2014 the year ahead!

It is good to see that with the foundation firmly in place with the Asperger Adult Group that we can look forward to a new year with great enthusiasm.  We have a lot of things planned as well as events.  Furthermore the group is getting big and maintains a good regular attendance.  However we need to also think about what we need to achieve.  Next year we have several events on which include 2 visits from Professor Tony Attwood and a presentation from one of our adults who will be presenting his own journey and experiences on Saturday 22nd February 2014.  For more information about attending this presentation please contact me via my website Garry Burge

Our meeting on Saturday 28th December 2013 went really well.  Adults enjoyed themselves and what was even better was that friendships were forged as well as people feeling connected and happy to belong.  This is what an Adult Group should all be about.  A group that allows adults a means of running events and activities. These activities also being assisted by others who have a desire to assist and make life much easier for Aspies.  We also welcomed Jeremy from The Space at Kenmore Jeremy has offered to assist us with our meetings and we welcome anyone willing to come a long and assist with outings.  My responsibilities for yesterday included the coordinating of the meeting and ensuring that everyone felt welcome.  Despite being a big task, I felt it was implemented very well and we all look forward to our next meeting on Saturday 11th January 2014



Adult Aspie Group Meeting at Walkabout Creek
 

On Saturday 22nd February 2014 we have Curtis undertaking his presentation. He will be talking about his own challenges and his journey of having Asperger Syndrome.  We are looking forward to this presentation and it should be very entertaining as well.



Curtis in Berlin



 

Seasons Greetings for 2014!



Adults Working Together

I have some important updates in which I wanted to share with others.  These updates being that the work of Ben Wilshire is going really well.  Ben is doing a great job in writing his blog and updating this blog with important information.  I keep in touch regularly with Ben via Facebook and Skype and more importantly, Ben keeps me informed with his Adult Group based in Orange, New South Wales Australia.  To keep informed with Ben's blog please visit the following link Ben's Aspie Blog  I hope to meet Ben in Orange next year if I can work out a way to get down to Orange which is not too strenuous.

In relation to the Adult Asperger Group, we had the pleasure of Dr Tony Attwood visit our group. I know Tony well, as he diagnosed me as having Asperger Syndrome in 1998, and over time I have kept in touch with him and he has assisted me with some of the needs I have as an adult.  Tony attended our last group meeting and he was able to talk with the other adults and share experiences.  Tony has offered to assist the group next year and thinks the group is doing a great job.  We therefore have both Tony's support and the fact that our group is run by adults on the Autism Spectrum.  Although we may still have a long way to go to reach the targets of employing Aspies, improving services and raising awareness, we are able to have a place for adults to connect. 

It is with great news also that one of our adults, Curtis Harrison in the group will be presenting his own personal journey and experiences of being on the Autism Spectrum next February.  Saturday 22nd February 2014 to be exact and this event should be great to attend.  What I need to stress is that the adults all work together and are encouraged to take on responsibility, delegation which can assist with greater cohesion.  For more information about next year's presentation in February please don't hesitate to get in touch with me via www.garryburge.com 

I have also been involved in trying to get The Lab to Brisbane.  The Lab is a means of providing adults on the Autism Spectrum with a means of using software and Information Technology. For more information about the Lab please visit  http://www.thelab.org.au/about  Brisbane City Council have come on board in offering to help make "The Lab" a reality in Brisbane and all we need now is for more action on the part of "The Lab" to make it happen.  So we need to keep our fingers very crossed! 

I often have Facebook messages and emails concerning adults who have been diagnosed or are wanting to be diagnosed. I would like to encourage anyone who may be wanting information to know that Minds and Hearts together with Dr Tony Attwood are running workshops at the University of Queensland for intervention and support. For more information Dr Tony Attwood can be contacted via his website www.tonyattwood.com.au  Some great progress happening there and hopefully for next year also here in Australia in finding ways to improve employment, bettering services and raising more awareness of Autism in adults.  

In the meantime I would like to wish everyone reading this blog Seasons Greetings and a happy and safe Christmas and New Year. 

Seasons Greetings

Garry Burge

www.garryburge.com

Opportunity for young adults on the Autism Spectrum in Australia

I begin this post by mentioning "The Lab".  I am just finding out about the Lab and you can also by visiting their  website  The Lab seems to provide opportunities for young adults on the Autism Spectrum within the areas of IT.  I am currently trying to get in touch with them to see if there is a location in Brisbane.  I don't think there is but it would be good if there was as adults could attend and use their abilities and obtain training at the same time.  I will endeavour to make contact with "The Lab" this afternoon.

Last Saturday night I spoke with Chris Mitchell who is a friend and adult on the Autism Spectrum.  I have known Chris since 1999, when I first corresponded with him be email.  Chris has recently climbed Kilimanjaro as an adult on the Autism Spectrum.  He also works for Autism Works in the United Kingdom.  You can find out more by visiting www.autismworks.co.uk  Autism Works is an employer of adults on the Autism Spectrum as software testers.  They are based in Newcastle in the United Kingdom and worth checking out.

One of the main concerns I have is adults thinking or believing they are celebrities. For many young adults they seem to think that having Autism should be a batten of identity.  This can have some issues as the main focus should be on obtaining employment and acting within a mentoring role to assist younger adults.  It is important that the torch be passed in terms of mentoring to allow adults to guide younger people on the Autism Spectrum to know that achieving potential is possible.

Getting back to my earlier comment though, I hope to contact "The Lab" and try to assist where I can if at all possible.  Too often I hear stories of adults sitting around at home on their computers and losing self esteem and motivation in looking for employment.  It would be good to see "The Lab" in all major cities and towns across Australia.  I wonder if they are thinking about doing this?  This organisation seems to nurture a positive in that adults can be seen to be doing something positive and productive.  We need to be getting adults off welfare and into work, so hopefully such a concept like this may assist in this goal.  We need to highlight positives and not negatives.

I really hope that "The Lab" makes it to Brisbane because over the past years I have lobbied hard to try and get Specialisterne, Autism Works or some other organisation which can employ Aspies to Brisbane.  We just need the job and support here for adults!  What needs to be done to make such a reality possible?  Can "The Lab" be located in West End or near the Brisbane CBD so adults can easily get there by public transport?  I hope to make contact this afternoon to see what I can find out.  I will also provide updates in due course. Once again please visit their websitehttp://www.thelab.org.au/ to find out more and pledge your support! 

Helping to make adults into mentors

I have been thinking recently of whether it is possible to encourage adults on the Autism Spectrum to become mentors. For instance around Australia, adults could be encouraged within their town, cities and communities to actively take on a role of writing a blog, hosting a group meeting and encouraging younger adults with on personal experiences of making the transition from school into employment and university.

As you may be aware, I am working with Ben Wilshire who is an adult on the Autism Spectrum in Orange.  Ben is taking on an advocacy role in Orange, New South Wales where he lives.  I have encouraged Ben to write blogs and talk to him regularly on Skype about ways to better improve the lives of persons on the Autism Spectrum.  As far as I am concerned Ben is doing a great job!  I have also been updating Dr Tony Attwood about this work and I hope that Ben will be able to attend the group meeting with Tony here in Brisbane on Saturday 23rd November 2013.

The way I see things at the moment is that there are few or not any organisations which are run mainly by adults on the Autism Spectrum here in Australia.  I think it is about time that a more positive and active approach is needed to tackle the issues of a lack of crucial services and employment.  I believe that by encouraging adults to work together that it may help to overcome this often negative stigma concerning adults and employment.  The important thing is to work more closely with adults and to encourage them where necessary.

I am currently trying to make the Facebook Group for adults a place where the energies and abilities of adults can be harnessed upon.  The group is looking into various scenarios as well as relationships and other areas to see if things can be improved.  There has also been the suggestion of an employment service primarily aimed at assisting adults making the transition from school into employment and university.  I am primarily fed up with the lack of services that do not exist for adults who want to explore friendships and relationships.  There is just no support for adults who are wanting or are in a relationship needing some advice where a circle of friends or community are absent.  This is something that needs addressing and I am keen to improve this area.  Furthermore I hear from parents of adults who are frustrated in that employment agencies and more especially employment consultants seem to be weighed down or not providing sufficient support for adults who are keen to work.  It just seems to me that having Autism is another kettle of fish so to speak and the employment services are very limited.

I am thinking that with Ben and other adults, that some workshops run by adults on the Autism Spectrum could be implemented.  Such workshops would allow adults to help younger people and visa versa.  Hopefully this may also provide leadership and experience which may prove useful in terms of future employment?  The important thing is to remain optimistic.  Over the coming weeks and months, I intend to think of some ideas and strategies that could be created such as workshops giving advice for young persons with Autism in making the transition from school and into employment and university.  Of course it may not work but I can only try.

Please stay tuned for more updates.

Where is the scaffolding beyond adolescence?

To begin this post I firstly want to quote Shakespeare.  Shakespeare in Richard II Act III Scene II to remind us each and everyone of us of our own mortality and how we need to relish the lives we lead more.

Let's talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs.

Make dust our paper and with rainy eyes

Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth.

Let's choose executors and talk of wills.

And yet not so, for what can we bequeath

Save our deposed bodies to the ground?

Our lands, our lives, and all are Bolingbroke's,

And nothing can we call our own but Death

And that small model of the barren earth

Which serves as paste to cover our bones.

For heaven's sake, let us sit upon the ground

And tell sad stories of the death of kings

I often wonder how many adults find the transition from school which for many may be a difficult period into adulthood?  It seems at times just getting outside the front door is in itself a challenge.  As I am now 41, I think if I hadn't been as helped where I have been, would I have made it this far?  I find that scaffolding is needed to assist Aspies but what is difficult is that for many Aspies is that often they can never really be who they are unless of course there is tolerant people around them.  Recently when I was talking with some other adults, we wanted to find statistics that accurately reflect adults in terms of support, employment and other statistical information.  This information seems hard to find unless you can find the relevant data.  

It concerns me in Australia that often people's attitude are not always both accommodating and understanding of various issues on their part of understanding.  I have found that through my own advocacy work that I am able to assist many. However what can be a challenge is the journey forward. It is hard to know for anyone what the future will bring.  Will I still be able to hold it all together in a health sense and will some of the difficulties confronting unemployment, social isolation and overcoming tolerance be met?  

All adults are different and my thoughts may not always be shared with others.  I have had my own ways of dealing with things.  In Australia I think mental health is overcome with this involvement in excessive exercise in some areas and the reliance of alcohol and drugs on the other.  Seldom do people talk about mental health as it contains this negative stigma still.  There are days when life is just mentally challenging and no matter how hard you work and think outside the box, you still are treated differently.  It is sad in a society when a younger person thinks that you are interested in them sexually when all you are trying to do is to help them and communicate.  For a lot of younger people I believe that communication issues are a real problem. Recently a study was undertaken into young children in Australia finding many irritable and having sleep issues.  Perhaps the over reliance on computer games, gadgets and the lack of face to face interaction is having a real impact?  

For me the biggest issue is the lack of services and scaffolding for adults on the Autism Spectrum.  In my life, my adolescence was spent in fending off bullies and ignorant teachers in school and having very few friends at the same time.  If you can then imagine this transitioning into adulthood perhaps you can see why I am self conscious of bullying and my need to defend myself?  If it didn't happen in the classroom is it going to happen for many adults in adulthood?  Services are needed in terms of finding strategies to deal with survival in the neuro typical world but it is important that Aspies have their own playgrounds of inclusion with other Aspies to know we are not alone.  This is one of the reasons why I formed the Aspie Adult Group here in Brisbane.  I found it tedious that after a while the pressures of conformity would force me to seek medical attention and medication.  A feeling of aloneness and desperation just to manage anxiety and social isolation as well as trying to make sense of the wider world.  

Perhaps this post has strayed away from the original topic of asking the question of where is the scaffolding for adults beyond schooling, but I invite you to ask yourself the question of how the lives of persons on the Autism Spectrum be when they reach adulthood?  Such a question needs a lot of well and careful thought. 

Some very good news

Over the past month I have been in touch with other adults on the Autism Spectrum on skype. It is with great news that my contact with Ben Wilshire has been very productive. Ben is an adult on the Autism Spectrum based in Orange, New South Wales in Australia.  Ben like so many adults has a lot of potential and energy but finds the labor market a real struggle.  The many adults I come into contact with are finding employment support difficult. Either employment consultants from Disability Employment Agencies are not turning up, not getting back to clients or just unable to assist adults with Autism to get employment.  These factors have made me wonder whether the group I run and am  involved with should take action!  Is it possible that employers can be contacted with the positives of employing someone on the Autism Spectrum as possible?  The group now has many adults in attendance and it is hoped overtime that important responsibilities and commitments can be delegated. However this needs to be done in a way that brings out the potential of adults.

Getting back to my earlier post concerning Ben in Orange.  I have worked with Ben to encourage him to take on an advocacy role and it is one that I believe he is doing very well. He now runs a group in Orange and this group is very important for rural New South Wales.  Regional Australia needs a big boost in terms of awareness and services for adults on the Autism Spectrum and Ben is doing a great job at providing a start.  The Brisbane and Orange groups are now working together and the Facebook group is now bringing in the help of others to spread the word of Autism and to work with the adults.  The group is a means of entering the Aspie world and for the outside world to see us positively and not as the often negative betrayal that is seen mostly in the media.  We have been somewhat disappointed that a newspaper article didn't go into the Courier Mail but there are more important things at the moment.  The work of Damian Santomauro is also important within Australia, especially Brisbane and like the many adults we have here, more of a focus on who we are and what we can achieve is essential.

The group in Brisbane has a lot of potential but currently I am trying to work through the many facets of a foundation base before important tasks need implementation.  The most important of these is dealing with the lack of services for adults.  Quite simply if you feel socially isolated and in need of friends, you have no choice but to put up with the 'me society' and to be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist who will recommend medication or referral to some specialist who indicates that we are broken and need fixing.  Instead I would like to think that society needs fixing. A fixing in accepting Autism as a fact of life and to work with Autistic people rather than box or label them.  Of course this involves a lot of work but something that can be achieved with optimism.

I would like to conclude by saying that I am working very hard with other adults to look at ways of moving this country forward in a positive direction with Autism.  It would be also good one day to entertain the idea of an Autism Act which was introduced into the UK Westminster Parliament and passed and that only needs a Member of Parliament to put forth a Private Member's Bill. Until then let us remain optimistic about the path forward.

Navigating a social engineered world with an Apie brain.

Today is Friday. The end of the week again.  I was thinking today of how many Aspies have been successful and not been acknowledged for their contributions?  Perhaps they have been let down by their difficulties with social skills and trying to navigate the world which is engineered mainly for those who are naturally gifted with social skills.  One of the biggest challenges I find is that to be considered successful or more importantly 'normal', a person seems to be judged on their means of being able to fit within the larger tapestry of life.  In my own experiences, I just find the social world confusing, overwhelming and socially challenging.  No matter how hard I try in being capable of managing and being good at something, my inability to navigate the world by means of some kind of socialised natural formula just seems impossible.

There seems to be two main stream types of thinking those of us who are on the Autism Spectrum and others who are not.  It appears though that some Aspies accept their identity while others hide it perhaps thinking that the world will never change and expecting it to do so just brings upon more frustration.  I find often that within a social setting that a lot more mental energy is required to adapt and it is a bit like feeling as though you are a pulsating star trying to make your way or survive in a black hole.  The pulsating star continuing to release its energy only finding this energy becoming exhausted and lost.  At times I can sense the onset of meltdown and at times it is hard to always avoid it.  Living in a world which is largely comprised of different thinking does present a challenge.

Being Aspie sometimes feels like I am on a world stage and everything and everyone around me feels as though they are part of some larger script.  It is though you wonder when everything will be revealed or why the majority of people seem to want to pretend that things are normal when in reality they don't appear so.  It is though there exists a larger illusion and as Rene Descartes once said "I think therefore I am" seems to be one way of knowing that you exist on the stage with the characters being real.

It is interesting in life coming across undiagnosed Aspies.  They have tried to survive in a world which it seems is difficult for them and like clay they have constantly needed to remould their minds so as to fit in with the larger scheme of things.  Many are like minded but often they don't want to accept what they call a label and which I call an identity.  Being Aspie is just as much as like being left handed, blue eyed etc.

I therefore ask you should you read this post contemplate whether there are or have been successful Aspies who have just not obtained the recognition which they deserve as the socially engineered world foreign to them just doesn't know how to accommodate them?  Just because a person may not be good socially does not mean they are successful within their own right?

Spreading the word

I start today Thursday 3rd October 2013 with some good news. As you are no doubt aware, Ben Wilshire an adult on the Autism Spectrum is now starting an adult group in Orange, New South Wales, Australia. This is great news for Aspies in rural Australia as there are still many important issues in rural Australia such as mental health, suicide and the list goes on.  What is important however is that through Ben's hardwork and his determination to start and facilitate group meetings in Orange. This in itself provides much needed support.  More updates will be provided over time also.

Currently the group here in Brisbane is having a regular attendance of around 20 adults, with some new faces hopefully coming a long soon.  I am also trying to see if it is possible to get young people not on the Autism Spectrum to come a long to to the group and attend meetings.  There have been some concerns and confusion over this as people think I am trying to make the group look as though it is an experiment. This is simply not the case. What I am trying to do is to help bridge the gap between those of us on the Autism Spectrum and others not. It is not easy, I am trying to do my best and I have also tried to keep Dr Tony Attwood in the loop.  I think that there are many positives to being Aspie but sadly a lot of people don't see this.  

The lack of services for adults on the Autism Spectrum still remains an issue.  It really infuriates me that when you look for support it simply does not exist.  There are many adults for instance that encounter difficulties with relationships, making friends and overcoming social isolation and I am trying hard in the group to work on and overcome such issues. I still find it hard to have for instance a social circle of friends that I can hang out with and who can understand me properly.  I still find friendships important but it is a lot of work in making them and keeping them.  I also wish that I could do more in other areas of my life as for the past 8 years, I just don't seem to be able to stimulate my brain much.  Learning more skills and duties which involve thought would be great!  

I am very concerned about the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) as I think there are many adults on the Autism Spectrum including myself that will miss out on the necessary services which would greatly assist with day to day functioning.  Quite simply nothing seems to exist in terms of independent living and overcoming social isolation.  Also I try my best to assist other adults in obtaining employment, even trying to help them understand duties from my own life's training. For instance I am encouraging some young adults try and obtain volunteer work within a library and provide them with advice to learn more about the Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal System of Classification. A library environment seems a very supportive environment for adults both employed and those who are students, as libraries are often quite places which also stimulate intellectual curiosity and thinking.  Perhaps things will change for the future.  

I may not think the way others expect me to but I try my best to adapt where necessary and it can be very challenging at times.  Overtime I hope people and attitudes start to change but for now I can only do my best.

Kind regards

Garry Burge

www.garryburge.com 

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.