It's time to try and be optimistic again!

The last couple of weeks have been hectic.  I have visited Orange, and now the group meets the new challenge of finding another venue.  Sadly as I cannot nor can the group afford public liability, the church has made the decision that we can no longer meet there. So after approximately 2 years it is now time to say goodbye to Toowong Uniting Church. We do thank the Pastor - Simon Gommersil for his help but after negotiation, even asking to become a church congregation member to be covered by public liability, this decision was not accepted.


I have been contacting community halls around Brisbane, more so in the western suburbs and central Brisbane.  Some of our meetings will held in the Toowong, Indooroopilly and Kenmore libraries, but having a regular venue is the next step.  I have contacted various community halls with the most recent of these being www.bleedingheart.com.au  I also have been referred to www.communify.org.au  I have posted these events in the group and will ask group members for feedback. 


I have had some further enquires about the group and these have been from some adults on the Autism Spectrum.  One adult's mother has contacted me as he wants to work in a library studying a Diploma of Library & Information and the other is studying at UQ.  His name is Matthew. He has lived in Brisbane for approximately 6 years and is finding campus very challenging and difficult. He finds it hard to make friends.  I talk with Matthew where I can and assist him with the same experiences that I also have to deal with.  I also have made some new contacts through an initiative to welcome new students and staff to the university.  I asked Matthew if he wanted to attend as well as communicate with the other students who are from Chile, Canada and Russia.  It is good to communicate with others who have diverse minds.


I still find university confusing at times as little has changed much since I was a student myself at the University of New England.  I see lots of young people, well I am not so young as I used to be and wish I could communicate with them. Their minds are young and most of them are energetic in wanting to learn more about the world around them.  Like Matthew, I too can relate to the frustration of trying to make friends and fit in on campus, but over time we hope to raise more awareness of Autism as being an ability and not a disability with more acceptance of our achievements and less so of our challenges. 


We welcome on board plenty of support. I am still in touch with Ben in Orange and Damian who is studying a PhD at UQ.  I hope for Matthew to meet with Damian next Friday when I regularly meet with Damian to support him in his work in Autism and raising awareness.  It is good to have more connections available.  


Please stay tuned for the journey and road ahead.  Now we just need to find a new venue and somewhere hopefully which is more city based. 


So it is important to be gay in order to ensure that you overcome pessimism. 

The challenges ahead

This past week has been rather hectic.  Due to reasons of public liability it appears difficult for the group to continue unless we can obtain some kind of inclusion within public liability. I met last week with the Pastor of Toowong Uniting Church to see if I could become incorporated within the Toowong Uniting Church.  There are many advantages for the church if we can come on board as the church would be assisting with an essential service linking adults on the Autism Spectrum to each other. Furthermore the group would be willing to contribute to the church by means of support and donation. I even suggested that the group assist with the gardens to make them much more attractive as you could no doubt imagine to the Garden of Eden?


Last week I was introduced to an adult with Autism originally from the United Kingdom.  He has just enrolled in his first year within the university.  As it is all so overwhelming for him, I am trying to assist him with settling in and joining the Asperger Adult Group.  This morning he attended the group but felt overwhelmed.  Both myself and another couple of adults came outside the group and we assisted him to feel more at ease and comfortable.  On campus I have offered to be a contact should he feel that he needs to connect with someone on campus.  I have met him a couple of times so that he no longer feels so socially isolated. However finding and linking him to assistance is still very challenging when a lot more needs to be done.  I am trying to do my best


Over the coming months we hope to be able to return to our regular venue. Some of the adults including myself find that it is more suitable as there is less noise and we don't have to compete with other people who sometimes do not understand how having Autism affects us.  We have our fingers crossed that things will return to normal as they once were.  I have tried my best to plead with the Uniting Church Synod about the adult group. 


I am regularly meeting with Damian Santomauro every 2 weeks. Last Friday both Ben and Damian spoke on the phone.  I had some difficulty trying to link both adults but now they understand what form of communication best works for them.  I am trying to assist both Damian and Ben as best I can also.  I am exercising regularly doing bench presses, bicep curls, starjumps, jogging, sit ups etc to keep myself in shape.   I am concerned about health issues.  I also look forward to the next meeting which will be a workshop on fitness. I hope people may attend as it will be a valuable workshop.


We also have more people coming in to support and assist the group.  This is essential and welcomed as the more support the better.  We have a lot of valuable presentations coming up.  Please stay tuned for more updates.  I am still also waiting for my contribution to the book "Been There, Done That and Try This" to arrive in the mail.  I hope to donate this book to the library once I receive it.  I also have scheduled the Dr Tony Attwood presentations to both the Toowong and Indooroopilly libraries for the latter part of the year. 


Should you wish to contact me for more information please visit my website www.garryburge.com


Regards
Garry Burge
Founding Member
Garry Burge Adult With Asperger Syndrome
www.garryburge.com

Trip to Orange

Last week I was in Orange in regional New South Wales.  I flew down to Sydney from Brisbane and then got a connecting flight to Orange.  Arriving in Orange was a challenge.  Firstly the airport was far out of town and secondly I wondered where I was going once I got off the plane. 


Arriving in Orange however, I checked into the motel.  I arranged to order a Toyota Corolla and instead ended up with a Peugeot which I found a real challenge to drive as it seems although to be automatic but needing to be controlled at the steering wheel by acceleration and deceleration buttons.   The motel had a kitchenette so I was able to cook basic meals being Chicken schnitzel with carrots, Brussel Sprouts and broccoli.  I also had sausages in place of the Chicken Schnitzel on the last few nights. 


I was surprised at how Orange was so large for a regional centre. It seems to have a lot of people for a rural town.  After a while I caught up with Ben Wilshire.  Ben has some different habits to me in terms of car cleanliness.  I managed though to block out some of the distractions, and despite Ben's older car we were able to make it up to nearby Mount Canobolas.  The views were impressive from there also.


The week spent in Orange was busy. Just about every day I was attending meetings with Ben. Visiting schools, community centres and politicians.  Ben also works similar to me in a part time position.  He feels he wants to do more also but finds he is held back and unable to really find what his niche is.  I was really impressed with how Ben had good executive function.  He was highly motivated in raising awareness of Autism in adults and furthermore he has a lot of energy.  I hope to visit Orange again but not by Rex Airlines.  On the way back the sound was so loud that I needed ear muffs and wondered if I was going to survive the flight with my hearing in tact.  Next time I think I will go by train from Sydney. 





Meeting at Care West with Ben Wilshire and myself and other staff in Orange

This week is back to normal. I now need to find another venue for the group as despite Toowong Uniting Church allowing us the use of their venue for some time, we really are unable to pay the cost of the room.  We are currently looking into and exploring other options.


I found Virgin Blue not very helpful on the return flight and I felt that landing at Brisbane Airport was a 'cowboy' operation.  The cabin crew seem to only put themselves out where they feel it is appropriate and because you look normal they don't always see where you need help.


Please stay tuned however for further updates. Ben has some great ideas and we will keep you posted.

Why don't people just get it?

This blog entry is more or less a means to express my frustration. My frustration at the whole online dating process.  I recently reactivated my dating profile on RSVP only to find that despite getting 4 responses that I am back to square one again. 


When you use RSVP you send free kisses to women whom you believe are ideal to connect with. The trick is to send enough kisses to get the woman to respond to you by sending you an email.  I have managed to get 3 mobile phone numbers. Having tried to call these I find either the women do not answer or the phone number does not work.  I even managed to arrange one date later in finding this to be cancelled with some lame excuse by the woman concerning her father coming from Canada etc. I am disappointed to tell you the truth that both the date and the phone calls did not eventuate. 


In order to send stamps one must purchase these via the website. I am reluctant to purchase any stamps as these cost money and if you are on a low income the expenses build up over time and sometimes the emails which you pay for are not answered. 


I am also starting up weight training. It is taking some time and despite trying to burn off some flab around my hips, I preserve every morning at 5am doing some bench presses, lat curls, situps, star jumps, and running on the spot. I sometimes feel good and other times just the same.  I also do some bike riding in my spare time.


I feel so angry at the world at times as people don't really understand my ways of thinking and functioning. Despite saying it as it is, I really try and just accept that life is not always fair and that there are other people worse off than I am.  People can throw slings and arrows as I am used to them and I have always needed to stand up for myself which can be taxing at times. 


For men on the Autism Spectrum, dating is difficult. For me it is traumatic and feels like torture.  I cannot understand why when I am a nice person who is faithful that I am put on the bottom of the list or even ignored.  I will continue to try and persevere but believe me it is not easy. 


 

Adult Group Presentation

Curtis' Presentation 22nd February 2014

Yesterday the Asperger Adult Group met in the Toowong Library.  We hope to be able to use this venue more for conferences. The group is considering having adults present topics to help break the ice.  Yesterday Curtis Harrison spoke at our group.  For Curtis this was the first time for him to speak interstate. Not only just interstate but in a group that is run and facilitated by adults on the Autism Spectrum.  Curtis' presentation was very informative and interesting. He spoke about the challenges he faced while growing up and how he tries to come to terms with being an adult, now almost 22 years of age. 


We wish to thank Jeremy Farley for helping us with facilitating the meeting.  Curtis did receive some questions from other adults and this in turn was very informative. Curtis spoke about his experience in speaking at APAC (Asia Pacific Autism Conference). He also spoke of the challenges and difficulties he confronts in obtaining employment and in once instance being sacked from employment.  His story is sadly not alone as some other adults have been dismissed from employment just for the sake of having Asperger Syndrome. 


After our meeting we had a game of Tenpin Bowling. Everyone had fun and were able to interact.  We are fortunate in that we now have friendships forming and the difficulties and barriers of social isolation and even depression are starting to break down. We also discussed at the end of the meeting our future meetings and ways we want the group to move forward.  We believe that businesses need to come on board as well as employers in giving adults a chance in employment. 


We also welcomed Christine from Group 61 http://group61.org/ at our meeting.  The group has a lot of things planned for upcoming meetings and should you wish to find out or even attend a meeting, please don't hesitate to get in contact with me via my website www.garryburge.com

Sometimes I really wonder if it is worth living in Australia

What I find really annoying about living in Australia and I am entitled to a gripe is the lack of opportunity and incentive based on merit.  Furthermore the constant wearing out process if you try and improve on your own knowledge base.  The other thing that really is annoying is when others who do very little seem to get into places of influence and decision making. 


I know that I may not be everyone's cup of tea and in all honesty frankly I do not care!  However what I find frustrating in Australia is that it is just about impossible to get ahead.  If you try to focus on making things better you are either worn down or you confront the tall poppy syndrome where you are cut down.  Is it any wonder that people may give up or just decide to leave.  If it were possible, I wish that I could have the opportunity to better my skills and knowledge base and go somewhere else, using the grass is greener process and be involved somewhere where I could be appreciated for who I am.  I am not interested in sucking up to  people not beating my fists against my chest to get my own way but more so just wanting people to allow me and others I know a possibility of having a go. 


I work tirelessly and industriously on my Autism Advocacy work here and despite the challenges that lay ahead and some of the lack of awareness that I receive, I try my best to make things better.  I try to stand up for rights and fairness but at times it can just be about impossible. 


I watch the news which I find depressing and a lot of the spin and negativity which you watch just is so toxic that it makes you feel worse than it does better. Sadly it doesn't even provide you with an accurate scenario of what is actually happening.  I have thought about many times of whether it is  possible to just leave Australia and move to New Zealand or somewhere where incentive and merit are important. Perhaps even Germany is a place to go.  However living in Australia despite the so called 'lucky country' stigma is not really the honest truth.  If you try and do the right thing in any walk of life you are just put down or worn down.  You see so called celebrities who have got to where they are by operating wrongly and when you try and do the right thing yourself you are just on the outer. 


I know of many younger people who just want to leave Australia as they feel there is no longer and opportunity here.  Despite having the necessary qualifications and enthusiasm they just want out.  There are also some who may want to better themselves but just find the whole process flawed.  People who provide poor quality service or just couldn't be bothered to put themselves out.   We also have a political system which I think stinks. I think preferential voting needs to go and politicians made accountable. I find the major political parties don't really give a stuff about disability as they live in Canberra and screw the rest of the country with their perks and lifestyles.  It is about time that an Autism Adult movement starts to happen to allow our people real chance in employment. What people don't realise is that Aspies have potential and I know of many adults whom I support in my advocacy work.  We just need to be given a chance and listened too!


I am disillusioned a lot with Australia and I really believe attitudes need to change here.  I also feel more inclined to spend my tourist dollar in another country even New Zealand where customer service and delivery seem so much better. You just don't have to put up with crap and bad service and be expected to think that it's the only standard of service available. 


I really wonder if Australia is going to change or whether it is worthwhile going overseas more to say Germany which although not perfect focuses more on an industrious model of initiative and incentive!  Or even South America where there are more flamboyant women!


You may want to read this article about Australian Tourism

Does Australia live up to its reputation as a land of the fair go?

How to assist Damian Santomauro

Please assist Damian Santomauro with some very important research which he is doing. The research which Damian is undertaking looks at explores depression and finding ways to deal with symptoms better. In Australia we have very little support and services for adults but more so especially for adolescents.  The research Damian is undertaking looks at the challenges and issues of depression and emotional support.  I can remember when I was an adolescent, that there was nothing available.  Please understand that mental health and depression are very serious issues and in Australia we really need to improve services and assistance for people who endure such hardships and challenges. To register and to find out more please click on the following Free Event 


You can also email Damian to find out by more.  I really would encourage you to do so as Damian is really putting in a lot of hard work. I also meet up with Damian when I can to see how he is getting on and to offer help where I can. 

Damian as I understand is wanting adolescents from in and around Brisbane

Beware of the Dating Scam via Facebook or some Dating websites

One of the things that really infuriates me are these dating scams. Always you hear about how women have been screwed by them but never do you hear how men have been. 


I am 42 this year and I just find the whole dating and relationship process beyond me to begin with but what really concerns me is how these dating scammers operate. 


To begin with. If you are using Facebook, the first thing which usually happens is some person (whoever they may be) contacts you.  They begin the predatory process by first of all luring you to accept them as a friend.  Usually they have a photo of an attractive woman who meets all the baiting props that most men fall for.  These may include seductive photos, semi nude or revealing characteristics that make the poor suspecting honest man think, 'hey I have found the woman of my dreams'. 


These predators will stop at nothing to try and screw potential victims.  The first process will be to pretend to be or fall in love with the victim.  The ultimate aim is to ask for money but as most wise men have smartened up to dating scams, they may think or be easily manipulated by the predator saying 'oh we can just get to know each other long distance more' or 'I have been hurt by men before so I don't want to experience this again'. Folks they will try anything they can to screw a poor unsuspecting victim.


Recently this predator contacted me claiming to be this very attractive woman in the United States Army.  The chats on Facebook Instant messaging made out that she was a chick having a hard time in the army and furthermore just wanting to settle down with the man of her dreams.  She met the ideal scenario being single and having no children.  While talking to this predator via Facebook and of which I also reported and have not received any report back, this predator said that the only way she could be in Australia was if I you guessed it, paid her way here. I insisted that I am not interested in doing this and more importantly I contacted Scam Watch here in Australia to be advised by them as to whether this would a dating scam or not.  I was informed by Scam Watch that these predators will not stop at anything until they can get money out of their victim. In other words playing a love game so that the poor victim is so desperate and lonely that money is paid and ultimately lost in the hands of the dating scammer. 


I really find Facebook in all honesty something that has many traps in it.  For many men, more importantly Aspie men, these predators will use Facebook as a means of trapping the victim as the victim is just so desperate in believing they have found love at last.


In all honesty governments and internet monitoring authorities need to seriously force Facebook to comply with standards of conduct ensuring that such predators are weeded out.  This does not also just relate to Facebook but to dating websites as well.  Where are the stories of men being screwed and exploited by dating scams and not just women? 


I have since blocked this person and reported the profile to Facebook.  All this manipulative nonsense of 'I'm just a woman having a hard time in the US Army and wanting to find the ideal man' lies.  You can also usually tell if the predator is non genuine also as the English is often broken or poorly expressed.  Sentences may appear awkward also. 


I advise anyone reading this post to be warned!  Never put money down or provide financial assistance to such scum.  Just delete and block and don't risk it!  It just simply isn't worth it!!!!


Please watch this video and share!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF4NEbgFQKo

Welcome to February 2014

The year has started off jam packed with a lot of events and a couple of visits planned.  This March I will be visiting Ben Wilshire who is based in Orange.  Ben runs an Adult Group which meets on the second Tuesday of every month.  I will be visiting the meeting scheduled for Tuesday 11th March.  I have worked out that the easiest way to get there despite some expense, is to fly from Brisbane to Sydney and then from Sydney to Orange via a regional flight. 


I really hope to assist Ben in getting his group off the ground.  He has put a lot of hard work into it and we hope that this group will continue to grow. I am sure that Ben will at some time write another blog entry indicating what he is doing in the group and future meetings planned?  So please stay tuned for more updates. 


The Adult Asperger Social Group here in Brisbane is continuing to grow as we speak.  Yesterday some of us had an outing at the Powerhouse Museum here in Brisbane.  We met up for a light lunch and then had a chat about how we can make life better or for the wider community to understand us more.  We also wanted to see if it was possible to have a meeting there but sadly the cost is too expensive.  We thought about having board games and ways we can interact with younger people not on the Autism Spectrum but still some work to do here.


This morning I spoke with Liam. Liam is from Ipswich and he wanted to get in touch because he just cannot find employment and has experienced work place bullying so badly that he wonders if he will ever be able to work again!  I will be talking with Liam next Saturday as I have invited him to the Adult Group at Toowong and informed him that I would like to find out what kind of work he is interested in and to talk about experiences and to offer advice.  I also hope to meet up with Damian Santomauro this week to see how he is getting on and to offer assistance where I can. 


We have some great events coming up throughout the year so if you want to find out more please don't hesitate to contact me via www.garryburge.com Contact Page.


Warm regards
Garry Burge
www.garryburge.com

Brisbane Powerhouse, NewFarm

The Brisbane Aspie Adult Group Pioneering Ahead

It is with great pleasure that I can announce that the Brisbane Aspie Group is growing strong. Yesterday we had a good turn out of over 15 people.  Despite stretching our already existing resources, people were accommodated and enjoyed time together.  We had a great Australia Day BBQ.  Sausages were pre-cooked as well as people bringing a long food and drink to share. We also had an Australia Day Trivia Quiz presented by Andrew George who assists our group when he can. Andrew is a committed father of one of our adults and without his help, we would not have had such an enjoyable day. We also were going to have a game of Social Cricket but due to the rainy weather, we held our event inside.



We are pleased to appoint another Assistant Facilitator to the group. We welcome Nick who has joined Jeremy who assists the group with social activities and ensures that everyone is made welcome and comfortable. If for instance Andrew needs a bit of help also, we can rely on our Assistant Facilitators to ensure everything runs smoothly. For all involved including our adults, everyone has a chance to provide input into the group and to grow at the same time. We have some great activities planned for the remainder of the year.  Even though the year has just began, we are always welcoming of new adults and ones who may be starting university, study, or even a job.  I cannot forget our wonderful caters also.  Dedicated parents of our adults who come along to ensure that everyone is made welcome with a cup of tea, piece of cake or a cold drink.  Thankyou to all!


The year is jam packed with many events.  We have a few in the pipeline already and we have other activities planned through our helpers as well.  We begin the year with Curtis Harrison's presentation in February, Otis employment agency presentation in April and a trip to Mount Glorious in May.  So everyone can experience with the latter a change in temperature and scenery.  For more information please be sure to get in touch with me via my website www.garryburge.com 





Aspie Adult Group meeting Saturday 25th January 2014

Progress in small and large steps

Yesterday I had the opportunity of meeting another adult Ben Wilshire who is on the Autism Spectrum.  Ben is taking a break from both advocacy work and trying to find a job.  He boarded a ship with his family bound for Cairns and had a brief stop in Brisbane.  Although it seemed difficult to meet up with Ben, I thought I would try my best, so I boarded the City Cat and met with him firstly at South Brisbane. I have been in touch with Ben via Skype for the past 6 months and meeting him in person was really no different.  It was just that both he and I could meet personally.  Ben also informed me that he now has a job in a retail outlet on a part time basis.  This is great news even those it is temporary which I hope will become more permanent.

Good to catch up with Ben Wilshire in Brisbane 

I am pleased to also announce that the Asperger Adult Group is still growing strong and we have some more assistance from others to help us out.  What I hope for is for liaison between adults on the Autism Spectrum and those who are not to work and understand each other better and more importantly to break down stigmas and labels.  For our upcoming Australia Day BBQ, the group besides having participation with food and beverage, may also host some interactive games.  These will include board games such as monopoly or even a game of social cricket.  Of course the setting is laid back and fosters personal growth as well as participation in a non threatening environment.

I have also advised through my 24/7 work via Facebook, LinkedIn and Skype assistance to persons wanting to find out more about services and other necessary information.  Recently I was contacted by a lady who is wanting to get assistance for her partner who is facing some challenges being on the Autism Spectrum. I hope to meet with them at our next meeting.  I have also tried my best to contact necessary organisations and link them to existing services which currently are limited.

I have also been in touch with Damian Santomauro who has experience in understanding Autism and undertaking necessary research.  For anyone who is an adolescent and wanting more assistance, Damian is running a workshop.  He is working with Dr Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett.  For more information I would encourage you to visit the following link 

Please stay tuned for more updates and remember you can like my Facebook Page and contact me via my website www.garryburge.com

Kind and warmest regards

Garry Burge

Making sense of it all.

Dear Blog, I cannot make sense of this world and only through you can I communicate my thoughts in helping others to understand should they try to or bother.

The world seems such a confusing place and such a mess.  I see and hear from young people who sadly some have given up hope in thinking that they have no future in Australia.  I spoke to a young person yesterday and I have heard from some others that they feel they no longer have a future in Australia.  There are no jobs and they see Australia as too competitive, despite even having qualifications to even be provided with an opportunity.  It seems that so many people are just like cold blocks of ice.  Nobody seems to care about each other anymore and there is no sense of community.  You try and be a good person and do the right thing but even at times this gets you nowhere.  I know that I am not crazy but at times there just seems to a be a total lunacy to humanity in that people seem to have in most instances lost the plot.  Will there ever be any end to it?

I was raised and it was instilled in my to have values and respect for others but it seems that some people have lost such attributes.  I am often told what is wrong with me more so that what I am doing and achieving but always having an inbuilt mechanism of talking to myself, I at least know that my justifications can be shared with myself at any rate.  People often make comments or ignore me even though they never really know who I truly am and what I have achieved in my life.  They also make assumptions and opinions even before I have been able to speak for myself.  I often watch episodes of Highway to Heaven and I wish other people would watch them also.  They have a hidden and underlying message about being a good person and in trying to help others.  Perhaps more people may like to watch Highway to Heaven and begin to see that by helping others and being Christian is not such a bad thing after all.

I also find at times that people try and conform me into what they think I should be rather than allowing me to be who I am.  For instance, people seem to treat me as though I am a freak because at 41 I am not married nor have a relationship.  I wonder what would actually happen if people spent more time in thinking about acceptance rather than measurement of expectations.   I know and do not want to feel sorry for myself but more so I would like people to better understand that having Autism is not a disease nor does it mean that I am broken and needing to be fixed.  Just because I think, function and see things differently does not mean I am incapable or stupid!  I also try my best to do things properly and for others to listen but at times I feel as though my message is just going silent on a solitary journey.

I am not after fame or fortune but more so a world which just understands better.  It is frustrating living in a world where people don't speak their minds more and just ignore me because I may look like others but yet have a different mindset.  If only people not on the Autism Spectrum would understand Aspies more. To see us as people but just unique in our own ways.  People often see the icing and not the cake beneath.  After all when you eat a cake the icing is only a part of it with the rest making up the ingredients.

One easily grows tired of the stigmas and perceptions of what a person should be.  The man beating his fist on his chest and behaving like a fiddler crab.  The alpha male raving on about how good he is to others. All so tedious and boring when you examine it more in detail.  The crap that men cannot talk to others nor shed tears.  It is time that attitudes start to change.   I think a lot of young people need to communicate better. It makes me wonder that as a person with a so called communication problem that you see others who cannot communicate at all. They put earpieces into their ears and shut out the world or talk on a piece of glorified plastic. However there is an alarming rise in mental health issues, depression and male suicide.  What is going on?  Why don't people start to listen.  Realise that material possessions are not fulfilling and that a more caring and understanding world is a better alternative.

Well anyhow this is my contribution today and I hope more people will start to wake up and listen!

Thomas A Edison

How the NDIS or Disability Care should work.

It concerns me what commitment the Abbott Government will provide or give to the NDIS or the Federal Opposition should they win government also, but in any case I thought I would provide my own opinions concerning the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme/Disability Care).

One of the things that needs in my opinion to provide adequate support and assistance for anyone with a disability is first of all a "Means Test" and secondly a "Case Worker".  Although not the total solution, both these persons could provide the following.  I will  provide you with an example of where support should occur and how assistance can be provided.

Let us imagine that Joe is 19 and he has just finished school.  His parents are very concerned about his future.  Joe doesn't have many friends and spends a lot of time in front of the computer as he has no job.   Joe also has social isolation and left untreated there is a strong possibility that he may development mental health issues leading to depression and possibly worse.

What therefore can the NDIS or Disability Care provide for Joe?  I will provide a possible example.

As Joe has left school, Joe's parents have heard that in his area that access to services are possible.  First  of all Joe's parents access the Department of Disability Support and they are assigned to a Case Manager.  This Case Manager sets up an appointment with Joe's parents and Joe to sit down and access the services which Joe needs and a "Means Assessment" of how Joe can be assisted.  Joe is also assigned a Case Worker who works with Joe and his parents to find out what Joe requires.  After sitting down with both Joe and his parents.  The first thing of importance is accommodation.  Joe's parents realise that Joe needs to look after himself but they know that Joe is unable to afford to live in the rental market as it is too expensive and Joe will need some help with day to day tasks.  Joe's parents are informed that with any disability that the needs of adults vary from one to another.  For instance the level of support for one young adult may be different to another and with this in mind a "Means Test" can determine exactly what level of support in Joe's case is required.  Joe would like to live on his own but he feels that he may need some assistance with cooking and connecting to the community.  The good thing is that the Department of Disability Support knows of an Adult Social Group for Adults on the Autism Spectrum.  This Adult Group has adults from across the Autism Spectrum and they meet regularly as well as have persons not on the Autism Spectrum to assist them.  Joe feels relieved that he can now connect with others and live independently.  His Case Manager is working with Joe to find accommodation that suits his needs.  As he will be obtaining some work experience in a school library. The Case Manager is assisting Joe to find accommodation near the school and ensuring that this accommodation suits his needs and that this accommodation is compliant with the Code of Standards in ensuring that Joe is not prone to being ripped off by an unfair landlord or being placed with people that could be potential bullies or worse case scenario predators.   By also having the Adult Social Group, Joe is reassured that he is no longer socially isolated and his potential in finding someone of the opposite sex may be higher in terms of a friendship or relationship instead of him remaining in social isolation.

Like Joe, whatever or however the NDIS or Disability Care is going to be implemented. There needs to be somewhere for the first port of call.  Somewhere a person with a disability and Autism can go to know they will get help.  This service does not even necessarily need to be paid but more importantly instigated by an Adult with Autism mentor.  Can the government or even business take the time to consider how better services can be implemented without me sounding like a total deluded individual in thinking that the world will change when I am told it wont.  Frankly I will just keep going on pushing for more rights of people with Autism because I believe these are needed.  I don't think the services are good enough and I think Australian political parties and politicians could do much more than putting disability on the back burner.  It is about time to start acting and delivering.  There are a whole range of measures not only for people with Autism but for anyone with a disability in wanting better services to greatly enhance their lifestyle.  I think it is disgraceful that not even some buildings even have wheel chair access to them and people with physical disabilities have to resort to crap services which they are just expected to put up. Even if a person with a disability is in employment and paying taxes then their taxes should go into services to assist them and not into the hands of greedy government to spend on projects that go nowhere.  I can think of much more that needs implementation.

For many adults on the Autism Spectrum and I may not speak for all the following are needed.

1. Accommodation for Independent living that is fair and equitable. Also safe and not exposing to bullying and unsavoury conduct.

2. Better access to the community

3. Employment Consultant and Disability Friendly Employer

4. More awareness and acceptance of Autism and Disability in the wider community

5. Improved means of overcoming social isolation

6. Better access to services.

I will continue to work towards greater awareness of Autism acceptance in the wider community.  The Adult Group is growing more and more here in Brisbane.  I also know more adults world wide.  I just ask the government, business, employers, organisations, communities etc to start waking up.  If you don't like what I have to say then that is your choice but as long as free speech is permitted I will continue to speak my mind.  I have had enough of parents, families and individuals in breakdown because people refuse to listen.  I will be writing more blog posts later and I would encourage you to also support the many friends I have who also work tirelessly to raise awareness of Autism.  They are doing great work and need your assistance and support also!

Acceptance and cohesion

2014 the year ahead

Welcome to 2014!  Despite it going to be hot on Saturday reaching an uncomfortable temperature of 41 degrees Celsius, I thought I would take the time to write another post.

The year I hope will be a different and a better one in terms of my own development.  I am wanting to try other things and activities.  I have looked into assisting or connecting with overseas students from Europe and South America to show them around Brisbane. For instance I can take them to Mt Glorious, Mt Tamborine, or the coast?  I find that often people from other countries can be easier to befriend and communicate with also.  There is more to life than just sitting around waiting for things to happen and focusing on things which can make you feel more down than happy.

I am not sure when as yet I will go overseas again but I think Hawaii might be a place of interest.  It has variations in scenery with beaches and snowfields and is approximately 12 hours by plane from Brisbane.  Furthermore, I find traveling on my own as challenging because at times it is good to have someone else around me.

I would like to emphasise that I no longer try to compare myself to other people.  Some may be in different scenarios to my own but this does not mean that I have to be and think like they do.  I find it depressing to look at things this way. Furthermore I just try to understand that other people have personal boundaries and they may have their own issues as well.

I really hope 2014 will be a better year for me as I have worked hard both physically and passionately in relation to Autism awareness.  I may not be able to please all adults on the Autism Spectrum but I try my best.

Roll on 2014!

Hawaiian Orchid

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!