Mapping out the NDIS

On Saturday 23rd August 2014 the group met with Dr Tony Attwood.  At the meeting the adults spoke with Tony about various topics.  This ranged from dealing with anxiety, depression and more importantly the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme).  The meeting went well and roughly there were around 30 to 40 people.

Dr Tony Attwood at Brisbane Aspie Adult Innovator Group

It was interesting that in the presentation Tony mentioned that there was a large amount of adults with ASD wanting support from the NDIS.  As there is a lack or very limited services, more needs to be done.  Furthermore attitudes need to change.  At the presentation other topics included dealing with both anxiety and depression.  Whether to disclose and how to deal with disclosure both in life and in employment.  As the meeting went for 3 hours an array of topics were chosen and Tony did his best to cover them.  For more information about Dr Tony Attwood please visit www.tonyattwood.com.au 

At the moment I am feeling somewhat burned out.  I have put in a lot of work over the last year and this does take its toll.  I am looking forward to having a couple of weeks break after this week.  I am also assisting overseas students in getting around so this has kept me busy.  I am also receiving counselling to deal with anxiety management and trying to deal with frustration in life. Often the complacency, lack of awareness and status quo can also take its toll.  

The next meeting with Dr Tony Attwood will be on Saturday 29th November 2014.  We also have some other presentations as well. For more information please contact me via www.garryburge.com 

The adult group is not a clinical group nor does it try to change the ways people on the Autism Spectrum think and function.  It is not about conformity nor is it a broken toy factory where people come needing to be fixed.  It is growing progressively and one of the major challenges is trying to obtain funding.  It is just simply a large diversion when the emphasis is on chasing grants and funding when such emphasis should be placed on ensuring the quality and continuation of the group.  

We can only hope that the NDIS will soon become a reality and that necessary support and services will be made available to adults on the Autism Spectrum but for now the hardwork needs to continue.  For more information about what was discussed in the meeting please why not come a long to a meeting or get in touch with group admin via Facebook.  The link to the group can be found by visiting Brisbane Aspie Adult Innovator Group  It is first necessary to get in touch with Group Admin to find out more. 

Please stay tuned for more updates.  

Kind regards

Garry Burge

Founder

www.garryburge.com 

Looking for better services

I have recently been in contact with Disability Services Queensland to find out what support is available for people with disabilities.  I would like to emphasize more so abilities as having Autism still remains sadly a negative stigma in Australia.  It would be good to see a capitalization on such strengths more so than a total ignorance and avoidance.

Next Thursday I will be having an assessment done. I hope that this will help not only me but others to find the help and support which they need in their daily lives.  Dr Tony Attwood has just provided me with my diagnostic assessment which should go a long way to help as well.

At the next meeting of the Brisbane Aspie Adult Innovator Group we will be hosting an employment presentation.  If you are an adult on the Autism Spectrum and feel that you want to do better at job interviews and know how to apply for employment why not come a long.  Simply contact me via www.garryburge.com  to find out more information.  We also have some interesting presentations coming up.  We welcome Dr Tony Attwood on Saturday 23rd August, Tobias Volbert Saturday 25th October and Jeremy Samson on Saturday 6th December.  We have also booked our current venue at the Brisbane City Square Library to ensure meetings continue next year.

Next Tuesday my employment consultant will be visiting the workplace.  Hopefully things will get better soon?

Tomorrow I hope to be going to the Brisbane Exhibition. I haven't been there in a long time so well worth a visit.

Improving Your Workplace

I am constantly looking at ways to find ways that my abilities and ideas can be better utilised.  I thought this morning of ways that plants could be used within a workplace to provide a more seemly setting.  For instance not many people know that there are some orchids that are able to adapt or be used to transform a workplace.

Phalaenopsis Orchid can grow well indoors

When I visited Singapore on transit to Europe a few years ago I noticed the orchids at Changi Airport. These orchids were indoors and they were certainly prolific.  Could you imagine in a workplace whether it be a library, a business or some other organisation orchids growing within the work setting?  Furthermore the orchids would help to make and transform a workplace to make it feel much nicer.  For the public there are some benefits to for instead of looking at an ugly grey wall, they could instead see an orchid or a fern?

Orchids at Changi Airport in Singapore.

With over 13 years experience of growing orchids and knowing how they can thrive and adapt, I wish I could advise workplaces and other organisations of what orchids would be suitable for the work environment.  The many benefits of growing orchids include.

• Orchids have aerial roots (they don't need to be in soil)
• They can flower for long periods 
• Orchids require little water
• Fertilizing only needs to be so often depending on the orchid.  
• Orchids can have very withstanding foliage 

For a lot of work environments I would suggest either Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium orchids.  Cattleya orchids can also be good as they flower at certain times in the year and can be very strong and durable.  

Below I have placed some images of some suitable orchids which I believe could tolerate a work environment.  I cannot understand why more work environments do not have plants or even accommodate some animals being cats or dogs just to make workplaces much friendlier.  Why do people hate working and why can't work spaces adapt so that people can better cope within a work environment if they are forced to work?  Surely some staff can and should be able to provide feedback at ways to make the work setting more friendly rather than having grey walls and sad faces?

Dendrobium Orchid 

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Cattleya Orchid 

So what are you waiting for?  If you are interested in being advised on what orchid or orchids may be suited for your workplace please contact me via www.garryburge.com 

Preparing for February Asperger Services Australia Conference 2015

I am looking at presenting again for Asperger Services Australia  The title of next year's conference will be "Human Being on the Spectrum".  As I write this post, I am looking at and thinking about what I will present about. 


As you are aware the adult group is still continuing to meet and we are attracting more members.  We are looking at more adults undertaking their own presentation within the group as an icebreaker.  This allows for us to get to know the adult concerned better and for the presenting adult to have an opportunity to feel more part of the group and to express their own journey, special interests and ways that the group can continue forward.  We are hoping to have some more presentations in the not too distant future.  We also look forward to hosting Dr Tony Attwood in August.  For more information about Dr Attwood please visit www.tonyattwood.com.au


At our last meeting on Saturday 19th July 2014, we had the pleasure of hosting Nick from Peep Digital.  Their website is http://www.peepdigital.com/  Some of the adults within the group mentioned to Nick about ways that having Autism may be better utilised, understood and accepted within the wider community.  I also provided feedback in that perhaps adults on the Autism Spectrum could be employed at making applications (Apps) for tablets, devices etc.  What better resource could be employed than the experience of an adult on the Autism Spectrum for children and adolescents?  What support could be available within schools and in the wider community to help raise better awareness and support?




Nick speaks to the group about PeeP Digital http://www.peepdigital.com/

There are many advantages to having much friendlier technology for Autism as this would help with some of the challenges depending where a person is on the spectrum.  If there are some challenges with verbal and non verbal language, perhaps sound and audio equipment could provide a means of communication?  This feedback was provided to Nick at the meeting yesterday.  


On Wednesday I will be undertaking the second part of research taking place into adults.  I will be participating in this research to help with an understanding of what challenges and difficulties exist for someone like myself.  Hopefully this will be important to obtain a better understanding and raise more awareness? 


We are looking at ways in the group to allow all members a chance to participate more and to provide a positive image of Autism in the wider community.  There are still many challenges and a great deal of people who just need better awareness so as to increase both awareness and understanding. 


I look forward to providing more posts in the future.  I also appreciate support and ask you to please contact me or subscribing to  my youtube.  Please stay tuned for more updates.


Understanding Autism in the workplace



How to help adults with Autism obtain and maintain employment

I am currently exploring ways of making it possible in employing more adults on the Autism Spectrum in employment.  With this in mind, some of the concepts I am looking at to better inform companies, business, government departments etc about Autism are as follows.


1. Talking with HR (Human Resources) about ways to make use of persons on the Autism Spectrum and to understand adults better.


2. Talking with unions about standing up for rights and ensuring support for a person on the Autism Spectrum.


3. Talking with Disability Employment Service providers about what jobs may be suitable and what kind of support is required based on my own personal experiences.


4. Suggesting ways to better utilise skills and abilities of adults with Autism in a workplace


5. Briefing employers about the difficulties of workplace bullying and ways to deal with and overcome this serious issue


6. How to harness the special interests and abilities of adults with Autism to better inform and expand on a business or company's knowledge.


Above are some ideas I am exploring at the moment but I need to hear from business, companies, employers etc should they wish to contact me.  I am only to happy to assist and can be contacted via my website www.garryburge.com


With an unemployment of nearly 85%, a means of employing adults on the Autism Spectrum and making Autism marketable is something I am constantly investigating.  I will be looking at ways to explore this and at the moment I am concentrating on the Brisbane market to see if I can obtain any support in what I intend to do. 

Where to from now?

As the advocacy work continues to gain momentum, the biggest decisions are yet to come.  Should I apply or rather we apply for funding?  The main issues I see with funding are they are a diversion from the work that I am doing.  Time would need to be spent simply on writing applications, lobbying and furthermore submitting endless documents to convince the powers that be that the work which I do is viable. 


As I write this post, I continue to push to the fullest extent all social media outlets.  These include Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and LinkedIn.  All I can do is keep expanding as much as possible and sending the message out as much as possible. 


Some questions that continue to plague me are how can I change attitudes in this country and furthermore how can I convince people that Autism is not a curse, disease or something that needs curing?  The only thing I can do is to continue to grow and reach out the advocacy.  The work is both challenging and rewarding but still a lot more needs to be done.  I am reaching out as much as possible to businesses and government sectors trying to spread the message. At times it can simply be maddening when you find meetings never eventuate or funding or support simply dries up.  It is important to stay strong however and keep moving forward. 


Over the coming months I will be looking at and exploring ways of trying to make Autism more attractive in the sense of innovation and utilisation.  I know of many adults who simply have more to offer than being forced to remain in seclusion.  I have been able to assist some obtain employment and others to try and grow their own skills and abilities.  There are still many barriers which still remain and hurdles yet to be crossed.  There needs to be a simple solution and a practical one? 




How is obtaining sponsorship or funding possible to utilise potential?

As the Autism advocacy continues to expand so to does the need for providing necessary support and assistance to those on the Autism Spectrum.  What still is lacking are the services which could better improve the lives of many adults.  Some still confront a lot of social isolation and depression.  Furthermore there also needs to be a means of employing adults.  This does remain a challenge but it is possible given the right attitudes and encouragement. 


I spend a lot of time trying to contact organisations and utilise networks to expand awareness of the work which I do.  On the whole countless energy is required to maintain a website, take and answer phone calls and to keep an adult group going and expanding momentum.  What many people don't see is the work I also do from home which can be very time consuming. 


I really hope one day though that the work I do may attract some funding or sponsorship.  This money would go directly into employing adults and providing a means of better improving awareness and creating training and or employment.  I would also like to have an opportunity of speaking at some overseas locations in the not too distant future about my own personal experiences of having Autism.  My dreams and aspirations continue to remain both optimistic and I am still ambitious to keep pushing forth.  What I need though is for people to assist me with the work I do as I cannot do all of it on my own. I need to delegate some duties and responsibilities to others.  Also required is someone to assist with advice and ways to make things better. 


As I get older I really do enjoy the challenge of working for myself within an Autism advocacy framework. I can get things done as best as possible and ensure I continue to implement a professional and high quality service.  All I need is for better support, awareness and recognition which in time I hope will come? 


My website for further contact is www.garryburge.com and I am happy to answer questions, queries or advice which you might have. 


Warm regards
Garry Burge

The Brisbane Aspie Adult Innovator Group meets Maja Toudal

Yesterday the group hosted Maja Toudal to its Brisbane meeting.  It was good to meet Maja and her partner Michael both visiting Australia from Denmark.  Maja spoke to the group about her own experiences of being on the Autism Spectrum and we then visited the Shingle Inn for lunch afterward.  We tried our best to show Maja some historical part of Brisbane at least. 


I really hope that Maja's visit will mean that a positive way forth will happen in Australia.  We really need to be raising more awareness of the Autism Spectrum in adults and furthermore start to see ways of providing a positive future for adults.  I spoke briefly to Maja's partner Michael about some things happening in Denmark and I hope to visit Denmark in the not too distant future.  For example there is Specialisterne which now employs adults on the Autism Spectrum and someone visiting us from Europe.  It would be good to see more adults visit Australia from abroad. I am always ambitious and optimistic with future visions.  I would one day like to see more opportunities of adults on an exchange scenario where they may be able to visit another country like Denmark and receive some training and another culture which may assist in overcoming some of the difficulties with social isolation and exclusion?


Meeting Maja Toudal

The group is looking to be incorporated under Asperger Services Australia.  This will be a slow process and one that all adults I hope will be able to provide some thoughts, ideas and feedback. 


I also would like to talk about the concerns of reaching middle age as an adult on the Autism Spectrum.  Life does become harder and existing support seems to not represent.  For instance private health insurance seems to cover more sport injuries more so than access to counselling and support for mental health and others challenges.  Also there is very little support to assist with social isolation and linking to other sectors of the community just seems to be more overwhelming.  Finally if I am required to pay tax this year where is the support for disability services?  I think it would be good if the adult group could be a pilot in providing an adult task force to meet with government and other sectors of the community.  

Going on dates with Internet Dating

In some of my last posts I spoke of my experiences of Internet Dating.  So far I have been using RSVP.  I find Oasis a little less effective primarily because it seems to cover a wider world wide audience. I often gets women from Brazil or Mexico wanting to connect with me.  So for this reason I tend to rely on it less.

Internet dating is by no means easy.  I have gone out on approximately 6 dates so far with each experience being different.  The way I use RSVP is to work the kisses on it to see if I can find prospective women interested in going out on a date.  If you are able to work on the technique properly, you can get an email response.

What I find the most difficult is not knowing what to do or expect on the date.  Most dates seem to be only one off.  Connecting again seems impossible and scenarios different from one to the next.  In my first experience, I found there was a woman interested in me but me not her.  In my most recent experience I found I was interested in a woman, having kissed twice and held hands.  I felt there was chemistry but this other woman not.  Furthermore the main issue is scams.  Are these women telling the truth?  Are they really interested in a relationship or friendship or do they have some other agenda?  With my last date I think there may have been some concerns but at any rate I am now back to square one again.

Trying to work out internet dating.

What I find the hardest thing with dating is what is expected of me.  I seem to be unable to read body language and or even knowing what signals are being sent out and what signals I am sending out.  It is also hard just to be yourself for often there are high expectations placed on me.  The process just seems so overwhelming from many angles.  Just like a job interview which is primarily based on a person's appearance and performance at the time, the dating process is very similar. How well do you know the person on the first encounter and are they genuine and should more time be given?

There seems to be no real way of meeting persons of the opposite sex as bars and clubs are places I have no interest in.  Despite the noise being overwhelming, you can hardly communicate and filter out excessive noise. I also think that Aspie men may rely on emotion more so than body language which can make the process hard in itself.  I often feel that it is like losing all your body limbs and then having to regrow them for the next encounter.  

On RSVP I have managed to make it to the 100 list.  I do so to also try and dispel any negative connotations people have with men on the Autism Spectrum.  There are many advantages to being Aspie but yet people still don't really understand us and a lot more still needs to be done.  For me the challenges with internet dating include.

1. Body language

2. Conversation

3. Where to go and what to do after the first date.

4. Expectations 

5. Trust

6. How to define boundaries

7. Future contact

8. Predatory behaviour

9. Venues

10. Rejection

While I write this I am still trying my best to deal with the challenges and barriers as I don't really want to be lonely all of my life despite needing periods of seclusion.

Keeping the irons on the fire.

Over the past couple of weeks I have been busy with meetings.  I have discussed ways to be better understood as an adult on the Autism Spectrum and have written some contributions about to be published.  I don't think people actually realise how much time I spend in trying to raise more awareness of Autism and liaising with others.  I have finalised a publication to appear in an Italian Academic research project into education and Autism and approved an edited contribution to appear in a Melbourne magazine.  So I have been kept busy.  I often work around the clock, even writing emails very early in the morning and or responding to messages as soon as I can.

As I am in contact with Ben Wilshire, Chris Lovell and Damian Santomauro.  I have met with all of them and touched based on the good work they are doing within the wider community.  Ben has an interview with CareWest in Orange next Tuesday. He has recently joined with a new Disability Employment Service and received assistance with filling in and completing a Selection Criteria for this position.  Ben has also been in touch with David Citer who has provided Ben and myself information about funding.  Ben is also currently working with Pizza Hut in Orange but having recently completed Life Line Counselling training, Ben now is able to provide support to those who need it in the wider community. He is especially concerned as I am about mental health issues and the need to link people to counselling when they need it.

The Brisbane Asperger Adult Group is going well and Chris Lovell is doing a great job.  Chris is now getting some support from the Autism CRC in a small contribution at the moment.  He is also working with David Zimmerman who is undertaking research into adults on the Autism Spectrum at Griffith University.  I am also in touch with both David and Chris about ways to improve the group and to ask for support in areas of facilitation.  So things are looking positive in this direction.  

The Brisbane Asperger Adult Group meeting

It is important to also mention Damian Santomauro.  I have been meeting with Damian fortnightly at the University of Queensland.  Damian is about to head to Europe for about a month where he will get married and see some sights.  It will be a good experience for Damian but like many Aspies, travel can also have its challenges.  I look forward to meeting with Damian upon his return in August.  The same month as my birthday.  Damian undertook recently a pilot project with the Autism CRC at the University of Queensland for adults on the Autism Spectrum. Being facilitated by and including adults on the Autism Spectrum. This was the first meeting of its kind and I have contacted Professor Sylvia Rodger to see if more meetings, perhaps monthly or a few times a year could be arranged.  For many adults, these meetings like the Brisbane group would provide an opportunity for adults to share our concerns and call for more services to assist us with the challenges and difficulties we confront in our everyday lives.  This is currently being looked into.  

I have now registered with a new disability employment service provider. This is Red Cross and I will be meeting with them shortly.  The new employment consultant is also on the Autism Spectrum so this may help in understanding where I am coming from and to furthermore bridge the gap between myself and the support which I may require.  I am also working with Fiona Anderson who is undertaking research into Disability Employment Service providers known as DES.  The work I undertake on all levels is purely voluntarily and as yet there is no funding.  It would be good to one day employ adults on the Autism Spectrum and provide a task force to stand up for and provide a voice for our rights and need for services.  

Please stay tuned for more updates.

Garry Burge

www.garryburge.com 

The Aspie Employment Strategy

A question may be asked of whether a person on the Autism Spectrum is able to work?  The simple and straight forward answer to this question is yes but there needs to be proper support and awareness.  In this blog post I would try and outline some ways that a person on the Autism Spectrum.

From my own personal experience Aspies can work but the challenges may be to ensure that the proper mechanisms and support are in place.  Firstly supervisory figures need to be aware and furthermore tasks need to be clear and following a routine.  Once this routine is adhered to then the person has something to go by and to follow.  It is also a good idea to run awareness workshops.  It can be difficult for other staff to know just how the Aspie mind works.  If at all possible encourage the employee on the Autism Spectrum to have an input into an awareness session for unlike a psychologist, the person with Autism can provide a first hand experience of the challenges, issues and even innovation for which she or he can apply.  Secondly it is also important where possible to have friendly and supportive staff that can make the workplace both happy and supportive.  As an Aspie a filter can be often difficult to implement with difficult or strong personalities.  Whereas regular people may have a means of filtering out strong personality types, a person on the Autism Spectrum may not know how to deal with these and may sense discomfort.  Ensure that the workplace is both supportive and free of any toxicity and especially bullying.  When the word bullying is implied it may need its own interpretation and explanation from an Aspie perspective.

A person on the Autism Spectrum is able to work but support and awareness required. 

One of the main issues as an adult is that society doesn't really seem to fully grasp Autism in adults.  I was talking to one person on the Autism Spectrum recently who described people who fail and treat persons with Autism badly as haters.  This person coined the term "haters are makers".  I have found in my own life that just for being me and who I am, that I have sensed that I am hated.  Not fully understood and treated not so pleasantly by regular people.  I can remember one older man who I think may have had Asperger Syndrome telling me in his own words "the problem you have is that people don't understand you but the problem I have is that people don't like me".  This man lived in Armidale and unfortunately in a fraternity he experienced a faction against him which was not at all pleasant.  I found the cowards tried to use me as the meat in the sandwich to get back at him.  

For adults on the Autism Spectrum, employment consultants have to be approachable and not use heavy phrases such as 'now just listen!' as one example.  The employment consultant should be able to assist the person find their way around in employment and if possible external support to help prevent social isolation.  Also a union representative who stands up for disability rights in a workplace is also important.  Of late I have been getting some good support from a union and have informed them that people on the Autism Spectrum need certain rights and support within employment.  These include a right to a safe workplace, preventative measures against possible bullying and support with other crucial areas.  

For me I find support in employment but what I find is that externally there is very little support. I have tried relentlessly to see if I can find someone on Internet Dating.  As I have mentioned previously, I have been using RSVP which is a dating website.  I have met a few women on here but I try not to be too hard on myself.  I also have been experiencing some stress with a lot of people perceiving me as a brain damaged freak and have had mental health issues.  It was so bad on Sunday that I had no one to turn to and again contacted Lifeline Counselling.  The person I spoke to on here provided me with some useful strategies and asked me even if I was contemplating suicide and whether or not I even had a plan!  I just said that at times I just need to talk to someone.  Often there is nobody around when you need help and it is just so isolating.  For me having employment provides me with structure and support but I still want friends too.  I wish at times that it would be possible just to simply ask someone if they could be your friend.  

The Asperger Adult Group is a bit challenging too as one of the adults in the group I feel just hates my guts and I really don't know what to do.  I just try and deflect it and realise that this person may have their own issues.  This is why really there needs to be more support and services for adults.  We currently just need people to assist us as best as possible.  

I know I have strayed away from the topic but quite simply across the world and especially here in Australia,  more employers and businesses need to understand the Autism Spectrum.  All it takes is to raise more awareness and to focus on the positives.  What can the person do and how much input can they provide to your company or business?  All it takes is just some tolerance, awareness and understanding. Is the person good with computers or can the special interest be harnessed to provide valuable information to your company?  All it takes is just some time.  

I am currently trying to join with Red Cross Employment because the Employment Consultant has HFA (High Functioning Autism).  I am hoping that this will happen soon.  I also would like to speak of my experiences and ways for others to better try and understand how I see things from my perspective.  I would really ask anyone who may read this post to please post comments and or questions so that I can provide you with useful awareness and answers so that you can see how to employ a person with Autism.  There aren't simple and straight forward answers but I can try my best in the meantime to try and assist with better awareness to help pave the way for more success in the future.  Who better than to inform a workplace about being Autistic than the person with Autism themselves?

BBQ to Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane

Yesterday the Brisbane Aspie Adult Innovator Social Group hosted an event in the Roma Street Parklands here in Brisbane.  Chris Lovell who is the group facilitator did an excellent job in hosting and running the event.  As I got to the Roma Street Parklands, I observed Chris as he made his way up the path with plenty of supplies and determination to see the group meeting to go ahead. As we don't receive any funding and are totally a volunteer social group, Chris was generous in purchasing most of the supplies with me bringing a long some ginger beer.  Chris had contacted the Roma Street Parklands Security earlier and they were able to assist with finding a BBQ and ensuring that the BBQ was clean prior to us using it. 


We roughly had just over 20 adults turn up yesterday which in itself was a good turn up.  We welcome Fiona Anderson who is assisting with raising awareness of adults to government and Kate Van Dooren who is soon to be involved with the Autism CRC.  It was good to have them a long as well as Fiona undertaking some videos on how DES (Disability Employment Service) needs to cater for adults better in relation to job placement and recruitment. 


The event was underway while there was a 21 gun salute in the park and this meant that some loud noises could be heard which for many was distressing.  However everyone managed as best they could.  The group also needs funding but hopefully in the future it will receive some assistance from members and supporters so that expenses such as food for BBQ's and outings can be managed more so than come out of an individual's pocket. Especially if the person is unemployed and on a low income. 


There are many challenges and issues that concern adults on the Autism Spectrum and my objective is not to make the world Aspie but more so better improve services and support for adults.  As an older adult, I find the lack of awareness and support something which I think needs changing.  There is no support for accommodation, social isolation and mental illness. Furthermore, I still encounter some adults who are receiving bullying or have been sacked from employment simply for disclosing their Autism diagnosis or false accusations made against them which sadly touch upon discrimination.  Something needs to be done! 




Matthew, Chris Lovell (Group Facilitator) and myself at BBQ

Our next meeting will be at the University of Queensland Department of Music.  Here one of the group members will be playing the piano and sharing his special interest in music.  The event will be on Saturday 28th June 2014.  We also will be  hosting Maja Toudall from Denmark on Saturday 5th July 2014 so for further enquiries please don't hesitate to firstly visit and Like my Facebook Page or to contact me via my website


Thank you very much for visiting and we hope to hear from you very soon.


Kind and warm regards


Garry Burge




Adult Strategy Update

In my previous blog posts I mentioned the progress being made with adults.  I am happy to report that I have met with Kate Van Dooren from the Autism CRC Kate is happy to assist with the Brisbane Aspie Adult Innovator Group and to work with Chris Lovell and Blake Connolly the group facilitators.  Kate will be attending the adult group BBQ this Saturday at Roma Street Parklands.

Autism CRC for adults (photo courtesy of Autism CRC website)

Currently Queensland has not come on board with an adult group for the Autism CRC although Damian Santomauro has started the first pilot group meeting. This group met on Friday 30th May 2014 at the University of Queensland.  In attendance were roughly 20 adults and with more adults contacting the group, participation is beginning to grow.  We are also obtaining more enquiries concerning the Brisbane group which meets at the Brisbane Central Library in Brisbane City.  It is good to see more adults coming on board.

Last night Saturday night I contacted Chris Mitchell.  I have known Chris since my diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome in 1998.  I have visited a few times in the UK and Chris works for Autism Works an employer of adults on the Autism Spectrum.  Chris is also involved in advocacy work in the north of England.  I try to keep in touch with Chris via skype wherever possible.  I am also in touch with Ben Wilshire who is based in Orange in rural Australia.  Ben has just commenced a job for Pizza Hut (full time) in Orange and we hope that Ben can still provide a voice for adults living in rural areas.  

My time is currently spent while working in raising awareness of Autism in adults.  This Friday I will be meeting with Fiona Johnson from Autism Queensland  I will be discussing with Fiona ways that the Disability Employment Service can better cater for adults on the Autism Spectrum and hopefully ways employers can look at the advantages of taking on adults in employment.  There are many benefits which I have previously outlined which include a strong attention to detail and commitment to providing high quality service.  

The adult strategy is in its very early stages and both the Autism CRC and adult group are encouraging adults to come on board with raising awareness.  It is hoped that in time more involvement will further increase awareness and educating the wider community more about adults and the challenges and issues confronting adults.  In time we hope to provide more updates and awareness.   In the meantime Kate Van Dooren is happy to assist the adult group and we hope that more opportunity will occur for the Autism adult community.  

I am currently submitting article for magazines and liaising with adults abroad.  My communication involves trying to harness the energies and abilities of adults on a wider scale in the hope that more positive messages and awareness will occur.  We really need to leave no stone upturned.  

Please stay tuned for more updates. 

Regards

Garry Burge

www.garryburge.com

The Autism CRC Adult Group Meeting Friday 30th May 2014

Last night a group of approximately 20 adults on the Autism Spectrum and myself attended an event hosted by Damian Santomauro also on the Autism Spectrum for the Autism CRC.  This event was both crucial and important because it allowed adults a chance to participate and provide feedback in research that is being carried out by the Autism CRC.  Such research would hopefully assist adults more and provide advice and feedback on raising better awareness and educating the community more. 


There are many advantages of having the meeting because it firstly establishes how our lives can be better accommodated and more importantly, necessary services to assist us in our day to day lives. While I write this post, Ben Wilshire who is an adult on the Autism Spectrum in Orange, in rural Australia has recently been offered a job a Pizza Hut in Orange.  Ben also is unsure about whether the job he applied for at Carewest is going to go ahead but is determined to apply for another position at Carewest.  Ben is still interested in representing adults in rural Australia and now that he has obtained employment, we hope to see him when he is next in Brisbane.  In terms of the Autism CRC Ben would be able to assist adults in rural Australia but this is something that we hope the Autism CRC may take on board.


It was great to be present with both Damian Santomauro and Chris Lovell in particular as they have important and responsible key duties in both research and facilitating respectively.  It was good to see them both as well as other adults mix and to furthermore harness our concerns and desires for ourselves and future generations of persons on the Autism Spectrum. 


In the next fortnight I will be meeting with Damian and furthermore meeting Kate Van Dooren from Autism CRC to discuss developments with future meetings and planning.  It is good that a pilot program has begun but more important that future meetings occur.  As with the meeting last night at the University of Queensland, the Central Brisbane Adult Group is also important.  Furthermore, our Facebook Group "Brisbane Aspie Adult Innovator Group" provides a base for adults to come together and to find support and social outings when and where social isolation may become a problem. 


I don't want to go too much into the results of last night's meeting as it is a pilot meeting but all I can see is that it was good to take part in it.  As I get older, life becomes harder and I just hope that future planning will pave a way for future and current adults like myself to have a better quality of life.  Should you wish to find out more about our meetings the best person to contact is Damian Santomauro or to contact us via our Facebook Page   Approval will be subject to admin approval which contact must be made in the first instance with a brief introduction so we know more about your situation and your reasons for wanting to join. 


I will be meeting with Damian again in two week's time but in the meantime we are trying our best to maintain and establish positive progress.  



Matthew and Damian at Autism CRC meeting. Good to see adults on the Autism Spectrum interacting more.

The Need for Better Adult Services

I really need to reinforce once again the difficulties, challenges and need for services as an adult on the Autism Spectrum.  What I find especially difficult is the absence of support when you need it.  Other people may say 'your scenario is not different to anyone else' or 'everyone goes through the same thing'.  I would like to correct such comments.  Not everyone does go through the same things because not everyone has the same mechanisms for dealing with difficulty.  When you have your own operating system it can be especially hard for other people to try and understand it. For instance the majority of people seem to need other people around them in times of despair or have a natural means or ability to seek help or assistance. They also may have a good or close circle of family or friends that can comfort them and provide support. However when people don't understand you this may be a different situation entirely.  Often I may receive criticism for showing a so called lack of empathy and furthermore being seen as cold and lacking emotion.  I can remember throughout my life being told that I was a failure and what I could and couldn't do without actually being asked to give the scenario a go. I have also felt I don't fit into Australian culture and wonder why I just can't seem to get anywhere.  I am just constantly worn down still with so called decision makers just not ever giving me a chance at having a go and asking for the assistance I may require in order to do so.  It at times is just immensely frustrating and I find myself often feeling both frustrated and angry.

In the area of relationships and dating there just simply isn't any help.  I am expected to do and know everything and not having a circle of friends just makes the whole process just instant torture.  I could just give up on the entire process believing that the stress is just to much to take and forever feel a loneliness in part of my life or I can just continue to try and even though it can be frustrating, just hope one day that success may occur.  Of late I have tried to continue with dating but I am finding that it is simply overwhelming. Either I am rejected, drained or not really knowing what to expect.  There simply just isn't the support that I need as an adult to assist me with the process.  I am expected as a man to know everything and exist in a blokey, sporting and drinking culture which idolises men as having good biceps and abs.  I just find such an image and competition just not to my liking and I really want no part of it.  I also feel trapped in Australia in a well that I find hard to climb out of as there just seems to be too many obstacles.  It is a culture or rather I say a lack of culture that I have never really felt I belong to or want to belong to.  I just wish that persons on the opposite sex would dig deeper than just a narrow desire in wanting something of image more so than quality. Better adult services would include counselling for relationships and how to develop better strategies.

Surely there is more to masculinity than abs and biceps?

On another note the thing that needs improvement is accommodation for adults.  If I as a low income earner am required to submit a tax return and pay tax, I would expect at least some of my tax go into services for persons who may require support with infrastructure?  I just have no security in terms of accommodation at all and furthermore I just know that the rental and housing market is completely out of my league. I know that I will never be able to live a reasonable quality of life and have to constantly deal with people who simply believe that I live the life of luxury on a part time income.  It just simply isn't good enough.  I have my own challenges and difficulties but I too exist as a human being.  For a person on a low income as most Aspies either are or are unemployed, we just operate differently with how we manage our lifestyles.  Some Aspies for instance handle money via different means but because we live in the majority of others who hold the decision making or controlled ways of thinking, we just don't have a voice.  A great deal many adults are still living with family or parents apart from the very few in marriages and or relationships just not getting the access to support and services which we require.  I am not asking for special treatment but simply the means of accommodation to be provided conducive of us. This may need to take into consideration whether a person can live independently or may require some form of assistance within a communal setting.  With an Adult Task Force one of the things we can advise government on is improved services and better support for adults so we can live independently and take the strain off elderly parents or busy family concerned about our future.  Furthermore siblings may not always understand and it just a matter of trying to survive as best you can.

The need for accommodation support 

The other issue is the requirement for improved transport.  Not all adults on the Autism Spectrum are able to afford car ownership and many don't want to drive or own a car.  In Brisbane for instance there is a strong emphasis on car ownership and many employers want a person to have a car as an 'essential' requirement.  I find congestion is just maddening and I prefer to either go early or find ways around avoid traffic congestion.  Added to this the cost of a car which goes up every year and a public transport system which just isn't good enough.  Why not introduce a traffic congestion tax and get people out of cars and put the money into improving public transport? Governments, especially local government need to look seriously at improving public transport and not be so much scared about losing votes.  Our cities are becoming just a car parking lot with too many cars on the road and polluting the atmosphere.  The priority needs to be to get people out of cars!   More importantly is the need to assist persons with disabilities and or challenges to move to areas where there is better public transport or regional areas where it is easier to get around accessibility wise.

Would a traffic congestion tax alleviate traffic congestion and direct money into better public transport?

The final area I wanted to touch on was employment support.  To get adults on the Autism Spectrum off welfare as many actually want to work, why not encourage employers to take on persons with challenges and abilities?  Why not encourage employers to see the benefits of employing an adult on the Autism Spectrum?  Employment agencies need to approach employers and employers need a better attitude to take on people within their organisation or business.  Quite simply an overhaul is required on providing support to employ people with disabilities with better measures to ensure workplaces are friendly, safe and free of toxicity and workplace bullying.  Surely this can be done?   

Employing adults with Autism Autism Works 

In conclusion I realise that I cannot change the world nor do I intend to but I really feel that in order to get frustrations off my chest that I need to write and publish them where I can.  I have managed to write a book 40 000 words in a week and appeared in some publications. I do this not because of publicity but more so just in wanting to get the message out.  If we want a society that better understands and accommodates adults on the Autism Spectrum then people really need to start to understand what it is like to be an adult on the Autism Spectrum.  Day to day living can be a real challenge with people not really ever understanding fully just what it is like.  I therefore try my best to tell it as it is in the hope that one day people will see it for what it really is and until this can be achieved, the only form of communication which I can best provide is to simply write and update blog posts like I am currently doing.  Please take the time to try and understand!  

   

Adult Autism Taskforce

We are in the very early stages of making significant progress in this country.  Although to succeed and to create more impact, we need the support of other adults to come forward.  As many of you may be aware there are adults undertaking awareness here in Brisbane.

I am currently working with very effective adults who are wanting and trying their best to initiate change and to raise more awareness.  This Friday 30th May 2014.  I will be meeting with Damian Santomauro who is undertaking a PhD in Autism.  Damian will be facilitating a meeting at the University of Queensland Department of Psychology. The information for this can be found below.

Damian Santomauro Autism CRC Event

We also have an adult group which meets in Central Brisbane twice monthly. However due to the venue not being available in June as the Brisbane City Council Library is unavailable, Chris Lovell who is is the group Facilitator has decided that the group have a BBQ on Saturday 7th June 2014 at Roma Street Parklands.  If you want to get in touch and find out more, please get in touch via my website www.garryburge.com  Chris together with Blake Connolly are doing a great job at running the group and the group has a lot planned for the months ahead. For new members, the group is a great way to feel human again and to think around like minded people.

Brisbane Adult Aspie Innovator Group

We had the pleasure of having Curtis Harrison speak at the group.  Curtis like many adults has participated in our 'breaking the ice' presentations.  These sessions allow adults an opportunity to talk about their own experiences and challenges.  The group encourages adults to speak with Blake and Curtis among a few adults who have already spoken.  We look forward to seeing Curtis upon his return to Australia from the United States and hope that he can assist us with more awareness.

Curtis Harrison speaks to the group about his experiences 

In March of this year, I met with Ben Wilshire.  Ben has a blog http://bensaspieblog.blogspot.com.au which he writes new posts and updates regularly.  I am currently trying to assist Ben to access better services and to obtain employment in a disability provider known as Carewest. Having a job here would enable Ben to assist in much needed work within a rural location and furthermore allow him to continue the good work he is currently undertaking. Ben also is currently undertaking Lifeline Counselling Training and has a Certificate of Mental Health in First Aid.  Ben finds weekends difficult in Orange and social isolation a real problem as a person on the Autism Spectrum.  He has concerns about Mental Health issues and wants to better provide both support and awareness to take the challenges confronted for many in a rural location.

Meeting with Ben Wilshire in Orange, Australia 

Over the coming months we hope that more progress can be made concerning adults with Autism.  The idea would be for more rural locations and towns as well as urban centres to come on board with the concept of starting adult groups.  Adults on the Autism Spectrum would act as mentors in such groups and provide much needed awareness to advise government and those in positions of responsibility a means of reducing unemployment, and to provide better awareness, support and services.  It is encouraging to see more adults becoming involved as we speak but we need more to come forward and to join us.  

I look forward to assisting Damian this Friday and connecting him with other adults.  We also look forward to Ben visiting us in Brisbane in August.  So please stay tuned for more updates.  

Kind and warmest regards

Garry Burge

www.garryburge.com 

Autism is not a disease!

It concerns me deeply when I here of Autism as described as a disease.  When posting on Youtube even the tags portray Autism as "Autism Spectrum Disease" etc.  This really needs to change as all it creates is just another negative stigma.  In defending Autism, Autism Associations such as Autism Speaks should quickly intervene and seriously take such negative descriptions to task but instead they and their mouthpieces only want to tell the world that Autism is a curse and needs to be cured.  Surely the real ignorance is those who simply don't examine their facts and should be taken to task in calling Autism a disease in the first instance?


How exactly would you define a disease?  Perhaps you may define a disease as an illness.  Something that causes the loss of life or debilitating side effects?  A disease is something that is not something you are born with but you get in a certain stage of life.  My impression of those who wanted to change the DSMV to remove Asperger Syndrome as a diagnostic criteria is that they are just so called experts thinking that with a stroke of a pen and a few alterations that Asperger Syndrome will exist no more.  Surely the focus should not be on curing but more so on understanding? 


In some aspects of my own life, I have come across people who not knowing exactly what Asperger Syndrome or Autism is, asking me such questions as "how long have you suffered this disease" or "is it something which can be cured?".  I think why?  What exactly is wrong with having Asperger Syndrome?  Just because I think and function differently doesn't mean that I need to be cured.  There are many positives to having Autism which are largely overlooked or stigmatised negatively in the media.  Surely this is something that needs to change? 


In the Autism Spectrum Adult Group that is now run by Chris Lovell and Blake Connolly significant progress is being made for adults on the Autism Spectrum. Together with Damian Santomauro and Ben Wilshire our influence is expanding further.  We are adults together making progress and pushing forth much needed change. 


In the adult group progress is being made to assist with university support and employment. Furthermore we are wanting to try and gauge understanding so we can assist with more awareness and more importantly provide services for adults.  Accommodation is one of the major issues with not enough available to provide an independent means of living and assistance in obtaining employment.  This is something we need to change.  I wish people would see Autism as something which doesn't need curing but more so awareness and understanding.  Together we can make a difference and we call upon people to listen and try and understand. 


We don't need negative newspaper stories negatively portraying Autism as a cause of serial predatory behaviour. We instead need stories that portray us in a positive manner and it is about time the media starts to listen!


Blake Connolly (left) and Chris Lovell (Centre) with other adults at group meeting

What is a Mind Control Bully?

It can often be misinterpreted when I mention bullying that I may sound paranoid or perhaps over reacting to things but what I wanted to discuss is what I call "Mind Control Bullying". Quite simply this is a form of behaviour where if you are in closed proximity that you really have no means of escape.  How such an individual and individuals operate is that that rely on other tactics to try and intimidate and control you.  For example within the closed or forced proximity they may block your means of access or try and watch over you in the attempt of making you feel uncomfortable or small. As I may experience or more so provide a strong attention to focus and may find their behaviours uncomfortable, I need or rather I say, I need to try even harder to use my intelligence to just get by. 




When there is a situation of incompetence at a higher level, this incompetence can stem or radiate itself to contaminate or influence other persons just trying to do the right thing and undertake what is required of them. It can often be difficult to try and resolve the contamination or toxicity because the individuals or individuals concerned may not leave the proximity and use their behaviours in a negative way onto others.  The concerning factor is that such persons may rely on other tactics within their toolbox to avoid facing disciplinary action or accountability.  It can really be difficult. 




Let us imagine that your own method of functioning and communication was to rely mainly on your intelligence.  Just for one moment think and imagine that you just want to get in and do what is expected of you and your means and pathways to personal productivity are interrupted or made difficult by others that obstruct your means of outcome.  What can you do?  In order to avoid being humiliated you just need to hope and rely on others to try and assist you so that you can at least survive and do what is expected of you.  Often the scenario may be that certain situations make you anxious and you feel that asking for help or summoning support may simply be impossible because you don't know how to deal with difficult scenarios. You just need to rely on your intelligence in the hope that it will get you through. 




Intelligence can be exhausting with a Mind Bully

For the perpetrator of mind bullying they may use a means of tactics in order to survive and manipulate their way to avoid complaint. Within a scenario, they may justify their actions so as to avoid accountability or poor direction.  It can often just be difficult pin pointing what I may term inappropriate behaviours because a codified means of rules may not hold such a person accountable.  Furthermore there may be issues where I may be expected to perform actions where toxic persons are within proximity and realising that if I may encounter danger that such persons may simply be unapproachable.  I really don't want to sound as though I am paranoid. 


It is important to have support and allies within any means.  As communication may be difficult for me as I operate on a different operating system, just asking for help may in itself must be seen as a call for help and not a sense of troublemaking.   It is always reassuring to know that there are people that are there for me should I need to call on them and to monitor scenarios which may trigger moments of stress or heightened anxiety.  It is also important that I rely on my own emotional toolbox so that I can get by.  It is essential to know and rely on a team or pillar of support so that I am not alone and that I am not treated as though I am inferior or worthless.  I just try and function as best I can even though my actions may be misinterpreted or that I may offend without knowing it. 




A person can feel uncomfortable if too many sensitive buttons are pressed and psychological levers pulled in order to feel humiliated so there also needs to be goodness and encouragement so that such mechanisms don't result in total despair.  Working in a good and supportive team is essential!