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AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMagazineIssueOneAutumn2013AU8.959772201556006ISSN2201-5566AAANETWORKAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKAUSTRALIANPioneerofAutismResearchProfessorUtaFrith welcomeCovphotoPooUtaFthwthgaddaughtFyaatUCLGatmuum.PhotogaphcoutyoAtooOlmo.WoTaltGvawayCOnGrATULATiOnsDebbALLArDbacchuMahViC3340.rebeCCADODDGugahACT2912.DebrAQUirKegadnsW2233.WinnerswillreceiveconfrmationbymailwhichwillincluderelevantinormationabouttheprizeandwillreceivetheprizeitselsentbyRegisteredPostmailwithin28daysaterthe9thMarch2013.Ftlyiwouldlktothakvyowhohaapatomakgallthmatalwththhotutlgattmvylogmothomthtaldatopoducthomatopackdmagaz.HavgthpvlgogaltoadadpatocatgthpgpulcatoihavthtoguppotfthadomthAutmCommuty.AtgdagodAugut2008wthApgsydomadADHDidcovdwhlachgoomatoaoutmywoudcodtododthatthwomayothlkmylwholvhadvolvdavymlawaytom.itdawtmtoadaumoautoogaphopoplwthApgutioudthatomothtooughtacktlhautgmmoomyallutothtulypdm.MchalJohCalyookApgomthidOutwamypoalpatotompovmylothtt.MayhouoadgilatltthwauchadtohlpothlkmylothAutmspctummakgmpodhowcaihlpothadmyl.bAMThattbyhlpgothiamhlpgmyl.bothmyladmylogtmpattupsCAAnsuhCoatAutmApgntwok2009wthmydaocatgatwoktogtomatoadpopltogththatwouldfttothAutmCommuty.Thawalthoomatodvdualadgoupoutththataugpaalllhcthdoomatoadpopltocopath.Awcothpathhagomatoadxpcoouwaywthuatwokg.Wthcatgthtwokwaalocatgouowcommutywthpoplwhoudtaducauthyalkuoomoclotothm.soomthggosCAAnwhavowcatdthAutalaAutmApgntwokwhchgguthomatopackdmagazthathatalhdaaoucothwholwdcommutyotjutthAutmCommuty.WelcometoAustraliasFirstAutismSpecificMagazineThispublicaTionhasbeenproducedbypeopleonThespecTrumforpeopleonThespecTrumPaulKayFOUnDerAutalaAutmApgntwok BarBaraAverybigwelcometotherstissueotheAustralianAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineWellhereitisAttimesIthoughtthisdayisnevergoingtohappentheenormityothisprojectwellandtrulymademerealisedidIbiteomorethanIcanchewthistimeBeingthetypeopersonthatIamitisallornothingjustlikealightswitchonorothatishowmybrainworks.MypassionandattimesobsessionwithallthingsrelatedtotheAutismSpectrumscienceanddesignwasmydrivingorceinembarkingonthisincredibleadventure.Andyesithasbeenanadventurewiththehighssimilartoclimbingamountainromreadingtheamazingstoriesromallwalksolietheirachievementsandtalentstothedepthsoacaveeelingthestrugglesdarknessandlonelinessatnotbeingunderstoodttinginorbeingacceptedbysociety.Butwealsohaveinsightulandconstructivewritingsthatcanhelpusnavigatethisstrangeplanetweliveon.Easingthewayhelpusmovesomeothethingsthatblockourwaylevellingthebumpyroadtoachievingthatverysimplegoaloeelinghappy.ThejourneycontinuesnotjustwiththispublicationbutwiththenetworkingoourveryownAutismCommunitythroughthisvoice.Byallowingpeopleaninsightintoourenchantingexcitingtalentedbutalsoattimesdifcultanddrainingliveswearemakingadierence.ItmaybeonlyasmallwaybutitismakingadierenceachangeorthebetterIhopeso.Butthiscanonlyhappeneectivelywhenweallnetworkandunitetowardsmakingthatchange.Takethatriskdaretobedierentandletsshowthewholecommunityareasontositupandtakenotice.OhandonanalnotewedoevenhaveanactualstoryontravellingbyouravidinternationalmanomysteryBradBeadel.AnAspieAbroad...IcouldsaymorebutIwillleaveithereandletyoutakeyourownjourneythroughthemanylivesousconnectedinourownuniquewaystothespectrum.BarbaraCookBarbarawasdiagnosedwithAspergersSyndromeandADHDin2009aterherlongtermpartnerreceivedhisdiagnosisin2008.TogetherBarbaraandPaulcreatedSCAANSunshineCoastAutismAspergersNetworkin2009tohelpprovideanonlineservicewheregoodreliableinormationandsupportcouldbeoundinoneplace.TheAustralianAutismAspergersNetworkwasormedlatein2012withthesamedirectiveasSCAANtohelpimproveavailabilityoinormationonwhatestablishedservicesandsupportcouldbeoundorthoseontheAutismSpectrumbutnotjustonawebsitebutalsoinamagazineormattherstoitskindinAustralia.Iwanttomakeadierencetothoseonthespectrumbysharingourexperiencessupportingeachotherbyprovidingaresourcethatweallcanbeaparto.Ijustonestorycanmakethoseahhamomentshappenthenitmakesitsoworthwhileinhelpinganotherindividualoramily.Myownliehasbeenaconstantstruggletotinandunderstandthisveryconusingworldaroundme.ButnowIeelthatItoocanbepartothechangeorthebettertothoseonAutismSpectrum.Aewwordsrom 2AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEFEAturEs6PROfESSORUTAfRIThupcloeandpeonal.12DR.LIANEhOLLIDAyWILLEyEdDHappyandhealhyonahoe.15AUTISTICSELfADVOCACyKaheineAnneagiveconciveadvice.18KAThyhOOPMANNtaniaMahallineviewenownedahoKahyHoopmann.42TESCOMUMOfThEyEAR2013WinneAnnaKennedyOBE.46AVOIDINGASSUMPTIONSJennifeOtooledicemiinepeaiononhepecm.61SPECTRUMSUPERSTARSAjoneywihaimfomMakandNicholeAndew.62TWICEEXCEPTIONALLeePondealkaboheexcepionalboy.72BEDROOMENVIRONMENTChangingenvionmenfokidonhepecmbyLindaWyme74ChECKINGThEBOUNDARIESHeawamingsmappoyfomE.A.syno.86hAyDENThEWRITERHaydenselfegiveaninighinohimelfandhibook.WOMENONtHEsPECtruM26hOWIfOUNDOUTIhADASPERGERSSyNDROMEJlieDayellheoy.28TAKEMEASIAMJenElcheonlivingwihapege.inside621842 AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE3rEGuLArs16MySTORyJeaneePkiheoy.21ThEASPIETONTDICTIONARyBianKinggivealighheaedviewonpoinofficionbeweenheApieandNeoypicalcommniie.22ASPIEABROADBadBeadelellhioyofavel.83TEChNOLOGICALREVIEWryanMcNeilly-smiheviewhelaeechnology.84ChOOSINGAPPSfORChILDRENWIThAUTISMBonwynsondiceappfochilden.88BOOKREVIEWSFoopinBookeviewJennifeOtooleBook.Art76MAGICALWORLDOfNEKEABLAGOEVDebaHoeiniineviewNekeaonhelifeanda.80STEVENCOVENTRyBIOGRAPhyAninighinosevenceaivewold.PrOFEssIONALADVICE31PROfESSORTONyATTWOODManagingchallengingbehavioinchildenwiheveeaim.36DR.AMANDAWEBSTERMyaobiogaphy.38TANIAMARShALLFlyingndeheada.HEALtHWELLBEING24hELPINGADULTSONThESPECTRUMLizBownLifeCoachhelpingadlonhepecm.51SPECIALDIETSTOhELPAUTISTICChILDRENKiBaefomNoihMeellimpoaninfomaionabodie.PArENtING45JACKAUTASTICDonnaWallacemmalkaboheonandhebine.48BEhAVIOURALLySPEAKINGPeggyHailoneofheAimBehavioalInevenionAociaionABIAakeyoonajoneyinobehavioal-baedheapieandeamen.54DIAGNOSTICPROCESSNikiLakeinkgiveapaenpepecivehavingachilddiagnoed.58ONELETTERChANGESAChILDSWORLDsallythibalellhowefamingowodbingpoiiveocome.64LEARNINGWIThOUTSChOOLJanelleColepaenalkabohomechooling.66ASPIEMUMKeilynnHaiellheoyofbeingammonhepecm.69fAThERhOODONThESPECTRUMGavinBolladItPofeionallifeaadadonhepecm.70PLAyGROUNDSfORAUTISTICKIDSKaenGhidellaKidoDodiceplaygondenvionmenfoaiickid.5451 4AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEAAANETWORKAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKAUSTRALIANPublishedbyAspieDesignsABN25825425432P0754463790F0753511964Einoaspiedesigns.com.auEditorAdvertisingEnquiriesBarbaraCookP0754463790F0753511964editoraaanetwork.com.auSub-EditorPaulKayP0754463790F0753511964subeditoraaanetwork.com.auArtDirectorShonaSmithP0754463790F0753511964productionaaanetwork.com.auSubscriptionsmagaaanetwork.com.auwww.aaanetwork.com.aumagazine30.00YearlySubscriptionPrint20.00YearlySubscriptionDigital8.95perissuePrintpluspostageandhandlingProudlyprintedontheSunshineCoastbyLEPColourPrintersPtyLtd184SandalwoodLaneFORESTGLENQLD4556AustralianAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineISSN2201-5566TheAustralianAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineispublishedbyAspieDesignsABN25825425432.Thepublisherauthorsandcontributorsreservetheirrightsinregardstocopyrightotheirwork.Nopartothisworkcoveredbythecopyrightmaybereproducedorcopiedinanyormorbyanymeanswithoutthewrittenconsentothepublisher.Nopersonorganisationorpartyshouldrelyoronanywayactuponanypartothecontentsothispublicationwhetherthatinormationissourcedromthewebsitemagazineorrelatedproductwithoutrstobtainingtheadviceoaullyqualiedperson.ThismagazineanditsrelatedwebsiteandproductsaresoldanddistributedonthetermsandconditionthatThepublishercontributorseditorsandrelatedpartiesarenotresponsibleinanywayortheactionsorresultstakenanypersonorganisationoranypartyonbasisoreadinginormationstoriesorcontributionsinthispublicationwebsiteorrelatedproduct.Thepublishercontributorsandrelatedpartiesarenotengagedinprovidinglegalnancialorproessionaladviceorservices.Thepublishercontributorseditorsandconsultantsdisclaimanyandallliabilityandresponsibilitytoanypersonorpartybetheyapurchaserreaderadvertiserorconsumerothispublicationornotinregardstotheconsequencesandoutcomesoanythingdoneoromittedbeinginreliancewhetherpartlyorsolelyonthecontentsothispublicationandrelatedwebsiteandproducts.Thepublishereditorscontributorsandrelatedpartiesshallhavenoresponsibilityoranyactionoromissionbyanyothercontributorconsultanteditororrelatedparty.contributorsTaniaMarshallTaniaMarshallisapsychologistandwriterspecialisinginautismandrelatedconditions.TaniaalsospecialisesandwritesaboutgirlsandwomenwithAspergersSyndromehighlysensitiveindividualsoallagesintroversionandgitednessgenius.JeanettePurkisJeanettePurkisistheauthoroFindingaDierentKindoNormal-anautobiography.ShealsocontributedachaptertoAutismAll-StarseditedbyJosieSantomauroandeaturedinthedocumentaryAloneinaCrowdedRoomwhichairedonABCtelevisionin2010andalsoeaturesautieauthorWendyLawson.JeanettehasaMastersdegreeinneartsandworksull-timeortheAustralianPublicService.BrianR.KingBrianRKingasa24yearcancersurvivoradultwithDyslexiaDysgraphiaA.D.D.theatherothreesonsontheautismspectrumaswellassomeonewholivesontheautismspectrumhimselBrianlearnedsomethingverycritical.Thatsuccessinliehasnothingtodowithcircumstancesbuteverythingtodowithstrategies.Dr.AmandaWebsterDrAmandaWebstercompletedherPhDinSpecialEducationatMacquarieUniversityin2009withathesisocusingonsocialrelationshipsbetweenchildrenwithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesandpeersininclusivesettings.HerareasointerestincludecurriculumorstudentswithASDanddevelopmentaldisabilitiessocialrelationshipsplay-basedlearningandIndigenousperspectivesodisabilities.JenElchesonJenElchesonisawomanwithAspergersSyndromeromWesternCanada.Jenlivesinasmallisolatednortherncitywithhercattwosnakesandisverymuchareclusewhennotworking.WritingisherpassionasthewrittenwordisoneothebestwaysJeneelsshecanexpressherselthrough.BradBeadelBradBeadelwasborninNewZealandandmovedtoAustraliainthelate1980s.BradlivesontheTweedCoastandstudiesBacheloroHistoricalInquiry.Bradisinhis10thyearvolunteeringwithmarinerescueNSWasboatcrewandradiooperator.BradworksorColesasasalesassistantandhisinterestsaretravelreadingtracingmyamilytreeandwanderingcemeteries.KrisBarrettKrisBarrettisaCertiedNutritionHealthCoachCertiedGAPSPractitionerandmumotwo.Sheimplementeddietaryandbiomedicalinterventionwithherautisticsonbackin2004whenhewasdiagnosedatage3.Heisnowullymainstreamedandahappyandhealthy11yearold.Krisspassionisworkingwithamiliestohelpthemmakethedietaryandliestylechangeswhichwerethebackboneohersonsrecovery.PeggyHailstonePeggyHailstoneisaMelbournebasedproessionalwriterwhohaswrittenoranumberothirdsectornotorprotmagazines.PeggyisalsotheCommunicationsOfceroABIAAutismBehaviouralInterventionAssociationdedicatedtoraisingawarenessaboutAppliedBehaviourAnalysis.NikiLakerinkNikilakerinkisawomanwithAspergersSyndromemothertoatwiceexceptionalsonanddaughterwithAspergers.Nikiisamultimediaartistavidupcyclerwriterandvariedmodalitynaturaltherapist.NikihasstudiedalternativetherapiesspecictoASDorsevenyears. AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE522AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureTravellingoverseasisseenasariteopassagetomanypeopleandespeciallytoAustralians.Peopleockoverseastomanydestinationsorholidaysorevenoremploymentbuttravellingcanbedauntingespeciallytothoseonthespectrum.Whatcanbeeasyoronepersoncouldbeatotallydierentexperienceorthenextperson.IhavetravelledtomanyoverseaslocationsromascloseasTasmaniaorNewZealanditheycountasanoverseasdestinationstoasarastheUnitedKingdom.MyrstlocaltravelwaswithmyparentsventuringarounddierentpartsoAustraliabutonceIhadsteadyemploymentandthemoneyIwasototraveltoarodestinations.WhentravellingoverseasIdidnothaveexpectationsastowhatIwouldndorwhatthesecountrieswouldbelike.NottosaythatIdidnthaveplansbutIdidntwanteverythingtotakeallday.Thereisonlysomuchyoucandowhenreadingaboutlocationsbutexperiencingthemrsthandissomethingquitedierent.Atertimepackingbagsdoesbecomeeasierespeciallywhenyouhaveweightrestrictions.BeinganAspergianmakesplanningtripsreallyun.ItendtobookeverythingromtransporttoursandaccommodationwellinadvancesothatIcanhaveeverythingorganised.Thisdoesnotmeaneverysinglethinghasbeenorganisedespeciallyithingshappenthatareoutoyourcontrolandplanscanchangeslightly.Whatyouhavetodoistryandadapttoeverysituationthatoccurs.WhenIwasyoungerthiswasalothardertodobutasIgrowolderandwiserIhavelearnedtoadapt.Planningdoeshelptoeasethesmallearsowhatareyougoingtodoandwhereareyougoingtostay.Iworkoutthedistancetotheaccommodationtowherethenearestbusstoporrailwaystationislocated.Youdonotwanttowalktooarwithheavybagsonyourbackorevengetlosttryingtowalktooarinlocationsyouhavenotbeentobeore.Mapsdohelpespeciallyiyouaregoingtothelocalhostels.Localscangiveyouadviceoncesettledintowhereyouarestaying.Onereasonorbookingmonthsinadvanceismanyplacescouldbebookedout.OneexamplewasmyrecenttriptothecityoChristchurchwhereeveryplaceIseenhadthesignNoVacancyonthem.TherehavebeentimeswhereIhavedeterminedthelengtholongplanetripsbyonebookandtwobottlesowaterotherwiseknownasaneighthourtrip.Justgettingtotheairportcanbestressulintherstplaceasyouhavetimelimitstoadheretoandcrowdstonavigatethenthinkingohowtoanswerthecustomsofcersonceyouarewaitingtoexittheairportontheotherside.Checkingincanalsobeamusingespeciallywhenthebagtravelatorbreaksdownandeverythingcomestoagrindinghalt.Beingatravellerandanaspiemakesmewanttoarriveatanyairportbeorethecheckinperiodopenssoyoucanwanderaroundairportsthatcanbehugeorverysmall.ComparedtotheGoldCoastairportmanyarevirtualbeehivesoactivityandverydierentwhereyouneedapackedlunchtondyourgate.OthersmakeyoutakeonelookandndthewholeairportissmallandnotverymuchtherewhichwoulddetermineAnaspieabroadThetaleoatravellingaspie.ByBRADBEADELAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE7featureAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE7eatureeatureButweotenwonderedwhattomakeothoseewautisticchildrenwhostoodoutromtheothersbecausetheywerenotjustcleverbuttheyhadexcellentverbalabilities.Howdidtheyftintothepicture84AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEChoosingAppsforchildrenwithautismWithover700000appsforbothiPadandAndroidtabletsitiseasytobecomeoverwhelmedbythetaskofchoosinganapptosuittheneedsofachildontheautismspectrum.Whileitisveryeasytobecomecaptivatedbyexcitinggraphicsandanimationsweneedtoensurethattheappswechooseforourchildrenhavetheabilitytoachievepositivelearningoutcomes.Itistemptingtojustpurchasethefreeappshoweverwemaymisstheopportunitytobuyafantasticappfor99cents.ByBRONWYNSUTTONprofessionaladviceManagingchallengingbehaviourinchildrenwithByPROFESSORTONYATTWOODSevereAutismChildrenwhohaveasevereexpressionofautismcandevelopbehavioursthatareconstructiveadaptationstotheircircumstancesandabilitiesbutunfortunatelysuchbehaviourscanbeperceivedaschallengingbyparentsandteachers.Whenchallengingbehaviouroccurstherewillneedtobeacarefulobservationandanalysisofthefunctionofthebehaviour.Usuallythishastooccurwithoutbeingabletosimplyaskthechildwhydidyoudothatandwithouttheopportunitytoreceiveasimpleandaccurateanswer.WhenexploringthefunctionofchallengingbehaviourforchildrenandadultswithsevereautismIexamineeightdimensionsofabilitythatareassociatedwithautism.TheseareSocialunderstandingCommunicationabilitiesSensorysensitivityAnxietyCopingwithchangeDevelopmentallevelLearningprofleMovementdisturbance12AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureWhenIwasgrowingupinthe60sand70stherewasntmuchtosayaboutayounggirlwithAspergerssyndrome.Weweretheeccentricswhoplayedalonewithourrockcollectionortookoveraroomlikeadirectoronalowbudgetlm.Iwasabitoboth.AthomeIplayedwithmyrockcollectionandmyencyclopediasoraavouredtoyothetimebutwhenIhadanaudienceIlikedtotakechargeoeveryoneandeverything.Iwasthebigmouthinstudentgovernmentwhowouldpressapointuntiltherestothestudentsacquiesced.IIwasinadramaproductionImadesureIhadthepartIwantedandthesetsweredecoratedlikeIenvisionedthem.NooneknewIhadAS.TheyknewIhadabigcaseothebossiesanoddsenseostylequestionablehygieneweirdhabitslikerubbingmynoseasiitwerepizzadoughandtalkingtomyselinthehallsbutnoonecouldhaveknownIhadadevelopmentalHappyHealthydelay.Iwasatalkeradoer-thedirectorincharge.Ihadtheappearanceocondenceandthegalloalameduckpolitician.IwasinthegitedclassesandImadegoodgrades.Wellnotinmath.MymathdisabilitiesareobvioustheminutesomeoneasksmeaquestionasseeminglysimpleasWhats7x9TalktotheriendsIhadgrowingupandyoullheartalesomebeingaquirkykidwhoseemedtohaveitalltogetherevenishewasofkiltercomparedtoeveryoneelse.Iwasamasterodisguises.Aprincessopretend.Mimickingotherscameeasytomethanksinlargeparttoyearsodramaticartsclassesandperormancesbothinandoutoschool.MysecretnoonebutmyjournalknewwaslikesomanyotheremaleswithASDSomethingisdiferentaboutmeandIcantletanyoneknow.SurvivalisaskillIinheritedrombothmyparents.MyparentssurvivedgreatabusemyatherbecauseohisASandmymotherbecauseoheramilysplaceatthelowestendosocio-economicstatus.TogethertheytaughtmehowtobuckupandshutByLIANEHOLLIDAYWILLEYEdDonaHorse62AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeaturexceptional2ETwiceExceptionalThisisthestartofmystoryofoureldestsonJackwhowasbornin2003inAnchorageAlaska.Thesecondmymothersawhimshesaidhesbeenherebefore.Ithoughtshewasnuts.TurnsoutIthinkshewasright.IrememberhimneverdoinganythingthatwasinthemultitudeofmotherhoodbooksIhadandreadfaithfully.Hethrewupatthesightofanymashedfoodsscreamedforhourswalkedandtalkedlatebutthencaughtupquickly.Jacktaughthimselftoreadbytheageofthreecouldtalktoadultsonsomanysubjectsitwasembarrassingbutcouldntdresstoilettrainorgotosleepeasily.IspentwhatseemslikedaysanddayswithPaediatriciansintheUSAyouseespecialistsnotGPsuntiltheyare16.Icriedandsobbedhowhewouldmeltdownforhoursmanydaysoftheweek.Butthentheywouldtalktohimlikehewas20andtheyseemedtojustforgetwhatIhadbeensaying.Autismwasnevereverboughtupinconversation.IwasdiagnosedwithbreastcancerthesamemonthhestartedPrepinQueenslandin2009.Itwasadiscombobulatedstarttohisschoollife.AftertwoweeksIhadascreaminganti-schoolchildonmyhands.IfoundouttheydidntdoanyreadingatthatschooluntilhalfwaythroughPrep.Hedidntcraftsohewasboredoutofhisbrain.Italkedtotheschoolanddistrictandhadanassessmentdonetheythenmovedhimintoyearone.AmonthlaterwemovedschoolsaswesettledintoahouseinNambourontheSunshineCoast.ByLEEPONDER70AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingPlaygroundsorAutisticKidsByKARENGHIDELLAAsaparentorcareritcanbequitedicultndingthingstodowithAutistickids.ThelabelAutisticjustdoesntprovidepeoplewithaperectroadmapohowachildisgoingtobehavetheirlikesordislikes.Yourchildmayhateswingingmychildmayseekoutspinningandjumping.Yourchildmaylovesandminemightnotbeabletotouchit.Yourchildmaybescaredohighequipmentminemightactasthoughhessuperman.WhentryingtondthingsthatareappropriateorAutisticchildrenyoureotenpresentedwitharealchallenge.Itsageneralisationthatjustdoesntwork.ParentsoAutistickidshaveonethingincommonweknowourchildrenandweknowwhatslikelytocauseameltdownwhattheywilllovewhattheywillhateandwhattypeothingsarelikelytohaveyoushakingyourheadthinkingahhhnowthatsjustaskingortroubleonmostdays.ThereareplentyounactivitiesorAutistickidsweregoingtostartbytalkingaboutplaygrounds.AllAbilitiesPlaygroundsWalksThereareseveralAllAbilitiesPlaygroundsWalksinQueenslandandmorearebeingplannedandbuiltbytheBrisbaneCityCouncil.TheseplaygroundsaresomeothebestaroundandextremelypopularwithallkidsTheyincorporateeaturesorallkindsoSpecialNeedsKidsandaretypicallysaerthanalotootherplaygrounds.PioneerParkatLandsboroughisaantasticlittleplaygroundullyencedwithafyingoxthatkidscanbestrappedintoPrattenParkdowntheGoldCoasthasalotoequipmenttosupportchildrenwhoperhapsarentabletomanoeuvretypicalplaygroundequipment.RavenStreetReservehasasensorytrailthatencourageslisteningsmellingseeingandtouching.Theonlydownsideisthatduetotheirpopularitythereareotenalotokidsanditcanbequitenoisyawarningincasethisisanissueoryourchild.SECURELYTHROUGHOURWEBSITEwww.aaanetwork.com.aumagazineEMAILUSATmagaaanetwork.com.auorCALLUSon0754463790withinAustraliaHOWTOORDERASUBSCRIPTIONOneYearPrintSubscription30.00OneYearDigitalSubscription20.00SingleIssuePrint8.95ONLY7.50printOr5.00digialperissueAvailableinPintandDigitalFomatsfoiPadiPhoneAndoidandereadesCostperissuewhenayearlysubscriptionispurchasedSUBSCRIBEANDSAVE4IssuesperYear 6AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEeatureWhatattractedyoutomakeacareerincognitiveneuroscienceandAutismIwasinterestedindevelopmentbecauseIhadbeenveryimpressedbylecturesonPiagetbyErnstBoeschProessoroPsychologyatmyuniversitySaarbrcken.AlsoatthatuniversityIwasabletoattendamazingwardroundswheredierentpsychiatriccaseswerepresented.Thisexperiencemademeverycuriousaboutthemindandwhatwasnormalandwhatabnormal.Inaivelyhopedthatstudyingchildrenatyoungagesmightbringmeclosertooriginothemind.IwasveryortunatetotraininClinicalPsychologyattheInstituteoPsychiatryahappeningplaceinthe1960stheplacewhereBehaviourTherapywaspioneered.IintendedtofndawaytodoresearchromtheverybeginningItwasverycleartomethatweweredistressinglyignorantaboutthemindandthatresearchwasanecessityratherthanadiversionromclinicalwork.FortunatelyIwasabletogettogettoknowcasesoautisticchildrenattheMaudsleyHospitalundertheguidanceoMichaelRutterwhowasthenalreadywidelyrespectedasanauthorityonautism.HisPhDstudentLawrenceBartakanAustralianandIwerecontemporariesandotenworkedsidebysideintheveryfrstestablishedspecialschoolsorautisticchildren.Weeltthattheteachersweredoingaantasticjob.Thechildrenseemedremarkablysimilartousnomatterwhatschooltheywentto.Butweotenwonderedwhattomakeothoseewautisticchildrenwhostoodoutromtheothersbecausetheywerenotjustcleverbuttheyhadexcellentverbalabilities.HowdidtheyftintothepictureMymentorsweretheexperimentalpsychologistsNeilOConnoranAustralianborninKalgoorlieandBeateHermelinborninBerlin.Theywerepioneersothepsychologicalstudyomentalretardation.TheywereamongthefrstpsychologistsintheworldtoaskwhetherautisticchildrendieredintheircognitiveabilitiesromthoseootherchildrenwithintellectualdisabilitiesandwhetherneurophysiologicalmeasuressuchasEEGwouldtellusabouttheirbrainunction.Theywerewayaheadotheirtime.Theirworkopenedamazingpossibilitiestounderstandthenatureoautismbyteasingapartabilitiesanddisabilities.BygoodortuneLornaWingworkednextdoorintheSocialPsychiatryUnit.AsthemotheroanautisticgirlSusanshehaduniqueknowledgeoautismandalreadyatthattimequestionedKannersrathernarrowdiagnosticcriteria.Shewasconvinceditwaspossibletodistinguishineventhemostintellectuallydisabledchildrenthosewhohadtheabilityorreciprocalsocialinteractionandthosewhodidnot.ImyselwasnotsureIcoulddothisandwasmoreconfdentwhenthechildrenhadsomelanguageandshowedsomeisletsoability.HerereallywasaormoautismthatIcouldinstantlyrecognisearareormasitturnedout.UpClosePersonalUTAFRITHwithProfessorAnInterviewwithTANIAMARSHALLWelcomeProessorFrithtotheAAANetworksfrstissue.Iamhonouredtobeinterviewingaworldexpertonautismspectrumconditions. AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE7featureAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE7eatureeatureButweotenwonderedwhattomakeothoseewautisticchildrenwhostoodoutromtheothersbecausetheywerenotjustcleverbuttheyhadexcellentverbalabilities.Howdidtheyftintothepicture feature8AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINETheneuroscienceoautismonlystartedinthe1990swhenithadjustbecomeeasibletousescannerstolookatthesignsoneuralactivityasreectedinbloodowinthelivingthinkingbrain.HerethecollaborationwithmyhusbandChrisFrithwasthevitallink.Withouthisknow-howandhisexpertiseIwouldneverhavedaredtoenterthisexcitingeld.YoureceivedyourPhDin1968.SincethencanyoupleasecommentonthechangesandtheexplosionoknowledgeandresearchinthefeldoAutismKnowledgeaboutautismdidntexplodebutitaccumulatedsteadily.AnumberoTVprogrammeswereshownthatportrayedaratherbleakviewoautismbuttheyincreasedawareness.WhenthelmRainmancameoutin1988itwasprobablythersttimethatautismhadbeenpresentedinanadultandalsopresentedasnotall-bleak.Italsomadepeopleawareosomeverypositivequalities.IdontmeanthesavantskillsherealthoughtheydocreatepermanentsenseowonderbutIamthinkingothelovelyemotionalnaivetyoRainmanthatcontrastedwiththedeviousmachinationsohisnon-autisticbrother.Oneotheunstoppablechangesintheconceptionoautismwastherecognitionoatypicalcasesandcasesthatwerenotlearningdisabled.ThetermautismspectrumandthetermAspergersyndromehadbeenintroducedbyLornaWingwholongwantedtopushapartthenarrowcategoriesoautism.AtthesametimeMichaelRutterandSusanFolsteinpushedapartthesecategoriesasaresultotheiramoustwinstudies.Inthesestudiesitbecameclearthatwhenanarrowdenitionappliedtooneidenticaltwintheothertwinverylikelyhadamilderormoautismtoo.Inacttheyoundthattherewasa90concordanceinidenticaltwinsithecriteriaoautismwerebroadened.Thiswasgroundbreakingworknotonlybecauseitbroadenedthecategoryoautismbutevenmoreimportantlyitestablishedthattherewasageneticorigin.Onlythencouldapsychogenicoriginberuledoutdecisivelyi.e.theideathatautismwasawithdrawalresultingromprooundrejection.Thisperniciousmythwasatlasteroded.OneothebiggestchangesintheawarenessoautisminproessionalsandthegeneralpublicalikewastheriseoAspergersyndrome.Ieditedabookin1991whichcontainedmyannotatedtranslationoHansAspergersoriginalpaper.Itwassurprisingtomehoweagerlyitwasreceived.OneotheunanticipatedconsequenceswasthatthediagnosisoAspergersyndromebecameashionablesothatanumberopeoplewithsuccessullivesbegantodiagnosethemselvesandevenamousguresromhistory.Butbeingageekandbeingsociallyineptarenotsufcient.Ithinkthereisabigdierencebetweenhavinganautismspectrumconditionandbeingshyunconventionalandobsessive.ThenewDSM-VhasabolishedthediagnosisAspergersyndrome.ItstillneedstobeseenwhattheconsequenceswillbebutItendtothinkthisistherightmove.Thelabelserveditspurposeinraisingawarenessotheautismspectrum.Thereisaterallgeneralagreementthatitisavariantoautismandpartoaveryheterogeneouscollectionoautisticconditions.Thedifculttaskaheadnowistoseewhetheritispossibletoidentiysubgroupshopeullyintermsoneuro-cognitivephenotypes.PleasetellusaboutTheoryoMindthetheorythatyoudevelopedalongwithAlanLeslieandSimonBaron-Coheninthe1980s.HowdothebrainsopeoplewithAutismandpeoplewithoutAutismdiferintermsoTheoryoMindIthinkthehistoryoTheoryoMindresearchneedsahistorian.Ieelrathertooinvolvedandwillnotbeabletogiveanunbiasedaccount.InmyviewtherstpartothestoryistodowithtwoAustrianpsychologistsJosePernerandHeinzWimmerwhodevisedaningenioustest.Thistestcouldshowwhetherachildattributedabelietoanotherpersoni.e.aninvisiblementalstateandwhetherthechildpredictedwhatanotherpersonwoulddonextonthebasisothebelie.Ithadtobeaalsebelieratherthanatruebelie.Inthecaseoatruebelieyoucanttellwhethertheotherpersonactsonthebasisoarealphysicalstateoaairsoraninvisiblementalstateoaairsbecausethereisnodierence.Butinthecaseoalsebeliethereis.ThenextpartothestorybringsinSimonBaron-CohenwhohadstartedhisPhDatthetimeandwhodidtherstcriticalexperiments.AlanLeslieactedasco-supervisorandhadalready featureAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE9beenthinkingabouttheimportanceoinvisiblementalstatessuchaspretenseinthemake-believeplayoveryyoungchildren.ThiswasveryexcitingtomeasIknewromastudybyLornaWingandJudyGouldthatautisticchildrenshowedverypoorpretendplaycomparedtonon-autisticbutintellectuallydisabledchildren.NowImustmentionTonyAttwoodwhodidhisPhDatthesametimebutquiteindependentlyandconductedadierentandmostinterestingstudy.Heaskedhowwelliatall-intellectuallydisabledautisticandnon-autisticadolescentsusenonverbalgestures.Theresultswereverysurprisingsinceatthetimemostpeopleexpectedthatautisticchildrenwouldnotusegesturesinanymeaningulway.ButtheyfttedinbeautiullywiththeTheoryoMindhypothesisTheintellectuallydisabledautisticchildrenwerewellabletousegesturesinstrumentallyi.e.togetsomethingbutmuchlessabletousegesturesexpressivelyi.e.tocommunicateaninnereelingstate.ThestoryheatedupaswedidthefrstPETstudieswithtrepidationandwithanumberoeminentcollaborators.Obviouslyonlyveryableandverybraveadultvolunteerstookpart.OneothemwasHeinzWimmer.TheautisticadultscameromtheclinicoChristopherGillbergandSteanEhlersinGothenburgandwerescannedattheHammersmithHospitalinLondon.HerewecomparedwhathappenedinthebrainwhenpeoplewerereadingTheoryomindstoriescomparedtoPhysicalstoriesinventedbyanotheromynowamousPhDstudentsFrancescaHapp.WhenPETwasreplacedbyMRIscannersmanymorestudieswerecarriedoutandmanydierenttestswereusedrequentlyinventedbyFrancescaHapp.Forexamplecartoonsthateitherdepictedjokesthatrequiredamentalstateattributioncomparedtojokesthatdidnot.Perhapsmostsuccessullywecontrastedshortmovieswhereanimatedtrianglesinteractedwitheachother.Insomeothemoviestheviewercanthelpattributingmentalstatestothetrianglesbutinotherswherethetrianglesmoverandomlysuchmentalisingisnotspontaneouslyevoked.ManylabsallovertheworldhaveusedneurosciencemethodstostudyTheoryomindinthebraininautisticandnon-autisticpeople.Itisstillverysurprisingtomethatoneparticularnetworkobrainregionscomesoutagainandagainasbeingprimarilyinvolved.Thisnetworkreliablyencompassesregionsotheanteriormedialprerontalcortexandthesuperiortemporalsulcusatthetemporo-parietalregionbuttherearealsootherbutseeminglymorevariableregionsinvolved.PleasetellusaboutyourcurrentideasandtheoriesonAutismtodayin2013Icontinuetobeascinatedbyautismandbytheoriesthattrytoexplainthecoreeatures.IbelievethattheTheoryoMindhypothesishashadtobeupdatedinsuchawaythatwedistinguishbetweenunconsciousandconsciousmentalising.Inowbelievethatitistheunconscioustypeomentalisingthatissomehowailinginautismbutnottheconscioustype.HereistheproblemWhydoableautisticadultswhohavelearnedtomentaliseandpassallknownTheoryoMindtasksneverthelessstillshowthesortointeractionandcommunicationproblemsineverydaylietheveryproblemsthataresupposedtobeduetopoormentalisingabilityDotheynothaverealmentalisingabilityoristhetheorywrongAstudythatIdidwithSarahWhitemylastPhDstudentAtsushiSenjuandVictoriaSouthgateaewyearsagotriedtoanswerthisquestion.Inthisstudyweusedanticipatoryeyegazetoassessunconsciousmentalisingandthisdistinguishedautisticromnon-autisticparticipants.Neurotypicalindividualsanticipatedintheireyegazewhereacharacterwouldlookorahiddenobjectonthebasisothecharactersmentalstate.Buttherewasnosuchanticipationintheautisticadults.Sowecanreasonasollowsineverydaylieastinteractionsarethenormandheretheunconsciousormomentalisingmattersmorethantheconsciousorm.HoweverthereclearlyareadvantagestohavingconsciousmentalisingwhatpreciselyaretheseadvantagesNewresearchisneeded.PerhapsthemostsurprisingpartothestoryoTheoryoMindisthatsuchacomplexandhigh-levelcognitiveabilityasmentalisingi.e.attributinghypotheticalmentalstatestoothersandpredictingwhattheyaregoingtodonextisactuallyquitebasicandhasasignatureinthebrain.IamveryinterestedintheemalephenotypeoAutism.CouldyoupleasetellusyourthoughtsonthegenderdiferencesbetweenmalesandemaleswithAutismClinicalanecdotalevidencesuggeststhatemalesarenotbeingdiagnoseduntilmuchlaterinlieormisdiagnosedwithotherdisorders.CouldyoucommentonthispleaseIbelievethisquestionhasatlastattractedenoughattentionsothatinterestingpapersarenowappearingthataretryingtoprovidesomeanswers.Iwishtherewasmoreevidenceastothewayautismisexpressedinthebehaviouroemales.Thereisanideathatgirlsaremorelikelytoconormandmorelikelytobecompliant. feature10AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEThegenderdierenceinautismhasascinatedmeoralongtimebutInevergotachancetostudit.Mavouritehpothesisorlonghasbeenthatthereisaspecialprotectiveactorinbeingemaleandariskactorinbeingmale.Thisgoeswiththefndingthatinmostneurodevelopmentaldisordersthereisanexcessomales.Thereareagreaternumberoboswhohavedslexiaorconductdisorderorattentiondefcits.Iwishtherewasmoreevidenceastothewaautismisexpressedinthebehaviouroemales.Thereisanideathatgirlsaremorelikeltoconormandmorelikeltobecompliant.Idontknowwhetherthisisthecaseorsimplanexpectationthatispartothestereotpeobeingemale.Ineithercaseaectedgirlswouldlessotenbeconsideredinneedoclinicalhelp.Thecanpassornormalasweknowromthegitedwomenwholucidlwriteabouttheirautism.PleasesharewithuswhatworkyouarecurrentlyinvolvedinIretiredin2006andhavenolongeraresearchgrouporstudents.SowhatIamdoingisnotwork.AtAarhusUniversitIamosteringahighlinclusiveautismnetwork.ThisistoprovideaorumordiscussioninvolvingpeoplewithautismparentsteacherscliniciansandresearchersUtaFrithisEmeritusProessoroCognitiveDevelopmentatUniversitCollegeLondonandResearchFoundationProessorattheUniversitoAarhus.ShehasreceivedanumberohonorardegreesandisaellowotheBritishAcademtheRoalSocietmemberotheGermanAcademoSciencesLeopoldinaandisaForeignAssociateotheNAS.SherecentlreceivedanHonorarDBE.UtaFrithhasstudiedneuro-developmentaldisordersinparticularautismanddslexia.ShewasoneothefrsttorecognisetheimportanceoAspergersndromeandhasproposedandcontributedtotheoriesoautismreerredtoasTheoroMindandCentralCoherencewhichattempttodefnecognitivephenotpes.HerbooksincludeAutismexplainingtheenigma1989secondedition2003AutismAVerShortIntroduction2008andAutisminHistorwithR.Houston2000.ShehaseditedwithF.Happ2010avolumeonAutismandTalent.WithChrisFrithshehaswrittenseveralreviewsonsocialcognition.UtaFrithsotherinterestsincludethesupportowomeninscienceandtheapplicationoinsightsromneurosciencetoeducation.UtaFrithSHORTBIOGRAPHyyoucanttakeonesinglepersonsscanandtellromthiswhethertheareautistic. featureAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE11romneuroscienceepidemiologpschiatrbrainpathologanthropologandsoon.Iamhopingtoacilitateresearchbbringingtogetherpeopleromthesedierentbackgroundswhobringarereshingperspectiveandcanoernewwasoansweringpersistentquestions.IamverproudtohaveacollaborationwithJakobHohwsgroupatMonashUniversitwherephilosophershavejoinedupwithpschologiststothrownewlightoncognitioninautism.Iamstillwritingpaperswithcolleaguessomebasedonworkdonesometimeagobutewerandmoreslowlwhichgivesmerathermorepleasure.IhavetoconessthatsometimesIamareeriderthatisaco-authorwhodoesarlessworkthantheothers.IamstillverinterestedtoreadaboutnewresearchandIamparticularlhappiIseepublicationsbmwonderulormerstudentsandcolleagueswhoarevigorousladvancingtheeld.ApartromthisIhaveotherintereststooorexamplepromotingwomeninsciencethinkingabouthowneurosciencemightprovidesometoolsandsomeinsightstoimproveeducation.Ialsoamamuseumaddictandloveplaingwithmgrandchildren.youcanseeevidenceobothinthephotoomgranddaughterFreawithmeinUCLsGrantmuseum.CouldyoupleasecommentontheresearchrelatedtobrainimagingandAutismWhatareyourthoughtsonTempleGrandinsbrainimagingresultsIlovedbeinginvolvedinbrainimagingstudies.Itwasexcitingbutwewerestillvermuchatthebeginningothedevelopmentothemethodandwedidallstudieswithrathersmallnumbersoparticipants.Thingshavechangedalotthetechniqueshaveimprovedandwecannowtrustthemtobesaealsoorchildren.Stillbrainimagingresultsareonlasgoodastheexperimentaldesignthatisused.Moreotenthannotbrainimagingstudiesaredifculttointerpretbecausethestatisticalanalsisobrainimagesisvercomplexanderrorprone.Themainmisunderstandingisthattheblobsouseeonabrainareactualsignsonervousactivit.Thisisnotthecase.Theblobsaredepictionsostatisticaldierencesanditishardtogetonesheadaroundthis.Furthermoretheactivitinnervecellscannotbeseendirectlallweseeisincreasesinbloodow.Therationaleisthatthemoreactivethenervesarethemoreoxgentheneedhencethemorebloodisowingintheirdirection.Justlikebehaviouralstudiesbrainimagingstudiesrelonpoolingtogetherdatarommantrialsandromgroupsopeoplebasicalltoremovenoiseinthedataandthusmakethemmorereliable.Thisleadsmetomentionanothermisunderstandingyoucanttakeonesinglepersonsscanandtellromthiswhethertheareautistic.ThisistrueevenwhenthescanisdoneinthemanneroanX-rathatisthewerejustlingstillinthescannerandoutakebeautiulphotographsotheanatomothebrain.Withourpresenttechniquesoucandiscoveritherearegrossldevianteaturessuchastumoursorinjuries.Thisisnotthenorminthecaseoautisticbrains.Buttherearesubtledierenceswhenousuperimposedatarommanbrainsontopoeachothertocomputereliableaverages.Mansuchstudiesnowexistandthealwasreportdierencesinlotsoplacesgrematterwhitemattercorticalregionssubcorticalregionsandsoon.Butwedontknowwhatthedierencesmean.TheimageoTempleGrandinsbraindoesnotlooklikethatootherautisticpeople.Itdoesnotlooklikethebrainoaneurotpicalpersoneither.Therearesomandierencesthatitisdifculttonamethemallbutthesedierencesareverdifculttointerpret.TempleGrandinduringherwholeliehasbuiltupanumberoimportantcompensatorstrategiesandtheseleavetheirimprintinherbrain.Iwehadanimageromherwhenshewasoungeritwouldlikellookdierentromnow.Itisthereorepossiblethattheatpicalitiesareconsequencesratherthancausesohercondition.Incidentallmostimagesoautisticpeoplelookperectlnormaltothenakedee.Somebrainsareparticularllargebutthensomeneurotpicalbrainscanbelargetoo.IhearyouhavebecomeDameUtaFrith.Congratulationsandawell-deservedtitleforyou.ForthoseofushereinAustraliacouldyoupleasecommentontheprocessofgainingthetitleofDameandhowthatcameaboutThiswasamostunexpectedandamazingexperiencesomethingthatneverevercrossedmmind.Ihavenoideahowitcameaboutastheprocessisshroudedinsecrec.Amazinglsomekindpeoplemusthavebelievedinmeandproposedmeandneverclaimedthecredit.SoIdonotknowtowhomIshouldshowmgratitude.IhaveretainedmGermancitizenshipsinceIwouldhavehadtogiveituptoobtainaBritishpassport.ThisdidnotseemrighttomeasmaccentimmediatelrevealsthatIamGermanevenater50earsolivinginLondon.ThismeansthatmDBEishonorar.IcanputthelettersatermnameandIamimmenselproudtobeabletodothisbutIshouldnotbecalledDameUtaouknowjustasBobGeldoshouldnotbecalledSirBob.IreceivedtheinsigniaromDavidWillettsMinisteroScienceinaspecialandverniceceremonon31stJanuarwhereIwasabletoinvitesomeomamilandriends.ThiswasalsommothersbirthdawhichIthoughtwasawonderulcoincidence.ThereareonlewoccasionswhendecorationscanbewornbutIdidwearminerecentlataspecialGuestNightatNewnhamCollegeinCambridgewhereIamanHonorarFellow. 12AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureWhenIwasgrowingupinthe60sand70stherewasntmuchtosayaboutayounggirlwithAspergerssyndrome.Weweretheeccentricswhoplayedalonewithourrockcollectionortookoveraroomlikeadirectoronalowbudgetlm.Iwasabitoboth.AthomeIplayedwithmyrockcollectionandmyencyclopediasoraavouredtoyothetimebutwhenIhadanaudienceIlikedtotakechargeoeveryoneandeverything.Iwasthebigmouthinstudentgovernmentwhowouldpressapointuntiltherestothestudentsacquiesced.IIwasinadramaproductionImadesureIhadthepartIwantedandthesetsweredecoratedlikeIenvisionedthem.NooneknewIhadAS.TheyknewIhadabigcaseothebossiesanoddsenseostylequestionablehygieneweirdhabitslikerubbingmynoseasiitwerepizzadoughandtalkingtomyselinthehallsbutnoonecouldhaveknownIhadadevelopmentaldelay.Iwasatalkeradoer-thedirectorincharge.Ihadtheappearanceocondenceandthegalloalameduckpolitician.IwasinthegitedclassesandImadegoodgrades.Wellnotinmath.MymathdisabilitiesareobvioustheminutesomeoneasksmeaquestionasseeminglysimpleasWhats7x9TalktotheriendsIhadgrowingupandyoullheartalesomebeingaquirkykidwhoseemedtohaveitalltogetherevenishewasofkiltercomparedtoeveryoneelse.Iwasamasterodisguises.Aprincessopretend.Mimickingotherscameeasytomethanksinlargeparttoyearsodramaticartsclassesandperormancesbothinandoutoschool.MysecretnoonebutmyjournalknewwaslikesomanyotheremaleswithASDSomethingisdiferentaboutmeandIcantletanyoneknow.SurvivalisaskillIinheritedrombothmyparents.MyparentssurvivedgreatabusemyatherbecauseohisASandmymotherbecauseoheramilysplaceatthelowestendosocio-economicstatus.TogethertheytaughtmehowtobuckupandshutByDRLIANEHOLLIDAyWILLEyEdDonaHorseHappyHealthy AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE13featureoutthestaresopeopleevenwhenitletmystomachchurningwithstressandmyheartpoundingwithanxiety.Butnoamountoparentalencouragementcouldkeepmyinternalsensorysystemromdrivingmetoclawingmyskinandscreamingintomypillowwhenthingsgottooaroutowhack.ThankGodmyparentswerealltoowillingtoprovidemewiththethingsIneededtondmyownwaytosensorycalm.TheyputinaroundabovegroundpoolandencouragedmetoswimcircleatercircleuntilIcouldstandandacetheorceothetidepoolinreverse.GreatsensorypressurethatTheyboughtmeabikeandanodometersoIcouldrideprecisely10milesadayanodtomybitoOCDandneedorendorphins.Ihadabasementtocircleonmyrollerskatesandarockingchairtorockuntilitalmosthitthegroundrommyorce.ButmostimportantlyIhadahorse.Inmydaytherewerentequinetherapyorhippotherapycentersormetoexploreandjoin.Ihadponiesandhorsesahaltersomeleadropesabridleandasaddleandwideopenpasturestoroam.MymomhadthedairyarmerupthestreetteachmebasichorsemanshipthensheturnedmelooseinthemorningandsaidSeeyawhenyougethome.Suchathingprobablydoesnthappenmuchthesedays.Ididnthaveormallessonsorinstructorsridingwithmebutitsimportanttonotemygo-tohorsewasanextremelygentleandwelltrainedex-showhorsewhoknewhisstuf.Blazewashisnameandhewasmybestriendorever.Icouldjumponhimlikeagymnastoveravault.Idstandonhimwhilehemunchedhisgrass.Idlaymybacktohisandwatchthecloudsinthesun.MostdaysIdgowithoutasaddleandridewithahalterandleadropeorreins.ThehoursIspentteachingmybodytomoldtomyhorsewerepricelessandpreciouspiecesomymovetowardwhatIcallmybilingualworldhalAspiehalneurotypical.Studiestellusequinetherapyhelpsapersonwithcorestrengthandbalancehandeyecoordinationbody-awarenessocusandconcentrationinterpersonalcommunicationskillssel-esteempatienceandsel-controlandsensoryintegration.Bingo.Themagicmixtureoautismsupports.IhitthejackpotwhenIsatonmyrstponyasalittlebittygirl.AlltheseneatthingsbeganhappeningwithinmybodytohelpmeentertheseeminglycrazyworldabitmoreseamlesslybecauseItookalikingtohorseridingandcare.Thereareseveraldiferenttherapeuticbasedridingprogramsinvolvingequinesthoughtheyeachsharethebeliethatthehorsesgateandthewarmthromhisbodyalongwiththevestibularinputthehorseprovidesworktogethertohelptheridersbodyalignandworkinwaysthatpositivelyacilitateavarietyoneurophysiologicalsystems.Forexampleresearchhasshownequinebasedtherapeuticridingcanhelptheriderwithbilateralcoordinationsensoryinormationprocessingspeechandlanguageskillscorestrengthnemotorcontrolstandingwalkingandsel-controlcondenceleadershipskillsexecutiveunctioningskillsdepressionanxietyandearandperhapsawholehostootherthingswehaveyettoattributetoequinetherapy.Hippotherapyisatermyouwillhearassociatedwithatreatmentstrategythatinvolvestheriderandaspeechtherapistphysicaltherapistandoroccupationaltherapistalongwithasidewalkerswhorelyontheclassicmovementsoahorsetomotivateandhelptheridersneurophysiologicalandsensoryprocessing.Therapeuticridingissimilarinnaturetohippotherapybutheretheprimarygoalistoteachacognitivelyimpairedorphysicallydisabledpersonhowtorideahorsetothebestohisorherabilities.Manyotheseridersgoontoenjoyequinecompetitionsandsocialridingdesignedordisabledriders.Finallyinequineassistedtherapythehorseismoreotenusedasamotivatorandriendortherider.Inthiskindoridingspecicridingskillsandprociencycanbetaughtorsimplehorsehumanbondscanbeencouragedandormed.Iwouldconsidermyearlyridingequineassistedtherapy.WithmyhorseIworkedonphysicalchallengesparticularlymybilateralcoordinationproblemsandsensoryintegrationchallengesmysenseoworthsel-condenceandmyimpulsecontrol.IbelieveIalsolearnedabouttheory-o-mindthroughmyhorsebecauseiIwantedmyhorsetodowhatIwantedhimtodoIguredoutIrsthadtolearntoseetheworldthroughhiseyesasbestIcould.ThisskillnodoubtgavemeagoodnudgetowardlearningthathumanbeingsarelikehorsesinthattheymostlikelydontseethingsthewayIdo.OnahorseIamree.MybodyorgetsthereisstillatightnessthatsitsinmymusclesandthatIremainrelativelyuncoordinated.MymindorgetsthecomplicationsIhavewhentryingtounderstandlanguageanddosimplethingslikecoordinatingmyscheduleorrunningahousehold.OnahorseIcanMymomhadthedairyarmerupthestreetteachmebasichorsemanshipthensheturnedmelooseinthemorningandsaidSeeyawhenyougethome. 14AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureorgetmybaggageandturnmytrustovertotheanimalbeneathmeandtrulytogetherweworkoutwhateachousneedstondthatjointcomortzoneorelaxedbeastandrelaxedhuman.Thehorsewilldrophisshouldersandengagehishindendtobalance.Illadjustmyseatbonesandposturetohelphim.HellbuckoutalittleorgrindhisteethagainsthisbitiImnotdoingmyjobtocenterhim.Illnudgehimorwardoradjustmypressureonthereinstohelphimdohis.Weareateamworkingorphysicalconnection.Mostimportantlyweareriends.TodayIownahorsebarnthatsheltersthreeomyownhorses.IhavehadmorethanmyairshareospillsandtripstothehospitalincludingoneheckoadifcultsurgerytorecoverromsoallhasnotgonesmoothlybutImintohorsesonabigscale.Myhorsesareperormancehorsesthatexpectmorerommethanmyrstponiesdid.IcantadvocatepeopleonthespectrumjumpintothekindoridingIliketodobutboyohboycanIsayridingtherapyhorsesorattendinghippotherapyclassesthathaveanimalsespeciallychosenortheirnaturalinclinationtocareortheirridersisanastoundinglygoodideatoatleastexplore.Nothingatallcancalmmynervesstopmydepressionormakemehappyliketimeatmybarnjustbrushingahorseordoingmybesttoneveralloagain.HorsessavedmeromdespairandgavemeriendshipwhenIstruggled.TheygavemethephysiologicalandemotionalsupportmybodyandmindneedediIwasevertoliveinthisworldwithoutwantingtodiveoacliandswimawaywiththemermaids.WhileitstrueImnottheriderIoncewasIstillremaineversogiddyovertheloveandlessonsthehorsecanteach.ProessorLianeHollidayWilleywhoholdsadoctorateinpsycholinguisticswasdiagnosedwithAspergerssyndromewhenshewas35yearsold.SinceherdiagnosisLianehasocusedheracademicresearchonemaleswithAspergerssyndromeandcommunicationskillsorpeopleonthespectrum.LianeistheauthorothenewbookSaetySkillsorAspergersWomenHowtoSaveaPerectlyGoodFemaleLieandtheauthorotheinternationalbestsellingbooksPretendingtobeNormalLivingwithAspergersSyndromeAspergersSyndromeinAdolescenceLivingwiththeUpstheDownsandThingsinBetweenAspergersSyndromeintheFamilyRedeningNormal.SheisalsotheSeniorEditoroAutismSpectrumQuarterlyabloggerorPsychologyTodayandaconsultantwithB.R.A.I.N.S.-theBehavioralResourcesandInstituteorNeuropsychologicalServices.LianehasbeeneaturedinUSATodayTheAssociatedPressTheNewYorkTimesTheLATimesTheWashingtonPostAutismOneRadioOxygenTVseveralNPRstationsandmanyothermediaoutlets.ThoughProessorHollidayWilleyloveshelpingothersunderstandAspergerssyndromeherproessionalemploymenthappensatKirkshireFarmanequestrianacilitysheownsandoperates.14thMarch2013CelebratingChaseHansensBirthdayGoBlueforAutismDayPortCityKidsEarlyLearningCentreGladstoneQueensland AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE15regularSel-Advocacyisveryimportanttopeoplewithdevelopmentaldisability.Thisisbecauseinthelast20yearswehavedecidedtostanduporourrights.AutisticSel-AdvocacyisapartotheSelAdvocacyMovement.In2006amannamedAriNeemanandhisriendScottRobertsonstartedtheAutisticSelAdvocacyNetworkASANinAmerica.In2008AustralianAutisticSelAdvocatesdecidedtojoinASANandtheyormedagroupcalledASANAustralia.LatertheywerealsojoinedbyNewZealandSelAdvocatestoormagroupcalledTheAutisticSelAdvocacyNetworkoAustraliaandNewZealand.ThesegroupssupporteachothertobeSelAdvocatesandtheyaskthegovernmenttomakethingsbetterorAutisticpeople.ButyoudonthavetobeamemberoagrouptobeaSelAdvocate.BecauseSelAdvocacyisKnowingwhoyouareandwhatyourneedsareKnowingwhatyouwantandwhyyouwantitKnowingwhatyourrightsareAndspeakingoutaboutitSomestoriesabouthowSelfAdvocacyworksJaneisawomanwhowantstogotodoctorsappointmentsbyherselbuthermumalwayscomeswithher.Janedecidesthatshewilltellhermumthatshewantstogointothedoctorsocebyhersel.Hermumagreesthatthiswouldbeagoodidea.Janechangedhersituationbyspeakinguporhersel.Brettismanwhoworksatacateringbusiness.Brettalwaysdoesthedishesbuthehasdecidedthathewouldliketolearnhowtocook.Brettaskshisbossihecanlearnhowtocook.BrettsbosssaysthathecantrytogetBrettssupervisortostarttoteachhimoodhandlingskills.Brettishappythathegetstostartworkingwithoodandheishappythatheaskedhisbossandthingschangedorhim.Pennywantstoworkinchildcarebutherjobsupportocerwantshertodoacomputercourse.Pennydecidestotalktoherjobsupportpersonaboutchanginghercourse.ThejobsupportpersonsaysnotoPennyandtellshershehastodothecomputercourse.Pennyeelsrustratedandwonderswhatelseshecando.ShediscoversthereisaConsumerAdvisoryGrouportheJobSupportProgramsoshetalkstothegroupandndsoutwhatshecandotochangehersituation.TheConsumerAdvisoryGrouphelpshertomeetwiththejobsupportoceragaintoasktodoadiferentcourse.ThejobsupportocersaysthatPennyneedssomemoreskillsbeoreshecandothechildcarecourseanddoingthecomputercoursewillhelphergainthoseskills.Pennyagreestodothecoursenowthatsheunderstandsthereasonsorthecourse.SpeakinguphelpedPennyhaveamuchbetterunderstandingohersituation.Sel-Advocacycanbehardandsometimeswedonotgetwhatweaskor.Wehavetotryagainandagainbeorewegetthechangeswewant.Wecandoitalonebutsometimesitisnicetohavethehelpoagrouporriends.WecanalsousetheInternettondSel-Advocacyresourcestohelpus.HerearesomeSelfAdvocacyWebsitesSelAdvocacyResourceUnitwww.saru.net.auBeRealwww.bereal.com.auEthnicDisabilityAdvocacyCentre-LetMeSpeakwww.edac.org.auletmespeakletmespeak.htmlAdvocatingchangeTogetherwww.seladvocacy.comTheHarvardProjectonDisabilitywww.hpod.orgTheAutisticSelAdvocacyNetworkoAustraliaandNewZealandwww.asan-oceania.orgIyouareapersonthatstandsuporwhatyouwantinlieyouareaSelAdvocate.ByKATHARINEANNEARSelfAdvocacyAutistic 16AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEregularIam38yearsoldandhaveadiagnosisoAspergersSyndromeatypicalschizophreniaandamooddisorder.IwasbornintheUKandspentmyrstewyearsoschoolingthere.IwasabrightkidatschoolbutIneverreallymanagedtomakealotoriends.WhenIwas11myamilymovedtoAustralia.IwasquiteunpopularinmynewhighschoolandoundthatalototheotherstudentsthoughtIwasverystrange.Toschoolkidsdiferentapparentlymeansairgameorbullyingandcruelty.EventhoughIwasahighlyintelligentriendlyacceptingyoungwomanbytheendoschoolIthoughtmyselhideousandstupidanddeservingonlyounpleasantness.AsayoungchildIwasbroughtupasaChristadelphian-aChristiangroupwhichhasalotorulesandopinions.IlikedbeingaChristadelphianasitmeantthatIknewwhattobelieve.IthadallbeendecidedandIwashappytogoalonguntiltherewasasplitinourchurcharoundsometheologicalthingoranother.Ididntknowwhototrustandeltletdown.ToescaperomtheChristadelphiansandtheirdogmaIjoinedanotherdogmaticsect-thesocialistparty.IlovedbeingasocialistasIinstantlyhad100orsoadultriendsandallIhadtodowasagreewiththeotherstoconrmmyplaceintheclub.Wewenttoprotests-abouteverythingapparently-andsoldourpartynewspaper.UnortunatelyIhadanegativeandnotentirelyconsensualsexualencounterwithsomehanger-ontothepartyironicallyatapeacevigil.AterthisIbecomeverynegativeandonlywantedbadthingsormysel.Imetamanthroughthesocialistswhowasveryexcitingorhewasacriminal.Mynew-oundnegativitypropelledmetowardshimandsoonwewereplottingallsortsoterriblethings.AterawhileIrealisedthathewastrulydangerousOnedayIwokeupcompletelypsychoticIthoughttheworldwouldendintwodaystime.andthatIneededtogetawayromhimbutIwastoodeeplyinvolvedtoescapesoIwentalongwithhiscriminalactivitieseelingextremelyguiltyandwonderinghowImightescape.BeorelongIoundmyselinprisonandwasactuallyabitrelievedtoknowthatIwasbeingpunishedhelpedmetodealwiththeguiltIhadbeeneeling.SadlyIbecamealittleinstitutionalisedandequatedprisonwithsaety.IwasreleasedbutmyheartwasstillinprisonandIexpectedtoreturntheresoon.AtaroundthistimeIstartedgettinginvolvedindrugs.AterayearodoingalotodrugsIoundmyselhomelessandinpsychiatrichospital.ThedoctortoldmeIhadschizophreniaandthatImustntsmokedope.IchosetoignorehisadvicebutIdidtakethemedicationhegaveme.Imovedinwithmyparentshavingnoplaceelsetogo.Istayedthereorayeartryingtobeagoodkidbutsmokingdopesecretlyintheevenings.OnedayIwokeupcompletelypsychotic-Ithoughttheworldwouldendintwodaystimeandthatallwhitepeoplewereevil.IspentthenextthreemonthsinhospitalbutthenwenttojailduetoaByJEANETTEPURKISIveachievedsomanyexcitingthingsinmyliedespitemyvariousdiagnoses.StoryJeanettes AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE17regulardelusionthatIwouldbecurediIwenttojailandaterassaultingtheratherarrogantchiepsychiatristatthehospital.AsIhadasuspendedsentenceallIneededtodowascommitacrimewithapossibleprisontermattachedtoit.IttookmeanotherveyearstoescaperomtheworldoprisonandcriminalityduetohowinstitutionalisedIwasandmynegativetakeonlie.WhenIletjailorthelasttimeatage25Iwenttoalive-intherapycourse.ThiswasexactlywhatIneededandgavemebacksomemuch-neededcondenceinmyselandmyabilitytounctionintheworld.Ialsostartedwantingpositivethings.Ienrolledatuniversityayearlater.Ilovedbeingastudentandwantedtodowell.Mostomymarksweredistinctionsorhighdistinctions.Iwasinvitedtojointhehonoursocietyorpeopleinthetop10percentotheircourseeveryyearthatIwasatuniversity.IknewwhatIwantednowandthatwasajob.IwaslivinginapublichousingestatewithabunchoalcoholicswithwhomIdmadethemistakeogettinginvolvedwith.IntherstyearomyMastersIwroteanautobiography-FindingaDierentKindoNormal.Itwaspublishedandmytrajectorytosuccessgatheredincreasedmomentum.Ihadbeengraduallyworkingtowardsgettingajobasanearlierattemptatemploymenthadresultedinextremeanxietyandmeendingupinhospital.FirstoallItookavolunteerjobatagallerythenIstartedmyownbusinesseditingvideoandthenIgotacasualjob.BythesecondyearomyMastersdegreeIwasready.Ilookedattheemploymentwebsitesandoundacoupleograduatejobsinthepublicservice.Ihadalltheskillstheywerelookingoranddecidedtotaketheplunge.Iwasalittleconcernedthatmycriminalhistorywouldpreventmebeingsuccessulbutthoughtnothingventurednothinggainedandsubmittedmyapplication.Iwassuccessulandstartedull-timeworkin2007.ImovedtoCanberraanddidnotknowasoulbutitwasworthit.IoundthatIhaveanaturalaptitudeorpublicserviceandpolicyanalysiswork.BeorelongIdbeenpromoted.Twice.IboughtmyownatandhadundecoratingitwiththenicethingsIloved.Ihadamajorsetbackin2010inthatIsueredarecurrenceomymentalhealthsymptoms.IspenttimeinhospitalonseveraloccasionsandwasveryworriedthatIwouldlosemyjobandhavetosellmyatbutthreeyearslaterImstillemployedandmyhealthisgraduallyimproving.Iveachievedsomanyexcitingthingsinmyliedespitemyvariousdiagnoses.Itendtothinkthatanybodycanchangetheirlivesorthebetterandmakethemostowhattheyhave.IIwentalongwithwhatalotopeoplethinkIwouldneverhavedoneanything.ImgladItrustedmyselandtookriskstogainpositivethings.Peoplewithautismspectrumdisordersandmentalillnessesareoundinallsortsojobsdoingamazingthings.Wearecapableowhateverwechoosetodo.Aboutme...JeanettePurkisistheauthoroFindingaDierentKindoNormal-anautobiographyJessicaKingsleyPublishers2006.ShealsocontributedachaptertoAutismAll-StarseditedbyJosieSantomauroandeaturedinthedocumentaryAloneinaCrowdedRoomwhichairedonABCtelevisionin2010thatalsoeaturesautieauthorWendyLawson.JeanettehasaMastersdegreeinneartsandworksull-timeortheAustralianPublicService.JeanettePurkisspentherearlyliereactingviolentlyagainsthereelingsoembarrassmentangerandconusionaboutherdierenceromotherpeople.ShewasunawareuntilwellintoadulthoodthateverythingsheounddifcultincludingherlackosuccessinormingrelationshipscouldbearesultohavingAspergerSyndrome.UsedtobeingamistromaveryyoungageJeanetteoundthatbeingamemberoagroupinwhichshehadalabel-JeanettetheCommunistJeanetteEnemyotheStateJeanettetheconvictJeanettethedrugaddict-gaveherasenseoordershecoulddependonparticularlyinprisonwhereeachdayhadasetroutineandtheinmatesacceptedherbecauseoherrebelattitude.FinallydiagnosedwithAspergerSyndromeattheageo20theauthoronlybegantoacceptherdiagnosissomeyearslaterwhensheeltorthersttimethatshemightlearntocopewithbeinghersel.Jeanettesremarkablelieandherjourneytowardsndingadierentkindonormaliscompellingandinspiringreadingorpeoplewithautismspectrumdisordersandthoselivingorworkingwiththem.FindingaDiferentKindoNormalByJeanettePurkisYearPublished2006PublisherJessicaKingsleyPublishersPB308ppFICTIONFANTASYISBN-139781843104162 18AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEeatureKathywhatisyourbackgroundOriginallyyouarefromToowoombarightHowdidyougetfromtheretoDubaiIwasborninToowoombawhereIlivedortwentyyearsandstudiedprimaryteachingattheDarlingDownsInstituteoAdvanceEducationnowUniversityoSouthernQueensland.ImarriedrightoutouniandwenttoworkinBrisbaneasateacherinPrinceoPeaceLutheranPrimarySchoolwhichwassonewitwasstillacabbagepatchwhenIgotthejob.ItaughtulltimeuntilIhadchildrenthenImovedintorelieteachingwhilstIstartedmywritingcareer.WemovedtoDubaiin2003withmyhusbandsworkandstayeduntilmid2011.WethenwetookagapyearspendingthisbackinAustraliadoingrenovationsandcatchinguponamilyandriends.WereturnedtoDubaiinSeptember2012whereweareplanninganotherthreeyearstay.KathyHoopmannHowdidyoubecomeanauthorWhenIwasaschoolteacherIreadmanybookstomyclassesandlovedtheworldsthatwerecreated.FinallyIdecidedtocreatemyownworlds.AtfrstIwrotenovelssomewerepublishedsomewerent.StrangelyenoughmyfrstbookpublishedwasabookoplaysbasedonBiblestories.Itwasarighttimerightplacebook.ButthenIbecameinterestedinAspergersandwantedtocapturethepositivesothesyndromeinanAspiecharacter.IwillneverorgetthedayIwasatanAutismconerencewhereTonyAttwoodwasspeaking.AtlunchtimeIwaiteduntilthelonglineopeoplewantingtocatchhisattentiondwindledandnervouslyItoldhimaboutthenovelIhadjustwritten.TonywasgraciousenoughtotakealookatitgivinghisendorsementanditwasaterthiseventthatBlueBottleMysterywaspickedupbyJessicaKingsleywhohavepublishedallmyAspergersbookssincethen.AnInterviewwithKathyHoopmann.ByTANIAMARShALLKathyHoopmannauthorwasborninToowoombaQueenslandAustralia.KathylivedthereortwentyyearsbeoremovingtoBrisbanewheresheremainedoranothertwentyyears.DuringthattimeKathybecameaprimaryschoolteachermarriedcompletedaGraduateDiplomaoTheologyinEducationandhadthreegreatkids.IntheresomewhereKathystartedwritingbooksorchildrenandteensincludingabunchobooksonAspergersSyndrome. AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE19onthecouchKathyyouhavewrittenatotalofsevenbooksisthatrightIhaveteenbookspublishedinAustraliatheUKUSandtheUAEwithtranslationsintotenlanguages.SixdealwithAspergersandoneisonADHD.AllCatshaveAspergerSyndromeandAllDogshaveADHDhavebeenverysuccessful.WhatdoyouthinkthemainreasonforthisisManybooksonspecialneedsarequitelongtoreadandcanbeullomedicaljargon.Althoughthesebooksareessentialmanypeoplesimplywantaquickoverview.IthinkwhatmakesAllCatshaveAspergerSyndromeandAllDogshaveADHDsosuccessulisthatintenminutesareadercanunderstandtheessenceothesesyndromesboththenegativesandthepositivescomingawaywithasmileontheiracesandhopeintheirhearts.IhavejustreadyourlatestbookInsideAspergersLookingOutanditisjustasfabulous.ThisbookisdifferentinthatitisforNeurotypicalsintermsofthemlearningaboutwhatitsliketobeAspie.WhatmadeyoutodecidetowritethisbookInSeptember2011mygapyearIheardJohnElderRobisonLookMeintheEyespeakattheBrisbaneWritersConerence.IwasmovedbytheentirelydiferentwayhesawAspergersandhowhecouldexplainitsothatitwasnolongeractsbutlie.IwasprivilegedtohavelunchwithJohnandImootedtheconceptowritingabookalongtheselinesthatisromtheeyesoanAspie.NothavingAspergersthisbooktookalotoresearchandIlistenedtohoursandhoursoYoutubevideosbyAspiesandjoinedonlineAspergersitestogettheirinsights.ByFebruary2012itwasnishedandinthehandsomypublisher.WhatisitlikeinDubaiintermsofAutismandservicesIhavetoadmitthatIamoutothelinkhereandhavelittlecontactwithAspergersAutismproviders.HoweverIunderstandthatslowlyschoolsandclinicsarestrivingtoincorporatespecialneedsprogrammesandarebeginningtoemployspecialistsintheseareas.Unortunatelymanychildrendonotreceivetheassistancerequiredandmanyschoolsstillreusetotakeanychildrenwithspecialneedsoanykind. 20AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureArewegoingtogetachancetoreadanymoreKathyHoopmannbooksIhavedabbledwithwritingateachershandbookonhowtodealwithAspergersintheclassroombutitisonthebackburneratpresent.CurrentlyIambranchingintoanewareaofwritingandIamworkingonachildrensChristianbookwhichistryingtocapturetheessenceoftheBibleineightypicturebookpages.Itisafascinatingandhugelychallengingproject.WherecanwebuyyourbooksManyofthelargerbooklineseitherstockmybooksorcanorderthemin.MydistributorinAustraliaisFootprintsBookshttpwww.footprint.com.auandallofmyAspergertitlescanbeorderedthroughthem.OnlinestoreslikeAmazonBookDepositoryandFishpondallhavemyworkstoo.Themostimportantthingyoucandoforachildwithautismislearneffectivewaystohelpthem.ABAiseffective.ABATodaywillincreaseyoureffectiveness.ABATodayInScienceInPracticeInLifeisthepremierebehavioural-basedconferenceinAustralia.FeaturingthreeinternationalguestspeakersDrEricLarssonDrJohnMcEachinandDrBobbyNewmanthisconferencebringstogetherresearchpracticeandexpertise.REGISTERBEFORE6APRILPAYLESSForbookingsandeventdetailswww.abia.net.auaba_conference2013AnnualConferenceSaturday27April2013ProudlybroughttoyoubytheAutismBehaviouralInterventionAssociation AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE21regularTheAspietNTDictinaryByBRIANR.KINGIveundthatnethegreatestpintsrictinbetweentheAspieandNeurtypicalcmmunitiesistheAspergiantendencytanswerNeurtypicalquestinshnestlyandtheNeurtypicaltendencytinterpretsuchhnestyasrudeness.TherereIvedecidedthelppreparethseNeurtypicalswhhavedicultyhearingsuchhnesteedbackbyeringmrecmrtingtranslatins...AspieYesyudlkatinthatdress.TranslationPerhapsyuculdtrysmethingelsenthatbetteraccentuatesyuruniqueeatures.AspieThisdtastesterrible.TranslationTheabundanceuniqueavurisverwhelmingtthepalate.AspieThisisreallybringcanwegnwTranslationIeelIculdusesmetimetreectupnmyexperiencethusarandrevisitthisissueatanthertime.AspieWhyisthisinrmatinrelevantTranslationIcanseeyureavisinaryandthetrueimprtancethisinrmatinwillbecmeapparentintime.AspieThisisstupid.TranslationIwnderwhenthiswillreachitsintellectualpeakAspieYulkreallyld.TranslationYuappeartbesmenewithmuchwisdmandexperience.FrmreinrmatinnBrianR.Kingvisitwww.brianraymondking.comAddendumThisarticleisintendedmreasamrehumruspiecetdemnstratehwsmanypeplevaluebeingtldwhattheywantthearinsteadanhnestpinin.ImatthepintinmyliewhereIdntsugarcatwhenaskedrmyhnestpinininsteadIaskthepersnitheyreallywantit.Smewillsaynevermindthenandsmegenuinelywanttknwwhatsnmymind.ByBRIANRKINGJESSICAKINGSLEYPUBLISHERSPubDate112011ISBN9781849058568FrmatPbk272pagesHavingachildntheautismspectrumcaneellikeaull-timepwerstruggleduetcmmunicatindicultiesthatleavebthparentandchildeelingdeeated.Thiscllectinlie-changingstrategiesandslutinswillenableeventhemstaggingparentstwrktwardsapsitiverelatinshipthatsterscperatinandmutualrespectandwillkeepeverybdyhappy.Theauthrhasdedicatedver20yearststudyingbservingandimplementingcmmunicatinstrategiesthathelphimhiswietheirthreechildrenandhisclientsexperiencepsitiverelatinships.Hisimmediateamilyareallntheautismspectrumandtheywrktgethertunderstandneantherreslvemisunderstandingsandhelpeachthereelimprtantlvedandrespected.Sharingtheirinspiratinalpersnalexperiencesandinterweavingeverychapterwithpracticalhintsandtipsthebklksathwcmmunicatinwrksemphasisingtheimprtancebuildingcnfdenceandlayingdwngrundrules.Eachchaptercntainsdialguethatshwshwthestrategiesreallywrkandhwtgetcmmunicatinwrkingreveryne.Thisbkwillbeessentialreadingrallparentschildrenntheautismspectrumregardlesswhetherrnttheyarenthespectrumthemselves.Itwillalsbeinterestteverybdyelselkingtacilitateandimprverelatinshipswithyungpeple.STRATEGIESFoRBUILDINGSuccessfulRelationshipswithPeopleontheAutismSpectrumLETSRELATEFOOTPRINTBOOKShttpwww.tprint.cm.au 22AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureTravellingoverseasisseenasariteopassagetomanypeopleandespeciallytoAustralians.Peopleockoverseastomanydestinationsorholidaysorevenoremploymentbuttravellingcanbedauntingespeciallytothoseonthespectrum.Whatcanbeeasyoronepersoncouldbeatotallydierentexperienceorthenextperson.IhavetravelledtomanyoverseaslocationsromascloseasTasmaniaorNewZealanditheycountasanoverseasdestinationstoasarastheUnitedKingdom.MyrstlocaltravelwaswithmyparentsventuringarounddierentpartsoAustraliabutonceIhadsteadyemploymentandthemoneyIwasototraveltoarodestinations.WhentravellingoverseasIdidnothaveexpectationsastowhatIwouldndorwhatthesecountrieswouldbelike.NottosaythatIdidnthaveplansbutIdidntwanteverythingtotakeallday.Thereisonlysomuchyoucandowhenreadingaboutlocationsbutexperiencingthemrsthandissomethingquitedierent.Atertimepackingbagsdoesbecomeeasierespeciallywhenyouhaveweightrestrictions.BeinganAspergianmakesplanningtripsreallyun.ItendtobookeverythingromtransporttoursandaccommodationwellinadvancesothatIcanhaveeverythingorganised.Thisdoesnotmeaneverysinglethinghasbeenorganisedespeciallyithingshappenthatareoutoyourcontrolandplanscanchangeslightly.Whatyouhavetodoistryandadapttoeverysituationthatoccurs.WhenIwasyoungerthiswasalothardertodobutasIgrowolderandwiserIhavelearnedtoadapt.Planningdoeshelptoeasethesmallearsowhatareyougoingtodoandwhereareyougoingtostay.Iworkoutthedistancetotheaccommodationtowherethenearestbusstoporrailwaystationislocated.Youdonotwanttowalktooarwithheavybagsonyourbackorevengetlosttryingtowalktooarinlocationsyouhavenotbeentobeore.Mapsdohelpespeciallyiyouaregoingtothelocalhostels.Localscangiveyouadviceoncesettledintowhereyouarestaying.Onereasonorbookingmonthsinadvanceismanyplacescouldbebookedout.OneexamplewasmyrecenttriptothecityoChristchurchwhereeveryplaceIseenhadthesignNoVacancyonthem.TherehavebeentimeswhereIhavedeterminedthelengtholongplanetripsbyonebookandtwobottlesowaterotherwiseknownasaneighthourtrip.Justgettingtotheairportcanbestressulintherstplaceasyouhavetimelimitstoadheretoandcrowdstonavigatethenthinkingohowtoanswerthecustomsofcersonceyouarewaitingtoexittheairportontheotherside.Checkingincanalsobeamusingespeciallywhenthebagtravelatorbreaksdownandeverythingcomestoagrindinghalt.Beingatravellerandanaspiemakesmewanttoarriveatanyairportbeorethecheckinperiodopenssoyoucanwanderaroundairportsthatcanbehugeorverysmall.ComparedtotheGoldCoastairportmanyarevirtualbeehivesoactivityandverydierentwhereyouneedapackedlunchtondyourgate.OthersmakeyoutakeonelookandndthewholeairportissmallandnotverymuchtherewhichwoulddetermineAnaspieabroadThetaleoatravellingaspie.ByBRADBEADEL AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE23regularthesizeotheaircratyouaregoingtocatchtoo.ChangiairportinSingaporewasoneothebiggestIhadbeeninsideandonlystayedintheoneterminalduetothetimeIhadavailable.ThesmallestwouldhavetobeQueenstownandDunedinairport.FlyingoutoDunedinhadmewonderingiIhadtogothroughasecuritycheckpointbutnonewasthereandwasjuststairsouttothetarmac.Smallproblemswhiletravellingdocropupandtheyappearwhenyouleastexpectthemto.AtoneairportinKualaLumpurwhilegoingtograbmybagIoundoneothezippershadbeenbrokenopenromroughhandling.WhatIwasmoreworriedaboutwasthatmyunderwearcouldhaveallenoutandthenImightnothaveanytowearSomethingsdidalloutbutmyunmentionablestayedrightwheretheywereinsidethebagandthezipperwasaneasyfx.AnothertimearrivingseveralhoursearlyinthesameairportIoundtheairportconusingasitwasnotreallysignpostedtosaywheretheinternationalcheckinwas.IhadseenaighttoHongKongandreasoneditwasoverseasasIwasinmainlandAsiasoIwaitedormyighttoopen.IwaitedoranhouruntilrealisingIhadbeenwaitinginthewrongarea.IwasmeanttobeontheothersideotheairportandwhenIdidaskpeopleorhelptheycouldntspeakenoughEnglishtohelpme.IntheendIdidfndtherightcounterandewohappily.Tryingtofgureoutwhattraintogettotheairportandusingaticketmachinethatdidntexplainclearlywhicharewastotheairportwasextremelyrustrating.IttookmetwentyminutestoworkoutwhicharewalkingawayseveraltimesbeorepurchasingtheticketthentofndIcouldhaveboughtoneonthetrain.IstillmadetheightwithplentyotimetospareandlearntwhytheycalledtheightcompanyEasyjetespeciallywhenitisareeorallwithchoosingyourseat.IthinktheightattendantwashittingonmetooandmighthavegivenmeanythingIaskedor.Navigatingyourwayaroundcountriescanberelativelyeasyiyouknowwhereyouaregoingandcanunderstandthetransportmaps.TomakemywayaroundmanyothecountriesIlearntaboutthedierentormsotransportbeoreIlethome.Learninghowtogetaroundmanyothecitiesespeciallygettingtoandromtheairportscanputyourmindatease.TheeasiestwaysIhaveoundtotravelareboththeLondonundergroundandtheParismetrorail.Bothareveryarereallyeasytouseandtherearemanyexits.Itdoesntbothermethattheygetcrowdedasithelpsyoutoadaptorthecrowdswhenyouareatstreetlevel.Bothdohavetheirdierencesthough.ThetubeseemstobeorderlyandisdierentcomparedtoParisasthisdoesborderonchaos.Peoplearepushingthebuttonorthedoorstoopenbeorethemetrostopsandthedoorsdoactuallyopenbeorethetrainhascompletelystopped.Mytransportchoicesarebasedonwhatgetsmetomydestinationtheeasiestatareasonablecost.Prebookingbeoretravellingoverseascantakeoutalotothestressunlessyouhaveorgottentobooksomething.TheParisoodmenusweresomethingtobenavigatedespeciallywhenwhatIwaswantingwasonejuicysteak.IcameacrossamenuatarestaurantthatsaidSteakTartare.IsoonoundoutthatitwasnotwhatIexpectedasitbasicallyrawmeatwithasaladanddressing.BeingamisheditwassoonscoeddownalthoughIdohaveonelittleproblem.IdonthaveasenseosmellortastesoIdidntactuallyfndoutthatitwasrawuntilseveraldaysatertheevent.ItwasstillbetterthansharingmyMcDonaldsmealwithmicerunningaroundonestorebeoremidnightwhileinPariswiththeonlyplusthattheirmenuswereinEnglish.MenusdoresultinchallengesandwhileinNurembergIdidfndonerestaurantthathadadualmenuwithGermanandEnglishbutusuallyIwouldfndaMcDonaldsastheirmenuswereinEnglish.AccordingtoonewebsiteIvisitedIhadactuallyeatenattheworldsworstMcDonaldswhilestayinginKualaLumpur.ItdidnotdoanythingtomeandIwasonlythereorthereeWif.IdidshyawayrommanyotheoodthatwereonthestreetsasIdidntknowwhattheywere.AriendinSingaporedidintroducemetoSushiTrainanditwassomethingIenjoyed.Germanydoeshavesomereallynicebakerieswhereyoucanchoosetheoodyourselandthenpay.Tobecontinuedinournextissue.Aboutme...IliveinTweedHeadsandhaveworkedorColessupermarketorsixyears.IcurrentlystudyaBacheloroHistoricalInquiryandPracticethroughUniversityoNewEngland.MyinterestsareinamilyhistorywhereIhavetravelledtoothercountriestovisitarchivecentresandlearnthehistoryothecountries.Forthepast10yearsIhavevolunteeredasavaluedmemberwiththeMarinerescueatPointDangerNewSouthWalesasboatcrewandradiooperator.Iamascholarvolunteersalesassistantandexplorer.Iamalsoaspergianandtendtodomyownthing.Theuturehasmanyopportunitiesandanythingcanhappenasitisnotyetwritten. 24AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEUnortunatelythisisaactornow.UntiltheworldrealisesthathavinganAutismSpectrumDisorderASDisalielongconditionthoseousonthespectrumneedtoseekwaystohelpourselvesalongourliepath.SowheredoesonestartIamaLieCoachandIalsohaveAspergersSyndromeAS.LieCoachinghashelpedmetoachievemanygoalsinmylie.LetmeshareaewtipsromwhatIhavelearned.1.Wecannotchangeothers.Theonlypersonwecanchangeisourselves.Whetherthatbeouractionsorourreactionsitallcomesdowntous.Thisisourstartingpoint.2.Forthoseousonthespectrumwehaveissueswithexecutiveunctioningwhichincludesareassuchasplanningorganisationtimemanagementlong-termconsequencesprioritisingdecision-makingmotivationetc.Weneedtoputextraworkintomanagingtheseareasthanothersdo.Formanyousthiscanbeourbiggeststruggleasanadult.Theolderwegetthemoreresponsibilitiesweneedtojugglethemoreexecutiveunctioningisrequired.Therearealsomanystudieswhichpointtotheideathatwestrugglewithmultitasking.Adultlieislledwithsituationsthatrequirethis.Parentingrelationshipsdatingworkhouseholdduties.Weneedasystemorwearegoingtobeinstrie.Thankullywearegoodatsystems.3.Inordertoputasysteminplaceweneedmotivation.Weneedtoknowwhywearedoingthis.Weneedtowanttodothis.Thereneedstobealogicalreasonandapassioninvolved.Wecanaccomplishthisbytakingalookatourliepurposeourlievisionourpassionsourobstaclesandourgoals.Weneeddirectionsomewheretoocuson.Oncewehavediscoveredthistherestallsintoplacealoteasier.4.Thisstillisntenoughhowever.DuetoourblackandwhiteallornothingnaturewehaveatendencytowanttogostraightromPointAtoPointBinonegiantstep.Withthismentalitywesetourselvesuporailure.Weareinitiallyexcitedbutthenwhenwestarttoactuponitweseeallthestepsweneedtodoandwebecomeincreasinglyoverwhelmeduntilwejuststop.Iitcantbeallthenitwillbenothing.Andnowwearerightbackwherewestarted.Weneedtondawaytobreakourgoalsdownintosmallmanageablestepswhilestayingmotivated.5.Firstthingisrstthough.Weneedtondtheveryrststepweneedtodo.Notonlythatbutweneedtobookinatimeaplaceandanactionplanohowwearegoingtodoit.Weneedtondawaytoremainaccountableandweneedtondawaytokeepusexcitedaboutdoingit.Thismightbeocusingonthebenetswewillgetromourlong-termgoal.Wemightdecidetogiveourselvesarewardoreachstepweaccomplish.Wemightenjoywritingupachartandgivingourselvesastickerhereiswherewecoulduseourstrengthobeingabigkidtoouradvantage.6.Throughoutthisentireprocesswealsoneedtoworkonourownsel-awarenesssel-acceptanceandsel-love.Themorecompassionatewearewithourselvesthemoreatpeacewewillbethegreaterinnertruthwewillndthemorewecanbreakdownthatnegativebarrierthatwhirlsarounduseverydayblockingus.Toseekcompassionromotherswillonlyhelpusouttemporarilyandthenwewillallhardinbetween.Tohavecompassionorourselvesislonglastingandreesusuptobethealtruisticpersonthatmanyousonthespectrumalreadyare.7.Aswellasocusingontheactionswedoweneedtoalsoocusonourreactions.Thewayweteachourselvestoreactwillgreatlyafectourlevelohappiness.Oncewelearnaboutourtriggersweneedtolearnthebeststepsinhowtoreactinawaytorespectourselvesandthosearoundus.healthwellbeingAdultontheSpectrumHelpasanIamanadultontheAutismSpectrum.WhathelpisavailableormeItallseemstobeaboutchildrenByLIZBROWN AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE25healthwellbeing8.Lastlydontgiveup.Iyouaildontletthatstopallyourplans.Remembersel-compassion.Weareonlyhumanaterall.Weareboundtomakemistakes.LearnromthemusethemtogiveyoumoreinormationastohowyoucandobetternexttimeandKEEPGOING.Remindyourseloyourgoalandwhatbeneftsachievingthisgoalwillhaveonyourlie.Iyouneedaskorhelp.Strongsuccessulpeopleotenaskorhelpromothersanditcanbeagreatstartingpointtopropelusorwards.AslongasitispartneredwiththeknowledgethatiwewanttomakeachangeinourlieitisuptoUStomakethathappen.Andwecan.AspeopleonthespectrumwearesomeothemoststubbornanddrivenpeopleouttherewhocanmakeallsortsothingshappenwhenwewantittoArticlebyLizBrownBScLieCoachinAdelaideAustralia.Followmeonacebookathttpwww.acebook.comTheAspieCoachorreesupportdiscussionsandtips.WEBwww.aanetwork.com.auFBwww.facebook.comAustralianAutismAspergersNetworkEMAILinfoaaanetwork.com.auKeepuptodatewithallthelatestnewsandeventsthroughourwebsiteandfollowusonfacebooktointeractwithusandthecommunitygainingsupportlearningandnetworkingfromeachotherEventsSupportGroupsSupportServicesInterventionProgramsLatestResearchHealthProfessionalsEducationResourcesMagazineWebsiteDirectoryFactSheetsBookReviewseAustralianAutismAspergersNetworkprovidesinformationonAAANETWORKAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKBringingtogethersupportandservicestotheAutismCommunitySPECIALNEEDSTOYSAUSTRALIAInclusionIndependenceFunForahugerangeoeducationaltoysandspecialaidsorallchildrenincludingchildrenwithadditionalneedsvisitwww.specialneedstoys.com.auorvisitusinstoreatShop164BeaconsfeldStRevesbyNorthNSW2212Ph0297744494orFax0285805642 26AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEwomenonthespectrumForyearsIhavethoughtomyselasjustshy.Ioundithardtomakeriendsatschoolandwasquietinclassnotvolunteeringtoanswerquestionsorreadworkoutloud.AterleavingschoolIgotajobinadministrationandbecauseitwascontinuousyearateryearIstilldidntrealiseanythingwaswrong.Until2010.In2010Iwasmaderedundant.Iwasgiventheopportunitytohaveanintervieworoneotheourpart-timejobsonoersimilartotheoneIdbeendoingor20years.ItwasbeoretheinterviewmymumreadarticlesaboutchildrenwithAspergersAutismandsaidJuliewhydontyoureadtheseIsaidnotoobusywillreadthemlateron.Ihadtheinterviewandailedcompletely.TheysaidmyresponseswerentquickenoughorthemandIdidntanswerthequestionsthecorrectway.InotherwordsIhadmisinterpretedwhattheyasked.TheweekendaterthatIreadthearticles.AndohmydidIseemyselandhowIactedwithpeopleinthesechildrenmentioned.FromlackoeyecontactandspeakingtoothersinanabrupttoneunknowinglythesetwoattributesIdotenbeenreprimandedaboutbymysupervisor.InSeptember2010Iwasociallyunemployed.IwenttoseemyGPandaskedtobereerredoradiagnosisorAspergers.HesaidnoandtheonlyhospitalthatdiddiagnosingwasMaudsleyLondon.Iwasdisappointed.AewdayslaterIhadsomethingwrongandwentbackandsawanotherGP.Shewasniceandsaidyestobeingreerredoradiagnosis.Theballwasfnallyrollingwhichmademeveryhappy.MyGPcontactedahospitalsheknewlocallythatwoulddotheassessmentbutitwasaprivatehospitalwhichmeantIhadtopay.ShealsogotontoourPrimaryCareTrustwhowouldhavetoapprovetherequestorthereerral.InNovember2011IgotacopyoaletterthatwassenttomyGPromtheconsultantadvisingthattheycouldnolongertakemycaseandIthoughtthatwasit.Nogo.IwenttoseemyGPandaskedher.Shetoldmenoitdoesntmeanyourcasehasstoppedjustthattheycantaordit.Itisstillgoingahead.HOWIFOUNDOUTIHADASPERGERSByJULIEDAYSYNDROMECluesthatIhadAspergersSyndromewasquietinclassdidntvolunteertoreadinclassoundithardtomakeriendsatschoolwasotentoldoatworkaboutlackoeyecontactandthewayIspoketostudentsFebruary2011Ireceivedthreequestionnairestofllinormyinterviewalongwithaletterwhichstatingthattherewasa10weekwaitoranappointmentduetotherebeingalongwaitinglist.Therewerealsotwootherquestionnairesormymumtofllout.ThequestionsaskedallabouthowIeltasachildorhadeltthelastweekorortnight.Weflledtheminandsentthemo.InMarch2011aterarrivinghomeromatalkinLondonmumsaidthatshehadreceivedacallromthehospitalastheyhadacancellationortheollowingweekandshehadacceptedtheappointmentorme.HurrahIdidnthavetowait10weeksaterall.IonlyhadaweektowaittofndoutiIhadAspergersSyndromeornot.THEDIAGNOSISItwas9March2011thedayIwasabouttofndoutiIhadAspergersSyndromeornot.WetookthebustoMaudsleyHospitalSouthEastLondonormyappointment.Wearrivedearlysowecheckedinandthensatdownandwaitedtobecalledin.AewminutesatermyappointmenttimeIwascalledin.Wewentintoasmallroomwiththepsychologistandherassistant.Theroomwastoosmallsowewenttoalargerone.Iwasaskedaboutmyamilybackground.DidIhavebrothersorsistersWhatdidtheydoAboutmydadandwhathedid.ThatquestionIhadtogethelprommymum.NextIwasaskedaboutmymedicalhistoryandadvisedthemallaboutmyhealthproblemswhichtookabout20minutes.Theassistanttookmumtoanotherroomwhereshewasaskedquestionsaboutmemychildhoodandgrowingup. AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE27womenonthespectrumThemainpartothisarticlewasfrstpublishedonmyblogin2012whichcanbeoundathttpwww.julieaday.blogspot.comIliveinSELondonandamaull-timewriter.Ihavehadpublishedreaderlettersingreenhealthnatureandwritingmagazines.Alsoshortstoriesinsmallpressmagazinesandwebsites.Iamanindieauthorosel-publishedmagicalrealismebooksorteenagersyoungadultsandadultromance.IblogaboutmyliewithAspergerswhichcanbereadatwww.julieaday.blogspot.comandnowwritearticlesaboutthis.Ialsoblogaboutmypassionsorbeinggreeneatinghealthilyandwriting.Youcanfndoutmoreaboutmeonmywebsitewww.julieaday.co.ukAtthesametimeIwasalsoaskedaboutmychildhoodatschooliIhadriendswhatIwaslikeatsecondaryschoolandthenwork.WhilstansweringthesequestionsitreallybroughthometomehowIlivedwithundiagnosedAspergersespeciallywhenIwasachild.IdidntmakeriendsthateasilyandusuallytaggedalongwithothersthatIthoughtwereriendsomine.IhadalwaysthoughtIhadbeenshybutnowknewitwasmorethanthat.Wetookabreakorlunchandreturnedtoseethepsychologistandherassistant.AsitturnedoutmumhadansweredmoreorlesswiththesamerepliestothesamequestionsasmyselanditwasthisthatmadethemcometothedecisionIhadAspergers.Wewerebothrelievedtosayintheleast.ThesuspicionsthatmumhadthatIwasdierentsinceIwasachildbutnotknowingwhatitwashadbeenfnallyconfrmed.FormyselInowhadanexplanationtohowIwaswithpeopleespeciallyingroupsandatworkandhowIhadbehavedsometimestothestudents.WeletaewrelativesknowomynewdiagnosiswithmostothemagreeingthattheyalwaysthoughtthatIwasdierentandwerenotsurprisedwiththeresult.Itwasthelightattheendothetunnel.AterthatdayIreallybegantothinkaboutmylieandcouldseehowallthebitsftnowthatIknewIhadAspergers.ItexplainedhowIwasatschoolnotbeingabletomakeriendsonmyownandhowIwasatwork.7GARNETSTCOOROY54720808ISYOURCHILDSSPINEINLINEKIDSSCOLIOSISCHECKINITIALCONSULTATIONDidyouknowscoliosisinkidsdoesnotalwayspresentwithsymptomshoweveritmayberelatedtootherhealthproblemsasyourchildgrowsintoadulthoodincludingspinalmisalignmentheadachesneckconcernshipproblemspelvicimbalancetonameafew.Theseconcernsmayleadtodegenerationarthritisandpain.HaveyourchildsspineprofessionallycheckedDiscoverhowthismethodofhealthcarewillworkwithyourchild.Ourapproachdealswithspinalcorrectionnutritionalsupportandexerciseprograms.Bestofallourmethoddoesnotincludeanydrugsormedicationitsnaturallowforceverysafe.Emailadminlechiro.com.auWebsitewww.lechiro.com.auItseemsthatforsuccessinscienceorartadashofautismisessential.HansAspergerItwasthelightattheendothetunnel.AterthatdayIreallybegantothinkaboutmylieandcouldseehowallthebitsftnowthatIknewIhadAspergers. 28AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEwomenonthespectrumMynameisJenElchesonpronouncedElle-ches-una31yearoldsinglechildreewomanromWesternCanada.IliveinasmallisolatednortherncitywithmycattwosnakesandverymuchareclusewhenIamnotworking.MycurrentemploymentisasanEducationAssistantatanelementaryschoolaswellasaparttimecaregiveratadaycareorinantstoddlersandpreschoolchildren.InlaypersonstermsIamamoderndayspinsteralbeitaveryunconventionalonewithAspergersSyndromeASwhichplacesmeonthehighunctioningendotheautismspectrumwhateverthatissupposedtomeanasallautisticshavetheirownuniquewaysounctioningandbeingintheworld.IhavecometotermswithmydiagnosisalthoughittookmeawhiletogetwhereIamtoday.WritingismypassionasthewrittenwordisoneothebestwaysIcanexpressmyselthoughIamalsoaverygoodmonologuerEventhoughthishasnotbeeneasyormetotalkaboutsopubliclythewriterinmewantstohelpoermoreinsightintothisotenmisunderstoodneurologicaldierencethatcanbeveryhardtolivewith.In1998Iwasdiagnosedattheageo17withASduringatimewhentheymainlydiagnosedinmalesandwasverymuchunheardo.ThoughmanyotherspectrumitesIknowwererelieveduponreceivingtheirdiagnosisastheyshouldbeIwasnot.InactIcompletelyblockeditoutomymind.EventhoughIunderwentanextensiveassessmentwithmanytestsandhoursotherapytogureoutwhatwasgoingonwithmeIfatoutrejectedthediagnosisIreceivedandreusedtoevenspeakoit.Ishutdownandstartedtoreallydislikegoingtotherapy.AsIamTakeme...AnIntroduction.ByJENELchESON AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE29womenonthespectrumUponreectionIthinkIreactedthiswaybecauseIknewitwastruedeepdown.LookingbackIrealiseIwasinternalisingalotoshameandguilt.Aco-morbiddiagnosisoADHDlearningchallengesdepressionandanxietywasalsogivenandadditionallysuspectIamdyspraxictoo.Motorcoordinationandclumsinesshavealsobeenlielongobstacles.IwasthatstudentthatcouldnotthroworcatchaballandhadtogetspecialhelpsoIcouldlearnhowtoprint.TothisdayIamstillterribleatusingscissors.Determiningwheremybodyisinspaceisotenachallengeandrequentlywalkintothings.Comorbidconditionsarecommoninallspectrumpeopleandweallhaveourownindividualcombinationothem.BackthentherewasnoinormationorresearchonautisticASemalesandonlythoughtoautismintheclassicalsense.Ilackedalotosel-awarenessatthetimeImayhavebeen17chronologicallybutemotionallyIwasoayoungermindset.LiewasalwaysamazeoconusionsensoryoverloadandsocialerrorsandsincetherewasverylittleinormationonASatthetimeIdidnotullygraspwhatitwasallabout.Idisplayedmuchoddbehaviourandstrangeobsessionsasayoungchild.DuetothebullyingandthentheshameandhumiliationthatollowedasIwentthroughschoolIsoonlearnedtohidethemasbestasIcouldandtothepointomentalexhaustion.ItwasameansosurvivalIhadtoteachmyseltoavoidbeingridiculedandsingledoutmorethanusualbypeersandevensomeadultswhodidnotunderstandmenorIthem.Itisnosecretthatweonthespectrumareeasytargetsorbullies.HavingsocialandcommunicationdifcultiesIotenmadeheapsosocialblundersIwasnotevenconsciouslyawareo.ThisoccurredduetomythinkingIwasdoinganokayjobopassingorthatIwasbeingamusingwhenIwaslikelyannoyingpeople.ToputitsimplyIwasverymisunderstoodandthoughIdidnotmeantocausetroubledeliberatelyittendedtoollowmewhereverIwentinmyyoungeryears.Manypeopleonthespectrumlearnthroughimitationespeciallyemalesmakingitoneothereasonsautismcanbehardtospotinmany.PassingisatermthatreerstospectrumitestryingtheirveryhardesttoblendinwiththegeneralneurotypicalNTpopulation.Thistakesenormouseortonourpartandismentallyandemotionallyexhausting.Inessenceweareverygoodactorsandimpersonators.ThingsthatcomenaturallytoNTsareotenlearnedempiricallybythespectrumite.IlearnedandtaughtmyselalotaboutsocialskillsthroughwatchingmoviesandreadingmagazinesorexampleasIdidnothavemuchelsetogoon.Mybraindidnotjustknowhowtodocertainthings.DespitemybesteortstoblendintherewerestillthingsIcouldnothidenorcontrol.MyinnerworldwasandstillisanintenseonealthoughIamhappytosaythatasanadultIamlearningbetterwaystocope.Ihadtodealwithsensoryissuesinaworldwhereitseemedlikenooneelseatleasttomyknowledgeexperiencedthemneandgrossmotorskillshaveandstilldoaectme.Istillgetsocialanxiety.EmotionsareVERYconusingtoexpressandunderstand.Imaginetryingtorelatetootherseelingswhenyoucannotevenidentiyyourowndespitebeingaverylogicalpersoninmanyotherways.ThatisnottosayIlackempathy.Itisamythtoassumethatjustbecausesomeoneonthespectrumdoesnotexpressitinsociallyacceptablewaystheylackitentirely.IhaveempathybutIjustmaynotbeabletooutrightexpressitimybrainhassomeprocessingtodowhichitalwaysdoes.AsIstartedtocometotermswithmyASwellintomy20soncemoreliteraturewasstartingtoemerge.IstartedstudyingsocialserviceworkatthelocalCollegeandabigpartotheprogramwasobtainingpracticalexperience.AcolleagueominewasworkingatalearningcenterorautisticchildrenandIbecameinterestedintheworkshewasdoing.Itwasalotliketutoringandhelpingthechildrenimprovetheirqualityoliethroughsocialskillsgroupsandpersonalisedprogramstomeettheirindividualneeds.AtthistimeIhadabizarrehunchwhichturnedouttobecorrectthatachildatmyworkhadautismeventhoughIhadnotevenreaduponityet.Idobelievewespectrumiteshavetheuncannyabilitytondoneanother.ThisencouragedmetolearnmoreabouttheautismspectruminordertoassisttheamilygettheirchildhelpandeventuallyIwasaskedtoworkoneononewiththechild.Thecentrehadnevertakenapracticumstudentbeorebuttheywerewillingtogiveitatry.TheexperiencewassoeyeopeningandafrmingthatevenwordscannotexpresswhatasignicantopportunityIwasgiven.Itturnedouttobeaveryintegrallieexperienceandthebeginningoanewsel-discovery.FromthemomentIstartedatthecentreIwasabletoseethatthereweremanykidswhoremindedmeomyselasachild.Theyhadalotothesamedifcultiessocialisingrelatingtootherstheywerepassionateabouttheirspecialinterestsandsomeevenhadcomparableproblemswithmotorskillsamongstmanyothersimilarities.IlovedbeingabletohelpthecentresstaworkwiththesekidsasitwassoeasyormetobondwithmanyothemandIcouldrelatesostronglytowhattheywereexperiencing.FinallyIwasabletowakeupandseehowthe 30AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEwomenonthespectrumspecialistswhodiagnosedmeasateenwererightallalongaboutmyownautismspectrumconditionASC.NolongerdidIeelsoashamed.AtthatmomentImadeapromisetomyseltolearnasmuchasIcouldaboutASCssoIcouldeventuallymergeintoacareerosupportingkidswithautismandotherdevelopmentaldisabilities.InmyrealisationsIalsoknewthatIeventuallywantedtowriteaboutmyownexperiencesaswellasotherissuestodowithASCs.AutismwasnotasuncommonasoncethoughtandconcludedIhadoundmynicheinlie.MyexperienceatschoolwasnotpositiveasIwasveryotenmisunderstood.ThismotivatedmydecisiontoworktowardsbecominganEducationAssistant.IwantedtogivestudentsthekindosupportencouragementandunderstandingthatIseldomreceived.ThoughittookawhiletodoandthereweremanygrowingpainsIwasabletoobtainaneducationandreceivehonours.Forsomeonewhoneverthoughttheywoulddowellwithpost-secondaryeducationImustsayIsurprisedmysel.BeoreIwenttoCollegeIstruggledinobtainingandkeepingemploymentandhadcometorealisetheonlywaytosufcientlymakealivingwastoseekoutacareerwhichwouldworkwithmystrengthsratherthanhighlightmylimitations.AewyearsagoIhadthechancetoseeDr.TempleGrandinspeakhereinmycommunity.Templediscussedtheimportanceoacareerthatworkswithourspecialinterests.ListeningtoherwordscementedhowIeltandknewIwasontherighttrackbychoosingtoworkwithkidsmuchlikemysel.Iamhappytosaynowthatmylieisstartingtoeelalotlesscomplicatedthanitdidinthepast.OnlyrecentlydidIgetapositionwiththelocalschoolboardaterundergoinganextensiveapplicationandinterviewprocessverystressulbutwassorelievedtogetthisposition.NervouslyIdisclosedmyAStoHumanResourcesandsothankulthattheygavemeachance.IabsolutelylovewhatIdo.MymainstudentIsupportandenjoyworkingwithisaspectrumitehimsel.HeteachesmejustasmuchasIteachhimandwehavealotoun.Ialsohelpsupportmanyotherstudentsintheclassroomasmanyothemhavetheirownchallengesaswell.Myaimistomakealie-longcareerothisasItakeitveryseriously.Thereneedstobemorespectrumadultssupportingchildrenandhelpeducateothersastowhatitislikelivingonthespectrum.Thesekidslearndierentlyperceivetheworldintheirownuniquewayandaregoingtogrowupandbecomeadults.Theyareintelligenthavestrengthsandtalentswhichdeservetobesupportedandvalidatedwhilstensuringtheyndasuccessulpaththroughlie.OneverysignicantthingthathashelpedmeinmyownliewasseekingoutotherswithASCsonline.IhavebeenlearningsomuchaboutbeingawomanwithASandhavebeenabletodiscusscertainthingsaboutmyliethatIneverhadbeorewiththosewhoalsounderstand.InactthiswritingopportunitywouldnothavebeenpossibleiithadnotbeenorsomeotheamazingindividualsIhavehadtheopportunitytocorrespondwithonlineonaglobalscale.Iwouldliketothankyouorreadingthisandgivingmeachancetointroducemyselalittle.Inuturearticlessomeothetopicsdiscussedwillbeonissuesemalesaceonthespectrumgenderroleissuesandmuchmore.Iamalwaysopentoquestionsandsuggestionstoosoiyouarereadingthisandwouldlikemetodiscusssomethinginparticularpleasedonothesitatetoemailme.IamgoingtoconcludethispartbysayingthatIgreatlyappreciatethisopportunitytobeacolumnistandIwouldliketopersonallythankBarbaraCookandTaniaMarshallyouarebothamazinginallthatyoudoorthecommunityIalsodedicatethispiecetomyriendsAspieSistersyouallknowwhoyouareamilyandcolleaguesthathavehelpedmealongtheway.CheersJenElchesonJenster09aaanetwork.com.auIdisplayedmuchoddbehaviourandstrangeobsessionsasayoungchild professionaladviceManagingchallengingbehaviourinchildrenwithByProfessorTonyATTwoodSevereAutismChildrenwhohaveasevereexpressionofautismcandevelopbehavioursthatareconstructiveadaptationstotheircircumstancesandabilitiesbutunfortunatelysuchbehaviourscanbeperceivedaschallengingbyparentsandteachers.Whenchallengingbehaviouroccurstherewillneedtobeacarefulobservationandanalysisofthefunctionofthebehaviour.Usuallythishastooccurwithoutbeingabletosimplyaskthechildwhydidyoudothatandwithouttheopportunitytoreceiveasimpleandaccurateanswer.WhenexploringthefunctionofchallengingbehaviourforchildrenandadultswithsevereautismIexamineeightdimensionsofabilitythatareassociatedwithautism.TheseareSocialunderstandingCommunicationabilitiesSensorysensitivityAnxietyCopingwithchangeDevelopmentallevelLearningprofleMovementdisturbance professionaladviceTherearelikelytobeseveralreasonswhyaspecicchallengingbehaviouroccurssuchthatalleightdimensionscaninteract.Thiscanmakedeterminingtheunctionothebehaviourquiteelusive.scialudtadigThenewftheditionoftheDiagnosticandStatisticalManualoMentaldisordersDSM5hasseveraldiagnosticcriteriaforAutismSpectrumDisordersASD.ItincludesastherstcriterionPersistentdecitsinsocialcommunicationandsocialinteractionacrosscontextsnotaccountedorbygeneraldevelopmentaldelays.Tobemoreprecisethismeansdecitsinsocial-emotionalreciprocitynonverbalcommunicationandtheabilitytodevelopandmaintainrelationshipsappropriatetodevelopmentallevel.Inotherwordsoneothegreatestchallengesinlieorsomeonewithautismisunderstandingandrelatingtopeople.AsLauraAndersonsaidofhersoninherbookAccidentallyBeautiulHesinhisownworldtodayandImnotinvited.Therecanbevaryinglevelsosocialunderstandingandorthosewiththemostsevereexpressionoautismthecopingmechanismistobealooandtoactivelyavoidsocialinteractions.Peoplecanbeperceivedasunbearablyconusingintrusiveandoverwhelmingintermsosoundsandtouchsuchthattheyarebestavoided.Thechilddevelopsstrategiestoevadesocialinteractionincludingndingasolitarysanctuarybeinguncooperativeandevenunpleasanthittingpeersinordertobealone.Parentsandteacherswillneedtoadoptaquietgentlesocialapproachandinteractionstylereducingeye-contacttouchandsensoryexperiencessuchasperfumeandmulti-colouredclothingandplayingorteachinginaone-to-oneinteraction.Fromtheperspectiveothechildwithsevereautismtwoscompanythreesacrowd.IndeedsomechallengingbehaviourisduetothechildThemannerismsassociatedwithsevereautismhaveamessagesuchasIcantcopeorIneedhelp.Thechildmaybecommunicatingemotionssuchasjumpingorjoyorbeinginaap.beingincloseproximitytotoomanypeopleanddevelopingbehavioursthatincreasetheopportunitiestobealone.Thenextlevelinsocialunderstandinginsevereautismisdescribedasbeingpassiveratherthanaloo.Thechildapproachesothersorassistancesuchasopeningthedoortogointothegardenandpassivelytoleratessmallgroupsituationsorashortwhile.Itisimportantthatactivitieswithadultsareshortandsuccessulwithanemphasisonsharingturntakingandimitatingeachother.Thechildmaybenetfromwatchingandlearningfromvideorecordingsothesocialplayohisorherpeersandfromadultsre-enactingsuchplaywiththechild.Thisimprovessocialplayabilitiesandencouragescondenceinsocialinteractions.Itisalsoimportanttorecognisethatchildrenwithsevereautismmayhavedifcultiesreadingbodylanguagebutcanbeverysensitivetoacriticalemotionalatmosphereandattitude.Throughoutthedayheorshewillneedperiodsosolitudeandtranquility.Ithisisnotpossiblevariouschallengingbehaviourswillbecreatedtoavoidsocialexperiencesthataretoolongoverwhelmingorconusing.CmmuicatiabilitiWhenachildwithautismhasaseverelanguageimpairmentbehaviouristheprimarymeansocommunicatingdesiresthoughtsandemotionsandmakingchoices.ThemannerismsassociatedwithsevereautismhaveamessagesuchasIcantcopeorIneedhelp.Thechildmaybecommunicatingemotionssuchasjumpingorjoyorbeinginaap.Parentsmaybeabletotranslatethemeaningofspecicstereotypedandrepetitiveactionsandmannerismsandcreateaoreignphrasedictionary.Thisinormationcanbeinvaluableinactingasanearlywarningsystemoragitation.Athermometeroagitationcanbecreatedandthevariousmannerismsandactionsplacedatthecorrespondingpositiononthethermometertorepresentthedegreeoagitationordistress.Teachersandparentscanthenintroducestrategiestoalleviatesucheelingsbeoretheybecometoointenseandpotentiallydestructiveordisruptive.Aspeechpathologistcanprovideinvaluableinormationonthemodicationstothecomplexityandlengthoutterancesandinstructionsbyadultswhentalkingtoachildwithsevereautism.Itisimportanttomatchthelengthoutterancetothechildsleveloverbalcomprehensionandmemorywithoneinstructionatatimeallowingtimeorlinguisticprocessingandaugmentingteachingbydemonstrationwhichissometimessilent.FromtheperspectiveofthechildwithsevereASDadultstalktoomuch.Whenthechildwithsevereautismhasasignicantspeechimpairmenttherecanbelessfrustrationforchildandadultbyusingalternativeandaugmentativecommunicationsystems.Ithechildcanexpresshisorherthoughtseelingsandchoicesbywhatevermeansthentherewillbeewerchallengingbehavioursduetocommunicationdifculties.32AUsTrALIAnAUTIsMAsPerGersneTworKMAGAZINEproessionaladvice professionaladvicesyitivityThenewDSM5willincludeadiagnosticcriterionforASDofhyper-orhypo-reactivitytosensoryinputorunusualinterestinsensoryaspectsotheenvironment.Atlastwehaverecognitionooneothecharacteristicsoautismthathaslongbeenrecognisedbyparentsandclinicians.Childrenwithsevereautismwillneedadetailedassessmentotheirsensoryproletodeterminewhichsensoryexperiencesareperceivedasaversiveandwhicharenotperceivedasintenselyasotherchildren.Themostconspicuoussensorysensitivityinvolvesauditoryperception.Therecanbeanintenseandpainfulreactiontospecicsuddenorsharpnoisessuchasadogbarkingorsomeonecoughingandaparticularpitchsuchasthesoundoasmallelectricmotororhouseholdappliancese.g.avacuumcleaner.Itisimportanttoidentiythesoundthatisperceivedasaversiveandoneotheclearindicatorsiswhenchildrenplacetheirngersintheirears.Somesoundscanbeavoidedandothersoundsmaybecamouagedbylisteningtomusiconheadphonesorbyusingtheearphonesusedbymenworkingwithnoisymachineryorinsertingearplugsinparticularsituations.Tactiledeensivenessishavinganacutesensitivitytospecictactileortouchexperiencesonparticularpartsothebody.Thiscanafectwhichtypesoclothingaretolerableortobediscardedthevariousphysicalexpressionsoafectionsuchasahugthatmayormaynotbeenjoyableandthetolerationoexperiencessuchashairbrushingorhavingahaircut.Otherhighlevelsosensorysensitivitycanbeforspecicaromasthetasteandtextureooodandlightintensitysuchasbrightsunlightinaroomoruorescentlighting.OneothesensorycharacteristicsassociatedwithASDisalackofsensitivitytosomelevelsopainanddiscomortandbeingsensoryseekingratherthanavoidingwithastrongdrivetoexperienceintensesensoryexperiencesespeciallytactileexperiences.Theassessmentosensoryperceptioncandetermineiachallengingbehaviourhasdevelopedtoavoidspecicsensoryexperiencessuchasonlyeatingoodwithinanarrowrangeosensoryqualities.Thechildwillrequiregreatencouragementorbeingbraveintoleratingsuchexperiencesandorreachingacompromiseintermsoadultsexpectationsandthechildssensorysensitivity.Somechildrenwithsevereautismcaneelshellshockedbyexperiencesatschoolandinthecommunitybecominghighlyanxiousandhypervigilant.Acopingstrategyorescapemechanismcanbeorthechildtoengageinaormoself-hypnosisbecomingmesmerisedbyarepetitiveactionorsensation.TempleGrandinsufersromsensorysensitivityandshedescribedhowinherchildhoodshewouldbeintenselypreoccupiedwiththemovementothespinningcoinorlid.Isawnothingorheardnothing.Peoplearoundmeweretransparentandnosoundintrudedonmyxation.ItwasasiIwasdea.Thussomestereotypedbehavioursareawayoescapingromsensoryoverload.Thesebehaviourscanactasasignalthatthechildneedstoretreattoalesssensoryaversiveenvironment.OccupationaltherapistsAUsTrALIAnAUTIsMAsPerGersneTworKMAGAZINE33proessionaladviceunderstanding professionaladvicehavedevelopedstrategiestoreduceandintegratesensoryexperiencesorchildrenwithautisminordertoreducethosechallengingbehavioursduetosensorysensitivity.AxityThereisoneemotionthatchildrenwithASDareverygoodatnamelyworrying.ASDisassociatedwithhighlevelsofanxietyandthechildwithsevereautismmayhavediscoveredarangeostrategiestocopewithhighanxietyoranxietyassociatedwithspecicsituations.TherecanbeanadditionaldiagnosisofGeneralisedAnxietyDisorderGADObsessiveCompulsiveDisorderOCDandspecicphobiassuchasafearofthesoundoadogbarking.Thehighlevelsoanxietycanleadtochronicinsomniaschoolreusalandconcernregardingbehavioursusedbythechildtoreduceanxietylevels.Thiscanincludebecomingverycontrollingathomeandschoolandusingemotionalblackmailwiththreatsandactionsodestructiontoavoidanxietyprovokingsituations.Routinesandritualsareimposedtoalleviateanxietybuttheycanbecomemoreprolongedandelaborate.ThestereotypedbehaviourcanbemesmerisingandusedasathoughtblockerwithangerexpressedwhenthwartedromaccesstooneAnotherstrategyistohaveanemotionalexplosionordestructivemeltdowntocleansetheemotionalsystemorcleartheairefectiveorthechildwithsevereASDbutfrighteningandpossiblyexpensiveforeveryoneelse.34AUsTrALIAnAUTIsMAsPerGersneTworKMAGAZINEotheewmeansthatthechildwithASDhasofalleviatinganxiety.AnotherstrategyistohaveanemotionalexplosionordestructivemeltdowntocleansetheemotionalsystemorcleartheaireectiveforthechildwithsevereASDbutfrighteningandpossiblyexpensiveforeveryoneelse.Whenthebehaviourhasbeenacquiredtomaintaincontrolitisessentialthatadultsespeciallyparentsareassertive.Theirdecisionmustbenon-negotiableandtheymustbeimpervioustotheemotionalblackmail.Whenroutinesandritualsaresoothingandrelaxingandawayoeelingcalmandincontrolitisimportanttorecognisethebehaviourasasignaloincreasinglevelsoanxietyandtoencourageotherstrategiestorelaxthusavoidingtheritualsbecominganirresistiblecompulsion.Thiscaninvolvecreatinganemotionrepairtoolboxwithalternativestrategiesoranxietyreduction.Thephysicalreleaseoanxietybyameltdowntocleansethesystemcanberedirectedtowardsvigorousphysicalactivitiesthatareenjoyablesuchasbouncingonatrampolineorcreativedestructionsuchascrushingobjectsdestinedortherecyclinggarbagebin.Thechildwillbenetfromlearningarangeorelaxationactivitiessuchaslisteningtomusicbeingaloneorsomeormsodeeppressuresuchasaootmassage.Otherwaysoalleviatinganxietymaybetimespentwithapetafectionwithintheenjoymentrangeothechilddrawingorplayingwithconstructiontoys.Itheanxietyisparticularlyintenseandresistanttosuchstrategiesthenmedicationmaybeasuccessultreatmenttoreduceundesirablebehavioursassociatedwithmanaginganxiety.CpigithchagOneotheconsistentcausesochallengingbehavioursinthechildwithsevereASDisexperiencingtoomuchchangeinexpectedroutinesandsequences.Varietyisnotthespiceolie.Repetitivebehavioursandroutinesareimposednotonlytoalleviateanxietybutalsotoachievesamenessandpredictability.Thuswatchingthesamelmmanytimesisrelaxingandenjoyableintermsobeingtotallypredictablenochanceorchange.Suchchildrenneedpreparationandreassuranceorchangesandtransitionsintheirdailylives.Theyseekanorganisedandstructuredlieandneedtoknowwhattheyareexpectedtodowhowithorhowlongandwhatwillhappennext.Forchildrenwithasevereexpressionoautismthescheduleoactivitiesandexperiencescanbeexplainedusingpictureswhichwillalsobeveryuseulasacommunicationaid.SocialStoriesdevelopedbyCarolGrayandcreatedinpictureormcanbeusedtoexplainsocialexpectationsandtoprovideinormationandreassurance.dvlpmtallvlThechildsdevelopmentallevelmaybeatthestageoexploringtheworldthroughtastetoucharomasoundcolourandperspectivewhichisthestagepriortoconstructiveandimaginativeplay.Behavioursthatcouldbeperceivedbyadultsaschallengingmayactuallybedevelopmentallyappropriatebuttherecanbeconcernsitheplayissociallyinappropriateorunhygienic.Teachersandoccupationaltherapistsmaybeabletodesignaplayortherapyprogramtoensurethechildexperiencesawiderangeoeducationalsensoryexperiencesthatarenotchallengingtoothers.LaigpflManychildrenwithsevereautismarevisualisersintermsotheirlearningprole.Theymayhaveanaturaltalentasengineerswithconstructiontoysandlearnbyobservationandexperience.Whenteachingsuchchildrenlearningandreducingfrustrationmaybefacilitatedbyasimplesilentdemonstration.Apictureisworthathousandwords.TheintroductionoftheiPadandappsmaywellhaveagreaterimpactontheacquisitionoknowledgeandcommunicationorproessionaladvice professionaladviceAUsTrALIAnAUTIsMAsPerGersneTworKMAGAZINE35childrenwithsevereautismthananyprevioustherapy.Thiswillleadtomuchhappierandconstructivelyoccupiedchildrenwithsevereautism.OneothelearningcharacteristicsassociatedwithASDisthatofhavingaonetrackmindotherwiseknownasalackocognitiveexibility.Theyareotenthelasttoknowandseekhelpitheyareonthewrongtrackwhentryingtosolveaproblem.Anxietyandrustrationincreasecognitiverigidityandthechildmayneedtobeencouragedtoremaincalmandtotryanotherway.Therecanalsobeapathologicalearomakingamistakeandthebeliethatiyoudonottryatleastyoucannotmakeamistake.Therecanalsobeasenseoperectionismandthetendencytonoticedetailswithconsequentdistresswhenanerrororimperectionoccurs.Itisimportantthatadultsteachingandplayingwiththechildarenotalwaysperectandaccomplishedandthattheysometimesmakeamistakeorareunabletosolveaproblem.Theyshoulddemonstrateremainingcalmtryinganotherwayandaskingorhelpperhapsromthechild.Parentsandteachersalsoneedtoknowthemotivatorsofthechild.Praiseandafectionmaynotbeaspowerulmotivatorsaswithtypicalchildren.Childrenwithsevereautismcanbeencouragedtocompletetheactivitywithouterrorsmotivatedbytheintrinsicrewardosuccessbyearningaccesstopreerredactivitiesorsolitudeandbybeingappreciatedorbeingsmartratherthanthealtruisticrewardopleasingpeople.MvmtditubacChildrenwithsevereautismwillneedanassessmentomovementabilitiesparticularlyintheareasotheplanningomovementmotormaturityandcoordinationandinvoluntarymovements.Apraxiaanddyspraxiaarethetermsusedtodescribeproblemswithplanningmovementsthatafectsstartingstoppingcontinuingcombiningandswitchingmotoractions.Suchchildrenhavetheintentionandintellectualabilitytocompleteanactionbutdicultygettingtheirbrainsintogearwiththeirbodies.Thiscancausegreatrustration.Touchromanadultcanhelpinitiatetheactionandrhythmcanhelpcoordinatemovements.Adviceromanoccupationaltherapistormusictherapistonstrategiestocompensateormovementdisturbancecanbevaluable.ChildrenwithASDarealsovulnerabletothedevelopmentomotorticsthatisinvoluntarymovements.Thesecanbesimpleticssuchasexcessiveblinkingacialgrimaceslippoutingarmorshoulderjerkingandheadshrugs.Complexandinvoluntaryticscanbeclappingmovingthearmslikeabirdappingitswingsandtouchingorlickingobjects.Theseactionscanbecomeveryrequentandcomplexsuchthatthechildcannotengagewiththerequestsoaparentorteacher.Wecurrentlydonothaveanyefectivetreatmentortheseunpredictableinvoluntaryticsinchildrenwithsevereautismbutitisimportanttorecognisethattheseactionsarenotdeliberatemeansoavoidinganactivity.Thechildslimbsmayneedtobegentlydirectedtotheactivity.othdimiForchildrenwithsevereautismthereareotherdimensionstoexploreandassessthatmaybecontributingtochallengingandotherwiseinexplicablebehaviour..Theseincludesuchchildrensexperienceopainwhichtheymayhavedicultycommunicatingepilepsyespeciallycomplexpartialseizuresorpersonalityothechildwhoissimplyenjoyingteasingandbeingnon-compliant.Thepersonalityosuchchildrenisalsoimportantwithregardtowhethertheysurrendertotheirautismorghtandresisttheirautism.Havingchallengingbehaviourcanbeasignocharacterandanimbalancebetweenabilityandperormancethatleadstochallengingbehaviour.Thiscanindicatethatthechildismoreablethanhisorherbehavioursuggests.AlittlebitaboutTonyTonyAttwoodiswellknownorsharinghisknowledgeoAspergersSyndrome.HehasanHonoursdegreeinPsychologyfromtheUniversityofHullMastersdegreeinClinicalPsychologyfromtheUniversityofSurreyandaPhDfromtheUniversityofLondon.HeiscurrentlyadjunctAssociateProfessoratGrithUniversityinQueensland.TonyhaswrittenseveralpublicationsonAspergersSyndrome.HisbooktitledAspergersSyndromehasnowbeentranslatedintoseverallanguages.Tonyoperateshisclinictwodaysaweekandsupportschildrenandadultsbyvisitingthematschoolandhome.Healsospendsalargeamountotimetravellingnationallyandinternationallytopresentworkshopsandpapers.FormoreinormationonTonyvisitwww.tonyattwood.com.auproessionaladvice 36AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEproessionaladviceDr.AmandaWebsterIhaveworkedintheeldoautismanddisabilityorover25years.AsachildIalwaysknewthatIwantedtoworkwithpeopleinsomeway.IeventuallydecidedtogointosecondaryteachingandocusonEnglish.Fatehoweverhadsomethingelseinstoreorme.Myuniversityrequiredmetoselectasecondteachingeld.BasedonmyearlydesiretoworkwithpeopleaswellassomepersonalexperiencesIselectedspecialeducation.AtalmostthesametimeIstartedajobthatwasgoingtohaveanintenseimpactonmylie.Ibecamethedirectoroagrouphomeorwomenwithseveredisabilitieswhowerebeingmovedromstateinstitutionstoliveinahomesetting.Mostothesewomenhadneverhadtheopportunitytogotoschoolorliveinatypicalhomewiththeiramily.Forthenext2yearsIlivedinaamilyhomewiththesewomenandwasresponsibleordevelopingeducationalprogramstoteachthemdailylivingskillsvocationalskillsandcommunityskills.DuringthetimeIlivedandworkedwiththesewomenIhadthejoyoseeingthemexperiencemanythingsorthersttime.Iwatchedastheycheeredattherodeolearnedtohurlaballatthebowlingalleyandwereascinatedwithalocalmusicalproduction.Ialsolearnedabouttheimpactolongtermsegregationandinstitutionalisationnotonlyonthewomenbutontheiramiliesaswell.MostimportantlyIlearnedthatcommonsenseandasenseohumourwerethebestteachingtoolsIcouldhave.AtergraduatingIenteredseveralteachingjobswhereIworkedwithstudentsovariousagesandabilities.Duringthistimepeoplewerestartingrealisethatsomechildrenwerenotttingneatlyintothetraditionaldenitionsodisabilities.Autismwasstillthoughtoasadisabilityinwhichchildrenwereprimarilynonverbalandhadanintellectualdisability.Althoughproessionalswerestartingtorealisethattherewereotherchildrenwhohadsimilarcharacteristicsthesechildrendidntttheconventionaldenitionorautismandwereotenlumpedinthecategoriesoeitheremotionallydisturbedorcommunicationdisorder.AterworkingoranumberoyearsasaspecialeducationteacherinbothprimaryandsecondaryschoolsIcompletedmyMastersdegreeandalsobecamealicensedbehaviouranalyst.IbegantoworkwithchildreninhomeandschoolsettingsinordertoassisttheiramiliestousetheprinciplesoABAtoteachsocialskillscommunicationskillsandtoaddressspecicbehaviourneeds.ManyotheindividualsIworkedwithwerediagnosedwithautism.Iwasabletoseemanyothesechildrenandyoungadultsmakesignicantprogresswithcommunicationsel-managementandgaincriticallieskillsasaresultothecombinedefortsotheiramiliesteachersandmysel.AtthesametimeIstartedtoworkwithaewchildrenwhowerediagnosedwithPDD.ThiswastheprecursorowhatwouldlaterbecomeAspergersDisorderandwastherstormalidenticationochildrenwhootenhadaverageoraboveaverageintellectualabilitiesandhigherlevelsoverballanguagebuthadmanyotheissuesinsocialcommunicationsensoryandrestrictiveandrepetitivebehavioursaschildrenwhowerepreviouslyonlydiagnosedwithautism.SincethattimeIhavecontinuedtoworkwithindividualswithautismAspergersSyndromePDD-NOSRettsSyndromeandmanyotherdevelopmentaldisabilitiesinmyworkasateacherbehaviouranalystdirectorospecialeducationandschoolprincipal.Ihavedevelopedinclusiveprogramsincommunityandschoolsettingsandconductedassessmentswithchildrenrombirthtoage21.In1998mylietookadiferentturnwhenImovedtoAustraliaandAliceSprings.Asmysonwasonly3monthsoldandmydaughterwasjustsixIthoughtImightstayhomeorawhile.Againatehadanotherplanorme.Ireceivedacallromaschoolinormingmetheyhad14childrenwithveryhighneedsandhadreceivedagranttostartaninclusiveprogramorstudentswithASDanddevelopmentaldisabilities.AtergettingthisprogramstartedIalsoinitiatedaninclusiveprogramatalocalhighschoolandTAFEprogram.FromthenonitwasullsteamaheadasIworkedinbothinclusiveandspecialschoolsettingsasaschoolleaderadvisororearlychildhoodinterventionand proessionaladviceAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE37programdirector.Duringmy13yearsinAliceSpringsIalsohadtheortuneoworkingwithmanyIndigenousamiliesinremoteandruralcommunities.IalsocompletedmyPh.D.withaocusonsocialrelationshipsochildrenwithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesandtheirpeersininclusiveschoolsettings.InbothmyworkandresearchIwasabletoundertakeseveralcomprehensiveandlongitudinalstudiesochildrenwithASDwhoinitiallyenteredschoolwithairlylimitedcommunicationandsocialskillsandeventuallyletschoolwithawidesocialnetworkocloseriendsandsuccessinacademicrontsaswell.Twoothesestudentsarenowcommencingstudiesatuniversity.In2011IacceptedapositionatGrifthUniversityandmovedtoBrisbane.FivemonthslaterIwasaskedtocreateaprogramoraGraduateCerticateandaMastersDegreeinAutismStudiesthatwouldallowproessionalsromavarietyoeldstoacquireknowledgeonresearchandtheoryoevidence-basedpracticeandtodeveloppracticalskillsthatwouldenablethemtoimplementprogramsleadingtoqualityoutcomesorindividualswithAutismSpectrumDisordersthroughouttheliespan.Lessthan7monthslaterwelaunchedourprogramwithourrsttwoclasses.NowinoursecondyeartheAutismStudiesprogramhasover200studentsenrolledrepresentingavarietyoproessionalelds.MoreimportantlymanyoourstudentsareparentsoindividualswithASDandoridentiythemselvesashavinganASD.Ourresearchhasalsotakenowithseveralkeyprojectsworkingwithmultipleschoolstoimplementaschool-wideapproachtohigheroutcomesorstudentswithASD.EvenmoresignicantlyweareanessentialpartnerintherecentlyannouncedAustraliangovernmentsCRCcooperativeresearchcentreorAutism.AspartothismultimilliondollarresearchinitiativeIwillbeworkingwiththeteamatGrifthtoconductalongitudinalstudyonoutcomesorindividualswithASDromearlychildhoodthroughschoolandtoschoolexit.IamalsoapartoateaminvestigatingtheknowledgeoIndigenousamiliesandcommunitiesregardingautismandotherhiddendisabilitiesandthecurrentneedsotheirchildrenwiththesedisabilities.FinallyIampassionateaboutcreatingschoolenvironmentscurriculaandsocialcommunitiesthatareinclusiveostudentswithASDandallowthemtonotjustbeapartothenetworkandinstructionintheschoolbutenablethemtothriveaswell.IamveryexcitedaboutbeingaskedtocontributetotheAustralianAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineandhopethatoverthenextyearorsoIamabletosharesomeothingsIhavelearnedthroughresearchandpractice. 38AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEprofessionaladviceInAustraliaapproximately1in100childrenarebornwithanAutismSpectrumConditionASC.ASCisarecentlydenedlielongdevelopmentalconditionandaectspeopleregardlessoagecolourraceorsocio-economicstatus.ItisnowreerredtoasaspectrumconditionmeaningthattheconditionaectsthepersonindierentwayseventhoughtherearecommonareasochallengesacrossallpeoplewithAutism.AspergersSyndromeASorHighFunctioningAutismHFAisaormoAutismcharacterisedbychallengesinsocialcommunicationandinteractionandrestrictedrepetitivepatternsobehaviourinterestsoractivitiesincludingsensoryissuesDSM52013.HansAspergeranAustrianpaediatricianoriginallydescribedAspergersSyndromein1944.Heoriginallybelievedthatgirlswerenotaected.Howeverurtherclinicalevidenceledhimtorevisehisstatement.IntermsostatisticsKanner1943studiedasmallgroupochildrenwithautismandoundthattherewereourtimesasmanyboysasgirls.EhlersandGillburg1993oundthesimilarratiooourboystoeverygirlintheirstudyochildreninmainstreamschoolsinSweden.AspergersSyndromeappearstobemorecommonamongboysthangirlswhentheresearchisreviewed.Howeverrecentawarenessogeneticdierencesbetweenmalesandemalesandthediagnosticcriterialargelybasedonthecharacteristicsomalesarecurrentlythoughttoberesponsibleoremalesbeinglesslikelytobeidentied.Attwood2000EhlersandGillberg1993andWing1981allacknowledgethatmanygirlsandwomenwithAspergersSyndromeareneverreerredorassessmentanddiagnosisorASoraremisdiagnosedandarethereoremissedromstatisticsandresearch.Manygirlsandwomendonotmeetdiagnosticcriteriaasthecriteriaarebasedonthebehaviouralphenotypeoboys.Thereexistsacriticalneedordiagnosticcriteriatorefecttheemalephenotype.RADARFlyingundertheByTANIAMARSHALL AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE39professionaladviceQuestionshavebeenraisedabouttheratioomalestoemalesdiagnosedashavinganautismspectrumconditionASCwithavarietyostudiesandanecdotalevidencecitingarangerom21to161.HereinAustraliaIhaveseenarapidincreaseinthenumberogirlsandadultwomenreerredoradiagnosisandorsupport.TheollowingaresomeotheidentieddierentwaysinwhichgirlsandwomentendtopresentromboysGouldandAshtonSmith2011Attwood2007andYaull-SmithDale2008GirlsusesocialimitationandmimickingbyobservingotherchildrenandcopyingthemleadingtomaskingthesymptomsoAspergerssyndromeAttwood2007.Girlslearntobeactressesinsocialsituations.Thiscamouagingosocialconusioncandelayadiagnosisbyupto30years.DaleYaull-Smith2008discussesthesocialexhaustionthatmanyemalesGirlsonthespectrumaresociallyconfusedbyteasingbullyingandbitchinessthatoftenoccursatschool.experienceromtheenormousenergyittakespretendingtotin.Girlsingeneralappeartohaveamoreevenandsubtlerproleosocialskills.Theyotenadoptasocialrolebasedonintellectinsteadosocialintuition.Girlsoteneelaneedandareawareotheculturalexpectationsointeractingsocially.Theytendtobeotenmoreinvolvedinsocialplayandcanbeobservedbeingledbytheirpeersratherthaninitiatingsocialcontact.Theyotenonlyhaveoneortwocloseriendsandormayndboyseasiertogetalongwith.Culturalexpectationsorgirlsinvolveparticipatinginsocialcommunicationotenmadeuposocialchit-chatorsurace-typeconversation.GirlswithAspergersSyndromendthistypeocommunicationexhaustingtendingtodesirehavingconversationsthathaveaunctiontothem.GirlsonthespectrumarealsoaresociallyconusedbyteasingbullyingandbitchinessthatotenoccursatschoolGirlsotenmisunderstandsocialhierarchiesandhowtocommunicatewithothersbasedonthelevelothehierarchythatthepersonison.Thiscantendtogetgirlsintroublewithadults.GirlshavebetterimaginationandmorepretendplayKnickmeyeretal2008withmanyinvolvedinctionandtheworldsoairieswitchesandotherormsoantasyincludingimaginaryriends.Whilsttheinterestsogirlsonthespectrumareveryotensimilartothoseoothergirlsitistheintensityandqualityotheinterestwhichcanbeunusual.Forexamplemanyareveryocusedontheiranimalscelebritiesorsoapoperas.Girlsandwomenonthespectrumaregenerallyskilledinoneononesocialrelationshipsbutareuncomortableandanxiousinlargegroupsopeople.Girlsmayhavegreatdifcultyinattemptingtoexplaintheirdifcultiesinsocialsituationsandorgroups.Insteadtheymayskipschoolcomplainoheadachesorstomachachesorreusetogotoschool.Girlsacialexpressionstendtonotmatchtheirmoods.Theymaysaytheyarenebutontheinsidetheyareunhappyanxiousorboth.Girlstendtobemorepassive-aggressiveavoidsocialactivitiesreuserequestsromothersorreusetocompletetaskstendtoblamethemselvesandorinternalisetheireelingsandangerandhavelessADHD.Girlsontheautismspectrumaremorelikelytocometotheattentionohealthproessionalsduetodifcultieswithanxietydepressioneatingdisordersbehaviouralproblemsandorsocialskillschallenges.Thepresentingproblemthenbecomesthediagnosiswiththelargerpictureandexplanationoreelingdierentismissed.WomenwithAutismaremostlikelytohavehadalonghistoryomisdiagnosesotenwithborderlinepersonalitydisorderschizophreniaanxietydisorderdepressionselectivemutismOCDbutsomehowthoselabelsjustdidntseemtotadequately.Upto42havebeenmisdiagnosedGould2011.Manywomenwithanautismspectrumconditionarenotbeingdiagnosedandarethereorenotreceivingthehelpandsupportneededthroughouttheirlives.Havingadiagnosisisthestartingpointinprovidingappropriatesupportorgirlsandwomeninthespectrum.Atimelydiagnosiscanavoidmanyothedifcultieswomenandgirlswithanautismspectrumdisorderexperiencethroughouttheirlives.WhoshouldItakemychildormyseltoseeAskyourdoctorpsychologistorpaediatricianhowmanygirlswithAutismtheyhaveseen.Theymusthaveseenasleast50girlswithASduetothesocialecholaliaorthecamouagingosocialconusionthatemalesontheSpectrumengagein. professionaladvice40AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEGirlsandwomencannotsocialise.Actuallymanygirlsandcansocialisequitewelljustnotoraslong.Theytendtosuferromsocialexhaustionorasocialhangoverromlongerperiodsosocialising.Allpersonsonthespectrumneedsolitudetorechargetheirbatteries.AdviceLetyouramilyorriendsknowthatyouneedasolitudebreaktoallowyoutorechargeyourbatteries.Letthemknowthatthisishowyourregainyourenergy.Girlsandwomentendtopossessahighemotionalempathybeinghighlysensitivetotheemotionsandfeelingsofothers.Thisreerredemotioniswherethepersoncantakeonandabsorbtheeelingsoothersotenunabletodecipherwhicheelingsaretheirown.Thiscanbequiteoverwhelmingorthepersonexperiencingit.BeingoverwhelmedbyeelingothersemotionsmakesitchallengingorthemtoprocessorreadthesubtlesocialsignalstoneovoicesubtleexpressiononaceAdviceLearntoacceptandtrustyourintuition.Learningavarietyointerventionstohelpmanageorcopewithhighempathyisimportant.Girlsandwomenwithautismcannotlie.Girlsandwomenwithautismcanliebuttheyusuallydoitbadly.Theytendtolietothedetrimentoallconcernedorlieasaquickxbecausetheydonotknowwhattodosotheywilldenyevenwhenitsplainlyobviousthattheyare.Inadditionemalestendtotellthetruthwhenitisnotsociallyacceptabletodosoorbetruthulwiththeiremotionswhenitmaynotbethebesttimeorplacetoshoethoseemotions.AdviceSocialstoriesorwhiteliesandtheappropriatenessoemotionaltruthareuseulinterventiontools.ListoffemaleAutismMentorsThreeCommonFemaleAutismTempleGrandinRudySimoneLianeHollidayWilleyJennierCookOTooleMayaToudalRobynStewardSharonVandaPortJeannettePurkisTheollowingarerecommendedresourcesoinormationAsperGirlsbyRudySimoneSafetySkillsforAspergersWomenbyLianeHollidayWilleyFacebookwww.acebook.comaspergerwomenaustraliaTaniaMarshallisawriterauthorandpsychologistspecialisinginAutismandrelatedconditions.TaniaalsospecialisesandwritesaboutgirlsandwomenwithAspergersSyndromehighlysensitiveindividualsoallagesintroversionandgitednessgenius.ToollowTaniasBLOGonemaleautismWORDPRESShttptaniaannmarshall.wordpress.comFACEBOOKFacebookwww.acebooktaniamarshallauthorPINTERESTorAutismvisualstipsandresourcesPinteresthttpspinterest.comtaniaamarshallAspienGIRLNoAspergirlletbehindisasuperheropromotingaspergirlsuperpowersandprovidinghelpulsupportandtips.Facebookwww.acebook.comIAmAsperGIRLsuperheroMythsAdviceTaniaMarshall AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE41SupportersareinvitedtoGoBluebydressinginblueororganisingaGoBluefundraisingeventattheirschoolworkplaceorcommunitygroupontheirchosendayinAprilandcollectingaminimumgoldcoindonationfromeachparticipant.GoBluemerchandiseisalsoavailableforsale.Eventregistrationsarenowopenatwww.goblueforautism.com.auwhichalsoincludesnewsandeventsfromaroundQueenslandaswellaspromotionalmaterialsfordownload.GoBlueforAutismtohelpraiseawarenessandfundstosupportpeoplelivingwithAutismandtheirfamilies. Mtthmumwhostupaschooforautstcchdraftrhrowsoswrturdawayfrommastramducato.WrofTscoMumofthYar2013KdyAnnaPHOTOGRAPHAnGelASPAin AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZine43aturaturAa52romUxbrdgrmortgagdhrowhoussoshcouldstupaschoolorautstcchldratrhrtwoautstcsoswrturdawayrommastramducato.Shhasowxpaddsupportorthoswthautsmtocludtwoschoolsacollgarspthomadawbstwthovr50000tratoalollowrs.CargortwoautstcsossahugtaskytAadosthsadmorvryday.WhiwastoldbythauthortsthatPatrckow23adAgloow19wrtholychldrourarawthautsmiltcompltlysolatdadalo.itwasolywhibumpdtoaothrpartodayadrcogsdthsymptomshrchldthatiralsdiwastalo.Togthrwstartdasupportgroupmyhom.Thgroupgrwrapdlyadwassooattddby275amls.WhAgloadPatrckwrlatrturdawayby25mastramschoolsAarsortdtocovrtghrgaragtoaclassroom.Howvrthlocalauthortygratdhrsosolyvhoursohomtutoawk.Aglostutorwascompltlyuabltocopwthasvrlyautstcchldadohrthrddaycollapsdtars.Aawasadactachradhadoxprcorugabusssbutdcddtostupaschoolorhrsosadothrautstcchldr.ikwthrwrothrhartbrokpartslkmlgdspratatrbgrjctdbyschoolatrschoolshsays.Thatswhiralsdicouldcratsomwhrorthoschldr.AtrhargaboutalocalschoolthatwasschduldtobdmolshdAaadhrhusbadSaputtogthraasbltystudytoshowhowtcouldbcovrtdtoaschoolorautstcchldrscthrwassuchadthara.Shlobbdbaksadrmortgagdthrhomtorasth627000worthorurbshmtcoststhatwrddtoscuralasothproprtyor30yars.Atthtmmyhusbadadihadjust3000thbakshsays.itwasdtlyachallgbutilookdatmysosadthoughtWcadoths.Aaturdtohrlocalcommutyorhlpadhrdtrmatopadof.Wappldorloasudrasdadddvrythgwcouldtogtthmoy.iddsposordkp-tsadothrsddcyclrds.Volutrsstartdcomgoutothwoodworktohlpuscludgcarptrspatrsadlctrcas.BrtshArwaysputaktchasatambuldgxrcs.AabulousgtlmagavusurturadcarpttlswpckdthmupromBasgstokovrsxjourysaborrowdbattrdoldvaadcarptdthhallclassroomsadcorrdorsorr.ivapproachdthProbatoSrvcadorgasdorofdrstocomadvolutradatrthrcommutysrvctmwasupmaykptcomgbacktohlpout.itwascrdbl.SttgupthschoolwasastpadtotallargcurvasAahadtodouthowtodovrythgromwrtgaadvrtsmtoraspcalsthadtachrtodalgwthOstdHalthadSatyadCRBchcks.ThhardstthgwastrdssbcausAgloolyslpsthrhoursaghtadiwaslookgatrbothboysathomulltmshsays.Whadomoyadlvdof9ptsobasbutwjusthadtomaktwork.ThHllgdoMaorSchoolopd1999wth19pupls.WhOstdcamtospctthschooltsrstmothiwassorvousiwasscklaughsAa.Thyhadthpowr toshutthschoomagwdosvrythgcudgourhous.ThspctorsadhhadachdwthautsmhdhavohstatosdgthmtousadatrhtiwasrugupaddowthcorrdordwthjoyThschoosowthargstotskdeuropofrg150autstcchdrasastructurdducatoadabrghtrutur.notstoppgthrAawtotostupacommutycog2001arspthomoraduts2004ascodspcastschooKt2011adowhasatratoaoowgo50000partsoautstcchdrthroughhrwbstAaKdyO.iaddtoshprovdstragorthnSPCCadChdothssuodsabtybuygadspaksaboutautsmaovrthUK.i2009AawrotthbooknotStupdaboutthstruggtostupThHgdoSchooadthrpatroesthrRatzwrotthorword.iApr2012shrasdatssDVDStpiThRghtDrctoadtssuccssdtoatoaDacDaywhchudrassorautsmcharts.O12May2012AaorgasdthrsttatshowotskdcadAutsmsGotTatwhchsawchdradadutswthautsmprormostagtoapackdaudcatlodosMrmadThatr.ThshowcuddaprormacromautstcdacrJamsHobywhohadappardoBrtasGotTat.AawasawarddaOBethQusBrthdayHooursst2012orhrsrvcstospcadsducatoadautsm.AasaysPopwthautsmshoudtbhdd.Thrsothgtobashamdo.iwatachdrcudgmyowboystohavthchactomakamarkothwordjustkvrybodys.OurjudgssadAassghadddtrmatotohpamsvgwthautsmwhasobgau-tmcarrtohrtwososstruyspratoa.itwasdtyachagbutiookdatmysosadthoughtWcadoths.44AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZineaturARTiCleCOURTeSYOTeSCOMAGAZineUK2013AprilisAutismAwarenessmonthtocelebrateandgenerateawarenessoftheamazingthingslocalArtistswithAutismaredoing.WehaveasmallgroupofexhibitingartistsfromvariousaspectsoftheAutismSpectrum.Theseartistsarenotjusttalentedbutinspiringremindingusthathavingneurologicaldiversitydoesnthavetolimitability.TheArtistsprofessionalartistsemergingartistsandhobbyistsincludePaulSullivanphotographerDawnLimpainterStevenCoventryPainterThurstinLakerinkPhotographerSarahWilliamsPainterSarahKentishPainterTonyLangdonPhotography.OPENINGAPRIL34pmto6pmCafMuzyka206SouthStBallaratVictoriaAnonlineviewingofworkswillalsobeavailableontheeventfacebookpagecalledSpectrumArtiststheexhibitionwillrunrightthroughApril.ArtExhibition AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE45JackautasticByDONNAWALLACETheASDjourneyisasbumpyasthepuzzlepiecewhichisusedtosymbolisethedisability.Justwhenyouthinkyouregettingontopoeverythingtheresotenadownhillandsometimesyoulandinaholejustasyouthinklieisstartingtostraightenout.Atleastthatshowourjourneyeltinthebeginning.Thesedaysthoseroundedupsanddownswhichweverenamedcurveballsmeanwejustdustourselvesoandcontinueonthejourney.MovingtoDarwinintheNorthernTerritoryinSeptember2009wasacareermoveormyhusbandandtocreateanexcitingnewchapterinourlives.IwasexcitedbecausethekidsweregettingolderandIwasgoingtoreturntowork.WellIcouldnthavebeenmoreblownawaywiththeeventsthatollowed.MysonJackhadalwaysbeendierenttootherkidsbuteveryonekepttellingmehewasjustaboyandboysaredierent.ThatmaybesobutnowIwasacedwithakidwhohadjustbeenexpelledromPre-SchoolWithoutanyurtherassistanceromthecentreJackhadbeenattendingIcollectedhisbelongingsandenrolledhimintoanotherPre-Schoolonlytobeacedwithlettersandmeetingsregardinghisbehaviour.ItookJacktoalocalpaediatricianwhoreerredustothepublichospitalwhereweenduredanovernightstayinthechildrenswardorasleepstudytocheckhisoxygenlevelswhileheslept.WeattendedappointmentsatthepublichospitalpaediatricianbutIeltIwasjustgettingnowhere.ThelastappointmentIattendedwiththepublicpaediatricianItoldhimthatwewouldnotbereturningasIwasntbeingheard.WhileexplainingthisJackwasspinningroundandroundincirclesandbouncingowallslikeapinball.ThistimeIaskedmyGPtocompleteamentalhealthormorJackandIorganisedanappointmentwithaprivatechildpsychologist.AternumerousappointmentslotsopaperworkandlotsorecitingthehistoryoJacksshortliespanadiagnosiswasormedAutism.ByJune2011aewmonthsshorto2yearssincethejourneybeganthenextchapterinourlivescommenced.Icouldgoonaboutthebehaviourandthelackospeakingthegruntingthefghtingtheover-reactiontosmellstastesandsoundsandnottomentiontouch.Themeltdownsthestimmingthezoneoutstherunningawaytheobsessionsbutweallknowandhearaboutthesethingsallthetime.Itsdefnitelyaninterestingjourneyandyoulearnalotaboutpeopleespeciallythoseyouknowasriendsandamily.Youwillbeshunnedavoidedwhisperedaboutpointedatrowneduponalongwithawholevarietyootherignorantbehaviour.Asorthecommentsanduneducatedadviceyouwillhearitishurtulandattimesyouwillpretendtoignoreyoureelingsandothertimesyouwillvoicethemoutloud.Youwillcryyouwillgetangryyouwillgetdepressedandyouwillbestrong.Mostoallyouareasurvivorandyouareyourchildsbiggestadvocate.TherearenolocalresourcesintheNorthernTerritoryorspecialneeds.Productsandbooksareavailableromonlinestoresonly.WewereluckyenoughlastyeartohaveSueLarkyvisitusoraonedayconerenceandbroughtwithheralotoproductsorpurchasebutvisitssuchasthisareewandarbetweeniatall.SoIcommencedyetanotherchapterinourlivesinSeptember2012whenIstartedmyownbusinessJackAutastic.Iamconstantlyresearchingandaddinginormationtomydatabaseanddevelopingnewideasorproducts.TheresponseromthecommunityhasbeenextremelywarmandinvitingandIamtravelingtoKatherineTennantCreekAliceSpringsandNhulunbuythroughouttheyeartomeetwithotherTerritorians.IwillalsobeattendingtheAPAC2013inAdelaideduringAugust.ThisisonlyaskimoverourASDjourneyoverthepasttwoyears.Fromtheupsanddownsthecurveballsthelaughterthetearsandthemeltdownsattheheartoitallislove.Theyareourchildrenandwearetheirbiggestanclub.parenting 46AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEYesterdaymythree-year-oldsonaskedihecoldhavesomecheeseandcrackersorlnch.NowIhavetoadmitIthoghtthiswasabitoddasithadbeenhistrntoprovidesnackortheclassthatmorningandcheeseandcrackerswereexactlywhatIhadsent.DidntyoeatyorsnacktodaybddyIasked.YesherepliedbtmyteachertoldmeIwasdone....eventhoghIwasnt.Ittrnedotthathehadbeenaskedtocleanphisplateandsnackbecasetheteachersawdilly-dallyingatthetable.Shehadaskedhimnottoplaywithhisoodhekeptpthebehaviorthatshedeemedplayandaccordinglyhewasexcsedromeating.Igetthat.Itslogical.Natralconseqences.Herestheproblem.Hewasntplaying.Hewasntplayingbeoresheaskedthersttimenorwasheplayingatersheaskedhimtostop.MychildlikemostkidswithAspergersSyndromeisaconsmmaterle-ollowerwhowantsnothingmorethantoplease.Whenhedoessomethingwrongheissoembarrassedthathewellspintearshidesinshameoryellsotenatothersinrstrationwithhimsel.WhatthenwasthislittlegydoingatthetableinsteadoeatingGeometry.Hewasdoinggeometry.Thecrackershedecidedweresqares-likethemetalinsetshehadbeentaghttongercarellycontingthecornersandsides.BtwhenhenibbledeachothecornersofthatsqarenolongerhadorsidesIthadvethensixthensevenandnallyeightsidesSilentlynibblingandscrollingthroghthewordsinhisheadhewasrecallingpentagon...hexagon...septagonandnally...thatwasitAnoctagonHehadtrnedthesqareintoanoctagonOnlyhedidntsaythat.Hejstthoghtandnibbled.Whentoldnottoplaywithhisoodheolloweddirections-assal.Hedidntplay.Hethoght.Heconted.Thensddenly--andtohismindornonderstandablereason--hewastoldthathewastocleanphisspaceandleavethetable.WhatwentwrongWellrstplaywithyoroodisgrativelangagemchlikesittingontopotheworld.KidsonthespectrmtakelangageVERYliterally.Onadiferentdaythissamelittlegywasaskeditheirclasshadstoriesdringcircletime.Orsonsaidnotheydidnthavecircletime.Wesitinanovalhenished.Hisolderbrotheroncetoldateacherthathecoldnttakeofhisjacketasshehadasked.Shepthimotsidetheclassordisobedience.BtImnotwearingajacketshenallyheardhimcryinginconsionanddespair.ImwearingaraincoatTheirsisteraewyearsearlierjmpedintheshoweratmydirection-jstaterhavingspinalsrgery.Sheslippedandwentcrashingontoherincision.Howwesaysomethingisatleastasimportantaswhatwesay.AclearerpositivedirectiontoPleaseeatyoroodnowwoldhavegottenamchbetterresponsethandontplaywithyorood.Moreoverexpectationshavetobeclearlysetbeoretrobleensesnotaterwards.ThisweekendIheardmychildrenargingoverwhetherornotsomeonehadwontheboardgametheyplayed.TheyhadntagreedtotherlesbeoretheybeganWhyByJENNIFEROTOOLEAVOIDINGASSuMPTIONSandDiscoveringOctagonalCrackers AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE47featureandnowtherewastroble.unlessweexplainwhatbeingagoodgirlorplayingnicelylookslikeinormindshowcanweexpectchildrentogessFairplaymeanseveryoneknowswhatisexpected-withillstrativeexamplesosccessanddenedrlesorbondaries-beorehand.Beyondlangageandrlestherewasanotherprobleminthesnacksitation.Ocorsetheteacherdidnotmeantobenjst.AndIcertainlydontexpecthertohaveknownorevengessedthathewasqietlyconsideringpolygonsThetroblewasthebasicassmptionowhatmisbehaviormeans.Itisnotalwaysmtinosimpoliteorevenproblematic.WithorwithottheadvantageoknowingthatachildhasAspergersthestandardmstalwaysbetoseekotthewhybehindabehaviorbeorewemakeacorrection.Thereisanoldadageabotmakingassmptions.Totakeorgrantedthatweknowallthereistoknowabotanysitationistrthbetoldsophomoric.Ocorseallosoperateonsomebasicassmptions.Iassmethesnwillcomeptomorrowandexpecttoberight.Btpeoplearelesspredictable.Iyoyellatachildneartheroadhemayassmeyoareangrywithhim.Therealitythoghisthatyoarerightened.Madandscaredlookalotalike.Sodoshyandstck-poverwhelmedandimpatient.Thereslotsoroomormistakeswhenweassmetoknowwhatisgoingoninsomeoneelsesmindorheart....orhead.ThemostreqentlyincorrectassmptionnerotypicalsmakeisthattheyknowwhatAsperkidslooklike.Btyoresonormalpeoplewillsaytome.AndyorkidsaresosmartThetrthisthatnormalisasettingonthedryerandIdontknowanyonewhoeverchoseaherobecaseshewassotypical.AspergersSyndromeatismismerelyadiferentnerologicalhardwiring.Itsnotnewitsnotwrongitsnotbetteranditsnotworse.Itsjstdiferent.IhaveredhairandhavesincethemomentIwasborn.IcantbecredomygingernessanymorethanIcanoroghttobecredomyAspergers.Likemelikemysonsmydaghtermyhsband....likeEmilyDickinsonandAlbertEinsteinlikeHenryFordandMarieCrie...weAspieslivealongsideyobtweprocessandperceivetheworldverydiferentlythanyo.Itsthesamelie....btwiththevolme-osondolightotochemotionalintensitythoghtinsecritysenseomoralityjsticeandgeneralcreativity-trnedwayp.Thesametrths.Jstspokeninnerologicaldialects.ThisatmnmyamilyvisitedEngland.AlthoghhehadbeenwarnedabotdiferencesinAmericanverssBritishEnglishorsix-year-oldsondidmanageonespectaclargaf.AswePleaseeatyoroodnowwoldhavegottenamchbetterresponsethandontplaywithyorood.crossednearanenormospddleotsideoVictoriaStationhegotsplashedbyapassingcyclist.Ohnoheyelled.NowmypantsareallwetTosAmericansthatwasaperectlyaccrateobservation-thelowerhalohisjeanswerethoroghlysoaked.TotheBritsarondswhoalllookedpinshockhoweverthisschool-agedboyseemedtobedeclaringthathehadjstwethisnderwear.ThewordpantsyoseehasaverydiferentmeaningoneachsideotheAtlantic.WhatdoesthathavetodowithassmptionsandcrackernibblingSimple.Misnderstanding.Whenyodontknowwhatyoareseeingorsayingyoprobablydontknowwhatyoareseeingorsaying.Weveallheardabothowimportantearlyinterventionisinspportingchildrenwithatism.ThetrobleisthatkidswithAspergerspresentabitdiferentlysoteachersparentsandcaregiversotendismisswhattheyareseeingasbehaviorproblems--sayingachildistoosmartortoosensitiveorherowngood.Meanwhilechildrenarepnishedinsteadospported.Andotenexclsionbeatsotkindness.Itallbeginswithavoidingassmptionsandlearningtheacts.Achildwhogoosoforissillymayactallybetryingtoavoidataskthatistoohardortoolong--oneatwhichheknowshewillailorcantgreothowtobegin.Anothermaytalkendlesslyabotdogsbecaseitsthetopiconwhichsheeelsmostcomortablenotbecaseshewantstobeaknow-it-all.Acoldandanallergylookverymchalike.SodoanerotypicalchildmisbehavingandanAsperkidbeinghimorherselbttheyreqireverydiferentresponses.Thereisthenoneail-saewaytogiveeverychildaairshake.Learn.Investigateintentionsbeoreyopassjdgement.Considerperspectivesverynlikeyorown.Anticipateandprepareratherthanreactingandresponding.Beclear.Beconcise.Bespecicandconsistent.Becriosandhmbleratherthansreandwrong.Dontassme.TakethetimetoaskWhyWonder.Reallythereissolittlethatevenwegrown-psknoworsre.Andsoverymchmorebeatyinthesrpriseslettocome. 48AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingBehaviourallySPEAKINGByPEGGyhAILSTONEAsCommunicationsOcerattheAutismBehaviouralInterventionAssociationIregularlyndmyselexplainingASDsABAABIAEIEIBIDTIPRTalongwithHCWADSMNDISandFaHCSIA.Forparentswhosechildhasjustrecentlyreceivedanautismdiagnosisitsamineeldthatisdiculttonavigate.Ratherthanobscuringorconusingwhattheseterminologiesattempttooferisashort-cuttodeeperunderstandings.Iraisethemheretoliterallygetusallonthesamepage.WhatisABAABAhasbeencalledmanythingsatherapyatreatmentmodelascienticapproachanevidence-basedmethodologyamethodorecoveryanimaltrainingacult.MostrecentlysomeonecommentedthattheythoughtABAwasabrandperhapsABAshouldborrowNikesJustdoItorCocaColasTheRealThingtag-line.ABAisascience.Moreparticularlyitsthesciencebehindarangeopracticesthatcomeoutothebehaviourismbranchopsychology.Behaviourismwhicharoseintheearlyparto19thcenturycombineselementsophilosophymethodologyandtheory.Itisconcernedwithbehaviourthatcanbeobservedratherthanactivitiesothemindwhichcannotbeseen.AsascienticapproachthatanalysesbehaviourABAiswidelyused.AquickgooglesearchrevealspapersandinormationonABAormentalhealthdisordersoetalalcoholsyndromebraininjuryspecialeducationdementiaorcaptiveandcompanionanimalsandAutismSpectrumDisordesr.TheABAwehearaboutintheautismspacewhichisoneandthesameshouldquiteproperlybecalledEarlyIntensiveBehaviourInterventionEIBIorIntensiveBehaviourInterventionIBI.Thismakesmoresensebecauseitisabouttheapplicationothescience.ForexampleweregoingtouseABAassoonaspossiblebecauseweknowtherstewyearsoachildslieareormativeEARLY.Wearegoingtodoit11orinasmallgroupsettingregularlyandconsistentlybecauseresearchshowsthatshowlearningoutcomesareachievedINTENSIVE.WearegoingtoconcernourselveswithwhatthatparticularchilddoesordoesntdoanddesignactivitiesthatmakewantedbehavioursmorelikelyandunwantedbehaviourslesslikelyBEHAVIOUR.FinallywearegoingtotieallthistogetherandhaveitdeliveredbyqualiedandexperiencedtherapistsandpsychologistsoverasetperiodINTERVENTION.WelcometothebehaviouralcorneroAAANetworkMagazine.OverthenexteweditionsPeggyHailstoneotheAutismBehaviouralInterventionAssociationABIAwilltakereadersonajourneyintobehavioural-basedtherapiesandtreatmentswithaparticularocusonAppliedBehaviourAnalysisABA.AgoodABAprogramisintensiveindividualisedandcomprehensive.SuzanneBuchananAppliedBehaviourAnalysisAutismAnIntroduction AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE49parentingIreallythinkthatproessionalsdoingassessmentsanddiagnosingchildrenwithautismneedtoatleastmentionABAandsayitisexpensivebutveryworthit.WecantreallyafordABAbutwehaveoundthemoneybecauseweknowthatitiscrucialiSophieisgoingtobeanindependentmemberosociety.CathCommerfordABAMumWhatABAdoesABAteacheschildrenwithautismtolearnhowtolearnsomethingwhichdoesntcomenaturallyoroccursdiferentlyorASDkids.InRightromtheStartBehavioralInterventionorYoungChildrenwithAutismauthorsSandraHarrisandMaryJaneWeisexplainthatthebeautyoanABAprogramisthatitteachestheullspectrumoactivitiesessentialtoachildwithautism.Examplesmightincludeeatingdressingaskingthankingsleepingholdinghandsclappingbuyingstackingwashingtoiletingclimbingswinging.InanABAprogramactivitiesthatteachtheseskillsarespecicallydesignedtobeunandpresentedasinterestinganddesirabletothechild.ABAisalsoatailoredtherapeuticresponse.Tailoringiscriticalbecauselikeallouschildrenonthespectrumhavediferingcapacitiesandcapabilities.Itsalsonecessarybecauseweallhavepreerencesandpartialitiespenchantsandpredilectionsyogataichimotorbikescarsjazzpop.ABAworkswithinclinationstoengageencourageandmotivate.WhatABAisntABAisnotacure.Neitherisitaremedyorapanacea.Regrettablyitdoesnotoferrecovery.AnyproessionalABAserviceproviderortherapistwillclearlyandquicklylaythisontheline.WhatwehearatABIAtime-and-timeagainisthatABAgivesparentshope.Hopethattheirchildscurrentsituationcanbeimproved.Hopethattheirchildwillgotoschoolmakeriendsandonedayholdajobandgetmarried.Hopethattheirchildcanliveameaningulandindependentlie.TheEvidence-BaseABAgiveshopebecausethereisevidencetosupportitsefectiveness.Whiletheevidence-baseorbehaviourismdatesbackalmost100yearstheground-zerostudyorABAorautismwaspublishedin1987byDrIvarLovaasBehavioraltreatmentandnormaleducationalandintellectualunctioninginyoungautisticchildren.Reportingonhisworkwith38youngchildrenwithautismLovaasoundthatintensivebehaviouralinterventionatanearlyageenablednearlyhalthegrouptoachieveessentiallynormalintellectualandacademicunctioning.A1993ollowupbyMcEachinSmithLovassshowedthatchildrenromthe1987studyhadmaintainedtheirskillsandcouldsucceedinliewithoutcostlyspecialeducationandresidentialservices.IthasbeenestimatedthatsinceLovaasmorethan19000papershavebeenpublishedonABAandover500othemhavebeenASDchildrenrelatedstudiesDillenburgerKeenan2009.In1999theUnitedStatesSurgeonGeneralconcludedThirtyyearsoresearchdemonstratedtheecacyoappliedbehavioralmethodsinreducinginappropriatebehaviorandinincreasingcommunicationlearningandappropriatesocialbehaviour.RegrettablyinbothAmericaandAustraliatheincreasingacknowledgementoecacyhasnottranslatedintoincreasedundingsupportoramilies. 50AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingIsABAforyouWhetherABAisrightoranyonechildoramilyisahighlypersonaldecision.AsanintensiveinterventionmodelEIBIisnotonetobetakenlightly.HereinMelbourneduetotheall-encompassingnatureoanABAprogramamiliesdoingABAbecomeknownasanABAamily.Theybecomepartoacommunitywithinacommunityalegionoamiliesalliedthroughateandalignedbycircumstanceandacommondesiretocreatepositivechangeortheirchild.WhileIamnotanABApractitionerwhatIseeisthatABAofersacomprehensiveresponsetoASDandasystematicandstructuredapproachtoimprovingachildssituation.Iseeasignicantandcontinuallyexpandingevidence-basethatisenhancingawarenessandenablingandguidingmoreinormeddecision-making.Iseetooarangeoexceptionalandpassionatelycommittedproessionalswhogenuinelywanttohelpchangelittlelivesinabigway.Iyouhaveaquestionaboutbehaviouraltherapiesorwouldliketoseeaparticulartherapyorapproachshowcasedemailpeggyabia.net.auoreditoraaanetwork.com.auTheLittlestAsperkidsWeveallheardabouttheimportanceoearlyautismintervention.ButkidswithAspergerspresentabitdierentlyandmanyaredismissedtoosmartortoosensitiveover-anxiousordicult.WeoweALLoourchildrenthegitoearlyunderstanding.AteverypointontheHumanSpectrum.COMMONTRAITSAMONGYOUNGASPERKIDSLoveofpuzzlesorobjectswithmanypartsbothrealandvirtualDicultysleepingoftenrequiringco-sleepingconstantmotionwhitenoiseswaddlingandoralcalmingextendednursingthumb-suckingpaciferFixationononecharactertoyorobjectalmostobsessiveneedoritGreater-than-typicalfascinationwithtechnologyevenasaninantVeryearlyspeechreadingoftenwithenormousandmaturevocabulariesScriptedplayre-enactingstoresorTVshowsratherthancreatingoriginalplotsSensorySensitivitiesextremelyupsetbyclothingtagscarseatbrightlightsvolumecrowdseasilyoverwhelmedtiptoeingornoclearreasoneedingtroublesFearfulofplaytunnelsorslidesavoidingcertaintextureslikesandgrassorwaterSeekingcertainsensationswithoutregardorphysicalsaetyconstantlyjumpingevenindoorwaybouncerscrashingspinningswingingincludinginantswingsorcryingwhentheseactivitiesceasedressesinappropriatelyorweatherwantsacoatinsummeretcDicultyproblem-solvingsunisinhereyesbutcantfgurehowtoavoiditoradjustingtochangesinroutinesurniturecaregiversSeemstoenjoylininguptoysfgurinesminiaturesmorethanplayingwiththemverybotheredwhenarrangementsaredisturbedFragiletemperperectionistseasilyrustratedmayhavemeltdownsduringwhichthechildcannotbeconsoledorlongperiodsotimeFormoreinformationpleasevisitJenniferOToolesAsperkidswebsiteatwww.asperkids.comparenting 51AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEhealthwellbeingSpecialDietshelpautisticchildrenByKRISBARRETT Whenmysonwasonly3yearsoldandattendingSpecialEdkindyanothermumtoldmethatshehadchangedhersonsdietandwasamazedattheimprovementsinhisbehaviour.IdidntunderstandAutismwasabraindisorderwasntitHowonearthcouldchangingwhatoodsmysonatehaveanythingtodowithhisautismIwasscepticalbutatthesametimedesperatetohelpTimsoItookthenamesothebooksandsomeinternetsitesandbegansearching.WhatIoundchangedmysonslie.Autismhasalwaysbeenthoughtoasabraindisorder.ButinthelastewyearsworkbypioneeringdoctorsattheAutismResearchInstituteintheUSarenowdescribingAutismasaWholeBodyDisorderwiththebrainbeingaectedasaresultootherprocessesinthebodynotunctioning.TheactthatmanychildrenonthespectrumhavephysicalsymptomssuchasdiarrhoeaconstipationbloatingskinconditionsinectionsandsleepingproblemsindicatesthatautismisnotJUSTabraindisorder.Itslikelytheirdigestiveimmuneanddetoxicationsystemsarenotworkingproperly.Soiwecanchangedietstohaveapositiveeectonthebiochemicalprocessesthatalleviatephysicalsymptomsweseeafow-oneecttothebrainandthereorebehaviouralsymptoms.Tomakesenseothisweneedtotakeaquicklookatthegutbrainconnection.Hippocratestheatheromodernmedicinesaidin400BCAlldiseasebeginsintheGut.Sincethenmanyscientistshavedescribedourgutasoursecondbrain.Weknowwegetguteelingsandwhenweretryingtomakeadecisionwemightbetoldtolistentoyourgut.ThatsbecauseallothemajorneurotransmittersthatareinthebrainarealsooundinthegutWhatupsetsthegutwillfowontoaectthebrainandwhatupsetsthebrainwillfowontoupsetthegut.Ithissoundsalittletooweirdtoyouthinkaboutwhenyoudrinkalcohol.YoudrinkitandabsorbitintoyourgutbutyoucertainlyeeltheeectsinyourbraindontyouHowwellourgutandthereoreourbrainsareunctioningwillbedeterminedbythebalanceothebacteriainourgut.Weallhaveseveralkilosobacteriainourgutsamixtureobenecialbacteriathegoodguysandharmulbacteriathebadguys.Thebadguyscaneasilytakeoveriweareeatinganimbalanceddiettoomanysugarsandprocessedoodsareunderstressareeatingoodswemayhaveintolerancestohaveparasitesorinectionsorasuppressedimmunesystem.Whenthebalanceisrightandthebenecialbacteriaaredoingtheirjobsourdigestivesystemunctionswell.Wewillbebreakingdownnutrientsdetoxiyingourbodyandproducingandabsorbingvitaminsandminerals.Whenthebadguystakeoverchaosreigns.Ouroodsarenotbrokendownproperlyandcancausethebodytoreactnegativelytothem.Aswellthereisexcessbacterialermentationinthegutwhichproducestoxinsthatwilleventuallyendupinthebraincausingneurologicalsymptoms.Ithegutisnothealthyandoodisnotproperlydigestedtheundigestedparticlescanleakthroughthegutwallandoutintothebloodstreamyourbodydoesntrecognisethemorknowwhattodowiththematthispoint.Theyweresupposedtohavebeenbrokendownsoyourbodycouldutilisetheminthecorrectway.Intheirundigestedormthebodyseesthemasaoreigninvaderandamountsanimmuneresponsetothem.Animmuneresponseishowyourbodyprotectsitselrompotentiallyharmulsubstancestoxinsvirusesdrugsoreignparticles.Theguthastriggeredthisresponsetotheoodsgoingoutintothebloodstreamwheretheycrossthebloodbrainbarrierandfowintothebrainwheretheendresultmaniestsitselasbehaviouralproblems.WhataresomeotheimplicationsothisandwhatoodshavetheworstefectsGlutenandCaseinproteinswhicharenotbrokendownproperlyturnintoopiatecompoundsandproduceopiumlikesymptoms.Theyleakintothebloodstreamandappeartothebodylikemorphineinacttherehavebeenseveralstudiesdonecomparingsimilaritiesbetweenmorphineuseandautismoggythinkingandhighpainthresholdsbeingthetwomajorsymptomsincommon.Glutenistheproteinoundinwheatryebarleyspeltkamutmore.Caseinistheproteinoundinbovinemilkcowsheepgoat.ThisiswhytheGlutenCaseinreedietisotentherstpointocallwhenconsideringdietaryintervention.Thereasoningbehindthisisthatiyoucanremovethesesubstancesyouarereducingtheirritationtothegutandthatwillhaveapositivefowoneecttothebrain.EasiersaidthandonewithmanykidsonthespectrumLikeopiumthesecompoundsbecomehighlyaddictive.ThekidscravethemandotensellimittheirdietstooodsONLYcontainingglutenandcasein.WhenIrststartedlookingattheimpactooodonautismmy3yearoldsonateweetbixcheesesandwichesyogurt52AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEhealthwellbeingWeveallheardtheoldsayingYouarewhatyoueat.HowthendoesthatapplytoAutismSpectrumDisorders andpasta.FromallInowknowthisisaverytypicalscenarioothekidscravingthatwhichmakesthemill.Likedrugaddictstheyneedtheirxesotheseoods.Andlikeaddictstheyneedtodetoxandwithdrawwhenyoutaketheseoodsoutothediet.Thisisusuallyshortlivedandjusttherststeponmovingonwardsandupwardsincreatingahealingdiet.Additivespreservativesnumberscoloursandchemicalsareothersubstanceswhichcanwreakhavoconourchildrensgutandbehaviour.In2007TheLancetpublishedoneothemostwidelyreerencedstudiesontheeectsooodadditivescausinghyperactivebehaviourinchildren.Sincethenwehaveseenmoreresearchshowingusthedamagingeectsotheseadditivesincludinghyperactivitylearningdifcultiesasthmaskinconditionsheadachesdepressionaggressivebehavioursandsleepdisorders.Justliketheundigestedproteinstheseadditivesandchemicalsappeartothebodyasoreigninvadersourbodysimplydoesntknowwhattodowiththemandsoanimmuneresponseistriggered.Wewouldalldowelltoavoidthesecoloursnumbersandavours.ManyothemhavealreadybeenbannedinEuropeduetoscienticresearchconrmingtheirhealthdangersbutunortunatelyinAustraliatheyarestilllegalandourchildrensoodsareullothem.Thelastgroupooodsthatmaycauseproblemsareoodsthatcauseallergiesorintolerances.Thesemaybeoodsthatyoueateverydayandtheycouldbeoodsthathavegreathealthbenetsasarule.Butithegutanddigestivesystemisnotunctioningwelleverytimeyouconsumethemyoubeginthecycleoirritationandimmuneresponsealloveragain.Allergiesaremostlyeasytospotasthereactionusuallyoccurssoonatertheoodisingested.Typicalreactionswouldbeitchingrednessswellinghivesandinextremecasesanaphylaxiswhichisliethreateningandrequiresimmediatemedicalattention.Intolerancesaremoredifculttopinpointsincethereactionmayoccuranywhererom4hoursto4daysatertheoodiseaten.AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE53KrisBarrettisaCertifedNutritioncoachCertifedGAPSpractitionerandmumotwo.SheimplementeddietaryandbiomedicalinterventionwithherASDsonin2004andheisnowullymainstreamedandahappyandhealthy11yearold.Krisspassionisworkingwithamiliestohelpthemmakethedietaryandliestylechangeswhichwerethebackboneohersonsrecovery.YoucanfndKrisathercoachingwebsiteNourishMeatwww.nourishmehealth.com.auThesesymptomsmayalsoseemnormalormildconstipationtummypaindiarrhoeaheadachelethargy.Thereareseveralbloodteststhatwillidentiyintolerancesbutaneliminationdietisthemostcommonwaytodeterminetheoodsthatmaybecausingissues.Thereisstillmuchdebateinthemainstreammedicalcommunityaboutthevalidityodietaryinterventionasatreatmentorautismbecauseothelackodouble-blindplacebo-controlledpeer-reviewedpublishedstudies.Iamoneothetensothousandsomothersaroundtheworldwhocouldnotaordtowaitortheirstudiesbeorewetrieditorourkids.Myscienticevidenceissittinginmyloungeroomrightnowalittleboywhoaswellasautismhadahostophysicalproblemsincludingasthmaeczemaandearinections.Theactthattheyalldisappearedwhenwechangedhisdietisaccordingtomydoctoracoincidence.SotooistheactheoutgrewsomanyohisautisticbehaviourstobecomeullymainstreamedandahappyhealthyandquirkyinanAspieway11yearoldboy.Myhopeisthatwiththehelpomanymorepioneeringdoctorswecanhavedietaryinterventionsacknowledgedasavalidandessentialpartoahealingprogramoranychildontheautismspectrum.IlookorwardtocoveringmoreabouttheeectsooodandexploringseveralpopularAutismDietsincomingissues.healthwellbeing 54AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingSoyouareatthepointwhereyouarenoticingyourchildisdierenthesheisdevelopingdierentlyhasquirksmaybeevensensoryissuesorbehavioursyoumaynotunderstand.Initiallyyoubrushthemotheeccentricitiesarejustpartsotheirdevelopingpersonality.Sometimesyouponderithereismoretoyourlittlepersonyoumayevenspeakwithadoctor.Timegoesonandtheyarereadytostartschool.Thefrstyearorsoyoumaybecalledtomeetwithteacherstodiscusslearningissuesbehaviouralissuesplaygroundorsocialisationissuesormaybetheyarefneatschoolbutcomehomeupsetexhaustedoractingout.Youhavebeguntoconsidertheneedorassessment.Theprocessislongandexpensivewaitlistsorthisspecialistandthatspecialisttestatertest.Youaregoingthroughanemotionalrollercoasterasbroadasthespectrumitsel.Conusionblameguiltgrierustrationearanxietyoverwhelmed.Youmightfndpeaceandacceptanceyoumayevenlookatallthepeopleinyouramilyandwonderiitsgeneticwhoisyourchildlikesometimesitsyouoryourpartner.Youmightevenfndyourselwonderingiitsdietorvaccinesyoumayhavejoinedsocialmediagroupsaskingoradvicebutthenacedwithamyriadoopinionsandtheories.Theressomuchgoingonyoumayhaveorgottenthemostimportantpartotheequationisthechildyourchild.Yourchildhasalsonoticedtheyaredierenttheymaybefndingithardertonavigateplaygroundsbeconusedbyallthemixedmessagesotheclassroomplaygroundandhomelie.Theymightbeevenmoreanxiousthanyouattryingtoadaptandmanageaworldthatleavesthemeelingalienandattimesisolated.Yourchildssel-esteemmaybeslidingothescaleandmadeworsebybeingtakenalongtoappointmentaterappointmenttofndoutwhatswrongwiththem.Nothingiswrongyourchildneedstoknowthatneedstoknowthatyouarefndingouthoworwhytheirbrainmayworkdierentlywhytheyseeandsensetheworlddierently.Expertsinthepasthavesaidthatpeopleonthespectrumhavelessempathythanothersthisisntaccurate.Theempathyisdierentandotenmuchmoreprooundthanthosenotonthespectrum.Knowyourchildispickingupalltheemotionsandenergyintheenvironmentheorsheisin.Thiscanbeinregardstohowhislovedonesareeelingthechildmayevenhavetheirowndeepsenseoguiltornotbeingliketheotherkidsorrustrationwithinthemselvesitheyarepronetomeltdowns.Dontoraminuteassumethatyourchildissel-ocusedanddriven.Meltdownsarescaryexhaustingandawayosayingenough.Eachchildhasadierentreasonortriggerwhichsometimeswemayneverunderstand.Themoreanxietyorconusioninthechildsenvironmentthemorethelikelihoodooverloadandmeltdown.Onceyouhavethatdiagnosisitisimportantthatyouhaveeachspecialistbreakdownwhattheymean.AutismAspergersisanumbrellaandyoucanhave15orsosubtitlesbeitdysgraphiadyspraxiaOCDanxietySTAMODDsocialphobiaorothersocialandcommunicationbasedissuestheremaybeco-morbidconditionssuchasdepressionbi-polarADDADHDandsoon.Themoreyouunderstandotheneuropathwaysandhowtheyworkthebetter.ThereareleapsintheWISCorIQscoreswhichoccursormostpeopleonthespectrumwithsignifcantleapsbetweenvisualandcognitiveprocesses.Itisntascomplexasyoumaythinktohavesomeonebreakitdownintostrengthsandweaknessesthingsthatcanbeassistedandthosethatcantwithhelpulplansandrecommendations.ThisiswhattheyarepaidtodonottoProcessAParentsPerspectiveByNIKILAKERINK AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE55parenting 56AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingjustwriteashortletterandspeaktootherproessionalsatschoolsandthelike.Itisbothyoursandyourchildrighttohavealltheinormationtoassistthem.Youshouldnotbelettoeelconusedandneedingtoreada100bookstounravelyourchild.Thereisnoonesizetsallthereisnoonebookthatwilltellouthowtobestsupportandassistyourchildtothebestpossibleuturebecausebooksarebasedongeneralisations.Iyourchildisgoodatcommunicatinghowtheyeelaskthem.Learnhowtoasktherightquestionsletthemknowatleastveortenminutesoaterschooltimeisneededorthemtotellyouhowthedaywasandwhy.Nointerruptionsandnorushingittakestimeorchildrentondthewordsandanswerromacalmplace.Whenmysonwasnallygivenanaccuratediagnosiswedidalotothings.Firstlywecelebratedthenwentormilkshakesandaterwenthometosearcheveryonewecouldndonthespectrumromsportspeopleartistsandmusicianstowritersandscientists.Alsoduringtheassessmentswealwaysdidsomethingspecialonthesamedayicecreamsmilkshakesetc.Notasrewardsbutasdistractionsandawayorustoconnecttoeachotherduringtheprocess.Incelebratingitwasimportantthatmysonknewhewasnotrestrictedbythisnewlabel.Helearnedtherewerenolimitstowhathecouldachieveandinanystreamointeresthehad.Weoundmanyothemusicianswerewritingromaperspectiveheunderstood.Healsoknewthatbeingonthespectrumwouldneverbeenabledasanexcuse.NowveyearsonIprobablymakemoreallowancesorhimthanhedoeshimsel.DuringthetherapysessionsaterhisdiagnosisIdiscoveredthathewasgettingmoreandmoreupset.HebelievedIwastryingtochangehim.IhadtriedtoexpresstohimotherwisebutIthinktheschoolsituationwasalsoworkingagainstme.SoIstoppedtherapiesandbeganworkingwithhimathomesubtlyasIknewhisdysgraphiawascausingdeepanxietyandpainorhimandwasthegreatesttriggerormeltdowns.SowedidcratcrossstitchpaintingclayworkbeadingallthenemotorskillactivitiesIcouldndthatheenjoyed.Iknewrommyresearchintoneuroplasticitythatthebraincandevelopnewpathwaysandoundtherewasasignicantimprovementwithinmonths.Nowhehandwritesallhisworkwithoutkeypadsoranipad.Dysgraphiaismorethanjustpainandcoordinationthoughitalsomakestheprocessogettingtheinormationromthebraintothehandtowritewhatonewishesdifcult.Itaughtmysontousevoicerecognitionsotwareanddictaphonessohecouldthenplaybackandtrytypingit.Thiswasanamazingprocess.Thewritingandinsightthatcameromthisprocessallowedmetounderstandmysonsomuchmore.IdonotoraminutewishtoexpressthatthiswaseasyitwasseldomeasyandattimesIwaslledwithresentmentexhaustionrustrationandevendepression.Itwashardtoseparatetheimplicationsthemeltdownssensitivitiessocialphobianightterrorsrestlesslegsandsoonnottomentionthebattlewiththeeducationdepartmentpluswhatitwasdoingtomylieworkrelationshipssociallyandthelike.Ieltisolatedmysel.Butintheshorttermitwasworthit.AndIsayshorttermbecauseintheschemeohisliethehardworkwasshorttermwithlongtermgain.IIhadnotomadetheseshorttermsacricesIdoubthewouldbewhoheistoday.Hewillneverhavethebestsel-esteembuthehasgreatsel-awarenessandunderstandingandhehasachievedmorethanIcouldhavehopedorandmore.Thisopposedtowhattheuturelookedlikeyearsagoisarewardbeyondanygit.PICTOGENDAWhatisPictogendaPictogendaisadiarywheretextisreplacedbypictorialimagessoitseasiertoplanandtocommunicatewithothers.PictogendacanbeusedwithanypictorialsystemsoeachdiarycanbefullypersonalisedWhoisPictogendaforAnyonewhohasdifcultywithreadingandorwritingwhohaslimitedcapabilitiesofprocessingretainingorpassingoninformation.Pictogendaisdesignedforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilitieswithautismwithspeechandlanguageproblemshearingimpairmentsandforchildreninspecialeducation.ItgivespeopletheirpowerbackDrWendyLawsonMAPSMBPsSGotowww.pictogenda.comToOrderYourCopyTODAYorcall0487578384ThePictureDiaryforeffectiveplanningandcommunicationFindusonFacebookINCLUDESOVER1500STICKERS39.95pluspostageandhandlingincludesstickersandleatherettecover AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE57regularForFurtherInformationAutismAdvisorProgramQLDT1800428847F0737112751Eaapautismqld.com.auELIGIBILITYFORTHEHCWAEARLYINTERVENTIONFUNDINGThechildneedstobediagnosedbeforetheageof6yearsThefamilyneedstohavecontactedtheAutismAdvisorProgrambeforethechilds6thbirthdayThediagnosishastobemadebyapaediatricianorchildpsychiatristwrittenontheirletterheadsignedanddatedstatingthechildhaseitherAutisticdisorderAspergersdisorderPervasiveDevelopmentDisorder-NotOtherwiseSpeciedPDD-NOSRettsyndromeChildhoodDisintegrativeDisorderAtleastoneofthechildsparentsneedstobeanAustraliancitizenorhavepermanentAustralianresidencystatus.TheAutismAdvisorProgramispartoftheHelpingChildrenwithAutismHCWApackage.TheProgramisfundedbytheDepartmentofFamiliesHousingCommunityServicesandIndigenousAffairsFaHCSIA.TheAutismAdvisorProgramprovidesfamilieswhohaveaneligiblechildwithinformationaboutearlyinterventionfundsofupto12000touseforearlyinterventionwiththerapistswhoareapprovedbyFaHCSIAfreeearlydaysworkshopsfreeplayconnectplaygroupsrebatesundermedicareGlossaryABAAppliedBehaviourAnalysisABIAAutismBehaviouralInterventionAssociationADHDAttentionDecitHyperactivityDisorderASAspergersSyndromeASCAutismSpectrumConditionASDAutismSpectrumDisorderAspietermoranindividualwithAspergersSyndromeAutie-termoranindividualwithAutismDSMDiagnosticStatisticalManualoMentalDisordersEIEarlyInterventionEIBIEarlyIntensiveBehaviourInterventionFaHCSIADepartmentoFamiliesHousingCommunityServicesandIndigenousAfairsHCWAHelpingChildrenwithAutismIEPIndividualEducationPlanIBI-IntensiveBehaviourInterventionNDISNationalDisabilityInsuranceSchemePDDNOSPervasiveDevelopmentalDisorderNotOtherwiseSpeciedPRTPivotalResponseTreatmentOFABBREVIATIONSetcendofthinkingcapacity. 58AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingRecentlyIcaughtupwithariendwhose15yearoldsonislivingwithAspergersSyndrome.ShewastellingmehowhersweetgentlequirkyASchildhasrecentlyturnedintoasmellymoodyhairyalmost6eettallalien.HeeruptsintoragesorseeminglyinconsequentialreasonsthensuddenlyhehasbecomesuperocusedonhimselandrecentlydecidedthatscreamingIhateyouMumatthetopohislungsbeoreslamminghisbedroomdoorisperectlyacceptablebehaviourButworsemembersoheramilyhavebegunadvisingherthatsheneedstodosomethingabouthisunacceptablebehaviourandaskedishehadconsideredparentingclassesSincemysonwasdiagnosedwithAspergerssyndromeattheageo12in1997wetoohaveexperiencedsomeextremelychallengingmoments.OtentimesduringthejourneyIhavebeenjudgedbyotherparentsandteachersabouthisbehavioursandintheearlydayshaddicultyinunderstandingwhyitwasallsodicult.WasitjustmeWasitmyparentingWasIatotalailureatraisingchildrenandjustdidntknowitOnthedayohisdiagnosisIwassotemptedtohireabillboarderectitonthemainhighwaywiththewordsthatsimplysaidItsnotmyParentingThereisauniversaltruthorallousonthisjourneyjustbecauseyouknowonechildandoneamilylivingwithAspergersdoesnotmeanthatyouknowallchildrenandallamilieslivingwithAspergers.InactveryotentheonlysamenessisourdierenceHoweverthereisonemajorconnectionthatbindsusall.ThebehaviouroachildonthespectrumistheirdisabilityandtheyHowOneInsignifcantLetterCanChangetheWorldoraChildontheAutismSpectrumBySALLYTHIBAULTOneletteraremostlyjudgedharshlyortheactionsotheirbehaviourratherthanreceivingunderstandingandcompassionorwhyithappens.Whenachildonthespectrumbehavesinappropriatelyeverybodymakesassumptionstheyneedagoodsmackyoudontdisciplinehimenoughortheyarejusttryingtogettheirownway.Theactisthereisareasonbehindeverysinglebehaviour.TherearenorandomthoughtsinthemindoachildlivingwithAspergersandatthecoreoeverysinglebehaviourlaysavalidreason.Theproblemisthatthereasonisotennotapparenttothoseouswhowitnessit.Itcouldbetheresultosomethingthathappenedtwodaysagotwoweeksagoortwoweeksintotheuturewiththeanticipationothateventcausinganxietythatisdicultorthechildrenonthespectrumtoarticulate.Oursocietymakesallowancesorthosewithaphysicaldisability.IweseeachildinawheelchairwedonotjudgetheparentsbecausetheydonotmaketheirchildwalkButwhenitcomestochildrenonthespectrumthearm-chairexpertsarealwaysveryquicktomakethosejudgementsbecausetheycantseeeelorunderstandthechallengesourchildrenaceeveryday.WhilstourchildrenmaylooknormaltheyseeliedierentlyeellieintenselyandhavetroubleunderstandingthecomplexitiesothisverystrangeneurotypicalworldwecallnormalIyoulookatliethroughtheeyesoapersonlivingwithAspergerstheneurotypicalworldisbothoverwhelmingandconusing.Neurotypicalssaywordsthathavecomplicatedordoublemeanings.Wemakeandbreakrulesandjustiydrivingchangesachildsworld SallyThibaultIsanAspergersAuthorandSpeakerandacilitatestheFoodFamilyAspergersSeminarsAustraliawide.ShealsoisaguestlecturerortheUniversityoSouthernQueenslandandpresentsregularlyatEducationalConerencesandProessionalDevelopmentDaysorTeachersTherapistsParentsandServiceProviders.ShehaswrittenthreebooksDavidsGitAspergersSyndromeLieandLoveOneFamilysInspirationalJourneyFromDiagnosistoGraduationAspergersBullyingandSchoolTeachingyourASDchildBully-ResilienceatSchoolandorLieandWiseMothersAParableRaisingTeenagersintheSocialMediaEra.www.davidsgift.com.auwww.facebook.comaspergersparentconnectwww.twitter.comSallyThibaultAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE59 60AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingromthetruth.ItisnotthattheywontadheretoproceduresorpayattentioninclassorknowwhentonotinterruptothersitsthattheycantThesedayswhenIspeakatconerencesproessionaldevelopmentdaysorseminarsorteachersandcaregiversIchallengethemtore-ramethosewords.InsteadousingthewordwontwhathappensoruswhenwechangethewordtocantJustaswedontsaythatapersonwithaphysicaldisabilitywontwalkandinherentlyknowthattheycantthesamecompassionandunderstandingneedstobeextendedtothoselivingonthespectrum.IalsochallengeustotakeitonestepurtherandinthewordsothepoemOdetoCanbyAndyFlemmingbychangingonesignicantletterwecanmakeaworldodierence.SoinacknowledgingchangingthewordwonttocantIthenchallengeustogoonestepurther.InsteadoremovingtheletterTandtreatingitasaninsignicantletterwhydontweuseittocreateaarmorepowerulword..TeachandaskHowCanWeTeachDrMayaAngelouAmericanpoetandauthoroncesaidIdidthenwhatIknewhowtodo.NowthatIknowbetterIdobetter.Achildonthespectrumactsacertainwaybecausetheydontknowanotherwaytoact.Itisourroleasparentsandteacherstosupportandteachthemhowtomanagethechallengeshowtousemoreappropriatebehaviourandatthesametimehavecompassionandunderstandingorthemastheytrytomakesenseothisstrangeneurotypicalworldwecallnormal.NexttimeyouhearsomebodysaythatyourASDchildwontdosomethingchallengethembysayingItsnotthathewontitsbecausehecant.SothenHowCanweTeachthischildtochooseamoreappropriatebehaviourtounderstandtherulestomakeariendWhenwedecidethatourroleastheadultsraisingthischildodierenceisthatoteachernotojudgethenthewholeworldwillsimplychangebeoreoureyesandourchildrenlivingwithAspergerssyndromewillbenetortherestotheirlives.vekilometreoverthespeedlimitbecausewearelateWetelllittlewhiteliestomakesomethingseembetterandmakeandbreakagreementsallthetimetosuitoursituation.WhenyouaddthattotheoverwhelmingsensoryissuesthatwejustconsidernormaltelevisionconstantlyoninthebackgroundmusicthatplaysinstoresandshoppingmallsfuorescentlightingthatisharshandconrontingallattackingthesensitivityoourchildrenandisitanywonderthatachildonthespectrumotenexhibitsextremebehavioursIhaveheardsomanytimesovertheyearsthewordwontconnectedtomychildandotherchildrenonthespectrum.HewontlisteninclassshewontpayattentionhewontlearntoplaywithothersandquiteranklynothingcouldbeurtherOdetoCanTheresafourletteredwordAsoffensiveasanyItholdsbackthefewPutsastoptothemany.YoucantclimbthatmountainYoucantcrosstheseaYoucantbecomeanythingyouwanttobe.HecanthitacenturyTheycantfindacure.Shecantthinkaboutleavingorsearchingformore.BecauseCantisawordwithahabitofstoppingTheebbandtheflowofideasItkeepsdroppingitselfwhereweknowinourheartsitsnotneededAndsayingdontgowhenwecouldhavesucceeded.ButthosefourlittlelettersThatendwithaTTheycanchangeinaninstantWhenshortenedtothree.WecantakeofftheTWecandoittodayWecanmoveforwardnotbackWecanfindourownway.WecanbuildwecanrunWecanfollowthesunWecanpushwecanpullWecansayImsomeoneWhorefusestobelieveThatlifecantbebetterWiththeremovalofoneInsignificantletter.Ihaveheardsomanytimesovertheyearsthewordwontconnectedtomychildandotherchildrenonthespectrum. featureOjonywithAtismbganwhnoldstsonJaydnwasdiagnosdoyasago.Jaydncamintothwoldlikanyothchildntilaondthago18monthswhnwnoticdhwasntcommnicatingmchandsmdtonotacknowldgsvnwhnwcalldhisnam.HwasalwayshappytositinontothTVwatchingthsamDVDovandovagainhwoldlinhistoyspandbythagotwoandahalhwasapzzlgnisdoing100picpzzlsinnotimthnmixitpanddoitagainpsiddownovandovagain.Insominstancshamazdsinothswwconcnd.BythtimJaydnwasthhstillwasnttalkingmchandhadstatdpttingvythinghcoldholdintohismoth.HwasobsssdwithThomasthTanknginwatandlyinginthsandpitwatchingsandallomhislittlhands.Jaydnhatdbingnaothchildnandwoldscamithycamnahim.AtalisingthingswntqitightwtookhimtobassssdbyatamospcialistsandatmanyconontingmdicalappointmntsovmanymonthswnallywgivnthnwsJaydnwasdiagnosdwithASD.FomthispointonwonlylookdowadwadvythingwcoldgtohandsoninodtondstandwhatAtismwasandmoimpotantlyhowcoldwndstandolittlboybtt.WnolldJaydnintoalyintvntionpogamswhichcamatanxtmlyhighcost.Itptalotnancialstainonoamilywhadnoaltnativandhowcoldwdnyochildallothssvicsthathsobadlyndd.Jaydnhatdgoingtohisthapysssionsatstbtovtimhgotsdtoitandthimpovmntwsawinhimwasstatling.TothisdayIstillsaythatthalyintvntionJaydncivdisthasonhisthamazingpsonhistoday.Thcostothpogamsandthapythskidsndisastonomical.Tha1000soamilisotthwhojstcantafodthcostsattachdtoththapythichildnsodspatlyqi.ChildnacossAstaliagonaiddatschaccialtimothiliwhalyintvntionisjstcitical.WjsthadtodosomthingandwdidlanchingSpctmSpstasinJly2012.Omaingoalistospadasmchinomationabotatismaspossiblycan.Thmoawanssthmoaccptancthmoacknowldgmntthatthisisal.PopndingisqidnowbcasitsvychildsighttoladllandhappyliwithotthpjdicandstigmatismsomanyASDsfsandthiamilishavhadtond.SpctmSpstashassvalndaisingvntsthoghotthya.ThisyawhavoWintBalltobhldatthManninghamFnctionCntinDoncastonSatday27thJly.InadditionwhavapassionattamosppotspaticipatinginThMlbonMaathonSnday13thOctob.Thndsaisdwillgotowadsmakinglialittlasionthhnddsoamiliswhoajstanamonapainllylongaayointvntionwaitinglists.ThiswillassistinlitingsomothsstaindpssamilisabdndwithinaisingachildwithASD.ThisanactshotagoalyintvntioncntsopatinginAstaliatodaydtolackoGovnmntnding.ItisgttingwosbythwkasthlackondingisxacbatdbythshvolmochildnbingdiagnosdwithAtism.Familisabingptonwaitinglistsotwoyasandvnlongtogtthichildnintothscntsandthatsotnatspndingpto18monthsgttingadiagnosisinodtogtonlistinthstplac.Thisdsalllogic.Yasowastdtimthatachildcoldbimpovingdailyihshwascivingthtatmntthyndandqi.Wwillnvstoptyingtoaisatismawanssshaingostoyshaingactsonatism.TosppotSpctmSpstasgotothiFacbookpaghttpswww.acbook.comspctmspstasandomoinomationonSpctmSpstasandthipcomingvntsgotowww.spctmspstas.comSPeCTruMSuperStarSAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINe61NotorProftOrganisationcreatedbydedicatedparentsMarkNicholeAndrews. 62AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureExceptiona2ETwiceExceptionalThisisthestartofmystoryofoureldestsonJackwhowasbornin2003inAnchorageAlaska.Thesecondmymothersawhimshesaidhesbeenherebefore.Ithoughtshewasnuts.TurnsoutIthinkshewasright.IrememberhimneverdoinganythingthatwasinthemultitudeofmotherhoodbooksIhadandreadfaithfully.Hethrewupatthesightofanymashedfoodsscreamedforhourswalkedandtalkedlatebutthencaughtupquickly.Jacktaughthimselftoreadbytheageofthreecouldtalktoadultsonsomanysubjectsitwasembarrassingbutcouldntdresstoilettrainorgotosleepeasily.IspentwhatseemslikedaysanddayswithPaediatriciansintheUSAyouseespecialistsnotGPsuntiltheyare16.Icriedandsobbedhowhewouldmeltdownforhoursmanydaysoftheweek.Butthentheywouldtalktohimlikehewas20andtheyseemedtojustforgetwhatIhadbeensaying.Autismwasnevereverboughtupinconversation.IwasdiagnosedwithbreastcancerthesamemonthhestartedPrepinQueenslandin2009.Itwasadiscombobulatedstarttohisschoollife.AftertwoweeksIhadascreaminganti-schoolchildonmyhands.IfoundouttheydidntdoanyreadingatthatschooluntilhalfwaythroughPrep.Hedidntcraftsohewasboredoutofhisbrain.Italkedtotheschoolanddistrictandhadanassessmentdonetheythenmovedhimintoyearone.AmonthlaterwemovedschoolsaswesettledintoahouseinNambourontheSunshineCoast.ByLEEPONDER AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE63featureTheyear1teacherhewasassignedwasthemostmagicalstarttoschoolakidcouldeverhave.HowIwishedhehadMrParkeror12years.HegotthattherewassomethingdierentaboutJackandtoldmetondoutwhat.HesaidhecouldntunderstandhowJackcouldntwritealetterbutcouldtalkaboutcomputersandsubjectsarbeyondhisyears.Thatwasthestartoourjourney.TheWISC-IVwasdonewhenJackwas6yrsand11monthsold.Itcostusamotzabutwaswortheverycent.Ijustthoughtitwasprovethatmykidwassmartweoundsomuchmore.ThetestingoundoutthathewashighinVerbalcomprehensionandGeneralAbility.Hewasgivena91superiorratinginWorkingMemory.HewasverylowinProcessingspeed.Ihadnoideawhatallthatmeant.GitedYupOtherissuesYupButwhatdoesallthatmeanIwishedthetesthadosaidsomethinglikeMathsgreatEnglishgreatWritingawulButitdidnt.SowheretoromthereTheEducationalPsychologistsuggestedweseeanOccupationalTherapistandgaveusaname.Aterwhatseemedlikedaysotestinganewwordenteredourvocabulary.DyspraxiaJackhastroublewithanythingnemotorandalotogrossmotorco-ordination.WebustedourselvesorsixmonthsworkingoraboutanhouradaytryingtoxhisdyspraxiauntilonedayIaskedWhencanweexpecttoseeanimprovementtowhichthereplywaswellhewillprobablyneverbeabletowrite.IdontmindsayingthatIthoughtwhythebloodyhellwerewepayingallthismoneyanddoingallthisworkihewasgoingtobeinthesamesituationaterwardsSowestopped.AboutthattimeJackwashavingsomehugeangerissueshewasgettingphysicalemotionalandveryverbal.SoowetoddledtoyetanotherspecialistthistimeaPsychologist.Ataboutthethirdappointmentshecalledmeintotheofceandboughtuptheideaodoingsometesting.GooritIsaidandsobegantheASDconversation.ShesuggestedPDD-NOSandwrotetoaPaediatricianoradiagnosis.ThelistoquestionsaskedwereexhaustingandmyhusbandandIhaddieringopinionsonmanyothetopicssoweendedupdoingoneeach.SomuchtheyaskedIjustdidntsee.DidheobsesswiththingsForsixmonthsIsaidnotothisquestionbutthenIbegantoseethathedid.Heobsessedwithanswaterandcomputers.DidhecollectthingsAgainorsixmonthsIsaidnobutthenIactuallysawthevolumeostuedriendsinhisroomandhoweventhetiniestpieceorubbishhadtobecollectedandkept.IdidntevennoticethathehadsensoryoodissuesuntilmonthsatertherstdiscussionwiththisDoctorandIrecalledtheyearsothrowingupatanyoodthatwasntcrunchy.WhoknewallthataddeduptosomethingwhoknewitevenaddedupFinallyweunderstoodoursonAspergersDyspraxiaandgited.12monthaterhisnaldiagnosisandourourthschoolwehavetriedStatePrivateandIndependentschoolsIn2013Iamstartingthehomeschoolingchapteroourlives.Iamterried.LastyearIstartedaTwiceExceptionalgrouporkidswhoaregitedonthespectrum.Wemeetmonthlyoralearningday.ThesekidsaretheBillGatesandEinsteinsoouruture.Theyarequirkyincrediblesensitiveknowledgeablebeyondtheiryearsandneednurturinginasocietythatdoeseasilynothaveaspaceorthem.Attherstlearningdaywespenttwohoursonmybackverandawithsixkidsdissectingbovineliverkidneybrainandhearts.Jackdidntgetinvolvedbuthappilytoldeveryonewhatheknew.Oneveyearoldwhoisnon-verbalwascompletelyimmersedandbleweveryoneawaywithherconcentration.Asevenyearoldboylovedlearningabouttheliverandspentanextrahouratertheclassreadingthetextbooksandaskingquestionsothevetthatwehadattending.Wehavesincespentdayslearningaboutelectricitygeologyandherbsorculinaryandmedicinaluse.In2013wehaveadoctorjoiningustoshowushowtomakeasolaroven.Alsowormarmingmulchingphotographycomputersandsomuchmoreareontheprogram.Jackisnowimmersedinthesedaysandlovingthem.WithoutthejourneytondthediagnosisthatwedidIwouldnothaveknownhowtoeedandnurturehisgitedsideinanappropriatewaythatalsotookintoaccounthisASDandDyspraxia.Thesecondmymothersawhimshesaidhesbeenherebeore. 64AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEHomeschoolingcanbeinterpretedanddeliveredinsomanywaysthatitcanotenbeamineeldovastlydierentexperiencesandopinions.Foruspersonallywemakenodistinctionbetweenlearningandlieingeneralasitistheeverydayfowoliethatprovidestherichestlearningopportunitiesallowingoursontoexplorehisowninterestsinhisowntimeandcomort.IguessisomeoneweretoaskwhatstyleolearningwedoitwouldbeNaturalreerangelielearning.Mystoryisnotadvocatingthereisanyrightorwrongwaywhenitcomestoeducatingourchildren.Thisismerelyastoryaboutourpersonalexperience.Thewaythatworksoryouandyourchildisnodoubtthebestwayoryou.AswearealluniqueindividualsontheAutisticSpectrumsotooareweuniqueindividualsinhowwelearn.Foruspersonallytheschoolsystemhasneverreallymetourneeds.Wehavethreesonsaged2924and11sohaveexperiencedsomebigchangesandvarietyinhoweducationhasbeendeliveredovertheyears.AsmanyoyouwouldhavealreadyexperiencedasparentsoASDchildrenweotenexhaustallpossibilitiesoschoolingtryingtondtherighttorourchildren.OurboysattendedprivateschoolsmainstreampublicschoolsspecialEdunitsSteinerschoolssmallcommunityschoolsandvariousmethodsohomeschooling.Despitesignicantundingmonumentaleortsonourbehalandoccasionallyaverydedicatedandunderstandingteacherwewereneverreallyabletondtherighttorouramily.Whatworkedinoneareaotenailedmiserablyinanother.IamnotgoingtorecountthestoryandeventsoourschoolexperienceasIknowmanyoyouwouldhavewalkedasimilarpath.Imhappytoleavethatallbehind.Ipersonallyeeltherearesomewonderuldedicatedteachersouttherewhoarewillingtosupportourkidsinschoolsitisthesystemouniormityandcompliancetoonemodelandotensocietyingeneralthatcanailthem.IalwayshadthisdreamthatiIcouldcombineallthegoodelementsothedierenteducationsystemsintoonethenwewouldhavetheideallearningmodelorourboys.Unortunatelytherealityothisisnotcurrentlyattainable.Havingalaterliechildwehavere-livedtheschoolingexperienceagainthistimemuchbetterparentingIcanhonestlysaynowtheonlyregretIhaveisthatweeversubjectedhimtotheschoolsystemintherstplace.WhenIwasaskedtowriteanarticleabouthomeschoolingmyimmediatethoughtwasoohwhereIstartByJANELLECOLEparenting AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE65HelpingAmeliacrossthecreekequippedwithageexperienceandwisdomonourside.Insayingthathowevertheconstantdailygrindochallengesineveryareaoschoolingeventuallytookitstollonusallandwemadethedecisionthreeyearsagotowithdrawoursonromschool.IcanhonestlysaynowtheonlyregretIhaveisthatweeversubjectedhimtotheschoolsystemintherstplace.Ithasbeenalongprocessinunschoolingnowandre-buildinghisselesteembutthecommitmentanddedicationittakestosupporthimathomeisabsolutelyworthitwhenweseewhatachangedchildheis.Weinitiallystartedoutwithdistanceeducationutilisingamuchmodiedspecialneedsprogramhowevertheresidualanxietyromoursonsschoolingexperienceandhissignicantlearningimpairmentsmadeitverydifcultorhim.Withgreatsupportandunderstandingromhisdistanceeducationteacherwewereabletotransitionovertochildinterestledlearningandnaturallearning.Wehaveoundthatsincedroppingallexpectationsandregularcurriculumlearningmethodsandjustallowinghimtoleadhisownlearningthathehasreallyblossomed.Throughhisnaturalcuriosityandhungertoknowabouttheworldaroundhimhehaslearntmoreinthepastthreeyearsathomethanouryearsatschool.IthasbeenahugelearningcurveormeasIhaveletgooconditionedexpectationcontrolandevenjudgementaroundhowlearningcanbe.Ihavecometocherishhisdiversityolearningandembracetheconceptthatcreativityisputtingimaginationtowork.AquestionotenposedwithhomeschoolingisWhataboutthesocialisationForusthiswasneveraconsiderationastheonlysocialinteractionoursonwasgettingatschoolwasextremelynegativeanddamaging.Thewonderulthingwithnaturallearningisitallowsustobeoutandaboutandinvolvedintheworldandcommunityaswechooseandasiscomortableorus.Oursonisnotlimitedtointeractingwithonlyhisagedpeersasisusualinaschoolenvironmentbuthastheopportunitiestodeveloprichrewardingandpositiverelationshipswithpeopleromallgenerationsandareasinlie.Therearechallengesocourseinchoosingtohomeschooloneothembeingnancial.Unlessyouareluckyenoughtobeinagoodnancialpositionyoumayneedtomakesomesignicantchangesinyourlietoallowyoutobehomewithyourchild.Wechoosetoliveverysimplyandmanageonaminimumincomebutoruswearethewinnersineveryway.Wehaveayoungsonwhohasgoneromselharmingsuicidalbehaviourasaneightyearoldinschooltoahappyandhealthy11yearoldthatwelovetobewith.Ihomeschoolingissomethingthatinterestsyouthereisawealthoinormationandsupportgroupsoutthereandsomewonderulsocialmeetupshappeninginyourarea.Therearemanyoptionsavailableandthesewillvaryromstatetostateocourse.Someothekeywordsyoumayliketosearcharedistanceeducationnaturallearningunschoolingalternativeeducationchildledlearninglieskillslearninghomeschooling.Spendsometimeresearchingandaskinglotsoquestions.Itmaybealototrialanderrortondtherighttoryouramily.Whatworksoronepersonmaynotworkoryouramily.ThebestadviceIcangiveanyparentcontemplatinghomeschoolingortheirASDchildisListentoyourinnervoicetrustyourinstinctsandheart.Youaretheexpertonyourchildandknowwhatisbestorhimher.EnjoythejourneyBeautestingwaterqualityBeauaddingtohisrockcollection 66AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEWelcometothefrstinaseriesoarticlesorandaboutAspieMothers.RecentlyIwasdiagnosedwithAspergersSyndromeandSensoryProcessingDisorderandImMumtoonesonPossumwhoisnearlytwowhoisarealdelightandjoy.AboutmyselIlovewritinginparticularcreativewritingreadingphotographyThreadlessTshirtsIhavequiteacollectionothemandlearningtobettermyselasaperson.DuetoparentingatoddlerIdontgetmuchtimetopursuemyspecialinterestsbutIdoneedtoocusononeortwotosavemysanity.StrugglingwithbeingaMumwaswhatledmetopursuingadiagnosisormysel.AterreadingRudySimonesbookAspergirlsiteltlikealightbulbmomentorme.MyliemadesomuchsenseandIeltsorelieved.SincereadingRudysbookIhavecontinuedtogainabetterunderstandingomyselandishelpingmelivealiewhereIamabletocopemuchbetterandbealothappier.QuotetakenfromarticlequotetakenfromarticleparentingAspiemumByKERRILYNNHARRIS AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE67parentingEarlyoninmymotheringjourneywhenPossumwasstillunderayearoldIwouldaskmyselthesequestions.WhydoIeelsoangryatmysonattimesWhydoIgettoapointwhereIjustdonotwanthimnearmeWhyamInotabletobesosel-sacricingormychildlikeIhearaboutotherMumsdoingWhydoIwanttorunawayratherthancomorthimwhenheisscreamingwhilstIamalreadystressedIknewIwasdiferenttootherMumsandhavealwayseltdiferentasaperson.Ijustdidntknowwhy.ThoseclosetomedidntunderstandorhelpeitherandotenIendedupeelingsoguiltythatIcouldntbethereorPossumasmuchasheneededme.IeltIwasailinghim.ItdidnthelpthatmyMumwhoisacounselor-noofensetohersheisawesomeotherwisewasalwaystalkingaboutbrainresearchearlyattachmentSensoryoverloadeasilyimpactsmyparentinganddaytodayliving.Thisusuallyhappensromamessychaotichouseawhingycryingtoddlertoomanythingstodoandnotenoughtime.stressandtheimpactonababyeventhoughtheydontrememberit.IknewallthisbutjustcouldntdomorethanIwasalreadydoing.ItwassoupsettingasIhadallthesedreamsabouthowIwantedtobelikeasaMumandthenbamitwasallgoneinthesmokeoreality.IwassoondiagnosedwithPostNatalDepressionPNDbymydoctor.IrangPANDAPNDsupportlineandtheyhavebeenaantasticsupportbyringingmeweeklythenortnightlyandnowmonthly.ItwasalsoveryhelpultohavesomeonetotalktoaboutwhatwasgoingonandwhounderstoodhowhardbeingaMumcouldbe.Mymainstrugglesarewithalwaysbeingonorneededbymyson.Itisverydrainingtobearoundanotherpersonalldayeverydayeventhoughheismyson.Indmyselhighlystressedasaresultandstruggletododaytodaycarelivingattimes.TherearetimeswhereIcopemuchbetterandnowwithimplementingasel-careplanishelpingmetocopemorebywalkingdailyandlisteningtoaPMRexercise.Sensoryoverloadeasilyimpactsmyparentinganddaytodayliving.Thisusuallyhappensromamessychaotichouseawhingycryingtoddlertoomanythingstodoandnotenoughtime.ThesethingssendmeovertheedgeIeelrozenandcantmotivatemyseltomanageit.Escalationothesethingswhetheritsmessacryingtoddlerorhavingtoomuchtodowillurtherstressmeandcancontinuethecycle.Sel-harmissomethingIhardlyevertalkabout.ThishashappenedeversinceIwasquiteyoungwheneverIwasstressedangryandclosetoameltdown.SincerealisingitcanbepartohavingAspergersSyndromeIamlessembarrassedaboutitandtryingtobemoreproactiveaboutchannellingitintoamorepositiveway.Theselharmgotworsewhenmysonwasyounger.NowbeingawareoitItrytostopitanddosomethingelse.Whatmakesthingsworseismysonhasnowstartedtoimitateme.Idontwantthistocontinue.TheintenseeelingsotencometomewhenIaminthemiddleosomethingIcantwalkawayromusuallychanginganappy.Thisleadsmetomynextstruggleemotionmanagement.Iamnotverygoodatitandusedtobeamessromeelingemotionsintensely.IwascompletelyunawareandhadnoideahowtocontrolmyemotionsorrecogniseIwasreachingmeltdownpoint.ItwouldjustsuddenlybeuponmeandIdexplode.RecognisingwithinmybodywhenIamgettingclosetomeltdownpointIhavelearnedtoputstrategiesinplacetohelpmecalmdown.Iamstillworkingonimplementingthemandrecognisingthesigns.HavingachildissounpredictableandverystressultomynormalairlycontrolledlieWhenmysonwasyoungerIoundmyselescalatingquitequicklytoameltdown.Lettinggoolittleroutinesandritualswithachildaroundwasaconstantstruggle.ImalwayseelingonedgewithhimaroundandneverknowiIwilleverbeabletodothethingsIplannedto.Butthingsareslowlygettingeasier.Amajorstruggleihaveiswithnotbeingabletopursuesomeomyspecialinterests.Imissthedaysobeingabletositdownandgetintothezonewithmywritingtakingphotosorinthedarkroomandevenwithabook.WithayoungchilditisvirtuallyimpossibletodothisandIhaveoundittobeincrediblyrustrating.OtenIhavemournedmyoldlieandreedom.IthinkeveryMothergoesthroughthisthoughnotjustMotherswithAS.RealisingnowIneedtoatleastpursueonespecialinteresttomaintainmysanitysoItrytoreadregularly.AlsowritingorthismagazineandwritingmyownbookaboutbeingaMumwithAS.AlthoughtherearealotostrugglesormewithbeinganASMumIvehadsuccessestoo.OverallIdoenjoybeingaMumbutithasjusttakenmelonger 68AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingtorealiseitandworkwithMotherhoodratherthanagainstit.OneomyhighpointsoMotherhoodwasinactthebirthomyson.IhadabeautiulandempoweringhomebirthandyesitwasintensehardworkbutIgotthroughitbyocusingononecontractionatatime.NothingpreparedmeortheamazingrushohormonesandemotionsaterPossumwasborn.ItwasthebesthighIhaveeverhad.Hehadlotsoskintoskinwithmeaterthebirth.BeorePossumsbirthIresearchedwidelyanddecidedhomebirthingwasormeasIdidnotwanthisbirthtohappeninastrangeenvironmentandtobetouchedbystrangers.IbreasteedPossumandco-sleepwithhim.FortunatelyIdidnothavemajorsensoryissuesaboutbreasteeding.Intheearlydaysbreasteedingwashardandbeinganewbornotentookanhourormore.Sittingstillandholdingababythatlongwasastruggle.Co-sleepingwashardattimesduetosensoryissuesandtheneednotbetouchedallthetime.Igetverytouchedouteasily.ButsomehowImanagedituntilhewasabout9monthsoldandthenhewentintoacotnexttoourbed.Hiscotrunsalongsideourbedwiththesidedownsotechnicallywestillco-sleepbutnowhehashisownspaceandwehaveours.NothingpreparedmeortheamazingrushohormonesandemotionsaterPossumwasbornIreadalotaboutparentinginparticularaboutattachmentempatheticparenting.BeingapartothehomebirthcommunityintroducedmetoadierentstyleoparentingthanwhatIwasraisedin.IwasraisedinquiteanauthoritarianhomesonaturallyIhadthisharshviewoparenting.IvowedtomyselthatIdidnotwanttoraiseanyomychildrenthewaythatIhadbeen.EvenbeorePossumwasbornIstillhadthisharshviewonhowIwouldtreatmybaby.LookingbackIamhorriedIeverthoughtthatway.AllmyoldviewswentoutthewindowwhenIreadaboutattachmentparentingitwashardattachingtoPossumbutIdidmybest.EarlyonIdidalotobaby-wearingasIdidnotknowwhatelsetodotohelphimsleepashewouldnotstayasleepwheneverIlaidhimdown.SincethenIhavelearntthatthisisnormalbabybehaviourbutquitestressulandstifingoranAspieMum.SobabywearingitwaseventhoughitwasstillhardormebutatleastIcouldmovearoundinquietandnotbestressedbycrying.OneothepositivesobeingaMumwithASSPDisduetomySPDIamsupersensitiveandintunewithmysonmostothetime.Icansensewhenthingsareupsettinghimandwhenhedoesntlikesomethingbeoreanyoneelsedoes.OthershavecommentedonhowintuneIamwithhimandneverrealisedthisuntilsomeonesaidsomethingtomeaboutit.ThemoreIthoughtaboutitthemoreIrealiseditwasconnectedwithmySPDalongwithmyconsciousdecisiontoparentdierently.Attachmentparentingdidnotcomenaturallytomeatall.IttaughtmeadierentwayoparentingandIamtryingtobreakthecycleohowIwasparentedandtrytoparentPossuminaconnectedattachedwayasbestIcan.Iamalwayslearningandimproving.Dr.LauraMarkhamoAhaparenting.comhasbeenincrediblyhelpulinmyparentingjourney.Shehasareenewsletterwithantasticparentingtipsthathavealwayshelpedme.Theonethingthatstoodouttomeinoneoherarticleswasthatmynumberoneparentingresponsibilityismanagingmyownemotions.Iamworkingtowardsthis.OverallPossumhasbeenacatalystorchangeinmylie.IamamuchbetterpersonbecauseohimandheishelpingmetogrowupandbethepersonIammeanttobe.OneomyavouritequotesaboutparentingisthisParentingisthenalrontier.Itstheplacewhereweunlockwhoweare.Itstheplacewhereourchildrengrowusupraisingusasweraisethem.Itsalsotheplacewhereweloseourcarkeysalot.Andourpatience.Andourperspective.Onsomedaysourhope.Andthenthroughthemiracleorelationshipwendallothem.Andmoveorward.LuHanessian.nothisrealname.SunshineButterfliesisaregisteredcharitythatprovidesservicesandsupporttopeoplewithadisabilityandtotheirfamilies.Phone0754702830Emailadminsunshinebutterflies.com.au AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE69parentingAlthoughIwasalwaysawarethatIwassomehowdierenttootherpeopleIwasnotactuallyawarethatIhadAspergerssyndromeuntilatermyveyearoldsonhadbeendiagnosed.ThediagnosischangedalotothingsandIthinkthatbeingawareothereasonsormyowndierenceshasmademeabetterparent.Thoseearlyyearsopre-diagnosisparentinghoweverwerereallytough.Bondingwithmynewsonwasaverydifcultproposition.Iexpectedsomemagicalather-sonbondtoautomaticallydevelopduringthebirthingprocessbutitdidnt.MywiewouldregularlyaskmeiIhadbondedyetandbeingagenerallytruthulpersonIkepthavingtodisappointher.Itwasnotnewsthatshetookwell.Thingschangeddrasticallywhenshearrangedormetotakeouroneyearoldtoswimminglessons.Ihadtobeinthepoolwithhimallthetimeandholdhimortheentirelesson.Oursonalsoneededtolearntotrustme.AtrsthewasjustapooltoytomebutasherespondedmoreandmorewebecamebuddiesandIreallybeganlookingorwardtoourweeklytimeinthepool.IcantsaythattheswimminglessonsdidanythingorhisswimmingabilitythatsanotherstorybutIcansaythatitmadetheather-sonbondpossible.Theotherrelationshipthatwasaectedbythebirthomysonwasmymarriagewithparenthoodputtingitunderconsiderablestrain.Therewasalotgoingonemotionallyandthenewbabydrasticallycutintoourcoupletime.Weoundourselveswithmuchlesstimetotalk.InanormalrelationshipIguesscoupleswouldrelymoreheavilyonnon-verballanguagesuchasgesturetoneandexpressionbutasIwouldlaterdiscoverourswasnotanentirelynormalrelationship.Myabilitytointerpretorevenrecognisethepresenceothosenon-verbalsignalswasminimal.ItwasonlyyearslaterasIbegantounderstandAspergerssyndromethatIrealisedhowmuchIhadbeenmissing.Thecommunicationproblemsbecameworseasthedierencesinourchildrenbegantosurace.MywiewouldbringtheseworryingbehaviourstomeonlytobetoldthatitwasnormalandthatIhaddonethesamethingsattheirage.TheproblemwasthatIhadnoconceptowhatwasnormalandIhadnounderstandingothenegativeeectthatmydismissiveattitudewashavingontherelationship.Graduallyhowevertheexpertsbegantoagreewithmywie.Theybegantocastmeaningulglancesinmydirectionandwouldmutterthingsliketheappledoesntallarromthetree.FirstIthoughtthatitwasjustaconversationalphraseignoringituntilmywietoldmethatitwasimportant.IbegantoponderthemeaningandthiswastherstcluethatItoowasdierent.MyeldestisnowtwelveandmywieandIhavemanagedtostayhappilymarriedor15years.IdontthinkthatwecouldhavedoneitwithoutcomingtotermswithAspergerssyndrome.FatherhoodontheSpectrumGavinBollardisanITProessionalwriterandcubscoutleader.GavinhasAspergersSyndromeandhasbeenbloggingonthesubjectoAspergersSyndromeathttplie-with-aspergers.blogspot.comorsixyears.HeliveswithhiswieandtwochildrenonthespectruminSydneyAustralia.ByGAVINBOLLARDAUTISMisNotaProcessingitsaDIFFERENTOperatingSystemError 70AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingPlaygroundsorAutisticKidsByKARENGHIDELLAAsaparentorcareritcanbequitedicultndingthingstodowithAutistickids.ThelabelAutisticjustdoesntprovidepeoplewithaperectroadmapohowachildisgoingtobehavetheirlikesordislikes.Yourchildmayhateswingingmychildmayseekoutspinningandjumping.Yourchildmaylovesandminemightnotbeabletotouchit.Yourchildmaybescaredohighequipmentminemightactasthoughhessuperman.WhentryingtondthingsthatareappropriateorAutisticchildrenyoureotenpresentedwitharealchallenge.Itsageneralisationthatjustdoesntwork.ParentsoAutistickidshaveonethingincommonweknowourchildrenandweknowwhatslikelytocauseameltdownwhattheywilllovewhattheywillhateandwhattypeothingsarelikelytohaveyoushakingyourheadthinkingahhhnowthatsjustaskingortroubleonmostdays.ThereareplentyounactivitiesorAutistickidsweregoingtostartbytalkingaboutplaygrounds.AllAbilitiesPlaygroundsWalksThereareseveralAllAbilitiesPlaygroundsWalksinQueenslandandmorearebeingplannedandbuiltbytheBrisbaneCityCouncil.TheseplaygroundsaresomeothebestaroundandextremelypopularwithallkidsTheyincorporateeaturesorallkindsoSpecialNeedsKidsandaretypicallysaerthanalotootherplaygrounds.PioneerParkatLandsboroughisaantasticlittleplaygroundullyencedwithafyingoxthatkidscanbestrappedintoPrattenParkdowntheGoldCoasthasalotoequipmenttosupportchildrenwhoperhapsarentabletomanoeuvretypicalplaygroundequipment.RavenStreetReservehasasensorytrailthatencourageslisteningsmellingseeingandtouching.Theonlydownsideisthatduetotheirpopularitythereareotenalotokidsanditcanbequitenoisyawarningincasethisisanissueoryourchild. AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE71parentingKarenGhidellawww.kidstodo.com.auKarencreatedtheKidsToDowebsitetohelpSouthEastQueenslandparentslocateactivitiesthataresuitableortheirownindividualchildren.KidsToDoprovidesparentswithalltheinormationtheyneedpriortoleavingtheirhome.Itssearchableprovidesbetween5and50photosoeveryactivityandhasmorethan1000activitiesandplaygroundslistedtodate.BODYSOCKSEARMUFFSCRASHMATSWEIGHTEDTOYSCHILDCARSEATCOVERS...ANDLOTSMOREwww.jackautastic.com.auBridgingthespecialneedsgapintheNorthernTerritoryDonnaWallace0449816161donnajackautastic.com.auTheBigandtheBestversustheRestWhenyourelookingorplaygroundsunortunatelyitsveryeasytondthebestplaygroundsbutquitediculttonddetailsotherest.Theseamazingplaygroundsmightbethebesttolookatmighttakeantasticphotosmightbeyourchildsworstnightmare.TogiveyouanexampleHiddenWorldPlaygroundatFitzgibbonisabsolutelyantastictolookatitsoneothosecustombuiltcolourulmasterpiecesthatchildrenandparentsocktoontheweekends.Formychildhestandstheregrippingtheedgesandblinkinghiseyesasotherkidsrunpasthimconstantlybumpingintohim.HeholdshishandsupindisgusteachtimehegoesdownaslidewhichisinadarktunnelandisscarythepoorlittlethingiscoveredinsandandveryuncomortableItstoohotinsummerhasminimalshadeandalotohighequipmentthatmylittlesupermanwouldhappilyjumpstraightofHesstressedImstressedandwereallydontenjoyourselves.UstinovCrescentParkatMcDowallisquiteboringtolookatbutwhenItakemykidstothisplaygroundtheygiggleandgiggleandgiggle.Itscoveredbyshadehasoorcoveringsthatmychildrenareverycomortablewithandawindyslidethatisoutintheopenallowingthemtoseethejourneythattheirlittlebodyisabouttomake.BiggerisnotalwaysbetterInsummaryWhatsaPlaygroundAplacethatcombinesvariouspiecesoequipmentandtexturesaimedtoentertainyourchild.Iyouwanttomaximiseyourchildsenjoymentandminimiseyourownstressyousimplyneedtondaplaygroundthathasasetoeaturescompatiblewithyourchild.Iyourchildisarunnerndaplaygroundthatisullyenced.Iyourchildhasissueswithcertainoorcoveringse.g.sandndaplaygroundwithasyntheticoorcovering.Iyourchildthinkshessupermanndalowplaygroundoronethathasrailsallaround.Iyourchildissensitivetoheatndaplaygroundthatisshady.Iyourchildhatesnoisetakehimtolargerplaygroundsmid-weekandlesspopularplaygroundsonweekends.AnddontorgetcreatingaSocialStoryinadvanceothevisitwillhelphimprepareortheexperienceCOMMINGSOONGotoourwebsitetondoutmore...httpusofautism.com 72AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureOureldestsonsixyearsoldwashavingagoodoldashionedmeltdown.HewasnearingtheendoitwhenIwentinandsqueezedmyatbuttnexttohimonthebottombunktohaveachatwithhim.AsIwriggledandtriedtogetcomortableIhadalookaround.FirstIlookedupatthemeshIhadattachedtohalotheceiling.Itseemedlikeagoodideaatthetimeaplacetostoreallthe3Dartworktheboysproducedatschoolanddaycare.Itseemedlikeagoodidearightupuntilwerealisedjusthowmuchdustendedupthere.Myeyesdriteddownwardtotheshelveswhichheldmementoslikethepewtercaseswithrstteethandrstcurls.Thetallboystoodunderneathwhichheldtheboysclotheswiththechangetablestandingnexttoit.TomyletwasalargebookcasecontainingbooksandmoremementoswithastepladderbesidewhichwekepttheresothatwecouldreachthetopbunktotuckMasterSixinatnight.Completingtheroomweretwobedsidetables.LookingaroundIeltextremelyclaustrophobic.TherewasjusttoomuchstuanditwashelltokeepcleanSousuallywejustdidnt.AstheparentotwochildrenonthespectrumIhavereadalotaboutschoolandshoppingcentreenvironmentsbutIhaveyettoreadanythingonhomeenvironments.IsthisbecauseIhavenotreadasmuchasIhopedIhadorwasitbecausewedontliketotellpeoplehowtoliveOrisitbecauseitshouldbejustobviousImnotsure.ObviouslyitwasntobvioustomeItwasthatdayIrealisedtheboysroomhadtochange.MyhusbandandIwithacoupleoriendswenttowork.Wepulledthebunkbedapartandmadetwosinglebeds.Allthebelongingsweremovedoutotheroomexceptorclothesandacoupleokeepsakesweletontheshelves.Alltheposterswerepulleddownkeepingonlythecross-stitchtheirgrandmotherhasmadethem.Theroomwaspaintedallwhiteexceptoronewallwhichisblue.Wepulledthebooksheloutandputacoupleoshelvesonthewalltodisplayaewbooksputtingtherestothebooksintheloungeroombookcase.Awallanwasinstalledtogetridothefooranwehadduringsummer.Wehavenowgoneromroommeltdownsthatlastoveranhourtoroommeltdownsthatlastlessthantenminutes.Boththeboysarenowsettlingorbedmorequicklyandsleepingbetter.EventhelittlestmunchkinissleepinginKeepingtheroomcleanandtidyisnowonlyamatteropullingupthedoonasandputtingawayanystraybooks.AstheboysshareabedroomwehavealsoboughtthemacircustentromIkeawhichwekeepupintheirtoyroom.ThisistheTentoSolitude.Ioneboyisinthetentthentheyarenottobedisturbedallowingeitherothemspaceitheyneedit.ForyearsIhavebeentryingtodeclutterourhomeashavingclutteraroundmakesmyheadspin.IalwaysthoughtthatIwasjuststrangebuthoweversincethisrevelationinregardsByLINDAWYMESSBedroomenvironmentbeorebeore AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE73featureatertotheboysenvironmentIhavebeenwonderingiperhapsItoohavehadsensoryoverloadrommyhomeenvironment.CertainlyIeelbetterwhenthingsaresparseneatandtidy.IeellessanxiouswhenIlookaroundandseecleanlinesinsteadojumbledmess.Lieiscertainlyeasierwithlesstimespentonhouseworkorsearchingorthings.IyouhavesomeonelivingonthespectruminyourhomeandyouhaventalreadytakenthetimetohaveathinkabouttheirroomandhomeenvironmentthenitmightbethetimetoaskyourselisthereanythingIcandotostreamlineitsomylovedoneoryourseleelslessoverloadedbytheirenvironmentIthascertainlybeneftedouramilyjustromtakingaewmomentstositbackandlookatwhatdeclutteringandimprovementscouldbemade.beoreaterFoodChangesEverythingA6weekonlineAutismDietCourse.YouwilllearnstepbystephowmakingsmallchangeswilladduptoBIGdifferencesinyourchildshealthandhappinessNutritionCoachingforAutismDietswww.nourishmehealth.com.auORGANISEYOURELECTRONICDEVICESstickngo.com.auColourfulCableLabelsIdentifycomputerportabledevicecablesinstantly.Packsfrom16.95Availablein2labelsizes4coloursGeneralenquiriesPh.0488663327 eatureCheckingtheTheproblemwithouryoungsonBradynowaged7isthatherunsandhides.Withnowarningheisoanywhereandeverywhere.Theproblemorusashisparentsisthatwemustndhimandquickly.Itisotensohardtoguesswherehemightbe.Checkthegatesonthedrivewayremainlocked.YesTickChecktherontdoorremainssecurelybolted.YesGoodCheckthehighencesareclearoitemsthatcouldbeusedorclimbingsothereisnoescaperoutethere.YesGreatThesechecksarealwaysagoodstart.AthomeBradyhasseveralpreerredplaceshecanwithdrawtobutnotalways.Heisgoodatndingnewplacestoo.Iweareonaamilyoutingbutthesearerareoccasionsthesedaysorwhenheisatschoolweusuallyhavelittleclueastowherehissaeplacemightbe.ThebigproblemwithouryoungsonBradyisthatwhenyoucallhimhedoesnotanswer.Withnoresponsetoguideushecouldbeanywhere.Theproblemorusashisparentsisthatiittakesustoolongtondhimhemaybeindangerorharmhimsel.ThetimelapsebetweenwhenBradyrunsandwhenheisoundcantakewhateelslikealietimeandisverystressultosayintheleast.Alarmbellsastohissaetyaretriggeredinourminds.Anxietyiscatapultedtonewheightsbutwemustputthattoonesideasweclearourthinkingsharpenoursensesanddesperatelylookorhim.ThebiggerproblemwithouryoungsonBradyisthatwhenwendhimheisusuallyinaretulstateoanxiousearorwithdrawnandvulnerable.Withnoabilitytocommunicatehelosesitandgoesintoameltdown.Theproblemorusashisparentsisthatwehavenotyetworkedouthowtomanagethesemeltdowns.Hisresponsetoanyinterventionistouchyandoverreactive.Evenmummyhugsdontworkwhichaddstotheemotionaldistressalreadyatitspeakromtheranticsearchandattemptedrescue.ThebiggestproblemwithouryoungsonBradyisthathisrunresponseepisodeshappenrequently.Theproblemorusashisparentsisthatwehavenowayodetectingwhentheyareabouttooccurorhowtostopthemoccurring.Itslikelivingonaboatfoatingontheoceanneverknowingwhenthenextstormisgoingtohit.Notastormowindandrainandragingseasmaybewecoulddealwiththatbutthesearestormsophysicalandemotionalduress.SuddenallencumberingtotallydrainingexperiencesorusbutIamsuretheyareorBradytoo.Boundaries74AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEbasedonatruestoryonlythenameshavebeenchangedArticleWrittenByE.A.Synnott featureAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE75Andthenithappened.OurbiggestmostexcitingincrediblerewardingmomenthappenedAmomentthatwouldchangeourlivesorever.ThismomentwaswhenBradyreceivedthebestgiteverthegreatestgitthissevenyearoldcouldwishor.Ablackandshinygitwithabigwetnosekindgentleeyesandsotears.BradysgitwasaSmartPupAssistanceDogcalledJosh.JoshtrainedtoprovidetaskspecicassistancetoBradytodisruptBradysunpredictableanddifculttodealwithbehavioursandkeephimsae.Ourbigbiggerbiggestproblemshavegreatlydiminished.JoshistrainedtotracktooSowhenBradyrunswhichisnotasotenthesedaysJoshwilltrackandndhimquickly.AndmeltdownshavevirtuallystoppedbecauseJoshistrainedtogentlynuzzleBradywhenhehasdesperateresponsestosituations.Joshspresenceishealing.HeseemstobridgeaninvisiblecommunicationbarrierandcalmBrady.Checkthegatesonthedrivewayremainlocked.YesTickOurhouseholdhasseenadramaticchangeorthebettersinceJosharrivedprovidingconsistencyinroutine.Joshisaconstantcompanion.HesitswithBradylistenstoBradysthoughtsrelieveshiseelingsoearandanxietyandcomortshimwhenheiseelingsadandlow.HavingJoshisbesidehimatnighthelpsBradytosleepbetter.MorningroutinesarecalmeranddistractinganxietiesaregreatlyreducedasJoshassistshimtogetreadyortheday.Outingsaredo-ableandevenenjoyablenowasJoshistetheredtoBradywalkingrighttherebesidehim...everystepothewayguidingandprotectinghimoutinthebigwidescaryunpredictableworld.TheschoolisgrateultooasthecalminginuenceoJoshreducesunpredictableepisodesandrunresponses.OnoccasionswhenBradydoesrunJoshcantrackandndhimquicklyensuringheissae.HavingatrainedAssistanceDoghasopendoorsandshitedtheboundariesgivinglightandreedomtoouronceclosedworld.ThiscaninecompanionromSmartPupscontinuestohelpusallthroughtheeverydaysocialchallengesolivingwithanAutismSpectrumDisorder.Ouramilywillbeorevergrateulorthispreciousgit.SmartPupsisarecognisedcharitythatspecialiseinprovidingtrainedservicedogstoassistchildrenwithspecialneeds.SmartPupsbreedraiseandtrainspeciallyselectedGoldenRetrieversandLabradorpuppiestomeettheparticularneedsotheirrecipientchild.Asservicedogstheyhelpwithdailyroutineshelpreducestresslevelsandrelievethesocialisolationspecialneedschildrenoteneelallowingthemtoenjoythecompanionshiployaltyandlovethatdogscangive.WEBSITEwww.smartpups.org.auEMAILenquiriessmartpups.org.auAssistingDogsmakingadiferencetothelivesochildrenwithspecialneedsTakehomeaSmartPuppyor12monthsandgivebackatrainedAssistanceDogthatwillchangealittlepersonslie.eature 76AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEartBeoreshewalkedortalkedNekeaBlagoevcoulddraw.Shedrovehermothercrazydrawingonwallsandcuttingupbedspreadscreatingonecreationateranother.Awithdrawnchildwithnosiblingsandnotmanyriendssheentertainedherselorhoursonend.WhenotherlittlegirlswanteddollymagazinesIwantedpensandpencils.IwouldspendhourseachdaydrawingandmakingupboardgamesjigsawpuzzlesandstoriessaysNekea.GrowingupNekeaeltlikeshedidntbelong.Soundsandsightsoverwhelmedher.Tagsonclothesscratchedhersensitiveskinandroughabricsbotheredher.Nekeahadsignicantdelaysindevelopingspeech.Shewasmostlynonverbalonlytalkingtopeoplewhosheknewwellandthenwithone-wordresponses.UntilshewasinherlatetwentiesNekeaneverhadameaningulconversation.Addingtohereelingsoalienationshedevelopedinvoluntaryacialticswhennervous.AsateenagerNekeawasdiagnosedwithdepression.Despiteallthesechallengesshereceivedadegreeinvisualarts.Insteadopursuingacareerinartshedecidedtoollowanotheroherpassions-cooking.Nekeapossessedasensitivepalatebeingabletodiscernsubtletiesinfavours.NekeawonapprenticecheotheyearandthirdplaceinMasterotheKitchenonHaymanIsland.Nekeareerstoherculinaryinventionsascreatingartonaplate.TodayNekeaistwenty-nineandworkingasanartist.Allalongthewayarthassustainedher.In2011thingschangedorNekea.ShewasgivenadiagnosisoAspergersSyndrome.ManymightthinkreceivingadiagnosisoAspergerswouldbetraumatic.ForNekeaitwasliberating.WhenIwasrstdiagnosedIeltinstantrelie.AterlivingmostomylieinthedarktherewerenallyanswerstosomanyothequestionsIhaveaskedmysel.InsomeoddwayInallyeltnormal.AlltheoddthingsIhadpreviouslyexperiencedaboutmyselwerejustpartohavingAspergersexplainsNekea.Thediagnosishelpedmecomeoutomyshell.Itgavemeavoice.AllmylieIwasmorenon-verbalthannot.OnlythroughmyartwasIabletoexpresswhoIwasinside.NowIwonderiIhadbeendiagnosedearlierwouldinterventionshavepreventedmanyotheissuesIvehadtodealwithandamstillworkingontodaysaysNekea.TheAspergersdiagnosisexplainedwhyshehadtroublettingintotheworld.Herwithdrawalwasnatural-acopingtechnique.ManychallengesplagueNekeadailyduetoherAspergers.Shehasspatialandbalanceissuesnotknowingwhereherbodystopsandotherthingsstart.Ibumpintothings.Imscaredtodeathtodrivesomedaysbecausemyperceptionodistanceisntaccurate.Myeyesaresuper-sensitive.Soundscanbepiercingtomyearssheexplains.LikemanysavantswhoarealsoontheautismspectrumNekeahasaphotographicmemoryoimagespeopleconversationsandevenstreets.Sheattributeshermeltdownstobeingoverwhelmedwithinormation.SometimesIeelmybraincantprocessonemorebitoinormationshesays.DespiteallthisNekeaisoptimisticItshowyouchoosetodealwithandovercomechallengesthatmakesyouabetterperson.Wheneelingoverwhelmedshehaslearnedtostepbackandassesssituations.Iitsnotlie-threateningIknowitsmenotwhatshappeningexternallyshesays.NekeaTheMagicalWorldofByDEbRAHOSSEINI AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE77artNekeahasworkeddiligentlysinceherdiagnosisonherspeechreadingbookslisteneningtoCDsandattendingworkshopstoovercomeherdicultyspeakingandinteracting.Forthersttimeinherlieshehadameaningulconversation.In2012shechallengedherselurtherbybecominganinternetradiohostorcingherseltointerviewpeopleodiversebackgrounds.Theradioshowwasasteppingstonetohelpmetalkmore.SincethenIhaventbeenabletoshutupMyartworkhastakenofsomuchthatInolongerhavetimeortheradio.Theshowhelpedmegetovermynerves.LiehasaunnywayohelpingyouwiththethingsyouneedtoimproveonrecountsNekea.NekeabelievestheAspergershelpsherartbymakinghermorecreative.IbelieveartistheanswerandcuresmyAspergers.Itsimportanttoeedthemindwithwhatitthrivesonandwhatitunderstands.YesIseetheworlddiferentlybutImmyversiononormalinhereshesaystappingherchest.Aspergershasgivenmethegitoartwritingjewellery-makingpoetrycomicscookingandphotography.Ithasgivenmeacreativemindandwayothinkingshesays.NotonlyisNekeaaproessionalartistsheisalsoaproessionalphotographerwriterandpoet.Inordertoaccomplishallshehasshetaughtherseltime-managementtechniquesandcarriesasketchbookinwhichsheconstantlysketchesherideas. 78AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEartEachyearIwritealistogoals-everythingIwanttoachievewithintheyear.Thiskeepsmegroundedandocused.Mygoalsthisyeararetokeepontrackwithmyperormanceandmomentumandincreasemylevelosuccessshestates.Nekeaisdisciplinedandstructuredinherapproachtoherart.Herdaystartsmid-morning.Shesilencesherphoneinherartstudioandbeginsherworkbyorganisingherpaintbrushespainttinsandsmashedglasspieces.HerartstudioisconnectedtoherhomewithaviewoutFrenchdoorstoalusciousgardenandapondwithalittlewaterall.Itsimportanttomycreativeprocesstoworkinanorganisedinspiringenvironment.Icanthavedistractionslikethephone.WhenImonarollIgointoatranceanditsasiImone-with-the-painting.ThephoneringingwouldinterruptthatonenessanditsjusttoohardtogetitbackiIloseitNekeaexplains.NekeahaswritteninspirationalquotesonherwallsIamasuccessulamousartistYouarewhatyouthink.Thesequoteskeepmedreamingsheremarks.TodayNekeaisinalivelymoodandturnsondancemusicasshestartsherprocess.ThemusicdependsonmymoodandwhatitisthatImtryingtocreate.IthepaintingneedsattentionorpurityIpaintwithsilenceeliminatinganyoutsideinuence.IImpaintingsomethingthatscolourulandunIliketolistentodanceorpopmusic.IImpaintingsomethingdramaticIlllistentosotrockormellowmusic.IImdoingline-workIlistentotechno.MusicafectsthewayIpaintandtheresultsowhatIcreateisdiferentdependingonwhatImlisteningtosaysNekea.Nekeasartiselaborateandrequiresdiferingtechniquesoreachstage.Shedescribesanuncontrollablesurgebetweenherbrainandherhandoverwhichhasnocontrol.Itsimplyspillsoutontothecanvas.Onepartotheprocessocreatingherartinvolvessmashingglassintosmallragmentsaboutthesizeoangernail.Nekeathenpainstakinglysandseachtinypiecesotheedgesarentsharp.Thesepiecesoglassareplacedonepieceatatimelikeajigsawpuzzleontoherpainting.GlasscanbeusedindiferentwaysIalsosometimescrushglassdowntoasandandusethismixtureorbeachscenes.Colouredglassanddiferentshapesoglasscreatediferentefectssheexplains.Theprocessocreatingherglassjigsawpuzzle-efectrequiresmuchpatienceandprecision.Hercreationoboardgamesandjigsawpuzzleswhenshewasyounglaidthegroundworkorherarttoday.OneoNekeasrstsoloexhibitionswasheldinthedark.Everyonewhoattendedwashandedatorchtolighttheirwaythroughtheexhibit.Thetorchlighthadtheefectomakingthepaintingsglowaddingathreedimensionalaspecttotheirappeal.IImpaintingsomethingdramaticIlllistentosotrockormellowmusic. AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE79artMyintentionistocreateworksthatshineandglistencomingtoliebeoretheobserverseyes.Iwantpeopletoeeltheemotiontheessencethevapoursoasceneasitheyarethere.ToopenthemindseyeandseewhatsnotthereistheultimateexperienceNekeamuses.BecauseexhibitionscanbeoverwhelmingorpeoplewithsensoryissuesNekeahaslearnedtobreatheandrelax.NekearefectsIemptymymindonegativethoughtsaboutwhatcouldgowrongreplacingthemwithpositivethoughts.Iimagineeverythingrunningsmoothlyandallthepaintingsselling.Idrawapictureohowitsgoingtoturnout.AnhourbeoretheribboniscutortheopeningoanexhibitionImeditate.WhenNekeaneedsapick-me-upsheonlyhastoreadthecommentsinherguestbook.IseeallthepeoplewhohavecommentedandenjoyedmyartworkandIthinkoallthosepeoplewhomIhavegivensmilesto.ThiskeepsmegoingsoIamabletoamazethenextpersonshesays.Mostartistsareortunateitheyselloneortwopiecesatanexhibition.ItisnotunusualorNekeatosellalltheartondisplayonopeningnightooneoherexhibits.In2011shewonthePeoplesChoiceAwardorMackaysArtonShowoutoover241entriesorherartpieceFreezeFrame.AlthoughherartisindemandingalleriesintheUnitedStatesshedoesntthinkshewillbeexhibitingthereanytimesoon.ShehastroublekeepingupwiththedemandorherartinherhomecountryoAustralia.OneothesuccessessheismostproudoisherartbeingconvertedintoapostagestamporGlobalAutismAwarenessDaywhichhasallowedittobeviewedallovertheworld.NekeassuccessisduenotonlytohercreativityandpassionbuttounderstandingherselthroughherAspergersdiagnosis.Herabilitytoovercomechallengesthatmostwouldseeaspermanentbarriersisinspirationaltoallwhomeether.ThemagicalworldNekeacapturesisnotonlythroughherartbutthroughherliestorywhichchangeswitheachnewobstaclesheovercomes.OnecanfndmoreoutaboutNekeaandherartbyvisitingwww.getsmashedart.comhttpswww.acebook.comgetsmashedarthttpswww.acebook.comgetsmashedartbynekeablagoev 80AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEartOriginallIwasbornintesmalltownoTirauinteeartotenortislandoNewZealand.MamilmoedomemantimesbeoremftbirtdaandwasalwascenteredaroundtistindotodaircommunitwitourlastmoeendinguinteWaikatotownsioTokoroa.Mlateaterwodiedatteageo53workedasabakertenlaterasaulandaermillworker.Inissaretimeewasarolifccratsmanworkinginwoodandotermaterialsaswellasracticalitemssucasouseextensionsandoterlargeomerojects.Mmoteraomemakerseamstressandrolifccookcontinuestoamazemestilltodaatteageo70baintingteinsideandoutsideoerownouseBotmarentswereercaableeoleinmanwas.FormucoteearmmoterwouldsendmannigtsuuntilteearloursdoingsewingalterationstomaketemonetogotowardaingorourCristmasolidas.OneearIrecallwatcingersendabouttenourscuttingoutandandsewingsmalllacerosesontoalocalgirlsweddingdress.Mmoterwanteditjustrigt...notobsessielbutbecauseitwastewaitsouldbe.Rarelwasitabouttemoneonlcarginganominaleeortedress.TisisoneotequalitiesIetriedtomaintaintrougmartisticjourne.MarentsworkederardandalsomadeworkingrojectsormselandmtwoBIOGRAphySTEvENConventry artAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE81elderbroterstoworkontoelpmakeextramone.Wewerentawealtamilbanmeansbutwemadetemostowatweadwatwecreatedandwatlieoered.Originallterewasourcildreninouramil.Alexandrameldestsisterandmparentsrstcilddiedsixmontsatermbirt.Alexandrawasonlsixearsoldwensedevelopedleukemiaprobablasaresultoplaingandpickingowersinteeldswitotersmallgirls.FieldsbacktenwereregularlspraedwitagentssucasDDTandoternownotoriouspesticides.Severaloteoungcildrenotesametownalsodevelopedsimilarconditions.MmoterSirlediderbestandinnowaaveIeverblamedmparents.TosomedegreeIunderstandtetraumatesueredtelackomedicalknowledgeandsupportteinadequatecounselingandcopingskillsoteera.AsAlexsillnessprogressedorteworseIwasasadevelopingoetussubjectedtoradiationromtecemoterapanditseectsaswellascortisonetreatmentsalcooldrugandsexualabuseissues.Mmoteralsocontractedtoxoplasmosispoisoningatergardeningwitoutglovesinanareawiccatsadbeenusingasacommunaltoilet.Tisallledtoconditionssucaspartialldetacedretinascausingmetoseebrokensectionsolamenttataremeanttobeoldingmretinasinplaceoatingpastmvision.Tiscanbequitedisorientating.BeinganincrediblsensitivecildandcontinuouslmisunderstoodIgrewobsessivelstrongconnectionswitallanimalsbutespeciallwitcatsandmanvarietiesoinsectssucastepraingmantisortegumemperormotbotowicstillascinatemetoda.Icanstillmakemmoterlaugbbeingcaptivatedattesiteoapraingmantiseggcaseatcingandalltegorgeoustincreaturesmakingteirwaintotenewworld.ButmostlIwascompletelabsorbedinteistorandcultureoancientEgptwiccontinuestotisda.Overtelastdecadeitasmadeitspresenceknowninmucomlieandwork.Mscoolingwasbeondinadequateorsomeonewitmtenunrecognisedissues.Manotesewereunderlingtemorevisibleoneswicadtobedealtwitrst.SomanomlearningdifcultieswereneverpickedupandadtosurviveonaverlimitededucationwicIavecontinuouslandattimesquiteobsessivelsupplementedwereable.youwillbelittlebettertanasign-writerioupursueartasacareersaidmprudisandquitepretentiousSwedisartteacerattetenderageoteenwiletearingupmrstoriginalabstractpaintinginrontome.Selabeledmeasadeviantduetotemainocusotepaintingbeinganakedemaletorsocompletewitullbreastsbutwitsomealterations.Wereteeadsouldavebeenwasteeadligtoamotorccleandromtesouldersappearedteandlebars.Frombelowerwaistappearedterontweelotebikeandtegurewasspeedinggloriousldownroute66.howquicklanartteacerorgetsuniquecreativepotential.Tiswasjustoneepisodeomansuctraumastauntspsicalbullingandemotionaltormentbbotstaandscoolmates.Atteageoabout14Irecallmbestriendattetimegrabbingandtwistingteandlebarsombiccleaswerodeomeromscooltogeterdownaillwitquiteaseveregradient.Iwasimmediatelpropelledintoteairovertebarslandingontopombikeandbreakingmletelbowandbruisingmletipandkneewiccontinuetoaggravateeventoda.ItriedactingnormalormanearsomlateteensinanattempttotintoaworldIknewdeepdownImigtneverndaplacein.Terearemanreasonsoneotembeingmomosexualitalielongbattlewitwatwastenundiagnosed 82AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEartcronicdepressionananxietydisorderandsocialpobiaresultinginseveralmajornervousbreakdownsinmyinitialcareerasaproessionalceandinmyrelationsipsandpersonallie.WorstandmostdrainingoallwaskeepingupteactwitamilyandteewriendsImanagedtoattract.FamilyjustassumedIwasdicultlazyabludgerandmoretanuseless.AttisstageIadverylittleideaotemainexplanationorwatIwasexperiencing.Itriedendlesswaystatworkedorotersgoodwaysbadwaysandsomeomyowncreation.AnywayandnowaycouldanyotemaveworkednorcouldIavemaintainedtatacadeonormality.Itisnoteasytoconstantlyactletalonetomaintainteamountoenergyrequiredtoactorpeople.IcontinuedtobecomemoreandmoreoareclusespendingmoreandmoretimeonmyownwitanimalsandwitEgypt.Itwasanunusualreturnbacktobeingorevenconsideringbeingartisticnottatiteverwasarrommymind.BeingunemployedduetoboutsodepressionrommypreviouscareerasaproessionalceandmyrstandexperienceonearomelessnessincentralAucklandwitteinabilitytositstillanddonotinginspiredmetopickupapenbegincreatingapointillismportraitoamoustacedman.NowattispointIadnevereveneardtewordpointillismletalonetemanyotercreativepursuitsIavetaugtmyselbutonceIadcompletedtatrstaceitsowedmewitoutadoubtweremytruepatintislielay.SincetatrevelationIavecontinuedtoexpandontattecniqueaswellasteacingmyselanyotertecniquesandstyleorexperimentingwitmediumstatIavebeenintuitivelydrawntooincludingpaintinginoilsacrylicsusingmanystylesbotabstractandintricatelygeometric.IvealsodiscoveredtatIavebeenabletoexpressmyintenseloveoancientEgyptinsomeomypaintingsmucomyclayandstonesculpturesandcarvingsaswellasindividualpiecessucasapairoeyeohoruscufinksImadeormypartnercarer.TesearejustsomeotemanycreativeeldsIdancebetween.UponacrazystarttolieinAustraliaatteageo30Ieventuallyappeneduponaspiritualpartnerwoinspiredandencouragedmyspiritualandmyartisticpotential.TeyotengavemeteunderstandingandspacetobemyselandinturnIbegandevelopinganewstyleoexpressioninmymandalasandotersacredgeometryaswellasanewtypeosel-condenceacceptanceandsel-love.Soonaterinaround2004InallyoundtelabelormyliesissuestereasonwyIavemigrainesattimesogreatintimacywywatersometimeseelslikerazorsbladesandconversationseelnotmucbetter.AspergersSyndromeSincelearningitsnameIavediscoveredmanyotetriggersandreactionstataveauntedmyexistencedepressionanxietyeelingsoisolationconusionrustrationwitawolerangeoco-morbidriends.Tisaselpedmetogetmoreoanunderstandingandawarenessomysel.Weotenaretaugttotinkitspartoourumanconditionbutotenitspartoagreatercondition.IvelearntnowtogivemyselabreakontebaddaysandtoaccepttetingsImustbutweretingscanbecangedoradaptedortebetter.OncediscoveredteprocessissoonunderwayandsoIknowmyselbetterandallowmyseltogrowinamorepositiveandcreativedirection.AlargeportionomyartasbecometeMandala-inSanskritmeaningWoleBeing.Notmannotwomannotgoodnotbadbutwolenessandarmony.DuringmyjourneyIavealsogateredawealtoknowledgeandskillatusingcakracoloursorcoloursrepresentingteenergycentresotebody.Iavediscoveredteincredibleealingpotentialpersonallyandaveseentecangestakeplaceinpeopleaterbeingintepresenceosomeomylargermandalaswicattimesseemtoalmostpulsatewitenergy.Somethingthatinspiresmeandotherswholookatmywork.OtenpeoplearetoobusygivingartoverlyintellectuallabelsandinsigtsbutIjusttinkyourownpersonalinteractionwitartisstrictlytat-yourownpersonaljourneysimilartomyeelingsonspiritualityingeneral.InalotomyworkIveusedmetallicoilstoreectligttedotsandbuildingupotedotworkconveysanenergytatIandotersndcaptivatingandencanting.StartingwitoldEastereggwrappersIbegantoseetepotentialoitsuseinmyancientEgyptiansculpturestorepresentteoriginalelementssucasgoldlapislazuliandotersuccolours.Idevelopedteprocessoaderingsmallspotsindividuallycutusingaolepunctocertainpointsonmymandalastoaccenttecoloursusedintepaintingitsel.Wenstruckbysunsineteyliterallyglow.SincetenIaveusedavariationonsomeomylargerabstractpaintingswereIavepouredonresinstoadddeptandricnesstoeaconeinaprocessakintoFabergesuseoGuilloceEnamelingOterworkIdoandopetoreturnbacktosoonisStoneCarvingCarpentryclayandplasterworkandlargerscalepainting-Atrueartist. AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE83technologytechnologicalrEvIEwByRYANMCNEILLY-SMITHAseeyoneknospeopleontheAutismSpectumhaeaspecialinteestGuesshatmineisOkyougotitstgoitsComputesweallhaeouonmemoyoheneeestintoducedtocomputesoelectonicsingeneal.MineishenIasattheageotheemaybeThecomputeasinouspaeoomIemembethemonitoasbigandbulky.AtthatageIaseallyintoToyStoysohateeIplayedasToyStoyelatedeencomputegames.IneectionIondeiateatchingthemoieIasascinatedbythenbeingabletomoethechaactes.Sincethattimemyinteestincomputeshascontinuedtogo.IthinkoneothethingsIlikeaboutcomputesistheygieyoutheinomationyouneedithoutallotheextahumaninteactionchallenges.Youdonthaetoeadacialexpessionsandatchosocialcues.Computesdontjudgeomisintepetyoucommunicationstyle.IasheaingaboutothekidsontheSpectumhoeeinteestedincomputesandgaming.withthesuppotoadultsdiscussionseoledintoceatingtheSunshineCoastAspieClub.JustacoupleokidscametothestGamingNightbutonoulastnighto2012ehadabout20kids.Iamsupisedathomanykidshaeasimilainteestincomputesandgaming.IampoudotheaadgientomeomAutismQldtoecognisetheefotthatgoesintoplanninggamingnights.weaelookingoadtogettingtheGamingNightupandunningin2013.FomoeinocontactusonFacebook.acebook.comsuncoastaspieclubRazerEdgerunningSteamsBigPictureModeSourcewww.gizmodo.comTheConsumeElectonicShoCESasheldinLasvegasealyJanuay.Thisyealyeentshocasesup-comingTechincludingGadgetsoyouhomeandcacomputesandanythingelseyoucanthinko.OneothebiggesthitsatthisyeasshoouldhaetobetherazeEdgegamingtablet.ItbingsullPCGaminginapotabledeice.CNETsBonSteindescibeitaslookinglikeatabletbutundethehoodithasthegutsoahighpoeedultabook.TheeaeaiousaccessoiesaailableitcanokasadesktoplaptopaTvconnectedconsoleoenjoyitasahandheldgamingdeice.Iyouthoughtslicedbeadasamazingyouontbelieethis.The3DsystemCube-Xisa3Dpinte.3Dpintingisapocessomakingtheedimensionalsolidobjectsomadigitalmodel.Usingaastangeomateialmultiplecolousthe3Dpintecantunyouideasintoeality.Anythingomkidstoystokitchenutensils.Thesystemetailso24003DSystemCube-XSourcecubex.comTheRazerEdge999rrp10.1inchsceenOSwindos8Coei5chip4Gam64gbSSDTheRazerEdgePro1299rrp10.1inchsceenOSwindos8Coei7chip8Gam128gbSSDo256gbSSDryanMcNeilly-SmithliesonQueenslandsSunshineCoast.In2011ryanoundedtheSunshineCoastAspieClubhichisoallyoungAspiesandAuties.Itasdesignedospectumkidsandteenstomeeteachothetoomiendshipsandhangout.CuentlytheClubmeetsotnightlyoGamingNightandplansaebeingmadeootheeentsin2013.ryanisthepoudecipientothe2012AutismQueenslandCeatieFutuesAadandhasdoneanumbeomediainteies.HeisalsoacetiedHandleoaSmatPup.Andallothisatjust14.aboutryanAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE83egula 84AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEChoosingAppsforchildrenwithautismWithover700000appsforbothiPadandAndroidtabletsitiseasytobecomeoverwhelmedbythetaskofchoosinganapptosuittheneedsofachildontheautismspectrum.Whileitisveryeasytobecomecaptivatedbyexcitinggraphicsandanimationsweneedtoensurethattheappswechooseforourchildrenhavetheabilitytoachievepositivelearningoutcomes.Itistemptingtojustpurchasethefreeappshoweverwemaymisstheopportunitytobuyafantasticappfor99cents.ByBRONWYNSUTTON AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE85regularsGoalFirstAppSecondWeshouldalwaysconsiderthelearninggoalrstbeorewebegintochooseapps.ManyparentsaskmeWhichappshouldIbuyMyresponseisalwaysthesameWhatdoyouwantyourchildtolearnTrytobespecic.Nosingleappwillteachyourchildsocialskillsorimprovetheirbehaviour.Howevertherearemanyappswhichworkonteachingemotionalvocabularyandprovidingrewardsorpositivebehaviours.Iencourageparentstomeetwiththerapistsandproessionalstowritealistospecicgoalsandsuggestedstrategiestoachievethesegoals.FeaturestoConsiderOnceyouhaveagoaltherearemanyeaturesoanapptoconsider.IhaveusedahelpulevaluationtooldesignedbyHarryWalkerwhichcanbeoundonmywebsitehttpswww.learningappguide.comResources.phpIencourageparentsandteacherstoconsidermytoptips1.LearningConnectionDoestheappteachtheskillcorrectlyForexampletherearesomeSocialSkillsappswhichaskthechildtoapproachhisriendsandsayMayIplaywithyouWhilethisisgrammaticallycorrectitisnotthewaychildrentypicallyspeak.Beorethechildbeginstousetheappcheckwiththechildstherapistandteachersthattheappalignswithqualityteachingmethods.2.ChildinvolvementTherearemanyashcardappswherethechildpassivelywatchesashcardsgoby.Tolearnanewskillchildrenneedtobeinvolvedintheirlearning.Theyneedtointeractwiththeapptocompleteataskorbetterstilltocreatesomethingnew.3.AdaptabilityManyappsarewrittenintheUnitedStateswithAmericanvoicesspellingandvocabulary.Selectappswhereyoucanaddyourownpicturesrecordyourvoiceorthechildsvoiceandchangethespelling.4.FeedbackChecktheeedbackgivenwhenthechildiscorrectorincorrect.Iamhorriedatthenegativesoundsorsadacesshowninmanyapps.Oneappsaysnononowhenachildisincorrect.Lookorappswhichoerhintsorencourageachildtotryagain.Alsoconsiderwhetherornotyouwantthechildtoseetheirscoreorseeticksandcrosses.5.SensorySomeappsopenwithaveryloudnoisetoadvertisetheirdeveloperswebsite.Considerthemusicandbackgroundnoiseotheapp.Naturallyyoucanturndownthevolumeonyourdevicebutthenthechildcantheartheinstructionsintheapp.Thescenesinsomeappsarealsovisuallycluttered.6.UserFriendlinessDoesthechildneedtogothroughvescreenstogettotheirscheduleorthedayThinkabouthowindependentlythechildcanusetheapp.Inaclassroomauserriendlyappallowschildrentoworkindependentlyoringroups.7.MotivationAllappsareunthersttimetheyareused.Forchildrenwithlearningdifcultiestheymayneedtoreturntothatapptenortytimes.Childrenwhohaveplayedwiththeexcitinggamingappsmaybereluctanttochooseanappwithrepetitivetasks.SowhatreallymattersandwhatdenesagoodappAuthoroTheLearningAppGuidetoAutismandEducationTherstonlineappevaluatororeducationalsupport.Forurtherinormationseewww.learningappguide.comBronwynSuttonSpeechLanguagePathologistB.App.Sc.SpeechPath.Grad.Dip.EducationMSpEdMSPADoctoralStudentGrifthUniversity IrststartedwritingattheageteenwhenIwashavingdicultiesinhighschool.Bothmyownquirksandmyanti-socialbehaviourbroughtmeunwantedattentionthatmademeaprimetargetorbulliesandteasing.ThisafectedbothmyhomelieandschoolworksoItookreugeinmyextensiveimagination.AdmittedlymyrstewattemptsatwritingdidntworkoutwellnotorlackotryingbutbecauseIhadtoomanyideas.IrecognisedearlyonthatIcouldntworkatmultipleprojectsatonceandchosetoocusononeortheimmediateuture-TheDragonPaladinSeries.IdrewinspirationormybookromvariousantasyseriesbooksandgamesthatIenjoyedinmysparetime.DuetothisIhadtobecareulincreatingtheworldthatmycharactersliveinsoasnottomakethemistakeoplagiarism.MyencouragementtocontinuewritingcamerommyamilyandriendswithwhomIsharedtherstbeginningsomybooks.TheirinsistencethatIcouldbeanauthorwasthesupportIneededtocontinueandtheyalsohelpedmethroughoutmyschoolyearsasIbecameincreasinglycynicalabouttheworthomyschoolingandmyownopinionsintheworld.Depression.MymotherwasquicktosuggestthatatermyschoolyearwasnishedIcouldchangeschoolsthishelpedimmenselyasIwasthenenrolledinaschoolprogramthatcateredtopracticallieskillsratherthanadvancedtheory.Aterallhowmanytimesiscalculatingthesquarerooto324goingtobeuseulinyourlieAndhowiscateringtothebloatedegooliteratureanaticsthatsaywritingmustbedonethiswayandnotthatwaygoingtogetyounoticedinthecrowdItwont.ImhardlyaperectpersonmywholeamilycantellyouthatbutthatiswhatmakesmeagoodpersonandImgladorit.IstillhaveterriblesocialskillsandprocrastinatealotinnishingorevenstartingthingsbutattheveryleastItry.Thatwasonepointomydepressionthatstruckhardest.WhetherornotitwasworthtryingtowriteabookandyouknowwhatItwas.HatchlingHeroestherstomyDragonPaladinserieshashelpedmeregainmycondenceinwhatIdoisworthitandbeingproudowhatIhaveaccomplished.IhopetocontinuewritingandshowingtotheworldthathavingAspergersisnotadisabilityitsjustbeingalittlediferent.Intheendgreatthingsdontcomeromgreatideastheycomeromordinarypeoplewithordinaryideasandjustabitodedication.HAYDENThewriter86AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEeatureByHaydenSelfe AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE87eatureHatchingHeroesHatchlingHeroesByHaydenSeleReleaseDateApril2013RRPAU24.99DistributedbyDennisJonesPB308ppFICTIONFANTASYISBN978-0-9873559-5-9FormostyoungadultslivingwithAspergersSyndromeitcanbeverychallengingtoliveanormallie.ButeighteenyearoldauthorHaydenSelehasinsteaddecidedtoviewitasablessingotenescapingintotheantasyworldinwhichhewrites.ItsinthisworldthatHaydenmettheheroineohisdebutnovelHatchlingHeroesAprilShortStopPresswhichprovidedhimwiththeinspirationtowritehisfrstnovelattheyoungageosixteen.AninspirationhimselHaydenhascratedanexcitingandwellwrittennovelthatwillappealtoantasyreaderseverywhereBookSynopSiSAllAlainehaseverwantedistobecomeapaladinintheOrderotheGoddessMindaandnowthemomenthasarrivedshemustproveherworthorrelinquishherdream.InaquestthatwilltestbothherabilityandaithinherselAlainemusttraversethedangerousmountainsnearherhomelandsandretrieveacertainrelic.ButfrstshemustsurviveaninamousbanditwhoalsoseekstherelicnottomentionaallintoadeepravinecursedbytheLordotheDeadhimselorsinslongpast.LittledoesAlaineknowthatthisisonlythebeginningoherjourneyoralongthewayshewillmakeadiscoverythatwillchangeherlieorever...ThefrstotheDragonPaladinSeriesHatchlingHeroesisanaweinspiringsuspenseulreadromareshnewtalentthatwillkeepyouspellboundromthefrstpagetothelast.AdditionalInormationInspirationalyoungauthorwithAspergersSyndromeAuthorisabletocustom-writeandcommentonrelatedtopicsEngagingfantasynovelwithwideappealaBouttHeautHorHaydenisayoungadultwithAspergersSyndrome.Ratherthanseeinghisconditionasaproblemheviewsitasablessingasithasenabledhimtoescapeintoaantasyworldohisownmaking.InthisantasyworldHaydenmetAlaineSereltheheroineoHatchlingHeroesandaccompaniedheronmanyadventures.HatchlingHeroesHaydensfrstbookwaswrittenwhenhewassixteenandstrugglingthroughhighschool.HehassincewrittentwomorenovelsintheDragonPaladinseries.HaydenisnoweighteenyearsoldandlivesinthesmallseasidetownoGoldenBaysouthoPerthinWesternAustraliawithhisamilyandhisdevoteddogSashawhoherescuedromananimalshelter.puBlicitycontactScottEathorne0418475801scottquikmarkmedia.com.auByHaydenSelfe regular88AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEbookreviewsCONTACTUSON1300260090www.ootprintbooks.com.auBeingateenortweenisnteasyoranyonebutitcanbeespeciallytoughorAsperkids.JennierOTooleknowsshewasoneThisbookisatopsecretguidetoallothehiddensocialrulesinliethatotenseemstrangeandconusingtoyoungpeoplewithAspergersyndrome.TheAsperkidsSecretBookoSocialRulesoerswittyandwiseinsightsintobaingsocialcodessuchasmakingandkeepingriendsblendinginversusstandingoutromthecrowdandcommonconversationpitalls.ChockulloillustrationslogicalexplanationsandcomicstrippracticesessionsthisisthehandbookthateveryadultAspiewishestheydhadgrowingup.Idealorall10-17yearoldswithAspergersyndromethisbookprovidesinsideinormationonoverthirtysocialrulesinbite-sizedchunksthatolderchildrenwillenjoyunderstandandmostimportantlyusedailytonavigatethemysteriousworldaroundthem.AsperkidsSecretBookofSocialRulesTheHandbookofNot-So-ObviousSocialGuidelinesforTweensandTeenswithAspergerSyndromeByJENNIfERCOOKOTOOLEJESSICAKINGSLEYPUBLISHERSISBN9781849059152FormatPbk272pagesAsaparentateacherandanAspieherselJennierCookOTooleprovidesauniqueinsiderslookintoAspergerSyndrome.Sheshowshowtohelpchildrenonthespectrumbyunderstandinghowtheythinkandexploitingtheirspecialintereststopromotelearning.Herstrategiesworkbecauseshethinkslikethechildrenthatsheteaches.ThisbookisullooriginalandeectivemethodsorengagingwithchildrenwithAspergerSyndrome.Theauthordiscussestheoryomindthenecessityorconcreteormsocommunicationandwaystoinspireimaginationthroughsensorialexperiences.Inparticularsheexplorestheuntappedpowerospecialinterestsexplaininghowtoharnesstheseintereststoencourageacademicsocialandemotionalgrowth.AfrmingthatdierentdoesntmeandeectivethisbookoerstheinsightandguidancethatparentsandproessionalsneedtoconnectwiththeAsperkidsintheirlieandgetthemexcitedaboutlearning.AsperkidsAnInsidersGuidetoLovingUnderstandingandTeachingChildrenwithAspergerSyndromeByJENNIfERCOOKOTOOLEJESSICAKINGSLEYPUBLISHERSISBN9781849059022FormatPbk192pages BronwynSuttonB.App.Sc.SpeechPath.Grad.DipFETMSpEdMSPATel38769529www.learningappguide.comLizBrownLifeCoachBScLifeCoachinAdelaideAustraliaTheAspieCoachisafacebookpagededicatedtopeoplewithanAutisticSpectrumDisorderASDlikeAutismAspergersetc.ItisapageforanyonewhohasanASDorwhoknowssomeonewithanASDorwhoworkswithpeoplewithASDsorwhojustwantstobecomemoreeducated.Itisaplaceforeducationinsightsmotivationsupportandcoaching.Followmeonfacebookatwww.facebook.comTheAspieCoachPracticalcareservicesforADHDADDandAspergerskids.Notforprot.www.asdcare.com.au0437433369lindaasdcare.com.auSunshineCoastQLDAUTISMTaniaMarshallM.Sc.App.PsychB.A.PsychDoctoralPhDStudentAutismStudiesGriffithUniversityAutismSpecialistPh0754463790ChildAdolescentIndividualandFamilyPsychologyBringingtogethersupportandservicestotheAutismCommunityAAANETWORKAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKAUSTRALIANwww.aaanetwork.com.aufacebook.comAustralianAutismAspergersNetworkinfoaaanetwork.com.auAUTISMHANGOUTisanonlinediscussionforumthatreportsnewscompliesfactsandcommunity-submittedpersonalexperiencesandinvitesongoingdiscussiontodiscoverinsightsonhowbesttodealwiththedailychallengesofautism.www.autismhangout.comSUNSHINECOASTAutismAspergersNetworkwww.scaan.com.auinfoscaan.com.auProvidinganetworkofinformationonandlocalAutisticCommunitySupportEventsSupportGroupsSupportServicesInterventionProgramsLatestResearchHealthProfessionalsEducationResourcesFactSheetsBookReviewsWeacknowledgethechallengesacedbychildrenlivingontheAutismSpectrumwhileinteractingwiththeirlearningenvironment.Therearemanywayswecansupportyourchildtoworktowardtheirpotential.Checkoutourwebsiteorgiveusacalltofndouthow.www.passionateminds.com.authemothershippassionateminds.com.auTeenahSchneider0419709559IfyouarereadingthissoareyourpotentialcustomersContactuson0754463790formoredetails.HEREADVERTISE 2AUSTRALIANAUTISIMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingBrisbaneparentsimagineawebsitewhereyoucouldtypeinyourlocationandfindeverythingyouneedtoentertainbuyforandhelpyourkidsaged0-16ThingsTodowiThKidsinBrisBaneandonTheCoasTMembershipisreeorallBrisbaneparentstoreceivespecialofersdiscountsandpromotions.kidstodo.com.auSearchoractivitieseventsservicesshoppinginYOURareaNorthSouthEastWestMoretonBayRegionLoganIpswichRedlandBaySunshineCoastGoldCoastRegularcompetitionsGREATprizesFREEdownloadsTopTenlistsTop10rainydayactivitiesTop10under10etcPrintablecalendaroactivitiesoryourareaInormationortwinsandspecialneedskidsItsfinallyhere