Recharging my thoughts over G20 weekend.

Lennox Head Beach, NSW, Australia 

On both Friday and Saturday nights, I managed to get away from the stresses of Brisbane and escape to the Ballina for the long weekend.  It was good to get to the beach, do some cooking, bike riding, and walking.  Despite having a few panic attacks on the way down while driving, I managed to control the anxiety with some deep breathing exercises.  Also the fold up bike had a few issues with the handle bars becoming lose which I managed to get fixed.  I also met up with Stefanie Evans the Director of Asperger Services Australia for coffee and both Stefanie and myself spoke with Ben Wilshire about progress and what still needs to happen concerning Autism.

Yesterday I received an email from "The Lab" concerning their opening up on the Gold Coast.  I am interested in helping out even if it means I have to drive from Brisbane to Varsity Lakes a few Saturdays a month. I may even decide to catch the train down so that I can lend my services as best as possible to help this initiative get off the ground.  I will wait until early next year to find out whether or not my services may be required.  Hopefully I can assist in making progress?

I have to be honest in that I have been feeling worn down and deflated of late. Getting assistance from anyone has proven difficult and I just feel like I am the captain of my own ship at the moment.  I am getting counselling at UQ Psychology Clinic which is helping me on some strategies. I prefer to find techniques more so than using medication.  I believe that therapy is far more effective rather than relying on doctors and specialists who I don't fully trust when it comes to medication and health matters.  Just finding a doctor who understands Autism is a real challenge.  

In relation to conference speaking, I feel my place is more in doing work in the background.  I would rather go at my own pace in finding ways to help raise awareness of Autism in adults.  I would also like to up skill my abilities but may look at courses I can do in my own time should I want to expand on my own credentials.  Perhaps I could even write another book sometime in the future?  This wouldn't happen though at the moment as I feel burnt out.  I am encouraging other adults to take on an advocacy role. Ben Wilshire is doing a lot of work in trying to create a trust and or charity.  I am helping Ben with advice where I can.  

In the meantime, I would like to take the opportunity of saying that I wish the G20 had some focus on disability.  We can only hope that should the targets and objectives be met that in time, it may offer practical ways of allowing disability participation within employment?  We can only hope?

The Cutting Down of Tall Poppies

For any economy to succeed there needs to be a management of finances.  This in my opinion requires a fiscal responsibility in insuring debt is managed and paid off and furthermore a surplus can eventuate.  What I find continually a problem in Australia is that the majority of people seem to think that they are owed a living.  The concept of working hard to obtain a goal seems to more so replaced by an attitude that it should be given more so than earned. 


When I watch the television nowadays I see more and more mud slinging on the so called news and quite often a great deal of bullying.  Furthermore I see a country prepared to wear down those who try and achieve or make it impossible for a person to get ahead with constant bureaucracy and red tape.  I should be able to have my own political opinions without being slammed down or having so called fear and intimidation directed at me.


On my recent trip to New Zealand I noticed a government that had a good attitude. Despite many critics who will again try and slam me, I noticed a great surge in consumer confidence and pride.  I also monitor the New Zealand dollar compared to the Australian dollar and the New Zealand dollar is fast catching up.  As I write this post, the Australian Dollar is now buying $1.10 New Zealand.  Furthermore the New Zealand currency seems a lot more sensible than the Australian with the New Zealand $2 coin larger than their $1 coin. 


Finally New Zealand seems to have less of the tall poppy syndrome there. Also there is a better work ethic and tougher measures in preventing discrimination and bullying and harassment from occurring.  I really like New Zealand as it has wonderful scenery, great people, excellent hospitality and a focus on delivering quality.  The New Zealand Prime Minister Mr Key also being an ex Forex Trader no doubt has helped significantly in ensuring the New Zealand economy excels and is on track for a surplus very shortly.


I do not really support a left winged agenda for various reasons.  The first of being that a person cannot in my opinion be independent.  Secondly the very concept of socialism fails as it leads more towards communism and it strips away opportunity and entrepreneurial pursuits.  I also cannot stand the fear and control of it either because in all reality treating everyone equally is not going to work apart from the scum often rising to the surface. 


The life of New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is an interesting one.  For even though he represents the National Party, he lived in a housing commission when he was very young.  You may want to watch John Key as a Forex Trader on the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFnesMLasNQ


What I think is good about New Zealand also is that they have voluntary voting and less idiots than they do in Australia.  I think Australia is weighed down by bogans also and mostly people who just disrupt and make life difficult for others.  Whether you like or don't like John Key I think he seems a very switched on person and I think it will be interesting to see how New Zealand goes in the next 6 years. 

The Brisbane Aspie Adult Innovator Group Evolutionary Stages

I have written a blog post for some time.  So I thought that with some time that I would provide an update.  Today the group met at the Brisbane Square Library.  With the recent Australian Story featuring a young man with Autism, I thought we would watch the story in the group.  As adults we watched how this young man lived with Autism. I will be providing an update on our discussion via my youtube channel.  Unfortunately the full session of the meeting cannot be provided as it is hard to film with the very limited resources we have available.


I am currently still working on and seeing if I can obtain assistance with my grant submission.  As a person with a disability I am trying to obtain assistance because I have my own learning challenges.  I would like to have someone assist me with my proposal.  This would be to harness the potential of adults on the Autism Spectrum within a university setting. 


Last weekend the group hosted Ben Wilshire.  Ben visiting us from Orange and it was good for him to meet some of the adults.  Ben is working at Carewest in Orange.  Ben is trying his best to raise awareness of Autism in adults.  He has recently contacted Aspect.  We are hoping to work with Ben more closely and to assist him in the area of Autism. 




Ben Wilshire (second from right) myself visits Brisbane, Chris Lovell far right and Russell Kay far left.



The group is currently looking at ways to become more social and yet have at its very core a strong foundation and framework so that for now and into the future, persons on the Autism Spectrum will have a means of support access to better services.  I am hoping that in time we may be able to establish something that supports and reflects adults on the Autism Spectrum. 


There is still a lot of work to do and I am pleased with the group's progress so far.  Cliffe Hodgkinson from UQ Psychology is assisting the group a long with Blake (BJ) Connolly.  Chris Lovell is also helping out where he can to assist with more social activities. We are trying our best to support our group attendees as best as possible.   


Please stay tuned for more updates. 

New Zealand Trip September 2014

It was with much pleasure that I visited New Zealand in September 2014.  I started my tour from Queenstown arriving there on Sunday 31st August.  I found Queenstown awesome despite the motels being somewhat uncomfortable.  I visited Arrowtown a few times and Glenorchy.  The scenery was most spectacular.  As I had a hire car, I drove within 2 weeks at a leisurely pace from Queenstown, to Te Anau,  Invercargill, Dunedin, Omaru, Timaru and finally onto Christchurch.  Here I stayed for one full day and night before departing on my return to Brisbane as I write this post. 

While in Christchurch I met with both Leith McMurray and Jan Brooking.  I was made aware of the awesome work which Leith is doing with Aspie Help www.aspiehelp.com.  I was given some pamphlets which Leith has put together.  Leith informs me that she has also been getting some enquiries from Australia concerning Aspie Help.  While in Dunedin I visited firstly the University of Otago.  I met with Melissa Lethaby from Disability Information & Support Student Services.  Melissa was very helpful and I tried to connect with some adults on the Autism Spectrum.  Unfortunately this did not happen given the short time I was there but it's better to try than not to?  I then walked to Michael Woodhouse MP's office.  Here I met with parliamentary assistant Sue.  I expressed an interest in moving to New Zealand and to find out whether support was available.  In my time in Dunedin, while in Michael Woodhouse's office I was referred to Margaret Lawless and John Kena at Workbridge.  I mentioned my meeting with Valma Fisher (Library Administration Manager).  I wanted to find out whether opportunities existed within the University of Otago Library and whether a move from Australia may be possible given the fact I currently work in a library environment.  Although it is not possible anything is worth a try and optimism necessary.  I also got to check out Housing New Zealand and was referred to writing a grant application for funding within New Zealand. Of course I don't want to compete with adults who are advocates there but I really want to both harness and utilise the full potential of adults rather than most sitting on the scrap heap and sadly fading into oblivion.

Upon my return to Australia I hope to work with New Zealand where I can and to sometime in the future visit the adults on the north island.  We have some very energetic and motivated adults there and it would be good to meet with them. 




New Zealand Doubtful Sound Tour September 2014

In my meeting with Leith and Jan in Christchurch I visited the earthquake effected areas.  I wondered whether Christchurch could accommodate adults especially in the area of more accepting building codes with attention drawn to Orfield Labs within the United States?  Outside the box thinking may provide a crucial perspective in building design.

In the meantime we have some very enthusiastic adults in both countries committing themselves to the Autism cause. Otis is working with Acacia Law and Ben with Ability Links in Orange.  We have Joanne in Kapti Coast and Leith with Aspie Help so together we are firmly working on the cause to raise more awareness in adults. 

I will endeavour to provide a video update as soon as possible but for now please stay tuned for more updates when they become available.

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.