Expression of Interest sort

An email I sent to local University Department

Dear Psychology Department

I am seeking an Expression of Interest for a student or two students undertaking psychology in the area of the Autism Spectrum to assist with an adult group I run. The group is a non clinical group but one which could greatly assist and enlighten how Autism is endemic within adults. I am also am adult on the Autism Spectrum and have a website www.garryburge.com and was diagnosed by Dr Tony Attwood in 1998.

The student or students would need to possess the following and the position I am seeking is purely voluntary.  Please find below what would be involved for the person should they wish to apply.

1. A willingness to understand adults on the Autism Spectrum and to offer support and encouragement where necessary.

2. A means of  providing social skills that can help bridge the gap between those on the Autism Spectrum and those who are neuro typical.

3. Support with relationship advice and friendship skills

4. Assistance with running events and providing encouragement to adults on the Autism Spectrum to help with low self esteem and confidence building

5. Help with coping strategies and accessing services and or lobbying to governments and departments for support for adults.

6. One to one support where necessary to help Autistic Adult.

This email has been carbon copied to Professor Tony Attwood and for his information as well as he knows of me and the work I do. I also request that two applicants both male and female be sort between the ages of 21 to 45 years age. Preferably early to mid 20's and other applicant mid 30's. The idea is to have young people as this is the demographic attended to understand. Furthermore the applicants will need to act as mentors to adults and future adults. Responsible persons are sort with a mature outlook and sensitive of the needs of the Autistic persons such as friendships, relationships and boundaries etc.  The group meets on 2 Saturdays per month and it is understood that the applicants may not always be able to attend. The applicants must posses a friendly and warm nature also with a willingness to assist with the delegation and involvement in board games. Also the Department of Psychology may wish to rotate or change applicants in the course of their studies but again I emphasise the group is social and not to be treated clinically.

For further information please respond by email for more information.

Sent from my iPad
Garry Burge

Spring Post

Now that Spring has finally arrived, I thought I would write a post regarding updates.  Things have been painfully slow of late but there has been some good news.  Firstly, my contribution to a new book a long with other Aspie Authors, will be published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.  Having my name acknowledged by Jessica Kingsley Publishers may pave the way for me to write another book at some future stage. I am just not sure what to write about as yet.  Being an adult on the Autism Spectrum still confronts many challenges.  Making friends is still difficult and seeking a relationship even harder, although I am not entirely sure whether I can handle or want one?

I have needed to step back from advocating on a larger scale. Mainly this has been due to the fact that the burn out is more likely.  Although I am still running the adult group here in Brisbane, and Dr Tony Attwood will be visiting the group in November, my ideas are not always understandable within a conventional sense.  It would be good to have some non Aspie Adults help bridge the gaps.  It is not easy to know exactly how such gaps can be filled but letting things evolve in the group seems the only way.

I am now riding a bicycle regularly to keep fit and I have taken an interest in my former hobby of growing orchids again.  Apart from this, I may try and learn how to play the organ considering I know how to read music basically. So the way forward is not entirely have an absence of things to do.

Next year I am not sure about in terms of going abroad.  Norway and Sweden do sound tempting but the energy required for navigating the airport terminals, the herds in customs and the long haul plane flights will need some careful consideration.  Things to look into.

What would be ideal is that with a change of government would be a new look in terms of understanding disability and the Autism Spectrum.  I have some adults who would like to work, especially in a library. All I can do is try and train them through my own experience. To encourage them to learn about the classification systems and more importantly offer their services as volunteers to their local libraries.  Apart from this, an incentive for employers to take on persons with a disability and the Autism Spectrum would be ideal as well as obtaining proper support from Disability Employment Agencies and Employment Consultants.  Hopefully things will change over time?

To conclude this short entry.  It would be good to live in a world where there is a better understanding of the Autism Spectrum but more information and awareness are required to bring about change.  So all that can be done for the moment is trying to keep fingers crossed and see if things improve and become better!

It's not a case of lack of commitment

This morning I visited a friend at the Botanical Gardens west of Brisbane.  It was good to catch up with this friend as I have many but very few who are close.  I spoke of many things, and also my faith in God which at times ebbs and flows in my search for purpose and meaning.  As I spoke with this friend, he mentioned speed dating to me.  Now I will be honest in saying that I have not completely closed the door to dating and relationships but more so, I just find them difficult as the vast amounts of mental energy required can be simply draining.

Maintaining friendships is just as difficult and relationships are more a minefield.  As I walked around the gardens, primarily chosen for their quiet location, I wondered to myself who exactly am I and does God have a mission for me?  I simply loathe this so called blokey image where I am supposed to worship my own physique and appearance as well as my status.  I feel more comfortable in being myself and believe it or not, I do spend periods of time in solitude. 

I have many people who follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Skype and Linked In but very few really or rarely do I keep in contact with or meet in person.  I find Aspies can be easier to relate to and are more predictable but sadly some are overseas.  I can only rely on Skype to communicate with them and I feel a need to try and bring them out of themselves by harnessing and tapping into their potential.  We are more fringe dwellers and survivors and less so participants I find within the world around us. Browsing my Aspies' profiles one can often notice a certain degree of quirkiness and photographs of nature. 

Getting back to relationships however which is the initial thrust of this blog post, I find relationships just a minefield which are difficult to tread.  It just seems impossible in the first instance to know where to begin and secondly receive guidance and advice a long the way.  I also have to deal with homophobic fears from others and often prying questioning as to why I am so good looking, intelligent and able to function and yet still remain single?  For men on the Autism Spectrum I think that there are greater expectations on you and comments that one who is not in a relationship fears or maintains a lack of commitment.  This is not always the case.  I think many Aspies, including myself are trying to maintain and control our own levels of functioning and safeguarding our energy levels from reaching breaking point or severe meltdown. 

Understanding boundaries is also difficult because certain friends and people only want or have no contact or commitment.  I have wrongly been perceived as gay in my life for I have had to use my intelligence to form friendships which others find natural.  To obtain a relationship at any rate, success is going to manifest in the person having a so circle of friends or mates.  I find that with my own mind focusing more on over thinking that being in crowds with drinking activities has just caused me to observe more so than participate.  My special interests or discussions of history or current affairs is either met with disinterest, criticism or defensive reaction.  So my intellectual curiosity seems to know no match for the company I have often observed.  It has always been hypocritical to find men on a sporting field hugging each other and showing affection towards each other which is greatly feared in public places.

Perhaps God brings people into our lives and we must understand that within this dimension that within a physical sense, that we should learn to care for each other and not to harm?  I had a strange dream once where I was dreaming about the American flag and suddenly awakening to hear my name being whispered above my bed. Perhaps this may have even been the voice of God?  Who knows?  Often times of divine intervention cannot always be explained but hey I am only human trying my best to survive and be understood.  The more friends and interaction a person has maintains a healthy existence and the age old belief of men and women working together may be something not so bad after all? 

Putting skills to good use

August has finally arrived. It is hard to believe how quickly the year has gone as it is now a little over half way!  With this blog post comes some more optimism.  This being in the form of contact with some adults overseas. What I have in mind, is a combined effort to utilize their potential as well as my own in a possible documentary.  A couple of the adults are into film and know how to use cameras. So with these skills why not see what can be done?

In my contact with adults, I encourage them also to write blogs.  Blogs can be done for free on the internet be either doing a Google search for eblogger or wordpress.  A blog is a means to discuss things which are on your mind and to also talk about and share special interests.  For instance some adults have a good memory for facts, figures, numbers or even aircraft.  How can a person know what is in your inner mind unless you actually write about it?  I often find words flow more freely than the formation of conversation, which I find I tend to struggle more with. 

In a blog, I for instance can discuss my views and how I see the world which others cannot as they do not share the unique wiring within my mind.  I see so many positives with Autism but the struggle mainly is the communication aspect.  Making friends and connecting with others still has with it the day to day struggles.  In my communication with other adults, I find often an instant connection with them and like me they to seem more like they exist on the fringes of society. 

I often have adults ask me about the book I wrote, or about how I was able to find employment.  Trying to help everyone can be difficult as well as keep the adult group active. So I need to be mindful of how much energy I can commit. 

I am currently interested in trying to get some adults and myself to work together on a project. This would be a documentary where all participants would have an opportunity of utilising our skills.  What better way to show the world and showcase our talents than by having input which can be harnessed to assist and encourage younger Aspies to know that they too have a future. Of course what is proposed may not be perfect but the important thing is that people want to feel valued, especially Aspies so why not tap into our special interests and establish routines which may provide positive outcomes?   

It doesn't matter where the person lives as we can use Skype to connect and dedication to work together on a project that with some nurturing will provide a hand up for future generations to come.  I think as Aspies that we are unconventional and again I reinforce Aspie as an identity and not a label.  I am also working on or rather I say in a Facebook group to make it a support base for adults to connect with each other and share ideas.  Still a lot of work needed but I am not giving up that easily. 

Please stay tuned for more updates!

 

Aspie Adult Group Meeting

Yesterday we had our adult group meeting and had a game of mini golf at Victoria Park Golf Club.  It was good for everyone to get together and we also had a good turn out.  One of the dad's helped us out and everyone had a chance to play the 18 hole golf course.  What makes the adult group unique is that everyone is encouraged to come out of themselves with a focus on helping each other and providing support where it is needed.  We also are looking at ways of improving support and services for each other.



Mini Golf at Victoria Park, Herston, Brisbane.



Within our group we also discuss issues which effect us.  Mainly being the issues of unemployment, social isolation and the wider community not always understanding us.  The group exists not as a means of us being broken and needing to be fixed, but more so an identity.  Many of the adult have diverse interests. Some are mathematical, others musical and a few computer savvy.  It would be good to have the non Autistic world understand us better, and perhaps over time this may change?  

One adult is currently writing a blog about his journeys in finding employment, while another is writing a blog about his interest in photography from the Netherlands.  I also spoke with another adult who wrote a book yesterday about his own journey growing up as an adult on the Autism Spectrum.  He is currently 20 years of age.   

It is good to see things moving forward and the group also plans to present Dr Tony Attwood something that is reflective of being Aspie at our November meeting. 

If you are an adult on the Autism Spectrum wanting to find out some more or about the group please contact me via www.garryburge.com   The group is not so much clinical but more supportive and positive in terms of progress and inclusion.

Warmest regards
Garry Burge

www.garryburge.com 

Improving services for adults on the spectrum

It can be very difficult for adults on the Autism Spectrum to find services and obtain the necessary confidence and services to improve their quality of life.  With these factors in mind, we are now able to engage the energies of abilities of adults within a group for adults.  I am currently in touch and working with another adult based currently in rural New South Wales on the spectrum on ways to assist adults in finding employment and improving our quality of life.  We also are trying to assist Damian who also has Autism to obtain assistance with his research based here in Brisbane.  To find out more about his research and to assist Damian with finding another 80 applicants. Damian asks you to visit his Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/events/120028671500863/?ref=3

On 23rd November 2013, Dr Tony Attwood will be visiting the group and it is hoped by then that as an adult run by adults for adults that Tony can obtain important and useful information relating to our needs and to expand and share this within the wider community to assist in raising awareness.  As many adults including myself still have issues in finding a better quality of life and meaningful relationships and friendships.  The only means possible is to provide a group that meets on a social bases with strategies to assist with greatly enriching our quality of life. 

Currently I am working with Ben who is another adult on ways to further improve awareness and find positive solutions to the many issues we confront.  One of these being employment so that many Aspies can obtain a job rather than remaining on welfare.  Ben now has his own blog and we Skype our ideas and suggestions to assist in services for other adults.  Ben's blog can be visited by the following link http://bensaspieblog.blogspot.com.au/ The group is looking forward to meeting Ben in the latter part of the year when he will be moving to Brisbane. 

It is intended for adults that a strong focus on our abilities and achievements is of importance more so than the label used to define us.  With the right encouragement and support, many adults could be more ideally suited to employment and able to properly utilised but of course this takes time.  I find myself still on the outer within society as people still seem unable to understand how I like many other adults think and function.  Relationships seems impossible and even the thought of re-visiting dating websites seems overwhelming. So with this in mind as well as making meaningful and lasting friendships, surely a group setting with positive strategies would seem ideal? 

As I write this post what is above mentioned is all in an experimental phase but adults working together is possible but it is just a matter of convincing the powers that be it can happen!?   With this in mind it is just full steam as best as possible to the journey ahead. 

An Aspie's Journey in Finding Employment

In the world today finding and keeping employment is becoming an ever increasing challenge. For a person on the Autism Spectrum, we represent the highest unemployment statistics of around 85% to 90% unemployment.  Not having a job for many Aspies can further raise the issues of low self esteem and depression.  My own contact with some Aspies is that they are keen to work and remain committed despite the obstacles.  During such difficult times I try to encourage and focus upon abilities and encourage them to be utilised more within the area of advocacy.



There is always light and optimism



I encourage some adults to create their own blogs. Within this blog they can write about their own experiences of applying for jobs, reactions they receive and the direction in which they wish to go.  Not only does a blog demonstrate to a potential employer of their keenness to work but it also makes use of time which could be otherwise spent in frustration and despair.  The truth of the matter is that adults who are keen to work should demonstrate their keenness by raising awareness of their own experiences and scenarios. Within my own advocacy, I wrote a book which some of you may have heard about called "I Want To Work An Asperger Story" with a Foreword from Dr Tony Attwood which I self published through Schuurs Publishers.  I received knockbacks in terms of publication but to this day I still believe it is important to get the message out there!

Within the adult group yesterday, adults discussed the difficulties in finding employment and keeping a job.  This ranged from the very issue that most jobs are socially engineered relying on a person's social skills to a lack of Employment Consultants who have a general understanding of disability but very little understanding of Autism as it is a cognitive wiring difference.  I am encouraging some adults to not give up in their search for employment and to become advocates themselves.  I know of some adults with a great deal of experience and abilities who simply cannot get a job or are forced to work within jobs which do not include their experience and abilities. 

A blog called for instance "The Journey of An Aspie in Finding Employment" could provide a written account of what it is like being an adult on the Autism Spectrum.  It could also illustrate the challenges and offer solutions to overcome difficulties and to find coping mechanisms.  Many adults including myself struggle more on the social front.  We can be very good at tasks but the problem seems to be that employment is more focused on a natural flow of social interaction. Even a person in a wheelchair able to speak can have a mind similar to a regular person unlike a person on the Autism Spectrum.  Personally I think the sheer amount of mental energy required as well as the need for constant direction to ensure workflow is happening within an individual level can be a difficult task. Also working in group situations where communication is needed with other individuals who simply cannot grasp your own way of thinking, functioning and communicating.  I think many adults on the Autism Spectrum struggle so to speak in employment because work is not always visually obvious and communication and different personalities existing can just make for more of an obstacle. 

What then can be done?  I think that work should be compliant which factors in the strengths of a person on the Autism Spectrum and furthermore an employment consultant should be trained specifically in understanding Autism. Why not employ a high functioning Aspie to be an employment consultant or a meditator?  It is an often difficult problem to solve. As we speak I am encouraging one adult to learn software testing.  It is hoped that once he is well versed that a possible move forward to implementation of an error free outcome may be possible? Just imagine if for instance a computer was reliable and didn't break down as it was error free?  Within the adult group here in Brisbane, the thing which is important is that adults actually run the group and we work with each other to find positive strategies to move forward. To look at the issues of unemployment, lack of awareness and to overcome social isolation.  It is good to see adults working together by the simple means of playing a game of Scrabble or other word games.  We will be fortunate to have Dr Tony Attwood visit the group here in Brisbane on Saturday 23rd November 2013. The good thing about this visit is that Tony can meet the adults and the adults can raise issues and progress to Tony. It will not be other people speaking on behalf of adults or others who are trying to fix us but more so a means of adults talking with Tony and visa versa.  It is a first in so many ways. 

Currently, important responsibilities are being delegated to other adults. Some include contacting Blue Jays Employment which specifically assists adults with finding employment and by other means such as attending venues.  For instance at our mini golf game we will be making the proprietors aware of the fact we are Aspie Adults.  The identity being utilised more in a positive role and furthermore a means to also raise awareness. Perhaps the proprietor or another staff member know of someone on the Autism Spectrum?  It is a means of seeing our identity of being on the Autism Spectrum in a more positive light.  What I advocate in this post may not be positive to everyone or answer questions but it is an attempt to move forward and get something done.  Over time it is hoped that more adults will be engaging in important steps to pave the way forward and in a positive direction. 

Should you have any more questions or to find out about what is happening here in Brisbane the best means of contact is to visit my website www.garryburge.com

Kind regards
Garry Burge
www.garryburge.com  

What do we do at Aspie Adult Group Meetings?

If you like the idea of having fun and mixing business with pleasure, well that's what our gatherings are about.  Whether you like to play chess, talk about special interests or be around thinkers, then this is what we also do. The world can be a serious place and for many of us, we want to enjoy each other's company and go out once in a while also.  Currently ideas for outings may include Lawn Bowls, Cafe at Shingle Inn at City Hall as well as other suggestions.

So whether you would like to come a long and meet other like mind souls and enjoy the opportunity to unwind and be yourself, why not come a long?  You may find even more about yourself. We also have some fine musicians and creative thinkers.

Meetings are twice a month on the second and fourth Saturday of the month and for more information please contact www.garryburge.com Please enjoy the picture from near Gosford, Australia below.

Knowing which horse to back and choose

It is now approaching the September 14 election and again like all Australians compulsory voting is again inflicted on all of us to decide which political party should be chosen to govern. In all honesty I wonder how many people are actually aware or care about the political system at all and furthermore it is quite alarming how little some actually know nor care? 

As a person on the Autism Spectrum, the political parties seem to have their agendas and this is the way I guess it could be described the best way I see it. 

The Labor seems to think that welfare is a means of dealing with disability.  From my own experience, I found it difficult to obtain opportunity with courses and programs going nowhere. 

The Coalition seem to want to get people off welfare but more or less place people with disabilities and on the Autism Spectrum into unsuitable jobs.  Furthermore, flexibility seems almost non existent. 

I have no real interest in joining a political party as the social and internal politics just put me off.  I would rather get things done more so than following a deluded path of swishing glasses of chardonnay and talking about pointless things, when I could be getting something done.  The work I currently do in the advocacy area which very few people are unaware of in minute detail, and what goes on behind the scenes, is more about action than doing nothing.  At this current time what concerns me mostly is just wanting to put in an appearance just to get into government more so than actually getting things done.  Over the past years, I have tried relentlessly to argue the need to employ persons on the Autism Spectrum within employment but it just seems to fall on deaf ears.  I think to myself, why can't work choices allow a means for instance of bargaining between a person with a disability and or Autism and an employer?  Surely the energies and attributes of the Aspie can be more meaningful if fully utilised properly? 

I remember several years back that I attended a meeting with some guy who was standing for the National Party.  I was naive enough to believe that this person was keen to meet with me with myself instead being used to assist with a campaign ballot.  What was worse was that even despite his attempts and his wife who carried a small dog with her, was that my presence at this meeting was actually useless.  I also had to find my own way home again calling a taxi. If this was my usual prediction of trying to help out or believe that my presence was to be used then I was correct.  I just simply don't have the time for up starters and chest beaters.  I regard my own vote as important and I will cast it however I see fit. 

The situation at the moment seems to be between squabble and that untested.  I would rather politicians work harder for the electorate and less so on lining their own pockets.  If I were prime minister for instance which I have no interest of being so as entering the political domain just puts me off, I would rather if I were given perks etc to put these into causes where result could be obtained.  As a low income earner, I just find it hard to function in a society which seems to screw the very people who try and work hard and who want a better quality of life.   I wonder if there should be a party for persons on the Autism Spectrum but how and would we function in a political environment when social skills and people skills just get us off side with others for speaking our minds?   Never underestimate the intelligence of an Aspie as you may find many surprises a long the way. 

One thing is for sure is that Australians are complacent.  If the New Zealand dollar starts to catch up with Australian, they don't seem to care.  If you go out of your way to help someone, they just say 'No I'm right" and the list goes on.  No wonder I always used to think I was more English when I was younger.  As much as American culture is with us, I am not a real fan of it.  I prefer to help others, have community and not be screwed or see others screwed.  I think the one thing about the past 3 to 7 years is that people surely have woken up!  Or haven't they?  Is Australia going to return to another hung parliament again and the sensible ones of us burying our heads in the sand screaming once again, asking why?!  It is alarming how many people don't think and know very little in this country.  I recently spoke to one woman who could not even pin point on the map where she was currently living and was born in on the map!  She had no idea at all!  Interesting times ahead.  What Australians also don't realise is that so called 'wogs' which I even call myself one, are the people who worked hard to get this country where it is today.

Escaping the conformity and being able to operate in like minded space

I begin this post with today's adult group meeting.  It was great to welcome new members and also have existing members feel able to just be themselves. Over a game of scrabble, chess, some dominoes and other games, people were able to enjoy each other's company and express the frustrations which exist and to let go of.  Some of the adults are unable to obtain a job. One wants to work in a library and I suggested he contact some libraries to do some volunteer work. Some of the other adults are in jobs which they don't enjoy but have some unique talents. One adult in particular likes to play the piano and guitar. So he enjoys coming to the meetings and expressing his musical ability. 

The group roughly is now getting around 15 to 20 members.  The group exists on Facebook but to join they must firstly touch base with the admin of the group to ensure that the group meets their needs.  We are looking to have more fun at our meetings and to avoid the serious things which often get us down a lot.  The group also allows us a means to connect with like minded souls to share in and participate in activities which we enjoy. 

Although today's meeting was more recreational, the group now how sharp meeting formalities then just recreational fun. Please contact www.garryburge.com to find out more.
 

Pushing ahead but finding only ant tracks

I have been working very hard over the last few weeks.  I also find that there are some brick walls but I try my best to keep remaining strong.  At times I feel I cannot connect to others as they don't understand me.  No matter how hard I try, I just find that people seem to think that I should just change and not be hard on myself.  Well this is what I think at the moment anyhow.  Still some people can be unbearable and I try my best to avoid them.  However, unfortunately this may not always be possible.  

What is a relationship is just beyond me and in my discussions with John Greally and others, I can find solitude in  not knowing that I am alone.  If anyone thinks I am a so called hero, then you should know more about John Greally. Despite being very modest, John is to be commended.  He knows how to talk to Aspies and we can all be grateful that he exists. Despite his own struggles, John provides us with words of wisdom and explanations on how to better survive in a world that is not always understanding of Aspies.  As I move forward, I still find myself trying make sense of the world around me.  Just thinking and acting differently when even I mention how I function can sometimes be impossible. When or if I feel depressed, I try to do something else and stop the cycle from starting.  It just feels at times that nobody really understands and people whom I found supportive seem to just drop away. I guess they are trying to survive as best they can during difficult times.

I don't believe in writing sugar coated false blog posts that say everything is ok and offering strategies that may often not work.  What I instead attempt to do is to make and call for change.  To help people understand better. I have so many adults contacting me without a job and wanting one that I feel powerless to know what to do.  I have my own struggles in trying to learn more skills on the whole and despite wearing out, I feel at times that any hope in trying to be both productive and tapping in on my full potential as just a dream that will never see the light of reality. 

I may sound hard on myself in this post but my only way to communicate is to write, and post youtube videos.  This seems the only way to express myself.  People seem to insist on me communicating and interacting with them on their own terms which my own internal cognitive wiring has a different means.  I know more adults on the Autism Spectrum but the way many are treated by a world which does not always understand is very distressing.  If only people would try to listen and learn.  The weekend is finally here though which is good.  I am trying to do my best even though people seem to think that I am shutting them out when instead I am just trying to function as best I can.  This in itself is being Aspie. 

I am connecting with more adults now but the road forward is often a difficult journey.  Hopefully with God's guidance it will make the walk much easier.

Being worn down with nowhere to go!

As times get tougher I ask myself the question of where my life is going.  I just find that despite the obstacles and difficulties that exist around me, that just putting in all my efforts or implementing them seems impossible.  I have always struggled to fit into the Australian scene.  I am a person who when focused like to ensure that I achieve maximum result.  The only problem is that trying to both demonstrate and provide such examples seems near to impossible.  I have thought about moving to New Zealand, Germany and even Japan.  I think that more so Japan and Germany have a better work ethic.  For me it seems that if you work very hard and show dedication that your efforts are rewarded or you have an easier chance to learn more and become very productive.  In Australia though I think that there is too much union domination in the wrong areas.  Unions instead of standing up for important rights, seem more so interested in protecting unproductive workers.  Also unions seem to make it impossible by dictating certain conditions making it hard for people with disabilities, particularly those on the Autism Spectrum to just obtain a job!

I feel at times constantly worn down but I try my best to work very hard where and when I can.  For everyone workplaces can be challenging environments and we all need some form of downtime.  However, I also like to see within my own productivity and performance result.  In my own life I just find that throughout Australia there seems to be a near enough is good enough or she'll be right attitude.  I could have gone much further than I currently have but I find that my own difficulties of having low self esteem and not knowing how to 'bullshit' or lowering myself to 'suck up' has caused me some stagnation.  I would relish the opportunity to learn and receive good training but I just feel that this just remains a kind of dream that will only ever remain a dream.  I know I have so much to offer and I often wonder if I should remain in Australia or go elsewhere?  Of course there is the whole immigration process which just presents itself with another obstacle. 

Every time I try to push forward I find that venturing into unchartered territory makes me concerned about my own health.  What if I get someone off side or if I offend someone without knowing it?  As John Greally said people are not like throwing a boomerang in which you know that the boomerang may only slightly detour off its original path.  The world just seems overwhelming but thankfully I have the support and encouragement from within the Aspie Community to survive in this world.  I just hope one day that people will listen to us and stop trying to ridicule or make me out to appear or be stupid. 

The political situation in Australia is just maddening.  Now there is talk of a return to Kevin Rudd which worries and concerns me.  I remember what happened with mental health and the other difficulties which occurred.  For all I just think an election is the only answer but waiting for this to occur just seems an overwhelming reality.  I also spoke with some person yesterday who lives in an Australian capital city and could not even pin point on the map where this city exists. This is very concerning.  Are enough people educated here and able to think?

Tremendaspie email

Hi Garry

I am based in Melbourne. On the odd occasion I am up in Brisbane and may be

able to touch base with you if I am up there but at this stage I can't

afford to come up there for free. 

Also I try to talk more to teachers or employers to spread the word about

the positives of Asperger's and how to utilise strengths rather than

weakness so I generally don't talk to adult groups with Asperger's. I'd be

happy to but I generally don't focus on that area as there seems to be a lot

of people already talking about Asperger's to people with Asperger's and I

try to focus my energy on getting the message out to others who don't yet

know much about it. 

Also you may be interested to know, although it will only be available in

Melbourne, is that through my Chartered Accounting Practice I am looking to

offer some kind of work experience/internship to people with Asperger's who

have finished uni or school and are looking for office work. The idea of the

program would simply be to give each person a short introduction to office

life, ie. I might ask them to grab a coffee with me, answering phones,

utilising computer skills, etc. So they don't need to come from or want to

work in an accounting background. The idea is simply that they are exposed

to a workday without the stress of worrying about stuffing it up. I think I

would be looking at offering a program of 4 weeks, working Monday, Tuesday,

Thursday, Friday. I am thinking about leaving Wednesday out as a break in

the middle of the work week. And I am also thinking about the hours being

9-3 each day. 

I haven't started the program yet as I want to pay full office award rates

(I don't want this to be a free/volunteer program). I want them to be

properly rewarded for the job and I want it to simply be a safe environment

for an Aspie to learn some skills to take with them into an actual job in

the field they want to work in. I haven't seen much of this about but I'd be

interested if you had any thoughts on such a program and whether you would

have found something like that useful.

My meeting with a young adult on the Autism Spectrum

This morning I attended a meet up of support.  At the local café near to where I live, I met a young man at the age of 18 with his concerned parents.  I spoke to both parents about their son's situation. Like so many it was one of wanting a better quality of life and more importantly, a job.  This young man not only was brave to meet with me, a complete stranger to both he and his parents, but to also disclose how life is treating him.  He wants to work in a library but being on the southside of Brisbane, he is not getting the proper support from his employment agency and more importantly his employment consultant.   I discussed with both he and his parents my own experiences of being diagnosed by Dr Tony Attwood in 1998 and of the challenges in just finding employment which just seemed impossible.  The young man concerned was on the DSP (Disability Support Pension) and he told me that all he wants is a job in a library where he can have a more meaningful and structured life.  Although I wish to not disclose his name for privacy reasons, I also learned that he experienced severe bullying at school and dropped out of Grade 12. 

I hear from many parents who simply want their son or daughter to have a job.  Often times the parents may speak more so than their child, but when I meet with adults and their parents, I try to make provision for both to speak so I can gauge the situation and offer what support and guidance although small currently which may be available.  I also referred this young man to the work of Damian Santomauro who is on the Autism Spectrum as the young man concerned had some issues with emotions etc.  We look forward to meeting both at the group in the not too distant future. 

Today I also was fortunate to have Jamie come over and play the piano. Often adults have to deal with social isolation which can be difficult. This is one of the reasons why I formed the group. 

Please stay tuned for further updates!

Is all sanity lost?

I write this entry tonight because I believe as Australians that we have well and truly lost the plot.  No matter how you try to keep sane in a confusing world, the very foundations that you try to rely on are just slipping away beneath your feet.  I will go as far as saying that I believe there is an underlying agenda and motive behind this but I am not prepared to say by whom and for what.  I would like to say that I believe that its head is Godless and its motives destructive.  To begin with, western culture simply is collapsing. This is happening by men being made to feel redundant and furthermore women confused.  In western culture this severely impacts on the fertility rate as women turning away from men causes less fertility and furthermore a decline in a country's culture. 

I find that the biggest problem confronting men is that men simply are incapable of working with each other.  This factor alone being a significant problem in increasing mental health issues and furthermore depression.  In some ways I detest being a man for the connotations that society dictates on you.  These being that you are supposed to be good with women and exist in a 'blokey' image that just seems to me shallow and devoid of any substance.  I also think a lot of men have issues and seem uncomfortable with forming friendships with other men which is sad really. 

The thing which also is concerning is this disconnection with the depiction of God.  People in western cultures seem to have given up on believing that God exists.  This very issue creates a sense of coldness and fear because the church has failed to allow many to think, more so indoctrinating many to attend.  When you shut out goodness in the world and the very foundations that what a true Christian should be and how they should act, you create a mould of person who just seems uncaring and bereft of tolerance and compassion.  I see in this world so many inequalities and yet I wonder to myself of what I can do to try and remain a just upright and free person.  There are many men who given encouragement and guidance will become good people as well as women but today there seems to be an over emphasis on women and little in relation to men. 

I believe that politics in Australia is disgraceful.  In fact I am beginning to despise politicians totally.  The way they increase their pensions, payments, perks etc, I really wonder if they care for anyone at all?  It seems that any political party is incapable of stopping further increases in politician's perks with the only exception of Ted Mack an Independent from North Sydney who refused them.  The problem with the political parties is that they have lost touch with the people.  Firstly the Labor Party have lost their connection with their grass roots and the Liberal Party the business.  In fact I am disappointed by a recent video from the New Zealand Government https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cck1y6kM5c8  Any government who starts to swish chardonnay with the big end of town and screw everyone else should ultimately suffer a reality check in the polling booth whereas if a government hurts people should also suffer the same fate.  I have no interest in political parties because I cannot stand the internal politics and all of the nonsense that goes a long with it. 

I think the biggest problem in this world is the monetary system because it makes people greedy, corrupt and dishonest.  It is about time the world gets a reality check! 

In meltdown

Well after a busy couple of days, I finally feel the effects of my busy schedule.  For anyone wanting to understand what a meltdown is, it is when you feel as though you are mentally hung over and forming words, finding energy and needing rest are essential.  This is how I feel at the moment. I feel that going outside or more so driving a car is just an overwhelming task.  It is just a matter of trying to remain calm and finding some time to rest. 

People don't realise just how emotionally draining it is to be someone on the Autism Spectrum.  This very world can simply be overwhelming and it is best to just remain in hibernation until you can find the energy again, to do what you need to do.  As I get older, I find myself restricted in what I can and cannot do.  I find the push and shove existence something I like to avoid and more so the coldness of people when you try and be friendly to them.  It is just saddening when people just don't bother to respond the way you may like them to.  We live in a very uptight world. 

As a Christian, I often wonder at times what God has planned for me.  I know that God exists in my own life as I have met and know some very wonderful and kind people.  I also have experienced situations which I define as divine intervention.  However, I wonder why so many people seem troubled and uptight in an increasingly becoming evil world. Just the ability and means to make a friend or have friends just seems impossible.  The greatest and healthiest thing in life is to have positive interaction. However nowadays it seems just about impossible to obtain.  People seem coy or insular within themselves and I am more or less forced to just survive and tread water as best I can.  Nobody seems to want to have fun anymore and despite some of the unsavoury elements in our society, people seem incapable of having fun.  Within the group for Aspies, I try and change this.  Bring in music, initiate games and provide a pleasant and non threatening atmosphere makes a world of difference.  When I go into the outside world again however this all sadly just melts away. It is back to cold people and negative energy.  It is ironic that where our group meets is in a church.  I often wonder at times whether I should have studied Theology as studying the scriptures at least opens your mind more to the world around you.  I have some friends who are Christian and some who are ministers of a church.  I guess this also says something about me?

Over the coming months, I hope things improve.  I no longer feel any connection with this country and I see so many young people unhappy and confused.  This is not good. More needs to be done to make life better for them and they need our encouragement.  For me I need to take time out and I just try my best to do what I need to and listen to God's guidance.  I pray that I have the strength to continue to get by in a difficult world and I try not to become a wicked person. There are forces around which try to inflict this upon me. 

I wish everyone well for the upcoming week and God bless you all :)

Brisbane Adult Aspie Social Group

Today we had a great meeting and turn out with Jane Prentice MP turning up.  It was good for Jane to meet with the group and for the group to discuss any concerns and issues they have pertaining to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, accommodation and employment.  On the whole we had approximately 20 adults in attendance.  The thing about the group is that we meet in an informal and non threatening environment.  The group doesn't set about setting up a wall with bricks and mortar with labels, but more so a means of allowing our abilities and strengths to work together. We also try to work with persons not on the Autism Spectrum to allow for cohesion.  For instance today's meeting we had Gordon Sanderson and Linda Fullerton as parents of Autistic children assist with the presentation of issues confronting adults and solutions. We also had Linda assist with food and catering to make our members feel comfortable and new guests welcome.  We also have support from John Greally in New Zealand if we need some guidance or advice in relation to information.  John is on the Autism Spectrum and advocates and works very tirelessly to assist persons on the Autism Spectrum.

At our meeting today we focus on having fun also.  Members feel comfortable and are at ease coming out of themselves and sharing interests and communication.  Through my own efforts I am able to assist with this and today we had many games which was good to see. Board games, music playing and a game of celebrity heads.  So nobody was left to feel out of it.  One of the hardest things about being Aspie is the social isolation that comes with it.  It is dreadful as it makes you feel depressed and if left untreated much worse.  Members of the group feel at ease therefore and we are finding our meetings productive.  What of course would be great would be for the group at some stage in the future be able to relate to persons not on the Autism Spectrum.  What I can see personally for the group is a means of furthering awareness by attending venues and functions where others can learn and understand the Autism Spectrum better. In our current location, adults learn the importance of working together and take an active role where possible to raise awareness. It would be good to see this manifest itself in employment but hopefully one day this will happen?  Awareness of the Autism Spectrum is like frontier territory.  Getting the awareness out there and allowing for more Aspies as an identity to flock home like pigeons wanting to roost is still taking some time.  Hopefully one day it will happen more? 

Ask yourself what would you like to see in an adult support group?  Perhaps you may want to answer the following points?

• A means of overcoming social isolation
• A way to make new friends
• Sharing of special interests
• Something to do on the weekend
• Obtain advice with employment
• Improve services and awareness
• Outings and events that are conducive to those with Autism
• Support with university and further study

The list goes on.  I am sure you can think of more?  Please don't hesitate to contact me via my website www.garryburge.com should you wish to know more.  We meet at the Toowong Uniting Church http://toowongunitingchurch.org.au/

Our meeting with Jane Prentice below.  Please contact Jane by visiting the following link http://janeprentice.com.au/

Meeting with Jane Prentice MP today 8th June 2013