Making the learning experience a more productive one.

In order to make minds think and to provide better learning and outcome.  The setting needs to be open to access and outcome.  A patron needs to be able to walk in and away with a sense of feeling that their needs are met and furthermore the environment both positive and friendly.  A sense of learning should be a continual learning curb that requires the outlay of necessary infrastructure and proper training.  From visiting and having exposure to many libraries around the world by either accessing their catalogues electronically or visiting them physically, the different layout and settings always stand out.  For instance it is interesting to know what library classification is used whether this be the Library of Congress or the Dewey Decimal System.  Furthermore, how well are staff trained and just how much do they put themselves out and go out of their way to allow for a better means of accessing material, resources and reference information? 


For any person, particularly a student, visiting an academic setting should always create a sense of an environment of learning.  This may include assistance with finding material on shelves, by means of an online catalogue or more importantly a mind which maybe hungry for more knowledge and information.  It can be hard for a library to be the complete depository of every available means of information, but with the right thinking, accessing and furthering of finding information, it can provide a better means of acquisition.   It should be essential that for any library user that where they wish to acquire information meet the standards of their academic institution.  A place of learning provides a positive setting for thinking minds and for such minds to give in return knowledge and information obtained. 




How can a library be made more interactive?

The focus today is on information being more and more accessible online.  This in itself changes the traditional infrastructure of an academic or a traditional library.  Gone are the days when the librarian sitting behind the desk would be ever present.  Now the library has changed with old books making way for online content.  There seems to be a greater means of information but an overwhelming sense that too much information can be difficult for the mind to access and fathom.  Therefore it is necessary to provide a setting where such information can be both stored and channel in a means palatable to the library user or patron.  The question that needs to be raised is how can such needs be catered for in the ever changing setting.  Working in a library is a constant changing experience.  A person needs to be switched on and always on top of changing information and the very demands which may be expected.  The library environment also provides a means of self training and finding ways of communicating information to library users.  Feeling frustrated at not being able to assist users needs to be replaced instead with a means of making a library patron feel valued and their time invested in gathering information, properly actioned and problem solved.  Just because a book may not appear on a shelf doesn't mean that the service stops there but rather what help can be further provided so that the library patron doesn't walk away with a feeling of frustration and a sense of loss.  Online material needs to balance itself with hardcopy information.  Although academic institutions may work overtime to keep up and deliver, it is best that continual feedback and positive energy flows so that accessibility may be possible. As well as a positive setting, experience and self learning can overcome areas where help may not succeed. 


In conclusion, there are many advantages that an academic setting can provide.  Other than being a store house of knowledge, it can further provide a place for persons on the Autism Spectrum to function and express our eccentricity and capabilities.  Within an academic setting, one cannot help but notice the many undiagnosed Aspies that seem ubiquitous.  Perhaps the academic setting may provide the necessary means of putting persons on the Autism Spectrum to good use?  What are you thoughts?


The passing of another Aspie Icon

When I heard about the news that Leonard Nimoy had passed away, better known as Mr Spock I felt as though just like I did when Robin Williams passed away, the same also was to occur with Leonard Nimoy.




Was Mr Spock an Aspie Icon?

I never really watched many episodes of Star Trek but I always remember the persona of Mr Spock.  He was different and he had a geek way about him.  Just like Robin Williams, Leonard Nimoy also left an impression.  I also remember watching the episodes of "In Search Of" when I was a teenager.  In this series, Leonard Nimoy often ventured into the supernatural and the unexplained.  I now wonder to myself if Leonard has been able to receive all the answers to the complex questions he once wanted answers to?


When watching Leonard Nimoy, I often wondered what led him to have an intellectually curious mind?  He seemed to play the Spock character but also invested time and energy into documentaries as in the case of "In Search Of"  I used to think how awesome it would be to have a documentary show like this and travel the world investigating unexplained phenomena.  Leonard even visited Australia to conduct his series on UFO Australia and New Zealand


As I become older myself I often think back to the 1980's to when I see myself as a younger and more different person to the man I am today.  If I was to meet who I was in the 1980's, I would probably be somewhat shocked to know how much I have grown and changed since then.  I certainly was a different person. 


Rest In Peace Mr Spock as I think you gave an Aspie a means of identity and a place in the world.  There will never be anyone else like you.  

Being involved in research and working within an academic setting

I have now enrolled in the MOOC program being offered by Swinburne University.  For more information please visit Autism MOOC at Swinburne University.  The course starts from 2nd April 2015 and I hope to be able to provide input.  I am going to try my best to raise awareness of adult issues. On Wednesday 18th March 2015, I will also be attending a presentation offered by the QBI   It is here that I will be finding out and meeting speakers concerning Autism.  

I am finding that I am handling multi tasking in certain ways and furthermore I am noticing my brain is working a lot harder in processing information.  I also find myself often functioning on an intellectual platform more so than a social one.  This does create a sense of being mentally drained but I just feel that I am alive at least more so than surviving in a vacuum of a lack of intellectual curiosity.  

Are universities places for the eccentric and for the Autistic?

I am starting to make friends now and am meeting some new friends. Some are like me in that they can relate to similar challenges and struggles.  The reality I find is that a tertiary setting is really an Aspie haven.  Both Aspies diagnosed and not diagnosed seem to exist.  Thinking may be similar and their are also pockets of eccentricity that can be found.  The thing I find is that I seem to function better within an academic setting but out of it, my brain tends to struggle more.  I also have made a new friend and like me this friend also can relate to the challenges I go through.  

This blog post will be updated in due course as I am now just starting to get the ball rolling with some new ideas and concepts. 

Getting the disabled into work

Recently the Australian Federal Government has announced reform to the welfare system.  It is not the first time that this has happened but once again a repeated scenario. What if anything will it achieve?  In this blog post I attempt to identify wherever possible the scenarios and suggest possible strategies to deal with them.

It is a wrongful and false judgement to say that people with disabilities do not want to work and stay on pensions.  The truth of the matter is that workplaces are not always understanding nor accommodating of people with disabilities.  I hear time and time again from people through my own advocacy work of being sacked or bullied in workplaces causing them to either be sacked, or worn down to the point of resignation.  There are many issues that need to be addressed with the bias not always in the favour of employers and disadvantaging employees.

Should attitudes of workplaces shift to become more inclusive of people with disabilities?

From my own experiences in the past of finding employment, just sheer motivation alone cannot always guarantee employment.  There needs to be inclusion from workplaces.  Below I have identified some key areas where I think change of attitudes are required. 

• The wage system and working conditions. 

Is Australia's wage system archaic and out of date?  Should there be a more flexible minimum wage and more opportunity for individual agreements?    There still seems to be a system which primarily focus on the 9 to 5 work model.  Despite criticism which I no doubt may receive, why cannot such working conditions be changed?  Not only is urban traffic a real nightmare but surely staggered or individual working agreements would prevent the clogging and congestion of roads and make people  happier?   Furthermore, a negotiable minimum wage which I believe has just been introduced into New Zealand, would allow a foot in the door for new young entry level workers and provide them the means to enter the workforce.   A shift or more so a focus on a person's means of productivity would also be something worth considering as well?    

Rather than the government slashing pensions, why not tax less employers and business as well as reducing red tape to allow for a means of growing business so that they can increase productivity and take on more employees.  If the government want the citizens to pay tax then why not allow the citizens to work, make a contribution and furthermore pay taxes which would also assist and invest in greater disability infrastructure.  Furthermore a total review of the perks and entitlements that politicians also receive may be something which needs better scrutiny as well?

• What role can  unions play as well as management?

In order to make a working environment more compliant for people with disabilities should unions work more closely with management to ensure employees with disabilities are given a 'fair go' which is often used as a term in Australia within employment?  This would mean quite simply that working conditions and tasks within employment could be made manageable for the employee to undertake.  Furthermore more work trials and in house learning could provide opportunity for people with disabilities, particularly those with Autism to have a hands on go within the labour market.  I think getting the ball rolling with discussion would be one way to move forward. 

In order to have a healthy and happy workplace you first of all need good and strong management as well as clear communication within a workplace.  A clear adherence to guidelines, safe workplace practices etc are also essential.  

• How can Autism be sold or seen as a positive in a workplace?

Adults on the Autism Spectrum are many and varied which is why it is called a 'spectrum' in the first place.  There is often strong attention to detail and a focus on undertaking tasks more so than chit chat which can demonstrate an attention to detail mindset which is like a German work ethic.  

The problem I think though is the non Aspie setup of the majority of workplaces which rely more on a social engineering pattern.  This quite simply meaning that within the work environment there is a lot of emphasis on a person's social skills more so than abilities which falls within the confines of the interview and selection process to employ candidates.  A candidate can perform exceptionally within a social skills context at the interview but in terms of productivity they may be lacking.  

• The role of employment agencies in assisting candidates in finding employment. 

It can be hard and tiring work to utilize disability employment agencies.  This is unfortunately due to the nature of how disability is perceived within Australia.  Quite simply if you don't cut the mustard you just don't get a look in.  Furthermore Autism is unlike any other disability because the challenges lay mainly with cognitive ability more so than physical impairment.  A person with a mobility impairment may have some struggles within a workspace but these can be modified although I do think this has a long way to go for how many people in wheelchairs and with other physical challenges do you see within a work environment?  The challenges with Autism are that a person can become physically drained, struggle more to combat sensory issues and work extra hard in navigating infrastructure that may represent distinct challenges.  I know that certain noises and sensory issues as well as diet can impact significantly on my own functioning abilities.  I have been in contact with Steven J Orfield of Orfield Labs to look at ways of making a workplace more accommodating.  Sadly there has been no interest at all from Australia.  

In conclusion, what needs to be done to get people with disabilities into employment is not a slashing of welfare but more so an investment in positive attitudes to encourage greater participation of people with disabilities into employment. Attitudes of employers needs to change and furthermore infrastructure and investment in infrastructure needs a greater emphasis.  I have also been disappointed with Autism organisations who simply turn a blind eye to the needs of adults with Autism instead investing time into their own agenda and sucking up for grants to employ people who demonstrate little overall result in making the lives of adults with Autism and children better.  

The government needs to tax less, reduce red tape and allow business to get on with the job of employing people by allowing more expansion and encouraging more incentive and innovation to employ.  This doesn't seem to be happening in Australia as more people are stressed and compared to New Zealand where I think the government is trying to make things better (bound to receive criticism no doubt) Australia exists in a time warp.  

Finally an inclusion of adults on the Autism Spectrum is needed in policy making, decision making and such decisions should not rest with people who pretend to know the needs of adults.  Adults with Autism need to be involved in this does not mean the possession of a PhD or other qualification.  It just means lived and shared experience.  

Should you have any advice, suggestions or feedback please don't hesitate to share these.

Just a Rant!

One of the benefits in life is the means of travel.  One of the hardest things is being able to afford enough money to go overseas and get out of Australia!  I have been fortunate to visit many overseas destinations and avoid such mediocre and boring expressions of "she'll be right mate", "No Worries" and being called mate too often.  In my opinion using the word mate is a put down.  It attempts to pull rank and not allow anyone to rise above or break the mold so to speak.

I don't see any problems with introducing the Honours System but like the currency, it needs a total reform.  People of experience with professional background as well as others should be selected.  Too often recognition seems to go not to people who really deserve them.  I can think of many people I know who work tremendously hard who just don't seem to get a mention at all. In terms of Knighthoods, why couldn't Ben Roberts Smith, Barry Humphries, Ken Rosewell or Judith Durham receive one?  Surely worthy Australians who have contributed to society are worthy?

I would suggest reviewing the Honours System having a two tiered system similar to what has happened in New Zealand as well as looking at the way New Zealand has reformed its coins.

I also believe that Australia's currency is in need of reform.  All coins should be reformed with the 5c going out of circulation.  The 50c piece should really be roughly the size of the $2 coin with smaller coins being less in size.  Keep the $1 coin the same but for other coins make them smaller so that the coins don't look at of sync and confusing.

In terms of a Republic, I cannot see the need to change.  What is instead needed is a review of the electoral system.  Why not introduce the "First Past the Post" system where if a member receives enough votes they win the constituency rather than a preferential system which is flawed and open to misconduct?  Furthermore should voting be made voluntary with a better education of how the political system works for after all people are just going to have more contempt if something is forced on them?

Education should also be reformed with Primary School being a focus on the foundation years, Secondary School the specialization of further learning and then a decision made as to whether to attend university, undertake a trade or just find employment.  Once again if young people are forced to attend university they will just have contempt for it.

My final point is to see the re-introduction of National Service.  For all young people, especially young men, National Service would be a means of men working together and growing in confidence, leadership and self esteem.  This me focused and I'm right attitude really just doesn't belong here. It creates more problems and fuels anti social behaviour.  There simply is too much focus on materialism, sex and man up nonsense.  National Service doesn't necessarily imply using a rifle and crawling in trenches, it more so encourages self esteem, confidence, and self discipline.  Spending a few hours per week or a weekend, in team building skills and learning leadership wouldn't really hurt anyone.  It also would instill a sense of respect and build upon a person's foundations.  The world has become too serious and I believe people just don't communicate with each other enough.  We are social creatures and shouldn't really be cruel to each other.

I also think that a young person should be afforded the opportunity of having a job and being encouraged to be responsible when it comes to managing expenditure and debt.  Too often people borrow money and don't really earn it or live within their means.  I think that being responsible would help to ensure that a person feels a greater sense of self worth if they earn and spend wisely.

I think the Australia today is not something which I like. People have become very selfish and don't seem to care enough about others around them.  I also think that when there is a sense of not feeling safe and old infrastructure being demolished that people start to feel they are losing their identity. When you knock down old buildings you also knock down people with them.  A lot of old infrastructure needs to be preserved and careful consideration and planning is required when new buildings are being erected.

In all honesty I would like to see more pride and respect in people.  I think people have become too serious and easily offended.  People need to watch more comedy and learn to lighten up more.  Also neuro diversity and this Tall Poppy Syndrome has to go.  I don't consider myself to be self conscious of how well I am educated but more so how I stand on my own morals. If people don't like or care for what I believe in and stand for, I simply just don't care.  If we want a better world then people simply have to pull their socks up and start to become better people. Surely this is not hard to do and just involves a bit more thinking!????

The She'll Be Right Flawed System

For a young person who is an entrepreneur or the person who is a business owner one of the ways to better employ people and grow your business is to significantly reduce red tape, and too much paperwork.  In Australia the problem I see is a lack of flexibility and too much regulation of the labour market.  For a small business owner, they should be able to grow their business by means of investing more valuable time and energy into ways of making their business become more competitive and economically viable.  Furthermore employing a person or persons should not involve endless paperwork and satisfying unrealistic requirements.

To employ people less regulation and paperwork needed.

 What I think is needed in Australia is also a more flexible wage and enterprise bargaining agreements.  For instance, if a young person wants to work they should be able to work within a framework that allows them entry into the labour market.  Furthermore I see Australia's labour market as existing in the C19th.  The 9am to 5pm model does not suit everyone.  There is very little or no flexibility and for a person with a disability (ability) or challenges, entry to the labour market just seems impossible.  Not everyone can nor wants to work in a system that disallows flexibility and incentive.  If you want to get more people into employment then surely the answer is to make the workplace more flexible to begin with?

Unions seem to exist in the past in many ways.  Instead of seriously investigating a way of making workplaces for flexible and assisting with increasing productivity, more valuable time and energy is spent on criticizing political parties.  Belonging to a union should be to stand up for your rights to ensure a safe and fair workplace. Also more of a focus on staff development should be encouraged than just worrying primarily about your pay packet at the end of every pay cycle.  It is just frustrating not being able to better utilize intellectual capital and incentive.  

What do I suggest then?

From observation, promotion and incentive should be based on work performance.  If a person works hard in their job then why not encourage them based on merit to better improve?  Why  not allow for more recognition of ability and furthermore assist them to be better cohesive in the overall scheme of things?  Why not also encourage greater participation of persons with disabilities into the workplace by removing unnecessary over regulation, red tape and bureaucracy?  For a young person starting off in a business,why not allow them to build upon their foundation within their business by allowing for more competition and a means of growing to take on and employ more people?  A young person in a business should also be praised and encouraged to expand their business and obtain greater recognition from within the community?  

The taxation system also needs to be overhauled.  For low income earners, why can't the paying of tax simply exist by paying income tax rather than having the unnecessarily burden of having to satisfy the requirements of filling in a confusing tax reform at the end of the financial year?  Also for business owners can't the system be better simplified so that their is less stress and effort on this procedure and more energy invested into employing more people?   If you want to reduce the unemployment rate in Australia, then why not simply for labour market by creating a more flexible workplace environment?  Surely unions, managers and business owners can come to the bargaining table to simply laws and procedures to make workplaces more profitable to increase staff participation.  

For the young person starting out in business, every means possible should be provided to allow for greater productivity.  Also every means possible should be provided to allow for greater participation of people with disabilities into the workplace.  Flexible work hours need to be encouraged as well as environments that offer greater friendliness and worker participation.  By removing unnecessary red tape and over regulation, surely such opportunities are possible?  An overhaul of the enterprise bargaining system, awards and other means could surely overcome the flawed system in place already?  Only change will happen if people start to question the system that is already in place.  We need to focus on people who want to make a contribution and encourage those who want to improve performance and greater workplace productivity.  What do you think of Prime Minister John Key's video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp7QsQSGz-4  Is New Zealand soon going to outdo Australia with its economy and rising dollar?  Do you also think that John Key is a better Prime Minister?  

Trying to keep active at 42

Over the past 2 years I have managed to keep my exercise routine up to date.  Both in the morning and afternoon, I do some sit ups, cardio workout by jogging on the spot and doing some star jumps. I also do some exercise with weights.  I have found that anxiety has reduced as well as irritable bowel and stomach irritations.  I still confront challenges though in being able to communicate with others on a more social level.  I see the importance in having and wanting friends but relationships are just beyond me.  I just feel it all too much work and get tired of people who say I don't try hard enough.  People should try living with Autism each day.  Navigating the world at large is exhausting not to also mention the shear amount of mental exhaustion and energy required in trying to rely solely on your intelligence to get about. 


I do find that making friends has become a little easier and with a large following on both Facebook and LinkedIn, I am doing very well.  Not that I want to boast but more so try to improve.  I still find however that there is segregation because people seem largely afraid or unable to understand how I think and function.  I know that there are some people who I don't get on with but there are others that seem unable to relate to the way I operate.  I cannot control overall how having Autism does affect me but I do work on ways of overcoming the areas which need improvement in myself. 


We live in a world that is so uptight and on edge.  Furthermore, people seem reluctant to know how to communicate with each other.  I see the importance in particular of men putting aside their issues and striving towards better cohesion and friendships with each other.  More importantly a means of guiding future generations of young people to grow in confidence and in leadership.  A great deal of many people have become blinded by consumerism and image.  They simply have forgotten the basic tenets of helping each other out and accepting help when a person is genuine about providing it.  Sadly trust has been abused by abuse from the insidious but people need to think and rely on intelligence more.  I believe that in our life we need to make the most of what we have and to live within our means.  Sadly some people don't live within their means and get into serious debt and financial hardship and instead of thinking about the overall prosperity of their country, they instead think of themselves.  It is all a matter of being sensible and realistic.  Not everyone is perfect but people are given a brain and should use it more.  Watching the news is often depressing and I cannot stand some of the lies and propaganda which is in your face. 


Working in an environment with young people is very positive.  Not only can many think and perform within an intellectual curious setting, they can also be guided and encouraged to become better men and women.  I try to be a good role model where I can but sadly there is still some remaining 'me first attitude' about.  It really is annoying when you try and offer help to people only to get in return "I'm right".  Furthermore there are givers and takers in the world and people seem to be more takers than givers.  All you can do is try your best and hope that within yourself that you can change other people's attitudes? 


As I approach the 50 bracket which I hope will not be too fast, I remain concerned about my own mental and physical health.  Having medical issues can be a challenge if you have Autism because often pain, discomfort and even seeing a doctor can be overwhelming.  The medical fraternity still needs a better understanding of Autism and we need to find more statistics to see what is happening with persons with Autism within middle and later age.  As yet there is not a lot of information and this needs further research and investigation.  What for instance is the average life expectancy of a person with Autism?  Where also are the adults in the community?  How are they functioning and are they being neglected and need better services? 


I know of adults who are older than me and some advocate whereas others have just fallen off the radar.  So at 42 I continue to do my best even though I often feel like an outsider and find social isolation all too overwhelming at times. 




A learning environment not only can be social but stimulating.  A lot of people and young people need more encouragement to learn and grow their minds.

The lack of social circle dilemma

As a man on the Autism Spectrum one of the difficulties I confront is finding ways to understand the opposite sex better.  I have always struggled to make friends and not growing up with many friends caused me to be in a distinct disadvantage.  I think that having friends at an early age and growing up with friends is important both for mental health and for social improvement.  I think that through the early periods, that men in particular learn and grow by having friends whether they be platonic or within the same gender group.  As for persons on the Autism Spectrum we seem to always be on the outer and grow and excel either in our own time or through our own means.  The school environment may not always be supportive either as man of us confront bullying and a sense of alienation.


Does not having friends cause you social isolation and difficulty in relating to the same gender and those of the opposite sex? 


In answer to this question and from personal experience, I have always struggled myself in knowing exactly what is required in a friendship.  How often do I reciprocate for instance and furthermore what are the nuances and behaviours which I need to exhibit?  Over the years it has become somewhat an obsession to make friends and I find that I have more friends now than before.  I find though the mental energy required is just exhausting because I put a lot of effort into just getting by and in trying to keep friends that often I confront mind blindness and mental exhaustion at the end of the day.  I also believe that I have more Autism than Asperger Syndrome in terms of communication for I can communicate in more of a professional context but within a purely social one, I fall down badly. 


I never really had friends as I grew up that could guide me with dating women and in knowing the social behaviours required in order to fit in.  Even now I still encounter some social isolation but with Facebook, LinkedIn and Skype, I can overcome some of the hurdles with social isolation.  I find that with Aspies that we are just wired uniquely or differently and that like the jigsaw puzzle, we don't really fit in with other pieces within the puzzle.  We need to either finds ways to adapt or if we are not able to function enough, we tend to be on the outer once again. 


A friend to me is someone who is honest and genuine.  A person who accepts you for who you are and helps you when you need help.  We live in a world where there are givers and takers and sadly more people seem to be takers and few are givers.  It can be a real struggle.  Friends are important though because not only do we socialise but people learn from each other.  For an Aspie though this can be a worrying deficit because we are not growing because we are not learning and social inclusion therefore is needed as well as tolerance and understanding.  Aspies can be blunt but it is not because we want to offend people but more so because we speak our minds.  Often we confront rejection and even bullying as a result and such attitudes need to change. 


Would the following therefore be important for persons on the Autism Spectrum?

Friends to help with growing, learning and overcoming social isolation


Mirroring as a means of better functioning and obtaining advice to better adapt to friendships and relationships


A better means of overcoming mental health issues


Perhaps you can think of more reasons? 

Being the Square Peg In the Round Hole

At times I really don't feel like I fit into the world around me.  I feel largely socially isolated and my ways of functioning not really fully understood.  People also seem largely confusing and what they say doesn't seem to connect with what they actually mean.

People don't realise that to get to where I am today took a lot of work.  I was written off and told I wouldn't get far in life.  Furthermore, I have been told that I need to try harder and that I either write myself off or put myself down.  The truth of the matter is that I know my strengths and weaknesses.  I also believe that I largely do not have Asperger Syndrome but more so Autism.  For me making a social effort or entering social situations is very overwhelming and exhausting.  Added to this I feel that relationships with the opposite sex are just beyond me.  Sadly society doesn't understand how I think and function and over the years some so called friends have just dropped me not understanding how I function as a person.  What I don't understand is that I don't see myself as a damaged or broken individual.  I see myself as needing to change some of my ways of thinking so I can better adjust to anxiety and stress but I don't believe that I need to change to be accepted by people.

To begin with I try to function in a world that I know is going to be very difficult to change.  Furthermore the structures and infrastructure around me is not always accommodating.  Loud hand driers in amenities, cities that are physically hard to navigate and lights and sounds that can be overwhelming represent real challenges.  I also feel that I am forced to spend money that often provide poor services such as Internet Providers and even taxation that does not go into disability, for even if it does it seems to go to people who really never really ask me what ways my quality of life could be improved.

I really wonder at times if I am changing the world.  There are still many challenges and hurdles a long the way.  Mental Health is still largely ignored and social isolation is an everyday reality.  I see myself as largely an outsider observing rather than participating.  I get frustrated with the way mental health is not better managed with people on the receiving end being doled out medication more so than therapy and discussion.  Quite simply I believe that some medications do more harm than good and I can speak from personal experiences.

I also feel largely conformed into ways of thinking and function that are not me and I live in a society where men are supposed to be blokey and guys simply don't talk to one another. I even wonder if a National Service could change this to encourage leadership and a better means of bonding?  Trying to be myself is a challenge because I cannot stand pretending to be someone I am not.

These are my thoughts for today despite the challenges I face.  Maybe others can relate to what I am writing about in this blog?

It's Not A Broken Toy Factory It is A New Wave of Enlightenment

It really concerns me when I hear of stories of parents who join Autism organisations because they are afraid of accepting the diagnosis of Autism in the child.  What is even more distressing are the measures to try and cure or prevent Autism from within the person.  Why are such drastic and unrealistic expectations occurring?


I believe that early awareness is needed of Autism and what better means of this being assisted than allowing adults on the Autism Spectrum to become mentors.  Advisors to the young person with Autism and shared of experiences and strategies on how to function better in the world?  Sadly I don't see much of this happening.  There are many adults within the community, including myself who do Autism Advocacy work. Sadly though we are not being allowed into the spotlight for lacking so called experience and or qualifications.  If future generations of persons with Autism need support then why not allow adults with Autism to become mentors? 


For a long time I have fought long and hard to allow adults with Autism our rightful place in society.  A means where we are not seen as broken individuals needing to be fixed but rather acceptance and a means of embrace.  There are still many barriers however and brick walls in the way and these need to be taken down.  It is not easy but with much optimism it is possible. 


Today I met with a new adult who is assisting the group with advocacy work.  He has some good ideas and suggestions and is around the same age as myself.  I will be working with him and other adults including Ben Wilshire to further raise awareness. 


In the meantime I ask you to continue to like my Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/GARRYBURGE.AS and to contact me via Facebook


Regards


Garry Burge

Coping as an Alien

If you can remember the TV series Mork and Mindy, you may remember how Mork lived his life as an observer.  He spoke regularly to his superior Orson about how to understand the human race.  For me I constantly struggle with it everyday.  I find that I am largely either unknown or misunderstood.  For instance I offend people just for speaking my mind and seem to cause annoyance in wanting things done and done properly.

When I left the school system which I found was largely frustrating and within a stressful environment, I came out with a poor academic transcript.  When I later tried to go to university, I was told by an Occupational Therapist that I would simply be wasting my time.  Despite me proving him wrong and many critics, I was successfully able to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of New England in 1999.  I undertook university because I wanted to show that no matter where I was in life that I no longer had a failed school certificate against my name.  It also would try and provide me with some hope that in future employment that I could find something and not be destined for the scrap heap or be thrown or forced into a toxic and harsh work setting.

The challenges I have today is that people don't really see the silent struggles.  One of my elderly parents whom I live with is going through some challenges at the moment and despite being seen as lacking empathy, I try my best to provide support and assistance wherever possible.  It really hurts me deeply when a person says I lack empathy because I do not. I am a very giving person or try to be but often I am overlooked or confront continual social isolation.  I always strive for understanding and in wanting to have friends but for me the way my wiring and thinking occur, people do not always understand where I am coming from.

In Australia I  notice that so many people who really should be given the lime light never reach it.  Instead within the higher echelons of society there tends to be a focus on sporting identities and on people who have achieved success through often unsavory means.  I have never really felt that I exist in Australian society because I am not into drinking or playing sport.  For me I prefer to be around people who have open minds and who are intellectually curious.  I am not sure exactly where such people exist?

I like to see things done properly and like to ensure that as a person I try my best to deliver a high quality standard of work and professionalism.  Sadly I seem to offend people just for being myself in a society which seems largely mediocre.  I am told I am negative but for me speaking my mind is the only way I can communicate.  It is hard to know right from wrong in some certain social situations and I find myself sometimes confused and having to rely on my intelligence to problem solve.  My training at university allowed me a mind that constantly thinks and questions but sadly sometimes I feel like a bulldozer hitting an iron wall!  There is just no way beyond it.  What do I need to do and what way can I get around it?

Ben Wilshire is doing a lot of good work and assisting Ben to become a leading Autism Advocate in Australia is working well.  I also will be travelling with Ben to New Zealand in August and hopefully thereafter to Europe if all goes well.  It would be good to have a friend to go with.

I am at the moment coming to terms with a lot and I cannot get counselling at UQ Psych Clinic until April.  Still getting ongoing counselling is impossible and I hope that things change in the future.  I always try my best to create and lead change but often it doesn't come soon enough.  I also contact Chris Mitchell every Saturday night in the United Kingdom via Skype and in my spare time I run the adult group and network.  Just for now it is a matter of trying to do my best and try to not walk on egg shells to offend people or get them offside.  I just wish changes did not occur to the DSMV changing Asperger Syndrome as a diagnosis because to me it is an identity.

More updates soon when I can think of more to write.  

  

2015 and onwards

2015 has now well and truly started.  I really hope that 2015 will be even better than last year.  Over the past 18 months I have been working with other adults to ensure that the group continues to grow and that important work is carried out.  The group now has a regular attendance of approximately 13 adults which is good to see.

Our next meeting will be a brain storming session.  It is at this meeting that the group will plan events for the coming months.  As well as met the Lord Mayor of Brisbane in April, the group has a lot to look forward too.  We are always welcoming new members and furthermore looking at ways to reach out more to the wider community.  The work is constant but preparation and perseverance go a long way to try and ensure that this happens.

I am continuing to work with Ben Wilshire and Ben is in contact with Autism organisations both in Australian and abroad.  We have also looked at and spoken to the National Autistic Society in the United Kingdom to see if we can also network with them.  We have received some emails of correspondence which has been helpful.  However connecting and working with them from Australia is something that has not yet been looked into and hopefully in due course something may change on this front?

There are two important conferences happening in Brisbane this  year.  The first one being hosted by Asperger Services Australia and the other the APAC conference towards the end of the year. Ben Wilshire will be attending both and this should be a good opportunity for Ben to do some public speaking and to represent the work he is doing as well as CareWest in Orange in his position as an Ability Linker.

In my own Autism Advocacy work, I will continue to try my best to run the group. We have Dr Tony Attwood visiting the group in November and furthermore we hope to see more adults working in the group to ensure that momentum and progress continues.  The group is about building adults up and encouraging self esteem and confidence.  Introductory events are a way of ensuring that new members get a chance to introduce themselves and overcome the barriers of social isolation and even depression.  There are some really awesome adults in the group and in each other's company, the foundation stones are already being laid for a more optimistic and supportive future.

In the meantime it is just a matter of continuing forward and trying to ensure that support and friendships continue to grow.  We welcome new adults not only from Brisbane but from within Australia, New Zealand and overseas.  Wherever one goes or connects with, our support base is expanding.

Please feel free to contact me via www.garryburge.com  or connect with us via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GARRYBURGE.AS to ensure we hear from you.

Yours faithfully

Garry Burge

www.garryburge.com 

Merry Christmas & Seasons Greetings 2015

This year has been a busy year.  The work of Ben Wilshire of Carewest has been very important and not to mention Chris Lovell and Blake Connolly in the Brisbane Aspie Adult Group.  We have seen the group continue and furthermore welcome guest speaks including Maja Toudal and Professor Tony Attwood.  We have also had some other interesting speakers attend the group to speak about social activities as well as ways of improving better physical and mental health.

For me I have continued to the best of my ability the work which I am doing.  I also have received some good results in terms of growing upon my own foundations and requirements in terms of learning.  It will be good to see these accommodations implemented within due course.

As I get older I note the need for improved services not only for myself but for other adults.  We need to see vast improvements in terms of dealing with mental health, independent living, employment and on raising more awareness.  I am confident in saying that we have made much progress in these areas but more work needs to happen.  There still sadly are attitudes that having Autism is something that people think I am making up as an excuse in order to avoid certain responsibilities.  I can assure you that this is not the case. Why would I almost in my mid 40's be making things up when really I want things to get better?  I really need to find ways of raising more awareness which is constructive so that I can really change more attitudes and break down barriers.

Like all Australians and people world wide, I was deeply saddened by the events in Sydney.  I think of the two innocent lives that were lost and the others that have been traumatized by what happened on Australian soil.  I only hope that peace will continue to remain in our world. I also am coming to terms with someone close to me that is going through some personal struggles of her own.  It is hard to come to terms with old age and especially seeing changes and wondering what is actually happening?  I have to look after myself as I know nobody else will when my own structures may soon disappear.  I know that despite all nastiness that there are good people and that they will continue to support me as much as possible.  Despite my vehicle being scratched by another motorist who didn't even pay the courtesy of leaving a note with contact details, I have to again be strong and not let anyone get to me.  There are good people who are assisting me and I thank them for their support. I really and sincerely hope that next year will be a better year.  I know that in my own time there is only so much that I can physically and socially change. I hope that my own legacy will now and into the future assist future generations.  Autism is not something to eradicate but more so understand.  People with Autism are not damaged nor defective. I know of many adults who live with the condition like myself who want inclusion and a chance to also become equals in the wider world.  Many still have challenges and difficulties ahead of them.

I pray that next year will be even better and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2015 who reads this post.  I also ask you to please support and continue to like my page Facebook Page

Seasons Greetings

Garry Burge

Founder of www.garryburge.com 

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.