other is a bit like having the horse without the cart as both are required to allow for smooth operation.

I believe that Queensland needs to reintroduce the Legislative Council because accountability and good government seems to be lacking.  No accountability means that legislation is not being debated and reviewed properly for when it is signed off as law.  You have to ask yourself are the affairs of government being executed properly and is a one party state a healthy means of government?  In all Australian states except Queensland there is a Legislative Council.  Queensland politics seems to have taken a different course without an upper house which some may argue means less interference and better governance?  But does it really?  What are the pros and cons of not having an upper house in Queensland?  Given the size of the state is adequate representation occurring?  Here is some reading which may introduce you concerning the abolition of the Queensland Legislative Council in 1922.  

Asperger Services Australia Conference

As most if not all people are aware the Conference "Living side by side, connecting with people on the Autism Spectrum" occurred in Brisbane, Australia between Thursday 16th February to Saturday 18th February.  More information about the conference can be found by visiting www.asperger.asn.au

I found the conference very informative and I have been asked to provide the slide presenatation which accompanying my presentation "Navigating the World from Employment and Advocacy".  I am happy to do this upon request.

What I found interesting about the conference was that it provided a platform for adults on the Autism Spectrum to give their voice to the audience present.  Adults came from across Australia and New Zealand to speak.

The conferences I attended were as follows

Day One - Thursday 16th February 2012

My own presentation above mentioned

Damian Santomauro - Researching Battles

Kelly-Ann Van Setten - Learning Patterns for University Students with Asperger's

Leith McMurray & Gabrielle Hogg - Aspies and the Social Media

Day Two - Friday 17th February 2012

Anthony Julian - The Last 25 Years

Kat Stork-Brett - Sex, sexuality, and gender identity in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Kristen Veltmeyer - Label This: Aspergers, Success and My Journey

Day Three - Saturday 18th February 2012

Gabrielle Hogg - Living with ASD and the Biomecial Journey

Leith McMurray - Workplace Rejection

Angus Gray & Dr Gilbert Bond - School Refusal and Home Schooling

Brayton & Emma Tomlinson - Living With Aspergers

Conclusion

On attending all the sessions, they all provided an important perspective into the varying degrees of the Autism Spectrum.  Of importance was the presentation referring to sexuality.  Many Asperger Men find relationships extremely difficult and the research from Kat Stork-Brett highlighed important research being undertaken.  Other presenations provided personal experiences from adults in their day to day lives from all different ages and shared experiences.

I feel that out of the conference a greater awareness is required in understanding the Autism Spectrum.  The world cannot obviously be all "Aspie" but neither should it exist as all NT (Neuro Typical).  There needs to be a common ground and better understanding.  More importantly is the need for services for adults and a fast tracking of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.   I think personally it is great to see both Australia and New Zealand working together in connecting with each other and linking to the rest of the world.

I had the opportunity to ask many questions.  On my mind was whether or not RANZCP should provide more support in therapy more so than medication?  I also asked adults of their own experiences and whether or not services for adults should receive greater attention and funding.  Although all persons on the Autism Spectrum are different, I do not expect my questions to be the same nor do I think that amongst the Autism Community there should be segregation from those who may think or act differently to others that are also Autistic.

For anyone interested Asperger Services Australia  filmed the entire proceedings and more information can be found by contacting them.  Asperger Services Australia was also fortunate to have received $5000 from Colonial Mutual which I understand funded the event.  For more information I would encourage you to contact Stefanie Evans Director of Asperger Services Australia who can answer your questions more succinctly.

I hope to see out of the conference a better understanding and awareness of the Autism Spectrum.  We need the Autism Spectrum to be better accepted and understood more so than remaining in darkness and ignorance.  I hope over the coming months that more support will be made available and more barriers can be broken down.  It was comforting to know that Autism Works was better known and hoepfully soon it may even start in Australia?

I enjoyed the conference overall and I hope that I have helped to enlighten the wider world more.

Kind regards

Garry Burge

www.garryburge.com

Sometimes I feel like yelling but I know I can't

Sometimes I find that I am absolutely frustrated with life.  I just cannot understand why people do not get those of us that think and act differently.  Although I look like everyone else, I just find that when I react to certain situations differently or process information in a way that other people do not understand, then I am somehow to blame or are responsible.

Having Asperger Syndrome is just a different way of thinking.  People cannot understand when you think and act differenty to them and for some reason they have to be dismissive or in some instances even nasty to you.  I may look like other people but I am struggling to find the help that I need.  Finding friendships and more importantly looking for or finding relationships is for me more so traumatic rather than happy.  I don't know at times how I am supposed to think and act in certain situations and when people expect me to think or act in a way they feel appropriate, I just feel like on some rare ocassions like yelling.  Although yelling is not a practical way to go about things, it is frustrating when people just do not get it.  How I see and interpret something is compeletely different in how they do.

I received a letter recently or more so an email indicating a delay in the National Disabilty Insurance Scheme.  I really do not know why this is happening as there are so many people including myself that need greater support.  I currently live with my elderly parents and cannot afford to live independently as the rental market makes this impossible.  I do not want to be dumped into a house commission situation but people just don't seem to understand AS.  Although they say that they cannot see anything wrong with me, I fail to understand that once this observation is made that they feel it appropriate to reject or instead make comments which in themselves can be very hurtful.  People think Aspies do not have feelings and often we are castigated for hurting other people but when our own feelings are hurt, then people just don't want to listen or use some reasoning that all people think like this other than those of us who are Aspie.

I find myself largely in social isolation.  I find I am talking to myself more than I am with other people and quite simply people just either don't want to get involved or want to bother with me.  If this is the case then what am I supposed to do apart from living on the fringes of society?  I will try my best to speak about advocacy work at the upcoming presentation hosted by Asperger Services Australia and people can also watch my youtube channel.  I am on Facebook also under Garry Burge.  More needs to be done and we need to get the message out there!

Being the odd jigsaw piece

I turn 40 this year and I ask myself what in the past 40 years have I accomplished?  I see my abilities more so as successful in an unconventional sense.  To be good at anything I had to put the effort in but being a genuis I am not. I had to get to where I am now through hard work and re-invention. I get tired of people who constantly say 'well if this is what you want' or 'why do you do this' etc?  I just see the world differently and process information in my owy way and yet I feel I am some kind of deviant simply for being myself.

One of the biggest challenges and difficulties in having Autism is that people cannot see how it affects you because physically you look like they do.  It is harder when you look more like a regular person and yet think like an Aspie.  The expectations are much greater and furthermore the misunderstanding and ignorance is more of a problem.

Why then do I describe myself as an 'odd jigsaw piece?".  Well I exist in a society where the majority of people are encoded with a form of communicaiton I just do not and cannot  understand.  There seems to be so many conventions and non conventions and if you break them you realise it in some situations.  As I get older, I really do not know who I am at times.  I exist in a physical body but yet what other people have, I seem to lack.  For instance a man my age would more than likely have a partner, children and be in some job.  For me I still live with my parents, have few friends and find a relationship, well the thought of one a depressing exercise.  I just do not want to go there but yet the majority of the world it seems fails to understand this.  It is hard to live independently when you struggle at being able to communicate in a social sense.  What is even more difficult is this 'single' stigma as accommodation is often for couples as well as other benefits and requirements etc.  It is just not a world made for people who are wired differently in a cognitive sense.

As I grow older, I feel I am getting lonliner and life seems to be becoming somewhat more of a suffocating experience.  Perhaps people fear me as deluded and some kind of freak show that has failed conformity in a confused socialisation process?  I have had some people say that I put myself down or that I should be more concerned in what other people think about me.  In all honesty I have no interest in what others think of me and I live life the best way I can and survive as best as possible.  Recently I connected with some more adults.  One lives in Denmark and another in the United Kingdom.  One has an AS diagnosis and the other is wanting to get one. I am also connecting with some adults in Brisbane but trying to get a group of adults centrally located in Brisbane is just about impossible. It is not the fault of the adults but more so the lack of culture here and places which are conducive for adult meetings.  Most Aspies are disadvantaged by poor infrastructure or society not understanding them.  Walking out their front door is like walking into a mine field so they prefer the life line of their computer to communicate on Facebook.  Indeed Facebook has the highest usage from Aspies in terms of Facebook chat.  I use it a lot to communicate to other Aspies when and where I can.

Australia is slow in understanding the Autism Spectrum in adults and I hope this soon changes.  I feel like the odd jigsaw piece but I am comforted in that I know a big network in Australia and abroad.  Believe me we do exist and we are becoming more dominant especially on Facebook.  In the next 5 years diagnosis is going to increase and people will need to understand.  I am tired of NT tribalism  and I hope that Australia and New Zealand improve.  Now what exactly does the odd jigsaw piece mean to you?

It's election time and awareness time

This morning I worked on policy concerning persons on the Autism Spectrum.  I have submitted this information which at this stage is receiving a good response.  Some of the suggestions include greater support for children and adults in terms of support both in school and in employment.  More importantly I have also indicated that greater support is required to assist adults on the Autism Spectrum with finding employment, on the job support, independent living and starting up software testing like Autism Works in the UK.

I think people on the Autism Spectrum are wanting someone to stand up now with the upcoming Queensland election to support and get something done about the various issues and needs of persons with Autism.  Whoever listens no matter what political party they may be aligned with, I am happy to provide them with as much information as possible within the area of Autism.  This morning for instance I have worked on what needs to be done to assist persons in the Autism Community and also the areas of mental health.

I am trying to also contact the interested parents who want to form a school on the Sunshine Coast specifically for persons on the Autism Spectrum and I would appreciate being contacted about this if I can lend any support.  Something really needs to be done and I have heard from parents who are so desperate for someone to do something on their behalf.  I ask you to contact me through my website www.garryburge.com to assist me with this.

The election campaign will be in full swing and frankly I am wanting to see what is best for the state and I have no intentions of disclosing who I support and wish to remain apolitical on the matter.  However, as an Autism Advocate I do want to see what is right and best for those of us in the Autism Community and currently I am seeing a great deal of support from the LNP candidate in my area.  I think the candidate concerned who is providing me with information to assist me with formulating policy and representing the Autism Community.

February is the Asperger Services Australia Conference.  It is not too late for anyone to reserve their place on this conference.  For more information you will need to contact Asperger Services Australia www.asperger.asn.au  We have adult speakers from Australia and New Zealand and other parts of the world attending.

I will be working as best as I can in the meantime to ensure something is done about the Autism Spectrum and mental illness within the state of Queensland and this is all that matters to me within my role as an advocate.

Kind and warm regards

Garry Burge
Autism & Asperger Syndrome Awareness. 

Formulating Policy

There are some more developments in terms of advocacy work.  I have recently made contact with the standing member of the Liberal National Party in the local state government constituency concerning the situation confronting adults on the Autism Spectrum.  At this stage I don't wish to disclose names as the election date is still pending but I am hoping soon to be contacted by a person or persons on the Policy Standard Committee and it is here that I hope to provide input as an adult on the Autism Spectrum.  I also provided input on the Australian Productivity Commission into  Disability also.  

In my discussions, I spoke about the needs I confront as an adult on the Autism Spectrum and also tried to best inform the member about other adults as well as my contact with John Greally who is an adult on the Autism Spectrum in New Zealand.  Should I be able to assist on the committee I hope to gauge the needs of other persons needing  help and I have also been in contact with an agent who is committed to providing employment support for adults in finding employment.  I am not sure about software testing developments but I will be talking about Autism Works in the UK also and how something similar needs to happen here in Australia.  

Although this post is short, I understand that the Queensland Election is soon to be held. There is no better time despite the energies of those involved to try and get something implemented to assist adults on the Autism Spectrum to have greater access to support and services. I am firmly committed to do my best to try and move things a long more speedily as well as lend my support where necessary.  

I hope in my life time but as a start to see Queensland introduce something for Autistic people and their families and to further break down the barriers with more education and awareness.

Please stay tuned to this blog for further updates.  

Warmest regards

Garry Burge

www.garryburge.com

How the honest person is totally screwed

In Australia if you criticise it for its short comings or failures you are deemed to be some kind of 'knocker' and you are bound to get the backlash 'stop criticising Australia, what's wrong with you mate".  Is it any tall wonder why people who work hard or have a lot to offer are simply overlooked or put down by this 'tall poppy syndrome".  It concerns me the way Australia is going.  Never before has there been massive debt and worsening crime problems, not to mention the recent influx of criminals from other countries.  Australia seems to be becoming a dumping ground and in all honesty it is really quesitonable to know who has been let in?

I often question why compulsory voting exists in this country when there seems to be enough donkeys to not even know how to vote or to know what party they vote for or whether their vote is complete on the ballot paper?  With the recent hung parliament, it is no wonder that Australian politicians see Australians as largely stupid?  Will a hung parliament happen again with the Queensland election and will either party obtain a clear mandate?  The fact that people seem largely unable to think and exercise their vote responsibly makes you question are the politicians really to blame or the people they vote for? A person has the right to vote for who they want but how often do they hold their MP's to account?  Also do the parties represent the people or have they changed?  It concerns me with the Australian Labor Party for instance how the working man so to speak has been deserted.  Also the true ideals of Curtin and Whitlam to what it is now. Also with the Liberal Party how it has changed from Menzies to what it is now?  Perhaps parties need to stop mud slinging and implementing personal attacks and try more to work towards effective policies and to criticise the policies more so than the personalities.  Attacking personalities gets nobody nowhere.  Thank God also the Bjelke Petersen is a forgotten legacy also as many of us who were deemed non compliant struggled to survive in this regime.

As I have stated manier times and indeed finding hybernation is not always entirely possible, the biggest difficulty seems to be this bogan society.  It fails to be challenged in an intellectually curious sense and seems committed to cast its tunnel vision on those of us that think and act differently with constant misconceptions and other annoyances.  When abroad it does nothing more than to embarass the honest or ordinary Australian their carryings on.  One has to seek hybernation in order to retreat the onslaughts and ubiqutious presence.  What they do is their choice but please just leave those of us who are diverse alone as we have had enough struggles in our own lives.

As an advocate of adults on the Autism Spectrum I question mightly the very thought of a society such as an Australian one becoming more perceptive and supportive to those of us who exist outside the so called behaviours that exist around us.  Australia has evolved from a convict foundation and I do think personally that such a foundation has become genetic in some forms.  Possibly the bogan being derived from this genetic strain.  Frankly I do not really care.  With the upcoming Australia Day Public  Holiday on Thursday 26th January ask yourself is it a celebration of Australia or does it mark the ocassion of a handful of hierarchical British authorities landing on Australia's shores bringing some of their rabble with them?  What exactly does Australia mean to you?  Is there ever and concept of understanding the origin of the flag, the colonial past, federation, involvement in war's etc or is it some largely celebrated bogan event with the usual beer drinking and event behaviour that seems to display itself from some of the non intellectually curious sector? Also any form of cultural diversity is just merely wiped out with it.

I think Australians vote for themselves and not for the good of their country.  Indeed as always I am bound to spark some criticisms for daring to write this post but having been fortunate to travel the world, looking at Australia from the outside in does tend to make you think.  The honest person in Australia is screwed because more and more people seem to be weary of you or call you some kind of raving conservative.  It is just a matter of people overcoming the brain dead factor to start thinking about Australia's place in the world which you would be surprised is not very much acknowledged from an overseas perspective.  Now that I have written this article I will try with all difficulty to seek hybernation so that I am not prone to criticism or hostility.  Also I find this loosely worded term of 'mate' over the top.  Close friends yes but shop owners and people I don't know from a bar of soap, no thanks.  You're not a 'mate' because I don't know you.  Just ask yourself what Australia Day is because I am starting myself to feel ashamed of being Australian with the current mess Australia seems to be in.  I am a world citizen and I am also a very powerful adult on the Autism Spectrum whether people like this or not!  I am 100% to call myself Aspie as well as other people seem to have the issue with it and not me.  Also not happy with changes made by the recent DSM V and think a boycott should be arranged from key countries to this American controlled diagnostic criteria.

It also seems that across the Tasman that the Key National Party Government seem to be fixing up New Zealand's financial problems and getting New Zealand back on track. It is what I have heard and I am just merely stating this.  Is it any wonder why New Zealanders and the rest of the world laugh at Australia?  Think and ask yourself why?

I now need an armour of steel if legal to prevent myself from the outlying forces that surround me. I AM NOT SAYING ALL AUSTRALIANS ARE BOGAN PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS!

People just don't see it.

One of the biggest challenges having Asperger Syndrome is that people don't instantly see it.  Also there are the problems of supposedly 'exagerating' your symptoms. I find that with a lot of the adults I am in contact with on the Autism Spectrum that some are sadly 'regressing'.  They are not getting the help and understanding which they require and this causes them to withdraw into themselves.  

It is often dificult being told by others that you should stop talking about your special interests.  Australians seem very reluctant to embrace neuro diversity and furthermore eccentricity.  In my own life, it is hard to try and make people understand the Autism Spectrum without some form of 'tribalism'.  When I was younger I found it hard to express my needs and frustrations.  I found that the only way to get people to understand was to either remain silent or to self inflict misery upon myself somehow.

Even to this day I find myself confronting ignorance.  The world seems so harsh and inflexible for Aspies.  The cost of living makes things very expensive and there are very few or no services in Australia to assist those who are requiring help or specialist people.  I feel that often I am seen as some kind of trouble maker.  I have had issues with some forms of authority and have found myself inflexible with conventions that just don't seem to work.  It can be difficult.

I am outraged with Australia's poor standing of 21 and 27th in terms of disability support. The rock bottom score has lead me to lobby for greater support.  Please like the following page Improve Australia's Disability Support on Facebook.  More needs to be done to make people aware.   In Queensland, there is an election due at any moment.  I am concerned but I remain hopeful that things will get better.  Funding is required to support software testing for adults on the Autism Spectrum who find it difficult to obtain employment due to reasons of little tolerance and understanding.  As I have stated so many times, unemployment rates remain high in adults on the Autism Spectrum and with more adults being diagnosed, something needs to be done.

The Autism Spectrum remains an invisible condition.  A great deal awareness is still required.  Adults on the Autism Spectrum struggle often with communication skills and most are largely in social isolation.  Things really need to improve and society better understand.   I hope you can join with me in supporting me where you can and please also like my Facebook page Garry Burge Adult With Asperger Syndrome as I continually stand up for Autism in adults in Australia and abroad.  

Learning new skills

I open this post with some very positive comments.  As I connect more and more with Aspies around the world, I find that most have a lot to share and many have diverse and interesting obsessions.

Now as I start to write this post I begin with the good news that I am starting to learn some new skills at work. Over the past few days, I have learned how to scan books into PDF documents. Despite this being challenging, it is something that does require a great deal of concentration and more more importantly dedication.  However, whas I have to think hard about is trying to ask questions but not too many so that I don't bombard other staff with questions.  If I am unable to get specific training, then I have to ask questions as I like to do things properly.  I like to do the job properly and ensure that my efforts are not wasted.  So I am learning new scanning and I hope to learn other duties within my current position.

As most if not all people are aware, I do connect with other Aspies around the world.  I find that closer friendships and communication is occuring and at last there is a slow ending to some of the misery of being socially isolated and feeling depressed.  I draw comfort in the fact that many adults on the Autism Spectrum are coming out of their shells but what I find most frustrating is that many are unable to obtain employment.  Unlike a non Aspie who has better coping mechanisms to deal with unemployment, an Aspie simply either implodes, becomes depressed and sadly much more.

I wish I could train some of the adults in employment.  I hear their stories but they simply are not getting the help they require.  I think to myself that at least I have a job and I hope it provides encouragement to others that there is hope.  Learning new skills is always something that is important and seriously more needs to be done to ensure that Aspies are able to find employment.  Their many attritubutes could assist greatly in employment where social skills may not be required.  For instance an Aspie interested in aeroplanes could overcome some of the improvements needed in aircraft layout and modification etc.

The world needs to be learning more from Aspies more so than ignoring them.  We exist in our own minds but if people gave us the time and a chance there would be so much to learn.  Thereforre learning new skills is important!

Last night's presentation

Last night I spoke in front of approximately 100 people as guest speaker at Rotary Club of Jindalee Within my presentation I mentioned my own work, Dr Tony Attwood and some of the other adults on the Autism Spectrum.  I mentioned also my book and managed to sell a few copies which was good.

At the meeting, I mentioned my own personal struggles of having Asperger Syndrome and how more needs to be done to employ adults on the Autism Spectrum.  Of signifcant importance was my mention of Autism Works and how the Australasia region needs to come on board with this.  I spoke adults from around the world that I am in contact with and how many of them have helped by standing together where they can.

I also mentioned the work of Damian Santomauro who is working in the area of Autism and who is on the Autism Spectrum. himself.  Damian is studying a PhD in Psychology.  One lady knew of a teenager who was 19 and I mentioned Damian to her as he is researching this demographic.  I also heard from one lady who is the club President who organises dogs for persons on the Autism Spectrum.  Many Aspies have an interest in dogs and animals.  Dr Temple Grandin for instance who works in the animal livestock industry is a person worthy of mention and is also Autistic.

I indicated that Australia scoring 27th as an OECD country is simply not good enough and something must be done.  I was asked why I chose to speak about Asperger Syndrome and indicated that if I don't people will never know just exacly how it affects an individual.  So in all it was an informative evening.  I hope to speak again at a future event.  I did receive a few questions at the end of my presentation about early intervention and whether or not enough is being done in schools.  I indicated that more support is required and I spoke about my own difficulties within main stream schooling.

Redefining Labels

There are many arguments for and against a separation or a label that separates Aspies from Neuro Typicals (Non Autistics).  However as an Aspie myself do I believe there is different wiring?   Well I will attempt to answer this question to the best of my ability.

I do believe that Aspies are cognitively wired differently to Neuro Typicals.  In my own life I have struggled to relate to NT's and forming friendships has been virtually impossible.  When I was younger, I could not understand that although I was biologically the same age as people around me, that making friends was just difficult.  I struggled to connect and more importantly I could not understand why observations I made were not immediately apparent to them.  It was like I was speaking and communicating in a different language.  I also found that things needed to be explained to me differently and more thoroughly.  What was obvious for one person, was for me confusing and mind blowing.

What I believe is that Aspies and Neuro Typicals do communicate differently and process information in their own way.  What I think needs to happen is an understanding that the Autism Spectrum is just another way of thinking and communicating.  Aspies are just differently cognitively wired.  The biggest challenge for an Aspie is withstanding tribalism which is when NT's expect Aspies to think and act like they do.  Sometimes the result may be criticism, anger, confusion or even bullying like behaviour.  Clearly this has to change.

In my own life, I  have accepted that my thinking is different to an NT but it appears that others are struggling to accept this as a reality.  I just struggle to connect with NT's and I find that I seem to repel them or confuse them by being the person I am.  I have even been told that I put myself down by disclosing I have Asperger Syndrome and I wonder why this is the case?  Aspergers is to me a condition and it effects the way a person processes information, thinks and behaves.  Both Aspies and NT's need to exist together in the world which is NT but not Aspie but the sooner more and greater understanding is made available about Asperger Syndrome the better.

Please refer to this website for more information Australian scale of Asperger Syndrome

Will the world ever understand Autism?

One of my biggest concerns at the moment is that I fear the Autism Community is beginning to implode.  It seems that a lot of Aspies choose the easier way out of becoming dysfuncational more so than trying to stand united.  There are many advocates who are trying to create a positive message but those of us in the Autism Community need to stand shoulder to shoulder.

I feel it hard work if I am to do advocacy when other persons on the Autism Spectrum do not try hard enough or perhaps try to work harder at getting on with those who choose to advocate.   If the world is to understand Autism then it is the responsibility of those of us in the Autism Community to work together, to find positive solutions and approaches to be better understood.  We need to hear more positive stories and see more unity.

I believe that in my life time, getting the message out there is going to be tough work.  In order to remove the stigma and the label, we as an Autism Community need to start working towards solutions and trying to make Autism cool. We have many who can play musical instruments, have specialist abilities etc.  We need to encourage blogs, youtube videos and some website where all Aspies can share stories, experiences, talents etc

The word cannot be "Aspie" but as Aspies we need to learn the tools to better adjust and to fit in.  We need to work at creating greater networks which is a challenge for us and to try and make Autism cool.  I am fearful of Facebook because so many groups seem to be wallowing in sometimes dysfunctional behaviour. I have no interest in joining them and I am working at ways of overcoming my own difficulties so that I can better adjust and be understood by the world around me.  I know many adults who are an inspiration and have a great deal of intelligence but it saddens me that the media show no interest in this. Instead negative portrayals occur instead of positive ones.  Hopefully in time this will change.

If the Autism Community want the world to better understand then there needs to be more unity and cohesion instead of dysfunctional and uncacceptable behaviour.  It is a challenge but we need to strive harder to make things happen more so in a positive way!  We need to remain optomistic despite the challenges that lay ahead.