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AUTISMIssue1Spring2013AU10aspergersnetworkmagazineForPeopleontheSpectrumbyPeopleontheSpectrumDamianSmithpauseforalaugh AUTISIMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE1AverywarmwelcometothefrstissueotheAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineWehaveanamazingteamworkingbehindthescenestobringyouawealthoknowledgeandpersonalexperienceoreveryoneconnectedtotheAutismSpectrum.FirstlywewishtowelcomeournewresidentAgonyUncleProessorTonyAttwoodoneotheleadingworldexpertsinAutismSpectrumConditionsisreadyandwaitingtoansweryourquestionsprovidingyouwithproessionaladviceandinormation.ColouringourworldDebraHosseiniputsondisplaytheartistsothespectrumshowcasingtheirgitednessotheartworld.InternationalwriterandsocialworkerDenaGassnerstrivestosupportothersinherjourneyonotoutgrowingautismbutgrowingintoit.TheinectiouslybubblyJennierCookOTooletakesanindepthlookatPinkontheSpectrumhighlightingthesignicanceomanywomenandgirlswiththeirdiferencesandchallengesbutthentakesthesechallengesshakesthemuppresentingtotheworldthewonderultalentsthataresootenoverlooked.Overthecomingissueswewillallgetcloselyacquaintedwithourinternationalcolumnistsandwriterswhoembracethepositivesonthespectrumandbringorthexperienceandpersonalwisdomtosharewithusall.NowhandingoverthemicandsteppingofthestageIwouldnowliketonowhandovertoAspiecomedianDamianSmithwhoisnotjustHereAllWeakbutnowimmortilisedinthepagesothismagazine.Damiankicksofthisissueentertaininguswithabehindthesceneslookothespectrum....BarbCookBarbandherpartnerPauleachhaveover20yearsexperienceinthegraphicdesignandpublishingeld.BringingtogethertheirvastexperienceindesignplustheirpersonalknowledgeolivingwithAspergersSyndrometheybuiltasoundoundationonwhichtheycanbringtotheorethecomplexbutrewardinginsightsothoseconnectedtotheAutismSpectrum.Wewanttomakeadierencetothoseonthespectrumbysharingourexperiencesandsupportingeachotherbyprovidingaresourcethatweallcanbeaparto.Ijustonestorycanmakethoseahhamomentshappenthenitmakesitsoworthwhileinhelpinganotherindividualoramily.Ourveryownliveshavebeenaconstantstruggletoftinwhilsttryingtounderstandthisveryconusingworld.ButnowweeelthatwecanalsobepartothechangeorthebettertothoseontheAutismSpectrum.AewwordsromtheProducedbyPeopleontheSpectrumforPeopleontheSpectrumeditor...GetyourDigitalcopyotheAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineTODAYwww.aanmag.com.au 2AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEPROFESSIONALADVICE36IRlENSyNdROMESeeingtheworlddiferentlywithFionaRandall39ISAbEllEHNAUlTSexualeducationandintervention43SIMONbARON-COHENTheoriesotheautisticmind48CONNECTIONPROCESSCentreoUnderstandingDenaGassner50PROFESSORTONyATTWOOddR.MICHEllEGARNETTDepressionandAspergersSyndromeinside18571073FEATURES18PINKONTHESPECTRUMbyJennierCookOToole33bIGbIGTRANSITIONATGRASPFounderMichaelJohnCarleyoGRASPrevealsthepasttenyears57CHRISTIANSGIFTAmothersstory63UNIqUElydIFFERENTAchildsperspective78PlANETASPERGIAInsidetheworldoMissElleoPlanetAspergiaVonDouglas82ASPERGERSyNdROMEAWARENESSBarbCookinterviewBryanChandlerounderoASAonline AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE3REGULARS12lETTERSTOlINdALindaWeymssanswersyourquestions42ASKPROFESSORTONyATTWOOdTonygivesprofessionaladvice52WHATWHENWHEREWHyABAtherapiesexplained54CHEMICAlSKrisBarrettrevealsthehiddendangersinourdietandinthehome68ANASPIEAbROAdTRAvElTIPSBradBeadeltellsushistipsonsurvivingtravelingabroad85TECHNOlOGICAlREvIEWRyanMcNeilly-Smithreviewsthelatesttechnology86TObyPlAylANdAPPBronwynSuttonreviewsTobyPlaylandApp88bOOKREvIEWSResourcesatHandgoodreadsTHEARTS7dAMIANSMITHAbehindthesceneslookatalifeofanAspiecomedian10RUdySIMONEBarbCookexclusivelyinterviewsRudyabouthernewlyreleasedalbumGothicBlues13RUdElyINTERRUPTEdAustralianIndieband16WHOISTAlINA14yearoldpopsensation72SPECTRUMARTISTCRAIGROvETADebraHosseiniopensuphisamazingworldforustoview76STEvENCOvENTRyArtExhibitionSOCIALWELLBEING44FRIENdSHIPSPartoneofJenElchesonsarticleonfriendships.36ASPIESANdINTIMATERElATIONSHIPSJeanettePurkispersonalstory30ASPERGERSANdHyPERvIGIlENCEMarkPashleyexplainsPARENTING60SAMEbUTdIFFERENTCassandraScottopensupaboutherson66MATEFORMASONAfamilyplighttoraisefundsforanAutismAssistanceDog68RESPITELindaWeymssexplainsitsOKtotaketimeout70SUNNyHOMESCHOOlINGHeatherHainesexpressesherreasonsforleavingmainstreameducation2613 ProfessorTonyAttwoodTonyiswellknownorsharinghisknowledgeoAspergersSyndrome.HehasanHonoursdegreeinPsychologyromtheUniversityoHullMastersdegreeinClinicalPsychologyromtheUniversityoSurreyandaPhDromtheUniversityoLondon.HeiscurrentlyadjunctAssociateProessoratGrithUniversityQLD.TonyhaswrittenseveralpublicationsonAspergersSyndrome.HisbooktitledTheCompleteGuidetoAspergersSyndromehasnowbeentranslatedintoseverallanguages.Healsospendsalargeamountotimetravellingnationallyandinternationallytopresentworkshopsandpapers.KrisBarrettKrisisaCertiedNutritionHealthCoachCertiedGAPSPractitionerandmumotwo.Sheimplementeddietaryandbiomedicalinterventionwithherautisticsonbackin2004whenhewasdiagnosedatage3.Heisnowullymainstreamedandahappyandhealthy11yearold.Krisspassionisworkingwithamiliestohelpthemmakethedietaryandliestylechangeswhichwerethebackboneohersonsrecovery.JenniferCookOTooleJennierisabubblyandspiritedauthor-exactlytheoppositeowhatmanypeoplethinkowhentheyhearthewordAspergersbutherexpertiseandthestrongpersonalendorsementsogreatslikeDrs.TempleGrandinandLianeHollidayWilleyprovesshestherealdeal.ItsJenniersuniquehaveacupocofeewithmeconversationalistpresentationouseulinsightswhichhastouchedheartslightenedspiritsandevenledtotheoundingoAsperkidsLLCamulti-mediasocialeducationcompany.DenaGassnerDenaisaprivatepracticesocialworkerwriterandmotivationalspeakerwhospecialisesintransition-ageyouthandadultlatediagnosisautismrelatedissues.Sheisalsoveryskilledinaddressingissuesrelatedtowomen.Denablogsatdenagassner.com.Along-timeadvisoryboardmemberorASAandGRASPDenaisamuchindemandspeakerandpolicyadvisoryonautismachievement.Denastrivestosupportothersinherjourneybynotoutgrowingautismbutgrowingintoit.JeanettePurkisJeanetteistheauthoroFindingaDiferentKindoNormal-anautobiography.ShealsocontributedachaptertoAutismAll-StarseditedbyJosieSantomauroandeaturedinthedocumentaryAloneinaCrowdedRoomwhichairedonABCtelevisionin2010andalsoeaturesautieauthorWendyLawson.JeanettehasaMastersdegreeinneartsandworksull-timeortheAustralianPublicService.DebraHosseiniDebraHosseinitheauthoroArtismTheArtoAutismisamomothreechildren.HeryoungestchildKeviniseaturedinthisbook.AterKevinwasdiagnosedwithautismatageourDebraletherull-timecareerasacomputeranalysttobecomeastayathomemomandhasdedicatedhertimetocreatingabetterworldorchildrenandindividualswithdisabilities.DebrawasaoundingboardmemberwithseveralorganizationsthatserveindividualswithautismanddevelopmentaldisabilitiesinSantaBarbaraandCarpinteriaCaliornia..Shenowwritesandcuratesartexhibitsorpeoplewithautismanddevelopmentaldisabilities.HeatherHainesHeatherisaprimaryearlychildhoodandSPELDtrainedteacherwholetthesystemtohomeschoolhertwochildren.HeatherseldestwhoisseventeenisdiagnosedwithADHDAspergersGitedandDysgraphia.HeathersbeautiulsonisinhissecondyearouniversitystudyingSotwareEngineeringandheryoungestwhois6livesathomewithHeatherandherhusbandandhavelotsounlearningtogether.HerchildrenareherworldandcontinuetoteachHeathersomuch.JenElchesonJenisawomanwithAspergersSyndromeromWesternCanada.Jenlivesinasmallisolatednortherncitywithhercattwosnakesandisverymuchareclusewhennotworking.WritingisherpassionasthewrittenwordisoneothebestwaysJeneelsshecanexpressherselthrough.JenwritesinormativearticlesromtheperspectiveoawomanontheAutismSpectrum.SomeothetopicsJenwillbediscussingareonissuesemalesacerombeingonthespectrumgenderroleissuesrelationshipsriendshipssocialsituationsLindaWeymssLindaisanAspiediagnosedinadulthoodaterspendingmanyyearsinandoutothementalhealthsystem.HavingwonthegeneticlotteryoalsoinheritingEhlersDanlosSyndromeageneticconnectivetissuedisorderandinLindascasebringsalongwithitnearly20othermedicaldiagnosesshehasauniqueperspectiveonliewithavarietyodisabilities.Lindaisawriterbloggerandvolunteerandlovestakingphotosoherchildrenandthenscrapbookingthem.LivinginruralQueenslandwithherhusbandboysandtwocatsshehasnowearnedthenot-so-originalnicknameWheelsaterreceivingherrstwheelchair.Lindaisalsoapoliticalactivistparticularlyintheareasodisabilityanddiferenceandshendsthathavingawickedsenseohumouristhebestmedicineoranything.BradBeadelBradwasborninNewZealandandmovedtoAustraliainthelate1980s.BradlivesontheTweedCoastandstudiesBacheloroHistoricalInquiry.Bradisinhis10thyearvolunteeringwithmarinerescueNSWasboatcrewandradiooperator.BradworksorColesasasalesassistantandhisinterestsaretravelreadingtracingmyamilytreeandwanderingcemeteries.RyanMcNeillySmithIn2011RyanoundedtheSunshineCoastAspieClubwhichisorallyoungAspiesandAuties.Itwasdesignedorspectrumkidsandteenstomeeteachothertoormriendshipsandhangout.Ryanistheproudrecipientothe2012AutismQueenslandCreativeFuturesAwardandhasdoneanumberomediainterviews.HeisalsoacertiedHandleroraSmartPup.Andallothisatjust14.NikiLakerinkNikiisawomanwithAspergersSyndromemothertoatwiceexceptionalsonanddaughterwithAspergers.Nikiisamultimediaartistavidupcyclerwriterandvariedmodalitynaturaltherapist.NikihasstudiedalternativetherapiesspecictoASDorsevenyears.NikisstyleowritingcaptivatestheessenceoherandheramilysworldgivingauniqueinsighttothemanysidesotheAutismSpectrum.4AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEcontributors AUTISIMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE5LetterstoHi.MysonhasjustbeendiagnosedwithAspergersandafterreadingallaboutitIthinkthatImayhaveAspergerstoo.ShouldIhaveanassessmentThissituationisbecomingmoreandmorecommonasadultsstartamiliarisingthemselveswithwhatAspergersandAutismisduetotheirchildrenorsomeoneelsetheycareaboutbeingdiagnosed.Obviouslywhetherornottohaveanassessmentdoneasanadultisadeeplypersonaldecision.IdecidedtohaveaormaldiagnosisdonebecauseIhavespentmywholelieknowingIwasdierentandstrugglingbecauseIwasdierentandbecausesomethingshavebeenalotharderormetohandlesuchassocialsituationsandsensoryissues.AterbeingmisdiagnosedwithallmanneromentalillnessesIwantedtoknoworsurewhatwasgoingonsothatIcouldmakepeacewithitandhaveagroundbasisorworkingonmyissuesandmovingorward.MyhusbandontheotherhandalthoughwearesurehealsohasAspergershasseennorealneedtobediagnosed.Hecannotjustiyspendingthemoneyorapieceopaperthatreallyisnotgoingtoimpacthislieatallpastknowingorsure.Thatpieceopaperwasessentialtomehoweveritisnotessentialtohim.Heishappytojustkeepgoingthewayheisornowandmaybereconsideratalaterdateshouldtheneedarise.Therereallyisnorightorwronganswertothisquestioniyoueeltheneedwantorurgethengoahead.Inotthenperhapsleaveitornowasyoucanalwayshaveitdoneintheutureiyoulaterdeveloptheneedwantorurge.GoodluckwithwhateveryoudecideThereseemstobesomedebateoverhowIshouldrefertomychildsAutism.ShouldIsayheissomeonewithAutismorshouldIsayheisAutisticTherecertainlyissomedebateisntthereManyproessionalsinallfeldshavebeenencouragedovertheyearstouseperson-centredlanguagewhenreerringtoapersonwithadisability.AssomeonewithaphysicaldisabilityIagreewiththisinrelationtomyEhlersDanlosSyndromeasmyphysicaldisabilitydoesnotdefnewhoIamasaperson.IamLindafrst-beingacrippleaswellisjustasmallpartothepackage.AsmanyAutisticspeoplewithAutismeelthatAutismISwhotheyareasapersonandthatAutismisntsomethingthatcanbecuredtakenawaybutratherisaundamentalpartothemtheygraduallystartedtorejectperson-centredlanguageandbeganreerringtothemselvesasAutistic.Itreallycomesdowntotheindividualandrespectingtheirwishes.MychildrenarebothonthespectrumandItrytouseperson-frstlanguageinrelationtothemasIeelthatwillhelppeopleseepastthedefcitsoAutismandalsoseethebenefts.FormyselhoweverIdoholdthebeliethatAutismisapartowhoIamandcannotbechangedsoIamhappytobereerredtoasAutistic.Aproblemsharedisaproblemhalved.WriteinwithyourquestionsnomatterhowbigorsmallandLindawillrespondwithpracticaladviceromherpersonalexperienceasaellowAspieparenttochildrenonthespectrumandasapartnertoanAspieIyouhaveaquestionthatyouwouldlikeansweredbyLindapleaseemaillettersaanmag.com.auLindaPublishedbyAspieDesignsABN25825425432Waspiedesigns.com.auEinoaspiedesigns.com.auEditorAdvertisingEnquiriesBarbaraCookeditoraanmag.com.auSub-EditorPaulKaysubeditoraanmag.com.auGraphicDesignBarbaraCookShonaSmithPaulKayadminaanmag.com.auSubscriptionsadminaanmag.com.auwww.aanmag.com.auProudlyprintedontheSunshineCoastbyLEPColourPrintersPtyLtd184SandalwoodLaneFORESTGLENQLD4556AUSTRALIAAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineISSN2202-7769TheAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineispublishedbyAspieDesignsABN25825425432.Thepublisherauthorsandcontributorsreservetheirrightsinregardstocopyrightotheirwork.Nopartothisworkcoveredbythecopyrightmaybereproducedorcopiedinanyormorbyanymeanswithoutthewrittenconsentothepublisher.Nopersonorganisationorpartyshouldrelyoronanywayactuponanypartothecontentsothispublicationwhetherthatinormationissourcedromthewebsitemagazineorrelatedproductwithoutfrstobtainingtheadviceoaullyqualifedperson.ThismagazineanditsrelatedwebsiteandproductsaresoldanddistributedonthetermsandconditionthatThepublishercontributorseditorsandrelatedpartiesarenotresponsibleinanywayortheactionsorresultstakenanypersonorganisationoranypartyonbasisoreadinginormationstoriesorcontributionsinthispublicationwebsiteorrelatedproduct.Thepublishercontributorsandrelatedpartiesarenotengagedinprovidinglegalfnancialorproessionaladviceorservices.Thepublishercontributorseditorsandconsultantsdisclaimanyandallliabilityandresponsibilitytoanypersonorpartybetheyapurchaserreaderadvertiserorconsumerothispublicationornotinregardstotheconsequencesandoutcomesoanythingdoneoromittedbeinginreliancewhetherpartlyorsolelyonthecontentsothispublicationandrelatedwebsiteandproducts.Thepublishereditorscontributorsandrelatedpartiesshallhavenoresponsibilityoranyactionoromissionbyanyothercontributorconsultanteditororrelatedparty.Copyright2013AutismAspergersNetworkMagazine 6AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEFromShaunSykes...IwanttoknowithereisalinkbetweeneatingdisordersandAspergers.IhavehadoodissuesmywholelieinregardstotextureandtasteyoudontknowhowmanycupsoteaandcoeeIhavethrownawaybecausethemilkintherewastoomuch.MywiesaysIvemadeyouacoeenowgoandthrowitout.IamtoldIhavemarkedsensoryissuesorsightandsound.Ihavebeenaectedbyprolongedboutsonoteatingandalsobulimiasinceatleasttheageoeight.ItwasntuntilIstartedtakingsomemedicineormigrainesthatthemorethanthirtyveyearsobulimiasuddenlystoppedandmyanxietyreducedthoughmyboutsoorgettingtoeatstillremain.IalsostillgothroughperiodswhereIwanttoeatonlyoneparticularthingorweeksthishasbeenaconsistentbehaviourmywholelie.Tonysays....ThisisaveryinterestingquestioninthatthereisindeedalinkbetweenAspergersSyndromeandeatingdisorders.WetendtothinkoeatingdisordersasbeingassociatedwiththedistortionobodyimagebuttherearethosewithAutismSpectrumDisorderASDwhodevelopaneatingdisorderasaormospecialinterestincalorieskilojoulesweighingandthealleviationoanxiety.WealsorecognisethatthosewithanASDhavesensorysensitivityandoodisanintenseandcomplexsensoryexperiencesuchthattheremayhavebeenahistoryoreusaltoeatcertainoodsduringchildhoodandassociationoanxietywithcertaintypesoood.CertainlythosewithAspergersSyndromeenjoypredictabilityandcertaintyandtousethepunvarietyisNOTthespiceolie.Thusthepersonotenpreerssetmealsonsetdaysorpredictabilityandcertaintyandanxietyandoodcangotogetherintermsoritualswithregardtopreparingoodandthesymmetryooodonaplate.Therecanalsobeissuesoalackosensitivitytocertainormsopainanddiscomort.IdoknowothosewithAspergersSyndromewhodonotseemtoexperiencehungerinthewaythatneurotypicalsdoandcanrequentlyorgettoeatastheymaynotbecognitivelyawareothehungersignalsespeciallywhendistractedbyotheractivities.ThustherearemanyreasonswhythosewithAspergersSyndromecanbeoconcerninrelationtooodanddiet.FromChantalTyrell...IamaSecondarySchoolteacherandmotheroan11YearoldAspieson.IhavenoticedtheNSWBoardoStudiesdoesnotgivespecialprovisionstoASDstudentsorReaderWritersortheirSeniorschoolexamsonlyrestbreaks.IaminterestedtoknowyourthoughtsonthisIpersonallybelievemanyASDstudentsndexcessivewritingdifcultandIalsobelievewhentheocusisontryingtohandwriteneatlytheyarepossiblynotasocussedonthecontent-adisadvantage.AtAPACitwasencouragedtotakethepressureohandwritingandusekeyboardsetc.soourASDstudentscaneelgoodabouttheirwork.IamtotallyorthisyettheboardostudiesisnotsupportingASDstudentswithasupportwritermakesthiscontradictory.IbelieveanASDstudentisdisadvantageditheyhavepoorhandwritingandtheirconcentrationocusisonthisratherthanthesubjectcontent.IwouldlovetoseeASDstudentsautomaticallygivenspecialprovisionsoasupportwriterinseniorexamsotherwiseitseemswehavetokeepupwithhandwritingchallengesduetonalexams.IwantASDkidstoeelcondentinmyclassesandnoteelrestrictedduetohandwritingchallenges.IwouldlovetoknowyourthoughtsandiyouthinklikemehowdowegoabouthavingthischangedthroughtheBoardoStudiesThankyouorallthatyoudoorourASDCommunity.Tonysays....Ithepointoanexamistoassessknowledgethenitisimportantthathandwritingdifcultiesdonotinhibittheassessmentoastudentsabilityinaparticularschoolsubject.WedonowrecognisethatthosewithanAutismSpectrumDisordercanhavegreatdifcultywiththemotorplanningpartsohandwritingandcanbecomesoocusedontheeortneededorthatmotorplanningthattherecanbeproblemsocusingonthetopicratherthanthecalligraphy.Mypersonalopinionisthathandwritingisanobsoleteskillasmuchaswenolongerteachchildrenatschooltosharpenaquill.StudentswithAspergersSyndromeareavidusersocomputersandhavethusdevelopedveryprocientkeyboardskills.MyrecommendationatexamsisthatthestudentwithanAutismSpectrumDisorderisabletotypetheiranswersortousemoreadvancedtechnologytohaveavoicerecognitionsystemonacomputersothattheycansayortypetheirrepliesratherthanuseobsoleteskillssuchashandwriting.AskProfessorTonyProfessorTonyAttwoodistheAutismAspergersNetworkMagazinesresidentprofessionalAgonyAuntwellunclereadytoansweryourquestionsonallthingsrelatedtotheAutismSpectrum.PleasesendinyourquestionsforTonytoconsidertotonyattwoodaanmag.com.auPlusalsoreadextraquestionsansweredbyTonyonourinteractivesectionofourwebsiteatwww.aanmag.com.auaan-interactive AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE7featureIhaveAspergersSyndrome.ForthoseoyouthatareunamiliarwithitAspergersiskindolikeamildormoAutism.SoImnotRainmansomuchasImDrizzleBoy.IcantcountcardsatbestIcangiveyouaroughestimate...52Imnogoodtoyouatthecasino.Iyouputmeontheblackjacktablewemightwinsomemoneyprobablynot.ButIwilldefnitelyrememberwhereweparkedthecar.AutisticLicence 8AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureSogoestheopeninglineomyonemancomedyshowImHereAllWeakwhichrecentlypremieredattheMelbourneInternationalComedyFestival.AshowthatbringstogethertwoundamentalaspectsomyidentityhavingAspergersSyndromeASandbeingaproessionalcomedian.Oneisacripplingmentalconditionthataectsmyabilitytointeractineverydaysocietyandtheotherisbeingmildlyautistic.WhenpeoplendoutthatIhaveAspergerstheyareotenincredulous.Butyoureacomediantheycryasithetwoaremutuallyexclusive.ThesamethinghappenswhenpeoplewhoknowIhaveASndoutthatImacomic.Isntitdiculttheyaskwithonlythebaresthintocondescension.ActuallytherstquestiontheyaskiswhyhaventIheardoyouthentheotherone.ThepublicperceptionisthatpeoplewithAspergersdonthaveasenseohumoursohowcanIbeproessionallyunnyYesitisdicultbutnotorthereasonsyoumightexpect.TrueAspergiansthatsanewtermIcoinedyoucanhavethatoneorreeotennditdiculttogetjokes.Sometimeswestrugglewithinnuendoanddualityomeaning.Wereamousortakingthingstooliterally.Ivequiteotenstaredblank-acedatanilldirectedpunchlinebutcomedytruecomedyissomuchmorethanjokes.ItgoesarbeyondtheveiledracismandhackneyedpabulumotheocewatercoolerorthebanalityoaChristmasbon-bon.Truecomedyisabouttruthandwhimsyandpainandpathos.AndthatsanareawhereweAspergiansexcel.AsphilosopherThomasHobbesonceamouslysaidthepassionolaughterisnothingelsebutasuddengloryarisingromsuddenconceptionosomeeminencyinourselvesbycomparisonwiththeinrmitiesoothersorwithourownormerlyComedyisessentiallyreetherapy.Igetonstageandventtoanunsuspectingcrowdtheygettolaughattheactthattheyrenotmeandeveryonewalksawayalittlebitbetteroortheexperience.AllomyissuesthethousandnaturalshocksanAspergianisheirtoareperectodderoracomedyroutine.ThereisnogoodcomedianaliveordeadthatwasnotahotbedoemotionaltormentandmentalinstabilityandinmyindustryhavingAspergersisactuallykindotame.ComedyisagreatpathorsomeonewithAspergersbecauseyoucanembracetheconditionandhaveitbeahelpnotahindrance.Igettoopenlydiscussitinsteadohavingtoputonamaskeverydayandconcentrateonbeingnormalassomanyomybrethreneelorcedtodo.Secondlycomedywhenyoureallyboilitdowntoitsconstituentelementsisveryormulaic.Itsessentiallymaths.TouseanotherspeciousstereotypeAspergiansaresupposedtobegoodatmaths.Allthetropesocomedyruleothreespullbackrevealwackyover-the-topRobinWilliams-esqueact-outstheyalloperateunderthesameormulasocietaltensionAtimesexpectationBtimesjuxtapositionC.AxBxClaughter.Takeastoryapplytheormulaandholdorapplause.Thetroublewithcomedythoughisthatitisntjustaboutbeingunny.Inactitcouldbearguedthatbeingunnyisprobablytheleastowhatsrequiredtomakeitasaproessionalstandup.Proessionalcomedyisallabouthustle.Itsaboutpressingfeshandtakingmeetings.Itsaboutmakingendlessphonecallshasslingthepeoplewhobookgigsdayaterdaygettinginpeoplesaces.Itsaboutstandingonthestreetinthecoldorhourshandingoutfyersoryourshowandbeingmetwiththecoldnakedrejectionoanindierentpopulace.Itsaboutsayingtherightthingtotherightpersonattherighttime.AndthisiswheretheAspergerskicksin.Werenotknownorsayingtherightthing.IntheGameoThronesstyleworldocomedywhereorcedcourtesyandsubtleliesarewhatittakestogetaheadIotenindmysellacking.Ihaveacripplinginabilitytomakephonecallsjustthinkingabouthavingtocallsomeonesendsmeintoparoxysmsoanxiety.Thismakesitsomewhathardtobookwork.AsorstandinginthestreethandingfyersouttopassingstrangersmakingeyecontactandestablishinganmeaningulemotionalconnectionthatwillcompelthemtocometomyshowThelesssaidthebetter.ThebehindthescenesstuthestuthatmostpeoplewouldndeasythatsthemountainIhavetoclimb.GettingonstageandtalkingoranhourThatstheeasypart.Whenthelightsareinyoureyeseverythingbeyondthestageisdarkness.Youcantseeanyonesacesyoudontneedtomakeeyecontact.ForanAspergianbeingonstagedoingcomedyisanincredibleexperience.Thinkoeveryconversationyouveeverhadwhereyouretryingtogetpeopletobeinterestedinyourocusbuttheyrejustboredandlookingorawayout.Nowimaginethattheyvepaidorthatconversationandtheyrenotallowedtointerruptorleave.Imlivingthedream.YesIamlivingthedreaminspiteomylimitations.Ihavetriumphed.Iamacomedian.IrrespectiveoexposureamerecognitionormillionsodollarsorlackthereoIamacomedian.SomethingwhichIthinkIwasabletoPauseoralaugh AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE9featuredonotinspiteobutbecauseohavingAspergersSyndrome.YescertainaspectsothebusinesswouldbemucheasieriIdidnthavetheconditionperhapsIwouldbeurtherupthechainthanIcurrentlyambutIdontthinkIwouldbeasunny.Iwouldntbeasgood.BecauseitistheAspergersthathasgivenmemyinsightandmyintellectandmyabilitytoscrutiniseandquestionandde-construct.ItistheAspergersthatallowsmetobeoutsidetheboxlookingintomakeobservationsthatperhapsaneurotypicalmightnot.ItistheAspergersthatgivesmetheearlessnesstotalkaboutitonstageinrontoacrowdoexpectantstrangers.ThatswhyIwrotemyshow.TorevealthatAspergersSyndromeisntanafiction.Thatwhileitcancertainlybeahurdleattimesitisneverabarrier.Itcanneverstopyouromachievingyourgoals.Insomecasesitcancertainlyhelpyou.Autismisbeingdierenttonotlessthan.Justbecauseweneedabitohelpbookinganappointmentdoesntmakeusreaksjustlikehowaneurotypicalpersonmightneedhelpsolvingdierentialcalculus.Merepointsodierence.BeingacomedianwithAspergersisntacontradictioninterms.MyAspergersishowImacomedian.ItswhyImunny.ItswhyImwitty.ItswhyIalwayshaveacomeback.Anditswhyiyouwanttogetintouchyoushouldprobablyputdownthephoneandemailme.DamianSmithisaproessionalcomedianwritercontrarianandmiserablist.HewillbeperorminghiscriticallyacclaimedshowonAspergersandautismImHereAllWeakattheBrisbaneandSydneyFringeFestivalsinSeptemberandOctoberandtheDVDotheshowwillbeavailablelaterintheyeardetailsatwww.damiansmith.com.auBeingacomedianwithAspergersisntacontradictioninterms.MyAspergersishowImacomedian.ItswhyImfunny.ItswhyImwitty.ItswhyIalwayshaveacomeback. 10AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEGOTHICIthasbeenthreeyearssincethereleaseofAspergirlswhatchangeshaveyouobservedinthepublicperspectiveofhowwomenandgirlsonthespectrumareperceivedIdliketosaythatthingshavegreatlyimprovedbuttruthullymostpeopleintheworldhaveneverheardoAspergirlsdontknowwhataspergersisandthinkthatallwomenontheautismspectrumarelikeTempleGrandinsincethatistheonlyhighprofleemaletheworldknowsabout.Intheautismspectrumcommunitytherehavebeensignifcantstepsorwardinsel-imageandembracingouruniquequalities.ManyproessionalshavealsoopenedtheirmindsandpracticestodiagnosingandunderstandingtheemaleASmind.HowevertheAScommunitytookamajorblowwiththeDSM5notbecausethecriteriaarebadbutsimplybecausetheytookoutthewordaspergers.SomeproessionalsareusingthatasanexcusetostripawaytheaspergersdiagnosisandpinsomethingelseonawomansomethingtheycanmedicaliselikeBPDBordelinePersonalityDisorder.Ihavealsoobservedthatmanydoctorsdonotlikeitwhenpeoplediagnosethemselvesandsincemanywomensel-diagnosefrsttherecanbesomeresentmentthere.Aspergirlsbecameaverysignifcanticonformanywomentoassociatethemselveswithandinsomecasesgavethemanidentitythathadbeenmissingmostoftheirlives.HowdoyoufeelbeingthecatalystforempoweringsomanywomenAninterviewwithBARBCOOKRUDYSimoneBRudySimonerenownedwritersingersongwriterproducerandcomediangainedherstampoapprovalwithintheautismcommunitywiththereleaseoherinternationallyacclaimedbookAspergirlsin2010.Aspergirlshadasignifcantimpactonchangingthelivesomanywomenandgirlsontheautismspectrumbecominganiconicempowermenttothem.NowRudyisocusingonherpassionsbringingtotheorerontherownpersonalAspergirltalents.ItisherewithgreatpleasurewegainaninsightintothetrulygitedworldoRudySimone.LUES AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE11Ieelterricaboutit.Istillgetmessagesandemailsalmosteverydayromsomeonewhoissimplywritingtosaythankyou.IdontgettherespectosomeomypeersthoughandIdontquiteunderstanditexceptperhapsortheactthatIdonthavelettersatermyname.ManyauthorsintheeldhavePhDsmostomyriendsincluded.ForawhileIthoughtperhapsIshouldgobackandgetadegreebutIeelthatIwroteathesisortwoinmybooksespeciallyAspergersontheJobwhichwasquiteresearchintensive.TodayintheautismcirclesithasbecometosomeextentasignicantstatementtobeknownasbeinganAspergirlAspieorAutisticandattimescanbecomeapersonsmainfocusinlife.DoyouthinkthisisabenecialwayespeciallyfortheyoungergenerationtofocusongainingacceptanceintothecommunityorhasitbecomeanunhealthyobsessionforsomerestrictingtheopportunitytoseewhatnaturaltalentstheycanofferItsverydiculttotellwhenanobsessionisunhealthy.Myobsessionwithaspergersledtoourbooks.Butatsomepointandapersonhopeullywillknowwhenitistimetoturnyourattentiontootherthings.Thisistrueonapersonallevelandonaculturalone.Wheneverthereisacivilrightsmovementthisbecomesatalkingpointandaocusorthosewhostandtobenetwhilethemajoritygetsannoyedandsaysstopharpingonaboutthat.IitwerentorharpingonaboutthingswomenandblackswouldstillnothavethevoteinAmericasoIsaytough.Butormeimmovingoninmyactivities.ItiswiththenaturaltalentsandabilitiesthatsomanyonthespectrumpossessthatwenowseeyoufocusingonyourtruepassionsandmovingawayfromtheAspergirlscene.Musichasbeenamajorinuencethroughoutyourlife.WheredidthedesireformusicbeginforyouWellmusicaspeopleknowitheyreadmybooksorheardmespeakwassomethingIwaspassionateaboutrominancy.IcanrememberputtingBeatles45sonthecloseandplaybutnotlikingthesoundsoIquicklylearnedhowtousetheregularhi-.EventhoughIbarelyspokeIknewthesyllablesandnotesomostothosecatchyjangly60stunes.IpursuedmusicasacareermywholeliewithvaryingdegreesosuccessbutsocialissuesalwayshavebeenandalwayswillbeawallthatImustgoround.IcannottakethepaththroughthecityIsneakaroundandunderthingslikeabandit.AsmanyhavetravelledwithyouonthesepastfewyearsthroughyourjourneyontheAspergerscircuitsaroundtheworldsingingandperformingwasalwaysasignicantpartofthisadventure.DoyoufeelwithyourmusicyoucantouchpeopleinwaysfardeeperthanwhenyouwerejustspeakingatthesepresentationsMusicisadierentlanguage.ImverycondentwhenIspeakandalthoughIriandjokeandperormitisusingaverydierentpartomybrainthanperormingmusic.TodomusicIhavetogetintoacertainzone.IIdontgetintothatzoneIsoundrubbish.SowhenIperormmysongsliveitslikehavingsurgeryinrontoanaudience.IvehadsuchahardlieandthatswhatIwriteandsingaboutthatIusuallybreakdownaterwardandcry.ThatsnottosayallmysongsaredepressinginacttuneslikeWhiskeyWilldespitetheseriousthemeisquiteunnyandBlackSheepisdownrightsnappy.WiththerecentreleaseoftheincrediblyhauntingalbumGothicBlueswhatinspirationdidyoudrawonandwhatpromptedyouinitiallytocreatethisstyleofmusicAsIsaidIvebeenalistenerandwriterallmylie.Ihavebeenalivesolongnowthativehadachancetohearstudyplayandsingvirtuallyeverykindomusicromtheearly20thcenturytopresent.Certaininfuencesstickinyoustaywithyouoreverandinormwhatyoudo.ImastrangemixoBillieHolidayDavidBowieZeppelinTripHopetc.ItallcomesoutinthiscatchyhauntinggenreIcallGothicBlues.TakeMeBackHomevideoclipincludedvariouspeoplefromFacebooksendinginshortclipsofthemsingingpartsofthesong.WhatmotivatedyoutoinvolvetheseparticularpeopleIdalreadyshotthreevideosomyselandIwassickolookingatmyownmug.Ilovemyacebookriendsandsomanyothem 12AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEaregorgeousandhavesomuchcharacterIthoughtwhynotSoIputapostoutaskingwhowantedtobeinvolved.Morethanhalothemgotcoldeetbuttherestwhostayeddidamarvelousjob.Allbutonearediagnosedasonthespectrum.TheonewhoisntismynephewandwellnocommentthereIreallywantedthisvideotogoviralintheAScommunity.Itsdonereallywellanditsoneothemostpopularsongsonthealbumintermsomassappeal.WhatgotmeangryisthatsomanypeoplewhovisitedmypageonadailybasistogripeandmoanaboutASwouldntevenlookatit.Ideriendedsomepeopleoverit.IyoubarkallthetimeaboutwantingtobetreatedasanequalbutdontwanttoevenlookatsomethingthatcelebratesASasbeautiulandartisticandFUNthenIhaventmuchpatienceoryou.WhatsongontheGothicBluesalbumhasthedeepestconnectionforyouandwhyProbablyAliceinUnderland.IwrotethatlongagobeoreIevenheardoASbutnowthatimolderandsomuchhashappenedtheresapoignancyinthatsongthattherewasntbeoreadeepermeaningthatcomesoutintheperormingandproductionoit.Ivebeengettingalotocommentstothatefect.Onepersonwrotemeandsaidtheyplayedthatsongorariendandsheellintoaheapotears.IdontwanttodepresspeoplebutIdowanttoopenthedoortoeelingwhateveritisthatsburiedthere.FinallyinthiseverchangingworldwhatdoyoufndbringscontentmenttoyouandhowdoyouenvisionyourfutureaheadNothingbringscontentmenttomeorverylong.IdoyogaalmostdailyandIhaveplantedmanythingsinmygardenbothwhichareverygrounding.Ialsohavetwodogsandanewhamsterwhichimverybizarrelyobsessedwith.SheisliterallythecutestthingIhaveeverpossessed.Myutureisunknowntome.SomedaysimveryhopeulandpositivebuttobehonestimnotsurewhatIwant.Iwantmysongstobeheardworldwide.WewantourbabiestothrivedontweButimnotsurewhatIwantormysel.Somanybrokenpromiseshavebeenmadetomesuchabigworldthatisstillverymuchgearedortheshallowandthenoisypeoplewithmorecondencethansubstance.Inmyworldeveryoneispoliteandgraciousandspeaksinullsentences.Everyoneiswhimsicalandgoeswheretheyremindtakesthem.Theresnocrimewaretc.Peoplewearwhatevertheywantsingsongsputonplays.Thisworkedwellormeingradeschoolbutasanadultitsjustmeandthepetsandacoupleoamilymembersthatcantakemeinsmalldoses.Imluckytomakeenoughtostayathomemostothetimeandliveinthisworldivecreated.Therealheroesaretheoneswhohavetogoliveinthisworldthatwaslargelycreatedbyandornon-autistics.ThealbumGothicBluesisavailableonItunesSpotifyCDBabyandmore.Visitwww.Rudysimone.netforupdatesandvideos.www.youtube.comwatchvEx_tu3aNYfcalbumsamplerImagecourtesyKimMcGill AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE13interviewRUDELYINTERRUPTEDOneofthemostenergeticandgenuinebandtoemergefromAustralianrocknrollundergroundinrecenttimesRudelyInterruptedhaveenthralledaudiencesworldwidewithinfectiousIndiepopandperformedonsomeofthemostprestigiousstagesacrosstheglobeTheonlypeoplewhothinkyourecrazyaretheonesthatcanthearthemusic.PHOTOCOURTESYOFCHRISSIEFRANCIS 14AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureHowdidyouguysmeeteachotherImetRoryathisathersBBQonAustraliaDayin2006anditwasaveryhotdayasRoryrecalls.IwasrunningamusicprogramatadisabilitydayserviceinMelbourneandaskedRoryihewouldliketojointhegroup.JonathanBurnsideisamusicproducerandRoryhasgrownuparoundmusicandmusiciansmostohislie.AtthetimeIknewlittleoRorystalentsbutknewhewasatalentedmusicianthroughconversationswithJonathan.Roryhasperormedonmanycelebratedrecordingsthroughhisdadsstudio.RorysungandplayedkeyswithLukeSteeleoroneotheSleepyJacksonalbumLovers.Inthebeginningittookmanyweeksbeorethebandcametoriseoutothechaosoagroupoenthusiasticyoungmusicians.EventuallyJoshsmackedoutasolidrockbeatonthekitanditblewmeaway.JoshhadneverplayedthedrumkitpriortothebandandwhenhejumpedonthekitandstartedplayingaconsistentrockbeatIknewwecoulddosomethingcool.SamwellSamsthecoolestguytohaveontheroadmakingitunmostothetime.OccasionallywehavetodealwithsecuritypoliceandnightushersbecauseoSambutitsalwaysunny.Samrunsthemidistationonstageandhesworkingonchoreographedpartsorastageshow.Andyeshewearsaewcapesandrunsriotgenerally.TheHappyMondayshaveBezz.RudelyInterruptedhaveSamIttookmanyweeksbeorewemanagedtoplayasinglenotetogetherinthebeginning.Honestlytheguysbehaviourswerehighlyinappropriatesoittookawhileorthegrouptogelandworktogether.Likemanyrockstarstheirbehaviourneededalittlework.AyearlaterwehadourrstsongDontbreakmyheart.RorynamedthebandRudelyInterruptedashislieheelthadbeenrudelyinterruptedbyaspergersandbeingbornwithouteyesdidnthelphimmucheither.SoinMay2007weperormedliveorthersttimetoapackedinnercitymusicvenueandRudelyInterruptedwasborn.Webeganworkinghardandwritingmoretunestoperormandrelease.TheUnitedNationsinvitedustoperorminNewYorkin2008andthatsentthebandoftouringacrossUSACanadaandtheUKin2010.In2011winningaCannesawardorourlmclipCloseMyEyeswasacatalisttomoretouringinGermanyNewZealandSingaporewhilstthesongreachedtop20inLuxembourgiTunescharts.ItdidntseemtomakethenewsinAustraliabutthatsanotherstory.Themomentumhascontinueduptotodayaswestarttowriteorourourthstudiorelease.MarcusandConniehavesincedletthebandduetomanyreasonsbutIamsurewewillallgettogetheragainsomeday.Thelasttimeweplayedtogetherwasparliamenthousein2011.RohanHowwouldyoudescribeyourmusicIwoulddescribeRudelyInterruptedsmusicasrockpop.RoryWewriteuplitingIndieanthemsandsongswelovetoplay.Sometimesthelyricsareaboutlovegirlspimplesbutatothertimesaboutlizards.Whateverhappensinourlivestranserstooursongsandmusic.Itsaveryorganicprocess.RohanHowdoesthebandchallengespublicperceptionsofpeoplewhoaredifferentPeoplesperceptionisthebiggesthurdleweaceinmovingthebandorward.Everyonehasapreconceivedideaowhatadisability AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE15interviewRoryBurnsideMusicianSingerSongwriterRoryhashisownacebookpageoeringuptodaterailandroadconditionsRorysRailandRoadReports.Hedlovetheollowandlikeasheseesitashisserviceorthecommunity..Hesmadesomesuggestionstoimprovetherailnetworkscolouredcommunicationsonthepublicnoticeboardsandtheyvetakenonhissuggestionsimplementingthechanges.AsystemsmindRoryBurnsidewasborninSanFranciscoUSAMay2nd1987830am.HewasbornwithouteyesacletlipandpaletteandhealsoliveswithAspergersSyndromeandepilepsy.Hismusicalabilitygrewromhisamilysmusicalheritagewithbothhisparentsactiveintheproessionalartsdanceandmusicscene.Rorysattentiontosonicdetailcomesromhisnaturalabilityorrecognisingpitchperectpitchandorabsolutepitch.Roryscomortableinthestudio.HiswealthoexperiencewasduetohisatherandmusicproducerJonathanBurnsidesproessionalmusicproductionbusiness.OvertheyearsRorywasabletoperormonsomeothemanyrecordshisatherproducedincludingSleepyJackson.JoshuaHoganMusicianPercussionJoshsparentsweretoldtoleavehimatbirthwithJoshslieexpectancyandqualityinquestion.JoshsparentsreusedtogiveupontheirrstbornsonandnowJoshenjoysaninternationalproessionalmusiccareerandgardeningcareer.JoshhadneverplayeddrumsbeorejoiningRudelyInterruptedin2006.Joshliterallysatbehindthedrumkitandco-ordinatedarockbeat.IwasblownawaysaysRohanrightthenIknewwecoulddosomethingmusical.Joshsmusicianshiphasgrown10oldinthepast6years.Hescuthisteethontheroadandboyhasitpaidoyougottacomeandseethisguyplay.Itsrealhesturningintoagreatsolidlittledrummer.SamBekeArtistPerformersometimesBass-ManLighting-ManBeerdrinkerborrower..Sams21stchromosomehasthecreativeimaginationandentertainmenttwistRohaninsists.Hehassuccessullysubmittedhisartworkintomanyexhibitionsandcontinuestobuildabodyoworkromhisliesexperience.SamhasbeenperormingwithRudelyInterruptedsinceconceptionsometimestryinghishandatbassandusuallyendinguponthefoorinanon-choreographeddanceexplosion.InhiseyesSamistheGeneSimmonsoRudelyInterrupted.HisultimatedreamistofyontothestagethroughsmokefamesandlightningSammyDontcallmethatBekeisthebestguytohavearoundatanytimeothedayatanygigotheweekatanymomentintime.HesamagicianinmanywayshesgotcapesandcostumesbuttherealmagicisSamRohanBrooksMusicianDrummerSongwriterProducerMANAGERRohanBrookswasbornSeptember8th1970andhasbeenaproessionalmusiciansince1991.In2007RohanwasawardeddisabilitysupportworkerotheyearorhisworkwithRudelyInterruptedandhasdevelopedandsupportedthegroupsuturesinceherstoundedthegroupinMarch2006.Theseguyswerelikemanythousandsobuddingyoungmusicianslivingwithadisability.Theintensemusicaltherapyrocknrolloverthepastsixyearshasseentheseguysgrowbeyondanybodysexpectationsanditgoestoshowwithalittletalentandtherightsupportanybodycanachieveproessionalexcellence.JustaskLanceArmstrong..aboutthebandistothembutwhentheyseeRudelyInterruptedperormandhearthestrengthintheirmusicianshipandsongwritingpeoplearetakenabackandhopeullymakingthemthink.RohanWhichmemberofthebandisthemostrockandrollMeItherockstaryesSambutinotyouwhoisitItherockstaryesbutinotyouSamwhoelseJoshSamWhathasbeenthebestthingabouttouringaroundtheworldCanyoushareanymemorablestoriesIlovetouringIdontmisshomeatallIdontmissanythingwhileImontheroad.Iloveplayingmusicandmeetingnewpeoplehangingoutandhavingabeeratertheshowsiscoolun.Joshua.WhatdoesthefutureholdforRudelyInterruptedWevegotaewnewtuneswerelookingorwardtorecordingandwevejustdoneaewestivals.WegottoplaywithMentalAsAnythingandhungoutwithMartinPlazaandGreedySmith.WereabouttoannounceaewshowsinChinaexcitingorusandthatllbeoureighthinternationaltour.Welljustkeeponkeepingonwedoittokeepdoingit.Rohan 16AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE14YearOldRisingPopStarTalinaisMakingWavesAroundtheWorldJustbenice.Theworldwillbeabetterplace.GodmadeusinhisgraceLyricsfromTalinasanti-bullyingsongJustbeNiceByLOUISTOScANO AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE17TalinahasperormedatworldrenownedvenuessuchasCarnegieHalltheGroveinLosAngelesandTimesSquareNewYorkonNewYearsEve.TalinahasalreadyhadtwonumberonehitsontheIndependentMusicNetworkwithDanceFromTheHeartandJustBeNice.Talinahasreceivedawardsandrecognisedbynumerousorganisations.SowhoisTalinaTalinastartedsingingaroundtheageove.Aewyearslaterherdadrealisedthatshehadaveryspecialtalent-shewasabletocalloutthekeyoanysongwithinsecondsohearingit.WhenitcomestomusicTalinahasbeenblessedwithperectpitchasoululandrockingsingingvoiceplaysseveralinstrumentsandhasbecomequitetheaccomplishedsongwriter.Ithatsnotenoughshewasdiagnosedwithautismatagetwoandahalandhasneverlookedback.WhenTalinawasrstdiagnosedwithautismwewereatatotallosssaysatherLouisToscano.Wedidnotknowwhatautismwasorhowitwouldimpactourdaughter.Theearlydayswerescarytimes.Talinaexhibitedmanyclassicsignssuchasstimminglackoeyecontactspeechchallengesnemotorandsensoryissues.Mr.ToscanoandhiswiedideverythingintheirpowertogiveTalinatheopportunitytolearnandgrowbutitwasalwaysachallenge.Wewereveryortunatetohaveawonderulsupportgroupinouramilyandriendswhichmadeahugediferenceinthelongrun.Itseemedliketeachersandtherapistswereinthehousealldaylong.ItwasalongroadbutwortheveryminuteoitTalinastartedofherproessionalcareerwithabangin2010perormingonNewYearsEveorABCinTimesSquareStudioswhereshealsohadtheopportunitytomeetoneoheravouritecelebritiesRyanSeacrest.Itwaseasytoorgetthatshewasonly11yearsoldorthisperormanceasshedisplayedthepowerdynamicsandvocalrangethatisrarelyseeninachildherage.TalinawasintheHollywoodspotlightonApril112010whenshewalkedtheredcarpetandperormedataHollyrodFoundationHollyRobinsonPeeteeventatCulverStudiosCaliornia.Shestartedtorealisethatasarolemodelshecouldmakeadiferenceorotherchildrenwithautismandtheiramilies.ThiswasaturningpointorTalinaanditwasherethatshemetproducerandnowgoodriendBrandonJarrett.BrandonhasteamedupwithTalinaonnumerousprojectstodateandithasproventobeaormulaorsuccessWhenTalinawritesasongsheknowsexactlywhatsheislookingorintermsoproductionsoundsandnalproduct.ThatsthemarkoatruerecordingartistshealwaysknowswhatshewantshermusictosoundlikesaidBrandonJarrett.InMay2010TalinawastherecipientotheInspirationAwardromtheMcCartonFoundationatCiprianisonWallStreetNewYork.AewmonthslaterTalinarecordedherrstsinglecalledThankYouandmadeherNetworktelevisiondebutperormingthissongonthemainstageotheColumbusDayParadewhichwasshownliveonNBCTV.FollowinganotherantasticperormanceorABConNewYearsEve2011onlyjustoneweeklaterTalinawasoneo13HonoreesrecognisedattheGeniusoAutismatCarnegieHall.TalinawasthrilledtobeintroducedbylmandTVstarLauraLinneyandshewaspresentedwithapersonalletterwrittenbyAliciaKeys.Talinabroughtthehousedownononeotheworldsmostamousstages.Talinas2011singleDanceFromtheHearthitnumberoneonTheIndependentMusicNetworkIMNandwasaTop5HitonNewMusicWeeklysNMWHot100SinglesChart.InadditionTalinawasaseventimeAwardNomineeoNMWIMNandwasawardedtheIMN2011BestNewArtistotheYear.LarryWeireditoroNewMusicWeeklycalledDanceFromTheHeartthesurprisehitothesummer.OnMarch112011TalinawasinspiredtowriteasongcalledIllBeThereForYouhoursatertheearthquakeandtsunamihitJapan.IllBeThereForYouisamovingballadthatrecallsTalinasrstthoughtswhensheheardaboutthistragedy.ItwasTalinascalltoactiontohelpthepeopleoJapan.TwoyearslatersheperormedthissongattheUnitedNations.MoreandmoreTalinasstyleisbeingcomparedtoayoungAdele.Talinasvoiceisintriguinguniqueandemotional.Hersoululsongwritingtrulycapturestheessenceoherliesexperiences.2012wasexcitingorTalinaasithasincludedrecordingnewmusicperormingatmanyprestigiousvenuesthroughouttheUSinterviewswithTVandradioplussongsbeingeaturedinmovies.Shewasalsotherecipientothe2012OutstandingArtistAwardromtheMcCartonFoundation.Talinathenlaunchedhernationalanti-bullyingcampaigneaturingherlatestsingleJustBeNicewhichcapturednumberoneontheMainstreamChartsotheIndependentMusicNetworkIMN.Talinawasnotonlynominatedortwoawardsshewonthe2012FavoriteMainstreamTeenArtistAwardBullyingisnotgoingawayanytimesoonsowehavetostepupanddosomethingaboutitTalinasays.OneoTalinasgoalsistoincreaseherplatormeachyearsoshecanhelpmorechildrenwithautismandcontinuetheghtagainstbullying.IhavelearnedhowtoliveandsucceedwithmyautismandIhopetobearolemodelorotherswithautismaswell.WecanaccomplishanythingsaysTalina.Nowat14yearsoldTalinassongwritingistakingcenterstage.HersongMoreThanOkwasinspiredbyhermeetingwiththelegendaryMaryJBlige.MaryJtoldTalinatobetruetoherselandhermusicdontletanyonejudgeyouandyouranswillalwaysbetruetoyou.TalinaslatestsingleMockingbirdisdedicatedtothosethathavesuferedthelossoalovedoneandisalreadybeingcalledherbestsongyet.VisitTalinaswebsitewww.talinaworld.comtoollowthisamazingartistthatcontinuestodeytheoddsTalinaischangingtheworldOneSongataTime. 18AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEByJENNIfERCOOKOTOOlEinkonthesectrumPDidyouknowthatarue-anenomeisanimperectowerNowuntilyesterdayIlladmitIwouldveguesseditwasactuallysomeoceaniccreature.Butitsnot.Itsaprettylittlewildower-albeitanimperectone.OKletsstoprighthere.Letmepromiseyousomething.Thisisnotalessoninbotany.Soeveniplantsarentyourthingjustgoalongoramomentortwo.Alright.Backtotherue-anenome.Letsbeveryclinicalandproessionalnow-lookingcareullyandtakingnotes.AndwhatdoweseeWellbeyondsayingOohItsprettyiwetrulydedicatedayeartowatchingoneblossomonthisprettyplantwemightrecordthattheowerbloomsinearlyspringhaspetalshassepalssmallleavesunderthestemhasapeduncleastemhaspollen-producinganthershasslenderlamentsLetssayinactthatwenoticemanyrue-anemoneowersandwhiletheymayvaryslightlyinsizeorshapetheyallhavethesamecharacteristics.Andsowereportourndingsaoweristhepartoaplantthathas...andthenwellinourlist.Hereaterthesecharacteristicswillbethediagnosticcriteriaorwhetherornotsomethingisaower.WouldthatbeaccurateWellpartly.Someowersdohaveallotheseparts.Howeveriwehadpickedanotherbunchorue-anenomeswemightjusthaveeasilyseenallothesamecharacteristics-exceptthelasttwo.Insteadinthissecondbunchoowerswewouldveseenobservedacarpel-containingtheovarystigmaandstyle.So-whatdoesthatmeannowAretheseotherblossomsnotowersOcoursenot.Youseeitturnsoutthatarue-anenomeisoneotheveryewplantswhoseowershaveeithermaleoremalepartsbutnotboth.Thatswhatearnsthedesignationimperect.Mostowersweknow-rosestulipsdafodils-areperect.TheyincludebothmaleandemalepartswedneverhavetomakeaqualicationthatMalerosesandemalerosesaresimilarbutalittlebitdiferentinthewaytheyexpresstheirrosiness.Wecanjustsayrosesare....andnishthesentence.Butinthecaseorue-anenomesoneblossom-orevenmanyothem-cannotrepresentall.WhocaresWeshould.Icertainlydo-atleastinpeopleterms.Hereswhythevastmajorityooundationalobservationoandworkwitholksonthespectrumwasconductedbymaleclinicianswithmalepatients. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE19Theysawnotedandreportedapatternocharacteristicsjustaswedidwithourowers.ButinsteadorecordingpetalsandlamentsandthencreatingadiagnosticcriteriaorlowersthesescientistslikeDr.HansAspergerhimselwatchedpeople.Children.Andprimarilytheywatchedboys.NotsurprisinglythentheconstellationobehavioursstrengthschallengesandtendenciesthatbecamethemedicalandpublicproleoautismandAspergersisdistinctivelydecidedlymale.MoreboysarelogicallygoingtotaprolethatwascreatedbyobservinganddescribingboysThemaleexperienceoowerinessorautism-orhungerorlaughterisneitherneutralnoruniversal.Itsvalid.Butitsonlypartothestory.Untilquiterecentlywomenaroundtheworldweredyinginterricnumbersromheartdiseasebecausetheywerelookingortraditionalexpectedsymptomsoheartattacklikeshootingpainsorsuddenweakness.Andthesearemostdenitelysymptomsoheartattackinmen.Womenandtheirdoctorsbyandlargeweredismissingsuddenonsetlethargyindigestionevennonspecicgeneralmalaisebecausetheydidntexperiencenumbnessdowntheirarmsorshortnessobreath.Inotherwordstheyatallyignorednormalemalehistologysimplybecauseeveryoneexpectedemalebodieswiththesamemedicalconditiontopresentexactlyasmalepatientsdid.Letmebeclear.Idontbelievethatdoctorswereintentionallybeingirresponsibleorunproessional.Theydidthebestwithwhattheyknew-butwhattheyknewwasdecidedlyanddisturbinglyincomplete.AndasMayaAngelousaidWhenyouknowbetteryoumustdobetter.Asthereddresscampaignhasgoneinternationalgainingmuchmorepublicawarenesspopularculture-andmedicalproessionalsingeneral-havebeguntointegratetheemaleexpressionoheartdiseaseintotheirunderstandingooverallsymptomology.Inotherwordssymptomsthatlooklikeaemaleheartattackarenallycatchingeyesandmindsandattentionasmanyadditionalmaniestationsoaheartattackregardlessothepatientsgender.Autismisprettymuchthesame.Ofcialdiagnostictests-eventhegeneralwaysocietyatlargeconceivesoautismandAspergers-deploycriteriadevelopedbymenbaseduponpatternstheyobservedinboys.Ocoursemoreboysthangirlswilltthosecriteria-evennow.Iyoudeneachildasayoungpersonwithaheadgutandtestes-girlsdonttthebillthennoworever.Liketheimperectowerstherearecommonalitiesbetweenthesexes-bothblossomshavepetalsandbothgendersoAspieshavesensorychallenges.Butonerue-anenomeoronegenderoAspiecannotrepresenttheentirepopulation. 20AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINENeithercanaclinicalandvernacularideaowhatautismAspergerslookslikebecompleteiitisskewedtomorereadilyincludeonegenderandrequentlyoverlookormislabeltheother.Aninclusiverepresentationothespectrumincludesallphenotypicexpressionsoourneurologicalhardwiring.Butthatsnotwhatsbeingtaught.Yet.Presenthigh-levelmentalhealthandeducatortrainingIstudiedbothtestingproceduresandthepublicsgeneralconceptionowhatisorisntAspieautismlikeourlowerisimperect.AndthatsaVERYbigdeal.Clinicallytheresultisa41orhighermaleemaleratioodiagnoseswhenmoregenderneutralinstructionisprovidedandassessmenttoolsareemployedthatnumberismuchcloserto11.Dr.JudithGouldTheLornaWingCentreLiketheirstrugglingmalecounterpartsyoungwomenarejustbeingentirelythemselves--loyalcuriousintenseandotenlonely.Theydontmeanttobutnomatterhowintelligentthey-we-aretheymissalotosocialcues...notbecauseoegotismorlaziness...becauseoAspergers.Yetwithinthegitoaspectrumdiagnosisisthebalmweallneedselorgivenessexplanationandgreatgreathope.GirlsarenolessAspie.Werejustlessobvious.DiagnosticianslookingortypicalAspietraitsareunwittinglylookingortypicallyMaleAspietraits.Sowithoutmalicetheymissandmislabelthegirls.ForexampleSpecialinterestslikeThomastheTraindinosaursspacearchitectureortransportationareverycommonamongboys.Notsomuchamonggirls.InsteadgirlsmayadoreSmursorbecomeproessorialabouthistoricalgureslikeLauraIngallsorHelenKellerormaybeairiesorBarbiesespeciallyithoseBarbiesarequietlyactingoutahistoricaleventoravoriteGreekmyth.Maybeachildisascinatedwithmedievaltimes.Whileaboydonshisswordhissistermaybedressingupinaprincessgown.Lookstypical.Thatsbecausewithgirlsitslessthetopicthatsunusualandmoretheintensityoknowledge.Goahead.AskthatprincessishesCinderellaandshellpromptlytellyouwhichoHenryVIIIswivessheisimpersonating...andthenwillproceedtolistallsix-inorder.Myworkwithamiliesaroundtheworldhasshownmetimeandagaincorrectdiagnosisisthekeytoaccuratesel-conceptindependenceproductivityandoverallhappiness.Onthecontrarythedamageomissedormisdiagnosisisunathomable.Amongwomendiagnosedasadultsrapeabuseandvictimizationisinmypersonalobservationtheruleratherthantheexception.Whenyouvecometobelieveyouredifculttolovesaidonewomanyourewillingtoacceptcrumbsoaectionnomatterwhatdegradationcomesalongwithit.Ithasbeenreportedthatgirlsandwomenonthespectrumareuninterestedintraditionalgenderrolesorinlookinggirlie.Thatcanbetrue.Byandlargethesegirlsstickoutmoreandthusaresomewhatmoreapttowinclinicalattention.Howeverothergirlsaredeceptivelyadeptatandveryeagertogetbeingagirlright-asmuchastheirperectionismdrivesthemtogeteverythingelserighttoo.Sowe-asthiscategorycertainlyincludesmysel-overachieveandintellectualize.Westudyashionmagazinesandpopularcultureasinstructionaltexts.Weexpertlycopyalluringmannerismswittyturns-o-phrasecoygesturesandatraditionallyattractiveotenprovocativeappearance.Wetrytoembodyacaricature. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE21ForexampleAttwoIvyLeagueuniversitiesIachieveda4.0duringmyundergraduateandgraduatestudies.YetasaWOMENsSTUDIESminorIsawmyrealsuccessesashavingbeenacceptedintoasororityandchosenasacollegecheerleader-twostereotypesthattomeindicatedFINALsocialacceptance.AlbeitsubconsciouslyIevenusedmyacademicacumentoensurethoseeelingsohavingmadeitwouldlast.ThechosentopicormyhonorsthesisBarbieasadidactictoolopostwarmodernemininityinAmerica.InotherwordsIliterallymadeathesisoutoresearchingmyownroleinmyownsociety.Buttheresaverybigcatchtoallothis.AsIwrotetotheteenagersreadingTheAsperkidsSecretBookoSocialRulesWhenIwasinhighschoolIwascastastheleadinthemusicalDamnYankees.MypartLolawasavamp--WhateverLolaWantsLolaGetsbymeansoALittleBrainsALittleTalentwiththeemphasisonthetalent.AndLolastalentwaswinningmen.Shewas--andthereoreIhadtobe--hot.Dancingandsingingaboutinronto1000peopleanightIstrippeddowntoshnetsandlace.DictionaryBrainhadshakenupthesceneindeed.Anditmadequiteanimpressiononthestudentbody.Italsomadequiteanimpressiononme.InthespanooneweekendIliterallywentromhavingalmostnosociallietoeelinglikethehoneypotsurroundedbyawully-hungrybees.Boyswereeverywhere.Callingirting.Walkingmehereordrivingmethere.Therewerepartyinvitationseveryweekend.IteltlikeIwasAlicethroughthelookingglassandIdidNOTwanttoleave.ButIlearnedellowAspergirlsthatwhenyouareputuponapedestalyoucangetknockeddownast.Noonelooksyouintheeyeasanequalwhenyoureupthere.Theylookatyoulikeanobject.Andeveryobjectisdisposable.Whichiswhyitannoysmetonoendthattheworldnowusesthewordhottomeanbeautiul.TheyareNOTthesamethingandthediferencebetweenthemiswhereIgotverylost.Andveryhurt.Inthesimplestotermsthehotgirlistheonealltheboysarestaringat.Thebeautiulgirlistheoneallthegirlsarestaringat.Thehotgirlneedsattentionandgetsit.ShewillbehitGirlswhodontftinarecasuallydismissedastoosmartoversensitiveanddramatic.AdultswillshrugGirlscanbesomean.OrtheypejorativelyattachlabelslikebossyorstuckupwhentheyoughttousetheonethatcanhelpAspie.onorapproachedbylotsoguys.Thebeautiulonemaynot--shesintimidating.Shesintelligentsheiskindshescondentinwhosheisandsheseeksthebeautyinotherpeople.Learntobeherbylearningtobethebestyou.Thetruthisthatgirlswhoperormconvincinglydonotreallyunderstandtheunderlyingnuancesotheirbehaviourandotengivetheimpressionobeingmuchmoresavvythantheyactuallyare.Sadlyperectly-mimickednaively-wieldedirtationotenlandsthesegirlsImagecourtesyoftheAsperkidsNotYourAverageColoringBook 22AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEinprecarioussituationswhichtheyarenottrulypreparedtohandlebecomingeasytargetsorsexualpredatorsandsel-medicationthroughtobaccodrugsandoralcohol.Socialnavetmakesthemprimetargetsorelaboratepracticaljokesanddamagedsel-esteemleavesthemapttoseekapprovalorafectionthroughsexualencounters--ariskyheartbreakingexchangethatonlybringsurtherridiculeandmockery.Furthertheprevalenceoanorexiaandbulimia-acommonemalemaniestationoanxietyandcognitiverigidity-istremendousamongthisgroup.Yettraditionaleatingdisordertreatment-expensiveandotenhumiliating-missestherootcausealmosteverytime.Asyearspassbrilliantcapableundiagnosedgirlsgrowtobeundiagnosedwomenwhohavehadtoendurebullyingviolenceandsystematicproessionalailures.Evenmoreheartbreakingthesewomenandgirlsotenndthemselvesblamedortheirvictimization.AlmostwithoutexceptionemaleAspiesndthemselveswithalitanyomislabelsotenbipolardisorderevenascliniciansagreetheirpatientsnevertrulytthatcriteria.Asthemotheroadaughterandtwosons--allonthespectrum--IneverceasedtobeamazedatthediferenceintheleveloadvocacyIhavealwayshadtotakeonmydaughtersbehalversusmysons.InactthemeticulousworkIhadtoconstructtoproveherAspergerswaswhatinoneyearstimeledtothesubsequenteasydiagnosesomyhusbandmytwosonsandnallyomysel...andthewritingomyrstbook.Thoughwesoughtoutexpertswithexcellentcredentialsandgoodintentionstheonuselluponme-timeandagain-toprovethecaseorherAspergers.InAsperkidsAnInsidersGuidetoLovingUnderstandingandTeachingChildrenwithAspergerSyndromeIdescribetheexhaustionthatcomeswiththenever-endingprovingoourinvisibledisabilityinpink.InanarroganttonethecareerteacherdoubtedtheaccuracyoourdaughtersAspergersdiagnosisasiitsaneasily-achievedrubberstamphoweverwhenIaskedher...howmanyGIRLSwithAspergersshehadactuallytaughtsheconcededtheanswerwasnone.SomehowmaamIrepliedIdoubtthat....theteachercontinuedtolecturemyhusbandandmeobservingthatyesourdaughterdidholdbackromgroupsbutIthinkshesjustalotlikeyouMr.OToole....sixmonthslaterJohnsownpsychologistdiagnosedhimwithAspergers.OurchildpsychiatristwhoeventuallyencouragedmetowriteAsperkidsagreesthatthedidacticrolesoratimewerereversed.IdidntseeherAspergersatrstasIdidwithyoursons.Youmadethecasepointbypointandaskedmetostickaroundwithoutjudgementoramonthorso.YouweretiredandhadbeenthroughawringeropsychologistsandspecialistsandIllbehonestIthoughtyoudbewrongabouther.Youwerent.EveryobservationwasspotonandouryearslaternotonlydoIhavenodoubtaboutherAspergersyoutaughtmewhatsomeotheworldsbestmedicalschoolscouldnt.AsthedaughteroalitigatorImettheprovethecasechallengehead-on.ButIshouldnthavehadto.Ishouldnothavehadtobetheeducatortothepsychiatristspsychologistsandteachers.Itwastheirjobtohelphertohelpus.AndIdobelievetheytried.Thesimpleactisthattheydidntknowbetter. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE23goarbeyondgettingmoreservicesatschool.Aroundtheworldmarriagescareersamiliesanduturesdependongender-blindrecognitionoalluniqueminds.Asperkidsyouseearelikeperectowers.Theyareboys.Theyaregirls.TheyalreadyAREtheentireperectspectrum.Natureisinclusiveevenwhenunder-inormedadultsarent.AndsoIimploreyouwholikemetendthekinder-garden.Maywetakethetimetospotallotheseedlings.Tosupportthemduringthestormsandnourishthemastheyeachneed.Letsrecognizetheperectowerstherosesbyanyname.Andthenwecanwatchthemgrowullothepromiseandpossibilitybeautiulpeoplejustbeginningtobloom.Perhapsitsnotcoincidentalthatmydaughtersavouritecoloursinceinancyhasbeenpurple-andthatwecelebrateherbirthdayeveryyearwithPurpleDay.BecauseasawomanwithAspergersandthemotheroanAspergirlIaskthatwhenwelightitupblueweaddsomepink.Thespectrumaterallcontainspinkblueandamixoboth.Girlswhodonttinarecasuallydismissedastoosmartoversensitiveanddramatic.AdultswillshrugGirlscanbesomean.OrtheypejorativelyattachlabelslikebossyorstuckupwhentheyoughttousetheonethatcanhelpAspie.MydaughterandIhaveoneanotherweareuniqueinthatadvantage.Toomanywomenandgirlsarewithoutequalaccesstothesupportandunderstandingtheydeserveviaproperdiagnosis.OthisIamremindedconstantly.OnlytwodaysagoamothernamedSarawrotetomeAewmonthsbackIcommentedononeoyourpostssayingthatourdoctortoldmeourdaughterwasjusttired.AndIwaslikeprettysuretiredkidsdontpacethehouseinasetpatternandswingallthetime.Iwillneverorgetleavingthatdoctorsofceintears.YouencouragedmeandtoldmewhyitISimportanttodiagnose.WellwewentbackandthedoctornallysaidYes.ShesonthespectrumIjustdontliketodiagnoseitbecauseitsahardlabeltoremove.Evennowshesaidsheisonlydoingitorusbecauseshethinksitwillgetusmoreservicesatschool.IpushedthankstoyourencouragementandsheisnallywillingtosayitNowmygirlcanunderstandwhytheworldissorustratingANDwecanworkonthepositiveinthis.Sheiscrazy-smartandwilldoAWESOMEAhardlabeltoremoveAsanAspieandthemotherothreeAsperkidsIcouldnotbemoreprooundlyoended.Insertanotherminoritylabel-racialreligiousethnic-andIdoubtsuchathoughtwouldbetolerated.BuiltintothatcasualphraseisextremebiastowardtheshameulspectrumlabelwhichIoronewouldnotwishtoremove.Sadlythoughthisonecliniciansignorantattitudeisnotonlyproessionallyirresponsibleitsextremelycommon.Soletsclearsomethingup.Diagnosisisidenticationnotcommandment.AnamedoesnotmakeanyoneanAspieanymorethandeclaringItsagirlcausesanewborntobecomeemale.Wearewhowearewhetherornotthepediatricianpsychiatristorteacherknowswhattolookororwhytobother.Butnamingthedierencesuredoeshelp.Theconsequencesolightingituppurpleareprooundandlastingandthey 24AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEParentsorteachersmayseegirlsplayingtypicallywithdollsordressupclothing.Butacloserlookwillusuallyrevealplayscenariosthatarerestrictivetostrictspecial-interest-drivenscriptsi.e.Barbiedollswhoareactuallyre-enactingGreekmythsornewsevents.Asperkids-especiallygirls-arelikelytoresearchandintellectualizethesocialrolesothersgleanorganically.Theywillgatherandmemorizeasmuchinormationastheycanonsocialrolesandsexualexpectationssometimesendangeringthemselvesintheprocess.Lookingorsoundingashionableisascommonamonggirlsonthespectrumasisdisinterestinappearance.Girlsonthespectrumarerequentlyantasticmimicsotenaugmentedbyinvolvementintheatrewhometiculouslyassembleadesirablepersonaoracade.Eatingdisorderslikeanorexianervosaandbulimiashouldbeconsideredredags-indictorsoperectionisttendenciesinternalizedsel-punishmentaneedorarticialcontrolextremerigidityandadherencetoroutineDr.TonyAttwood2009.Moreotenthannottheyareruleamongwomenonthespectrumratherthantheexception.Beingoverlybubblyandmagnanimousisacommonyetexhaustingwaymanygirlsonthespectrumcamouagetheirsocialanxiety.Diagnosticiansandteachersmustlookbeyondthesuracetodetermineorganicromafect.Lookorphasesointenseriendshipswithbreak-upsorsuddenends.Beingabletoestablishriendshipsisverydiferentrombeingabletomaintainthem.AsboysmaystudytrainchartsmapcoordinatesormilitarytankschematicsgirlscanalsoocusongraphicorganizersandchartsmostotenpedigreesoramilytreesdevouringlimitlessdatesandnamesLookcloser.Askmorequestions.Thegirlsneedyou.Girlsspecialinterestsareotensimilartotheirpeersashionpopularctionhistoricerasanimalsaeriesmermaids--thelevelointensityactualknowledgeratherthanthetopicitseliswhatsetsthemapart.Thespecialintereststillservesasanescape-noteitsunctiontransporttoadistanttimeplacespeciesorsocialscenariowhereinterpersonalrulesandcustomsareclearerantasyworldsolklorehistoricperiodswherecustomsclothingrelationshipsandlanguagescanbestudiedmastered.Girlsotencollectinormationonpeopleandculturesratherthanonthings.LiningupogirlsgurinecollectionsSmursAmericangirldollsbooksinaserieslookslessconspicuousthanrowsotoycars.Thosedisplaysstillreectaninterestinsettingprecisetableauxnotspontaneousinteractiveplay.Girlsotenhyperocusonhavingoneall-encompassingbestriendlaterthismayevolvetoanall-or-nothingselconceptobeinginorbeingabletokeepadatingpartnerspouseatanycost.Relationshipsmaybemuchmoreaboutperceptionthansubstance.Asperkidsingeneralhavealimitedunderstandingothelevelsoriendship-sothattheycannotclearlydistinguishanacquaintanceromacloseriendnorcantheydenewhatconstitutesanactualriendship.Ratherthanaskingiagirlhasriendsaqualitativeinvestigationismoreproductivedescriptionsoherriendsmayreveallittleevidenceoreciprocityordepthquestionhowweknowthesepeopleareriendsdotheyplaytogetheroutsideoschoolhowoten-Asperkidsmayperceiveaclassmatewhoneverinvitesoutsidesocializationasabestriend.Girlswillotentakeontheroleobossoyoungerchildrenneediernewkidsexchangestudentsoroaprecociouslittlesister-peer-to-peercollaborationisMUCHharder.Theymaycomeacrossunintentionallyasbraggadociosknow-it-allsandrequentlyseecomplimentstoothersasinsultstothemselves.Bothbehavioursreecttheory-o-mindchallengesandlowsel-esteemnotarrogance.inkonthesectrumPRECOGNIZING AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE25socialwellbeingForthisissueIwouldliketotalkaboutsomethingthathasbeenonmymindforsometimenowfriendships.BeforeIgoanyfurtherIwouldliketostatethattheopinionsexpressedinmycolumnaresolelymineandanysuggestionsarebasedonmypersonalexperiencesandwhathasworkedforme.Iwanttomakethisclearasnotwopeopleonthespectrumarealikeandwhatworksforsomemaynotworkforothers.Wemaysharemuchincommonbutthebottomlineisweareindividualswithuniqueexperienceswalkingourownpaths.FriendsipsPartOneByJENElchESON 26AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEsocialwellbeingNomatterwhatstyleocommunicationonechoosesonlineriendshipsarerealriendshipsregardlessothenaysayers.ItisnosecretthatriendshipsdonotcomeeasytomostOnTheSpectrumOTS.HavingdicultieswithsocializingandcommunicatingcanmakeoraVERYlonelyandisolatinglie.FactorindicultieswithunderstandingbodylanguageemotionsandacialexpressionsthenonehasarealchallengeAndthoseareonlySOMEothechallengesweaceWhilesomeOTSOntheSpectrummaynotwishtohaveriendsothersmaystronglycraveriendshipsandconnectionwithothers.Theproblemismanyousdonotknowhowtomakeorkeepriends.Sometimeswehaveriendsandtheyuseusbecausewemayhavebeentootrusting.Othertimestheydisappearleavingonewonderingandperhapsendlesslyanalysingwhathappened.WasitsomethingwesaidDidwetalktoomuchornotenoughDidwestayononetopictoolongDidweevenREALISEitintherstplaceOtenwhenaspectrumiteisnotdiagnosedorawareotheirneuraldiferencestheymaynotevenrealisethattheyaremakingsocialblundersintherstplace.IknowbeoreIcametotermswithmyAspergersdiagnosisIdidnothaveaclue.InthiscolumnIwouldliketogiveabriesummaryomypersonalhistorywithriendshipsandthensharesomepointersowhathasworkedorme.Asachildriendshipswereeitherchallengingornon-existant.Icouldnotrelatetootherchildrennorengageinproperplay.Itwaseasiertoconversewithadultsastherewasusuallyapurposetotheconversation.AdultswouldotentellmethatIwasintelligentbeyondmyyears.MostkidsdidnotunderstandwhyIlookedwalkedtalkedthoughtandbehaveddiferently.Theyeithermadeunomeortookadvantageomyblatantgullibility.IwasalsoteasedbecauseIhaddicultycontrollingregulatingmyemotionsandwasquicktoangerandwouldhavecryingmeltdownswhenoverloaded.WhenIdidmanagetohaveriendstheriendshipsdidnotlastlong.Ihaddiferentexpectationsotheriendshipandsometimesbecamepossessiveoriends.Iwonderedwhyothersneededsomanyriendswhenoneriendseemedtobesucientenough.Ialsolackedriendsbecausemanybecametooembarrassedbeingriendswiththeweirdkid.Knowingthathurtalot.Ireallyhadnoideahowtocomprehendsocialcues.IcannottotallyaultsomeothekidsornotunderstandingmebecauseIotencameofasrudeoverlyexcitableinvasiveandloud.AlthoughmanygirlswithAspergersautismhaveaquieterdemeanornotalldo.Italldependsononespersonalityandco-occurringconditions.IwasnotwhatonewouldcallaquietchildIhavebecomemuchmorereservedasanadultthough.Iwashyperandhadnoimpulsecontrol.Iwasbluntwouldconstantlyinterruptconversationssaysomethingirrelevantandtakealmosteverythingliterally.Idonotthinkthisgavethekidsincentivetobullymethough.HoweverbackthennooneknewIhadAS.ItwasnotevenrecognisedasaconditionatthetimehereinNorthAmerica.Thosewereconusingtimes.At12ImadetworiendswhomIbecamecloseto.Oneothemwasabitoanoutsiderherselthusprovedtrustworthybuttheotherbetrayedmeharshly.Shebecamepopularoncehighschoolbegan.IassumeshewasembarrassedtobearoundmeduetomyemotionalimmaturityandnotbeinglikeNTgirls.AtrstsheignoredmewhenIaskedherwhyshewantednothingtodowithme.Ayesornoanswerwouldhavebeenne.Whatendeduphappeningwasshestartedtocovertly AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE27socialwellbeingbullymeanditreallymessedwithmyhead.NotonlythatbutIwasbulliedandgossipedaboutbyothersaswell.IwillnotgointodetailsbutIdidswitchschools.AtmynewschoolIgottoknowquiteaewpeople.Itwasasmallprivateschoolthathadanoverallriendlywelcomingenvironment.HoweverIwasotenreluctantinspendingtimewithschoolriendsoutsideoschool.WhenIdiditwasonlyonmyterms.Activitiessuchasbirthdaypartiesgoingtothemallandotheroutingscausedmeanxiety.KeepingupwithalltheconversationswouldoverloadmeandIdevelopedtrustissuesduetothepastbullyingincidents.Iwasotenparanoidthatothersweregossipingaboutmeandplottingtoharmme.Iwasalsoquicktoangeranddeensiveatthesmallestslight.ConstantlyIeltlikeIwasonthewrongpagewhenitcametorelatingtoothers.WhenIwantedtosocialiseIwouldseemyonecloseriendontheweekends.Inevereltcomortableingroupsandwouldratherpartakeinoneononecommunicationwheremyocusremainedontheotherperson.Istillpreeritthisway.Inmyearlytomid-adultyearsreallieriendshipsdidnotlastlongorwerenon-existent.Iwasalsointwobacktobacklongtermrelationshipsthusmostomyenergywenttowardsmypartneratthetime.IsometimesmaderiendswiththewrongpeoplendingthatIdidnothavemuchincommonwiththem.Iwasunabletorelatetotheirexperiencesorthemtomine.Iwouldconsiderriendshipstobecloserthantheyactuallywereandpeoplewouldpullawayoravarietyoreasons.Iwasandstillamanintenseperson.IlongedorgoodriendshipsbutIjustcouldnotgureouthowtonavigatethem.WhenIwenttoCollegeIstudiedSocialServiceWork.Manyothecourseswerecentredonefectivecommunicationandlearningempathyandreciprocation.Inasenseitwassocialskillstraining.IwastakingthesecourseswhilstcomingtotermswithhavingASgettingtoknowmysel.ThoughIdidnotrealiseatthetimethecoursesenrichedmylieimmensely.IstartedtodevelopSOLIDandSTABLEriendshipsIevenmetsomepeopleatschoolthatIdidnotmindbeingaroundandevenmetoneomyclosestriendsintownthroughaclassmate.AttimeswhenIhadnoriendsinreallieIsoughtoutpeoplewithsimilarinterestsonline.Theinternetcanbeagreattoolorspectrumitesthatareseekingriendshipbutmaynotnecessarilywantacetoacecontact.Onlineisagreatwaytogettoknowsomeoneonadeeperlevel.Imyselhavemetsomeonlineriendsinrealliebeithereintownorwhileonholidayandwearestillriendstothisday.HavinggottoknowthemthroughcorrespondencemeetingupwiththemactuallyeltnaturalormebecauseIknewthemalready.ManypeoplemaynotunderstandwhyonewouldturntotheinternettomakeriendsbutorapersonOTSsometimesitistheonlyway.WearentexactlythekindopeoplewholikegoingtobarsandclubstomeetpeopleIknowIamnotManyomyonlinespectrumriendspreeronlinecomparedtoreallieriendsandthatworksorthem.Nomatterwhatstyleocommunicationonechoosesonlineriendshipsarerealriendshipsregardlessowhatthenaysayerssay.FriendshipisallabouthowYOUdeneit.Justremembertobesaeandnotgiveouttoomuchpersonalinormation.AdditionalTipsforMakingFriendsOnlineSpecialinterestsareagreatwaytomeetellowspectrumitesdiagnosedornot.Manyspectrumitessharesimilarspecialinterests.Thiswayyoucantalkaboutyourspecialinterestsatlengthwithsomeonewhosharesthem.YoumayevenmakesomeNTriendswhoaresupportiveandopen-mindedtoo.Onlineriendshipstakethepressureofhavingtosocialiseconventionally.SpectrumitesareanythingbutconventionalsowhyshouldourriendshipsbeFindautismrelatedgroups.IcannotemphasiseenoughthepoweropeersupportIhavemetmanyamazingspectrumitesthroughsuchgroups.ItisveryvalidatingtobeabletodiscussautismASissueswiththosewhotrulygetit.ThisisagreatwaytoreachouttootherOTSandshowthemsomemuchneededsupportthoughmanyousareintrovertedwestillhaveaneedorconnection.Iyoursocialskillsneedbrushinguponcommunicatingonlineisgoodpractice.Therearealsomanyresourcesouttherethatmayhelpyoulearntocommunicatebetter.GivethematryIyoudonotwishtohaveriendsthatisOKAYtoo.NotallpeopleOTSaresocial.Someareextremelyreclusivechoosingtospendtimealonepursuinginterests.Theyhavearighttotheirprivacyandshouldneverbeorcedtosocialise.Thisshouldgowithoutevensaying.InthenextissueIwouldliketoocusonriendshipsandwomenonthespectrum.Againiyouhaveanyoyourowntipsonmakingriendsorpositiveconnectionswithothersshootmeanemail.CheersfromCanadaJenElchesonJenster09aanmag.com.au 28AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEsocialwellbeingForpeopleontheautismspectrumrelationshipsanddatingcanbeespeciallytricky.Thatisnottosaythatpeopleonthespectrumcanthaveulllingandrewardingsexualrelationships.Peopleonthespectrumhavesimilareelingsaboutloverelationshipsandbelongingaboutbeinglovedandacceptedbyapartnerastherestotheworlddoes.AsawomanwithAspergersIhavehadmyownexperiencesosexualrelationshipsandIhavelearnedalotolessonsrommyexperiences.WhenIwasgrowingupInoticedotherpeopleatmyschoolstartingboyriendgirlriendandgirlriendgirlriendrelationships.Iwasneververyinterestedintheoppositesexbuthadaewcrushesonoldergirlsatschool.IwantedtobeliketheothergirlsinmyclassandhaveaboyriendnotsomuchbecauseIwantedtobeinarelationshipbutmorebecauseIwantedtodonormalthingsthatothersdid.IneverhadaboyriendatschoolalthoughtherewasaquietboyonthebuswhoIooledaroundwith.Iwasalwaysaraidophysicalintimacy.IdidntknowwhythiswasthecasebutIeltthatsexualactivitywasinvasiveandscary.SowhenIhadmyrstsexualencounterattheageo16withamucholdermanatapeacevigiloallplacesIdidnotenjoyit.Ispenttheentireeventthinkingabouthowangrymyparentsintimaterelationships-apersonalstoryByJEANETTEPURKISAspiesItdoesntmatteriyouregaystraightbitransgenderorasexual.Theactthatwerealldiferentiswhatmakestheworldinteresting. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE29socialwellbeingwouldbeandwishinghedhurryupandnish.AewdaysaterthisencounterIdecidedIwasgay.Ididntlikementheywerehairyandsmellyandaggressive.Idpreertogooutwithagirlwhowouldlovemelikeasister.Myideaolesbianismwasverychaste.IthoughtIdjusthugcaressandkissagirlriendanditwouldbelovelyandgentle.Ispentthenextthreeyearstryingtondagirlriend.Iwasveryrustratedornobodyseemedintheleastbitinterestedinme.IhadacoupleoexperienceswhereIkissedagirlandIreadwaytoomuchintoitthinkingIdendupmarryingsomegirlwhoIdjusthadafeetingpashwith.AsideromtheseexperiencesnolesbianImetshowedanyinterestinmeasapotentialpartner.EventuallywhenIwasjustabouttoturntwentyImetayoungerwomanwhowasstillinschool.SheaskedmeoutandIwassoexcitedIcouldhavescreamed.AboutanhouratershehadaskedmeoutIstartedthinkingabouthowwewouldgrowoldtogether.Ihadnosenseoperspectiveabouttherelationship.Inactualactwesplitupacoupleomonthslater.Iwasdevastated.ShortlyaterthisrelationshipendedIbecameinvolvedwithanoldermanwhowasacriminal.Wedidnthavesexaswewerebothabitdamagedintheareaosexualitybutitwasessentiallyarelationshipjustaplatonicone.MyactivitiesindoingwhatthismaninsistedIdoresultedinbothousgoingtoprison.Thusbeganadarkchapteromylie.IhadagirlriendwhileIwasinjail.IdidntreallywanttogooutwithherbutIthoughtthatbeingtogetherwithanyonewasbetterthanbeingalone.Thisrelationshipwasmutuallydestructive.IntheendsheletmequitespectacularlybystealingallmypossessionsandmovingtoQueensland.Iwasveryhurtbythisbutwasrelievedthatshewasgone.AewyearslaterIstartedgoingoutwithaellowtenantataresidentialmentalhealthtreatmentservice.Shewasverysweetbutalsoquiteneedyandsubmissive.IeltthatIwassuperiortoherandthattherewasahugepowerrelationshipbetweenus.ShewasalwaystalkingaboutloveandIdidntquiteknowwhattosay.IdidntreallyunderstandloveandIcertainlydidntlovemygirlriendattheoutsetoourrelationshipbuttokeepthepeaceIagreedthatIlovedher.Ispenttheyearweweretogetherholdingmytongueandkeepingmyirritationincheck.Towardtheendeverytimewemetshewouldaskmeseveraltimeswhetheriwaspissedowithher.Ialwaysrepliednobutitwasalie.Ihavebeensinglesincesplittingupwiththisgirlriendin2002.IdohaveamanIaminterestedingettingtogetherwith.Hesharesalotomyexperiencesandisgentleandthoughtul.Idontwanttogettooaraheadomyselandplanourweddingbutitsnicetothinkaboutthepossibilityobeingwithanotherpersoninmutualrespectandunderstanding.FromalltheseexperiencesIhavelearnedsomethingsaboutrelationshipsthatAspergiansmightnduseulItsOKtobesingleorawhile.Youneverknowwhatsaroundthecorner.Partnerscancomeromunexpectedplaces.Nevergointoarelationshipjustbecauseoneisoered.Thinkaboutyouranswerbeoreyousayyes.Beingsingleiswaybetterthanbeinginabadrelationship.Neverletanybodyabuseyou-physicallysexuallyoremotionally.Notever.Thisisnotnegotiable.Selesteemandselwortharegoodantidotestopoorrelationshipdecisions.PhysicalintimacyisonlyonepartoloveIyoudontwanttohavesexordoanysexualthingwithapartnerthatsOK.Itisyourrighttosayno.Youareresponsibleoryoursel.Nobodycandictatetoyouwhatyoudowithyourbody.Dontjudgeyourbody.Everyoneisbeautiul.Youarebeautiul.WomensandsomemensmagazineshavealottoanswerorTakethingsslowlyanddontgetaheadoyoursel.TheresnoneedtoplanyourweddingatertherstdateLetthingsunold.Nevercompareyourseltoanyoneelseintermsodatingrelationshipssexualactivityorlooks.Otherpeopleareotherpeopleandyouareyou.Youareauniquemiracleandyouareworthwhileandvaluable.Mostpeopleevenneurotypicalseelsel-consciousawkwardandembarrassedwhenitcomestosexanddating.DontsingleyourseloutorextrashamebecauseyouhaveAspergers.Theonlydierenceisthatneurotypicalsmightbelesslikelytotellanyoneabouttheirembarrassmentorawkwardness.Itherelationshipeelswrongitprobablyis.SometimesitshardorAspiestoconnectinthesamewayasneurotypicals.Talkthesethingsthroughwithyourpartner.Honestyisthebestpolicyandistheoundationoragoodrelationship.Trynottoactwithyourpartner.Iyoucanbeyoursel.Tellyourpartnerwhatyouwant.Beclearbuttrytolistentothemaswell.ItsOKtogethelpromaproessionalwithyourrelationshipissues.Therearerelationshipcounsellorsandsextherapistswhocanhelpbothoyouworkthroughthings.Itdoesntmatteriyouregaystraightbitransgenderorasexual.Theactthatwerealldierentiswhatmakestheworldinteresting.UsAspiestendtobemoreacceptingodierenceintermsosexuality.Wemayhavemanydierentpartnersinourlivesandtheymaybemenorwomentrans-peoplepeoplewithdisabilitypeopleromotherculturesAspiesorneurotypicals. 30AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEsocialwellbeingAnyonethathasencounteredAspergersSyndromewillusuallystarttoindcommonthemesunabletopickuponsocialcuesdiicultlyinormingrelationshipseitheronapersonallevelorinagroupsettingotenhasdicultygettingworketc.Thisisusuallytoldtousbywell-meaningneurotypicalNTproessionalsandallothesestatementsusuallyhavetwootheraspectstheywillassumethatitwillneverchangeandtheycannevertellyouwhyithappens.Asa58yearoldAspergianIknowitispossibletochangeandIknowwhyithappens.IhavelostcountotheamountotimesthatparentshavesaidthatlittleJohnnySallyhasgoneotoschoolandwasahappychildandquicklybecamedicultandwithdrawn.TheNTexpertswillimmediatelysayitisbecausetheyhaveAspergersHFAHighFunctioningAutism.ButtryandaskwhythathappensandthatswheretheNTexpertsstarttoounder.Soletmeintroduceyoutooneothereasonshypervigilance.Itisanenhancedstateosensoryandhighintensityobehaviourtryingtodetectthreats.Increasedanxietyisalsopresentotencompoundedbyexhaustion.Alsotherecanbeincreasedarousalahighresponsivenesstostimuliandnotbeingabletorelaxbecauseopotentialthreats.Itotenleadstoavarietyoobsessivebehavioursanddicultieswithanyinterpersonalrelationships.Thethousandyardstarealsocanbepresent.TheymaybecomepreoccupiedwiththeirenvironmentandloseconnectionwithriendsandamilyTheywillotenoverreacttoloudandunexpectednoiseandhaveanxietyinloudcrowdedenvironments.Theywillhavetroublesleepingandthuscompoundtheexhaustioncausedbyanxiety.ItisasymptomoPost-TraumaticStressDisorderaswellanAnxietyDisorder.ItisnothoweveraormoParanoiasuchasschizophreniathoughitpresentsassomethingsimilar.Itisalsonotdysphorichyperarousalasthepersonstillremainsawareotheirsurroundings.AlinktoachecklistbyDr.JoyceBrothersisattheendothisarticle.1SoiitisaconditioncausedbytraumawheredoesthetraumacomeromLetmeusemyownstoryasanexample.WhenIfrstAspergersbyMARKPAShlEyandHypervigilance AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE31socialwellbeingwenttoschoolmyparentswerehappyandmybrotherseemedtogosomewhereinteresting.ItseemedlikeagoodideatomerightuptothefrstmomentswhereIstartedtointeractwithotherchildren.TherewasnoknowledgeoAspergersnomentionoNeurotypicalsandallIknewwasthatIwasdierent.BytheseconddayIknewIhadarealproblemsomethingthatwasalwaysreinorcedbyotherchildren.Thiswouldusuallybeaccompaniedbygettingpushedandorhitnumeroustimes.NomatterhowhardItriedIjustdidntgetit.Theotherchildrenwouldsayonethinganddoanothertheywouldtrickmeandlaughatmethencamethepushinghitting.LessonswerenotmuchbetterasIwasotenberatedbytheteachers.AndiIdidgetsomethingrightIwasgiventheusualhittingpushingorbeingasmartarse.AndtheworstthingwaswhenIpointedoutamistaketheotherkidsmade.SchoolbecameaplacethatIlearnttohate.IlearnedtooverthinkeverythingnottotrustmyinstinctsandbelieveinwhoIwas.AterallIwasalwaystoldIwasstupidlessthaneveryoneelse.IlearnttoshutdownandnotshowwhoIwas.WhatInowcallplayingpokerwithpeople.Theproblemwascompoundedbymyparentsactinglikeschoolwasawonderulplace.HowcouldItellthemthatitwastheworstplaceonearthBecauseIcouldntgetthehangoschoolIgotitwrongagain.Ihadgottentopointveryquicklythatanymistakewasenoughtopanicme.BecauseIwastoldthatIwasstupidpersonIbelievedthemoralongtime.WhenIreadoanotherAspergianchildbecomingdicultIcanunderstand.Idontunderstandexactlybutenoughtogetthegeneralidea.Theexpertsotenactlikeitsalawonaturelikegravity.Nothingcaneverchange.Toobadsosadandnowgoowithyourdisabledchildbecausetheresnothingwecandoaboutit.Youcanchangethat.Suchisthecasewithchildrensmeltdowns.Theyotenappearasitheyrecomingromnowhereandotenaresoviolentthatyouaretoobusytryingtogetitundercontroltoworrywheretheycomerom.Itisotencompoundedbychildrengettingsenthomeromschoolbecauseotheirbehaviour.Itisurthercompoundedthatnoonereallyhasanyideawhythisishappeningnotyouthechildortheschool.ToaddanotherelementismedicationmuchoitisunsuitedtotheAspergianchildandprescribedbyproessionalswhoarenotamiliarwiththespectrum.SowhatcausesthetraumaWhatisnotcommonlyknownisthatpeopleonthespectrumdonotreadbodylanguagenaturally.Asneurotypicalsdogainthisabilityitsassumedthateverychildpersoncandoso.Thiscausesalotoproblemsatschoolorachildonthespectrumasmanyothesocialcuesarepartoanunspokenlanguage.Achildthatailstopickuponthisormocommunicationwillsoonbethetargetobulliesandsocialisolationbytherest.Anyhumanusuallydoesnotarewellwhenisolatedandthisiscompoundedwhenitisachildjustbeginningschool.Itisurthercompoundedwhenthereistheveryrealpossibilitythatthechildwillbebulliedphysicallyverballyandontheinternet.IlearntveryquicklythatiIgavethebullyanyexcuseIwouldbesetupon.PlusiIwasconusedaboutsomethingacommonoccurrenceinmyveryearlydaysIwouldshutdownanditwasotenlikeIwasntthere.Ididnotrealiseitthenbutitwasanxietythatotendevelopedintoullblownpanic.The3dierenttypesopanicarefghtightorright.InmyearlydaysIwentintorightinwhichmybrainjustshutdownIcouldntthinkorrightinwhichIwouldtryandgetaway.IIdidntsucktotallyatsportsbecauseobeinguncoordinatedIwouldhavemadeabrillianttrackstarduetoallthepracticeIhadrunningawayrombullies.LaterwhenIgotolderandflledoutitbecamefghtandIwasnotagoodpersontolivewith.ButwithenoughworkandmanyailuresIslowlylearntwhatwasimpactingonmeandevolved.ThusthesedaysIhavebeenhappilymarriedoroverfveyearsandhaveallthethingsthatneurotypicalstakeorgranted.SowheretonowIanyothissoundsamiliartoyouyoureprobablywonderingwhattodonextHowdoyoulessenthetraumathatiscausedbyisolationThefrstaspectisthechildprobablyeelsisolatedsosparesometimetolisten.Allowhisherhousetobehisherhaventhesotplaceorthemtoall.Iusedtocomehomeandtalkwithmygrandmotherandalwayseltbetter.Someonewaslisteningtome.Thechildcanlearntostopandbreatheslowlyanddeeplyisomethinggoeswrongorisunexpected.Thisisalsoagoodtimetohelpthechildtocommunicatebetter.NotallchildreninthespectrumwillbeinterestedinmoreItisanenhancedstateosensoryandhighintensityobehaviourtryingtodetectthreats. 32AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEsocialwellbeinginteractionwithotherchildrenbutortheonesthatareherearesomesuggestions.ThechildwillnodoubtcomplainthattheotherkidsdontunderstandhimheranditbecomesgoodmotivationorthechildtolearnnewskillssuchasBodylanguageanybooksbyAllanPeaseonbodylanguagearesolidgoldPersonalspacehowarcanpeoplestretchtheirarm.Getthechildtoimaginewheretheotherpersonlitstheirarmandstopwherethefngertipsare.Learntokeeptheanswersbrieoneortwosentencesratherthantellingthemeverythingtheyknowonthesubject.Takingturnstalkingaboutwhatsinterestingtotheotherperson.WarnthechildnottodiscussthesetechniqueswithotherchildrenwhattheyaredoingasmostAspergianHFAchildrencatalogueeverythingtheydo.Getthemtodoeverythingmentallyratherthanverbally.Thechildrenwillinitiallyresistlearningnewskillsbutwithpatienceandperseverancemanycanacquirethenecessaryskills.Workwiththeschoolandexplainwhatyouaretryingtodotryandgetthemtousethesametechniques.Thisisonlyaewsuggestionsandnodoubtyoullfndyourown.Letmeknowithishasbeenanyhelptoyou.1httpwww.seattlepi.comnewsarticleDo-you-know-signs-o-hypervigilance-1209950.phpIama58yearoldAspergianwhoisaqualifedCommunityDevelopmentworker.IneverusethewordSyndromewhenreerringtomyselasthathastoomanynegativeconnotations.Iamanadvocateorpeopleinthespectrumtheiramilypartnersandriends.IhavealsogottentothepointwhereIcanmovethroughneurotypicalsocietywithoutanyonebeingawarethatIhaveAspergersasIhavelearnedthenecessarysocialskills.PresentocusedprojectsIneverhaveobsessionsisplayingtabletopwargamingandcontinuingtolearnasmuchaboutAspergersasIcan.IliveinGeelongwithmywieo5yearsher3childrenacat2dogsandacockatielnamedPineapple.FeelreetocontactmeonYatula_55yahoo.com.auMarkPashleyWEBwww.aaanetwork.com.auEMAILinoaaanetwork.com.auIncorporationNumberIA40857EventsSupportGroupsSupportServicesInterventionProgramsLatestResearchHealthProessionalsEducationResourcesNewsletterWebsiteDirectoryFactSheetsBookReviewsTeAustralianAutismAspergersNetworkInc.providesinformationonAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETwoRkBringingtogethersupportandservicestotheAutismCommunityAAANETWORKAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKINC.AUSTRALIANINC.TheAustralianAutismAspergersNetworkInc.isanAustralianregisterednotorproftcharityprovidingcomprehensiveinormationservicesandsupporttotheAutismCommunity.WerepresentthemanyindividualsandamilieswhoaretouchedbyAutismSpectrumConditions.MembershipallowsyoutobepartoadiverseandvastcommunityoryoutovoiceyourconcernsandbepartoanetworkthatisadvocatingoreveryoneontheAutismSpectrum. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE33featureLigtTrougYonderOeanWindowEmbarrassinglyenoughitwasamomentthatcametomeonasurboard...AsIalreadyadmittedinmyrstbookAspergersFromtheInside-OutImalousysurer.Idontstanduptoootenontheboardandater20yearsocomicunderachievementIdecidedtonallyaskorhelpandgetalesson.ThroughthegeniusoYusemyMoroccansageothewavesIwasnowstandingwithmoreregularitythanusualonahighlyunusualtrip.Iwasmildlyburntoutandmywiehadgraciouslyissuedmeabroadtogetsomealone-time.SooIwentnocomputernocellphonesnoipodandnobookedhotelwithonlyasmallcarry-oncontainingachangeoclothestwobooksandadeckocardsthoughunderneaththeplanedareIadmititwasaguitar.Ithadbeenaroughperiod.WedlosttheghttogettheAmericanPsychiatricAssociationtoallowindependentreviewotheproposedchangestotheDSM-5theAmericanpsychiatricbiblewedtestiedinthedebaclethatwastheUnitedStatesCongressrst-everhearingsonautismandthehorricshootingsinNewtownCThadusdoingdamagecontrolthankstoCNNsdemonicportrayaloAspergersSyndromeASinmediaappearanceatermediaappearancewhileourday-to-dayworkpiledup.ButmoreimportantlyIdstruggledasaundraiserovertheprior18-24monthsanditwasntlikeIwasntgettingchances.GenerouslyinvitedtothesameeventsandcirclesthatprovidesuchopportunityIwassimplyhearingmorenosthanIwasaccustomedtoandIcouldntorthelieomegureoutwhatIwasdoingwrong.InadditionhatingwhatIsadlyperceiveaslosingIstruggledinternallyaswellasexternally.Grantedgivenallelsethatweweredoingtherewaslittletimetospendonundraising.ButstillMyrstdaysinMoroccosettledmedownasIlistenedtoandeltmovingwatereighthoursadayatetinysand-sidelunchesoriceandmincedshandreveledinthesolaceoatripthatwascostingalotlessthanmostweekendsinMiami.Nooneknewmehereacleanslate.SoIwaswell-conditionedorthelight-bulbthatwentoabovemyheadonedayasIattemptedtoridewhatormostwouldbeaneasy4-ooter.Whatthelight-bulbsaidwasthisthatIhadbeensellingGRASPtothosepotentialdonorswithanurgencythattheyknewdidntexistanymorebutthatIthoughtstillcarrieddramaticweight.GRASPhadaccomplishedeverythingitsetouttodoin2003.Ithadbuiltalargemembershipnetworkpresentlycontaining28chaptersithadremovedalsowithhelpthenegativeiconographyassociatedwiththediagnosispeopleorgethowbaditwastenyearsagoithadgiventhousandsospectrumitesthemountain-movingpowerthatcomeswithsharedexperienceanditveryquicklyshamedtheclinicalandadvocacyworldsintoaddressingadultneedsbeorehandeverythingwasallaboutkids.Builtonoldideasocommunityandnewideasaboutbehavioralpluralismwehadntjustsucceededwedfourishedbeyondourwildestdreams.Butsomeonehadneglectedtotellme.OnceyoucrossthisgurativenishlinenoonetellsyouTheresnocheckeredfagthatsignalstheendosuchalonghaul.Andiyouvebeenburiedinthesametask-ocusedtunnelvisionoroveradecadeyoureespeciallyunabletoseethesignsthatallhasbeenaccomplished.AsIpitchedtothemthosedonorswerelikelythinkingWhatshetalkingaboutTheneedhesdescribingdoesntreallyexistanymore.ABigBigTransitionatGRASPByMIchAELJOhNcARLEYThispastMarch2013aftertenyearsKatePalmertookoverfromastheExecutiveDirectorofGRASPthelargestorganizationofadultsonthespectrumintheworld. 34AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureAterIwipedoutcamethemorerighteningstageothelight-bulbswisdomrealizingthatIdidnthavethevisionorwhatGRASPsnextstepshouldbe.AttheriskodrivingtheeuphemismothetunnelintothegroundsaidunderpasssdarknesshadconditionedmyeyessothatwhenIemergedromsomuchhyper-ocusIwasblindedasmyeyesstruggledtoadjusttothelightoutside.SearchingwithonlymyhandsorthenexttunnelIknewthatmyonlyideaorthatnextjourneywasabiggerbetterversionothesametunnelIdjustbeenthroughandstrategicplanningcantanddoesntworklikethat.Organizationsneedreshideasnotretreadsandtheyneedtochangewiththetimes.WhatissummonedbythewordsAspergersSyndromemaynotbethemuditusedtobebutwesucceededsowellthattherealproblemnowisinsomepeoplesperceptionsthatthediagnosisisaad.YesIcanstillidentiytheproblemsthatexisttodaybutmostouscandothat.Theraretalentistheonewhocanidentiysolutions.AndIhavebettervisionsorwhereotherpeoplesorganizationsshouldgothanIhaveormyownandsoIneededtogetout.ButIalsowantedto.Giventhestagnantpaceothelasttwoyearsmindingtheshopoanentitythatdoesnotgrowsimplytoenjoyasteadyjobisagonytome.DuetothegenerosityoothersandnottoanyparticularbrillianceonmypartIvesimplygrowntoospoiledatoporward-movingvehiclesorgurativewavesandsuchortunehascreatedanindividualtooaddictedtohavinganimpacttobeokwithtreadingwater.MyBoardoDirectorsknewabouttheundraisingwoesbuttheywerestillsurprisedbymynewsonceIreturnedandtoldthemomydecision.AlisonAlpertourDeputyDirectorwasntsosurprisedmoretestamenttohowwellsheandIworkedtogetherbutweallwerescared.Noneoushadeverexperiencedthesortotransitionwewereabouttoembarkon.ButonesavinggraceheldouthopeawomannamedKatePalmer.KateIhonestlydontbelievethelight-bulbinMoroccowouldhaveappearedhadIbeorehandnotspottedsomeonethatIknewcouldreplaceme.AsperGRASPsbylawstheExecutiveDirectormustbediagnosedonthespectrumandtherearemanyspectrum-unriendlyaspectsothejobHerculeanrestraintisprobablyatthetopothelist.ButasIgottoknowKateovertheyearsIsawshehadthemakeup.Shehadthesmartsshehadasanactiveclinicalsocialworkerthelisteningabilityandmostoallshehadtheemotionalstrengthtotakeapunchorseveralandstillemergeasawholeenoughpersonwhocouldquicklylaughofwhateverinsultingthreateningormoronicexperiencehadjusttranspired.Thankgoodnessshewantedthejob.TheBoardhasneverworkedharderthantheyarenowatthistransitionTheresevenmoreoutsidehelpthatsbeenbroughtinasaresultoourcollectiveear.AlisonresignedasDeputyDirectorbutshesagreedtotakeonasavolunteercertainaspectsowebsitemonitoringandmaintenance.AndKatehasdoveintoherworkwithgutsbrainsandheart.GRASPsmembersregionalacilitatorsandotherstafseemtolikehertremendously.FormypartImretainingspokespersondutiesuntiltheBoarddecidesGRASPandKateareready.Buttransitioningisstillascaryplace.KatewillneedGRASPsriendstohelpherandherundraisingideaswillhavetoworkiGRASPistomoveorward.Whew...Duringmyminor-leaguediplomatdaysattheUnitedNationsthecompanyIworkedoraveteransorganizationwentthroughanuglytransitionwhereupontheirounderwasorcedout.Theorganizationhadchangedandwassplittinginaseriouslynastymanner.TherewerecampsandsidesghtsoverBoardmajoritiesanditthreatenedtobringtheentirewonderulorganizationdown.Iwasenamoredothisounder.Hewassomeonewholikemostotheorganizationsmembershadexperiencedwarbutwantedtoworknowtopreventorstopwars.AndsosimplyoutoloyaltyandnotbecauseIwasthateducatedabouttheeryorganizationaldisagreementsIwasinhiscamphoweverdispassionately.ButonedayIwenttoameetingotheothersidejusttohearwhattheirargumentswereandupondiscoveringthatIhadattendedthismeetingmycliquemadeitcleartomethatthishadNoneofushadeverexperiencedthesortoftransitionwewereabouttoembarkon.Butonesavinggraceheldouthope...awomannamedKatePalmer. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE35featurebeenunacceptable.ThattheirtakeonmyinquisitivenesswascomicallydysunctionalwasknowntomeatthetimeandsoIbrushedtheirchildishnessofdismissivelywithouthurteelings.Butthatandtheounderscontinueduseothetermmybabytodescribetheorganizationhadtaughtmealesson.Iwouldlaterlearnthatthislessonisnotunusualitevenhasaname.Itscalledounderssyndrome.ThemybabyanalogyisappropriatetodescribetherelationshipbetweenounderandtheirsiredentityIknowthisnoworreal.Andithebabyinquestionissuccessulthanthereputationotheparentisnaturallyelevatedwiththeirpeersandinunhealthywaystheparentcanbecomeaddictedtothis.Butbabiesgrowupbecometheirownpersonandusuallytheyleavetheirparents.AsAndrewSolomonwiselynotesatthebeginningohismasterpieceFarFromtheTreewedontreproducewhenwehavechildrenweproduce.Andaterawhileitbecomestimeorthisnaturalseparationtooccurevenitheparentwantstostayincontacthearhowwelltheorganizationisdoingandmaybeevengetavisiteveryonceinawhile.HardasitmaybetobelievethisexperiencewasvividlyonmymindwhenIstartedGRASP.IhopedwithallIhadthatIwouldntsuccumbtochainingmychildathomewhenitbecametimeorittosproutwings.Andmycurrentreliethatthisdidnthappenisindescribable.Frommyperspectivewedideverythingright.WhatnextormeRechargethebatterieshopeullyallsummerwriteandthenhonortheobligationsIhavetomyrealchildrenandgetanotherjob.ImayhaveletthebestgigIlleverhaveandaccordingtoalotoolksthatainttoosmartthesedaysbutImrealgoodatdreamingandtrusting.AllIaskisthatthenextchallengesatisesthataddictiontochange.FunnyIusedtohatechangeTherereallyisnothingmorezealousthanaconvert.MichaelJohnCarleyistheFounderandSpokespersonoGRASPtheExecutiveDirectoroASTEPandtheauthoroAspergersFromtheInside-OutPenguinPerigee.InormationonGRASPcanbeoundatwww.grasp.orgFoodChangesEverythingA6weekonlineAutismDietCourse.YouwilllearnstepbystephowmakingsmallchangeswilladduptoBIGdifferencesinyourchildshealthandhappinessNutritionCoachingforAutismDietswww.nourishmehealth.com.auGraphicDesignPublishingWebDesignPrintingBrandingMagazinesEinfoaspiedesigns.com.auWaspiedesigns.com.auExceptionalqualitywitheffectivedesignandprintservicesdeliveringcosteffectivesolutionsProudpublishersanddesignersoftheAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineContactuson0488726331 36AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEWhatisIrlenSyndromeIrlenSyndromehasalsobeenreerredtoasScotopicSensitivitySyndromeMeares-IrlenSyndromeandVisualStress.Itisavisualsensoryprocessingdisorderthatiscausedbysensitivitytolightthatleadstodistortionsinvisualperception.Itisnotanoptometricproblemi.e.itisnotrelatedtothephysicalstructureotheeye.PeoplewithIrlenSyndromecanexperiencevisualdistortionsotextacesandthesurroundingenvironment.Thesevisualdistortionsleadtoreadingdicultiesdicultiesinreadingexpressionsonotherpeoplesaceswhichcausessocialdicultiesanddicultiesperceivingtheworldaroundthem.SignsandsymptomsoIrlenSyndromeincludeheadachesmigrainesattentiondeicitsatiguepoordepthperceptionagitationdizzinessanxietynauseaanddiscomortunderluorescentlights.ReadingdiicultiesexperiencedbypeoplewithIrlensyndromeincludeseeingblurredtextmovingtextorthetextmayevenappeartoriseupandloatothepage.Thepersonmayskipwordsorlineswhenreadinghavediicultiesremainingocusedwhendoingacademictasksorhavepoorreadingcomprehension.WhatcausesIrlenSyndromeTwotheoriesthathavebeenproposedtoexplainthecauseoIrlenSyndrome.ThersttheoryproposesthatIrlenSyndromeiscausedbyadysunctioninthevisualpathwaysthatcarryvisualmessagesromtheeyestothebrain.Thesecondtheorysuggeststhatitiscausedbythevisualprocessingareasothebrainbecomingoverstimulatedandaninabilitytocontrolongoingbrainactivity.FrommyunderstandingotheavailableresearchitismybeliethatIrlenSyndromeiscausedbybothadecitinthevisualpathwayandoverstimulationandalackoinhibitioninthebrain.HowdoestheIrlenmethodworkAlittleover30yearsagoHelenIrlendevisedtheIrlenmethodwhichusescolouredltersintheormocolouredoverlaysandprecisiontintedspectralltersIrlenglassescontactslensestolteroutthespeciccolourinthelightspectrumthattheindividualisparticularlysensitiveto.WearingIrlenlenseshastheimmediateefectoreducingorcalmingthevisualstimulationinthebrain.Thecalmbrainisthenabletoprocesssensoryinormationmoreefectively.TheIrlenmethodhasnowbeenusedsuccessullyorover15yearstoassistpeoplewithASDtoimprovevisualperceptionandreducesensoryoverloadrelatedtovisualprocessingdiculties.WhatistherelationshipbetweenIrlenSyndromeandAutismSpectrumDisorderASDInditparticularlyascinatingthatresearchersinvestigatingvisionandsensoryprocessingdisordersinASDhavealsoproposedthatthevisualperceptualdicultiesinASDaretheresultohyperreactivityoverstimulationandalackoinhibitioninthevisualprocessingregionsothebrain.AnotherpointointerestistheactthatresearchersinvestigatingASDhavealsoproposedthereisdysunctioninthevisualpathway.ThesetwotheoriesareverysimilartothoseproposedorIrlenSyndrome.byFIONARANDALLSyndromeAutismSpectrumDisordersIrlen AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE37 38AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEWiththisinminditisnotsurprisingthatstudieshaveoundthatupto81opeoplewhohaveASDalsohaveIrlenSyndrome.ResearchhasalsodemonstratedtheuseocolouredoverlaysandprecisiontintedcolouredlensesIrlenlensesimprovereadingabilityandvisualperceptioninpeoplewhohaveASD.ResearchersLudlowWilkins2009reportedacasestudyinwhichtheuseoprecisiontintedcolouredlenseshadasignifcantimpactonreducingthesensoryprocessingdicultiesexperiencedbyastudentwithASD.Priortowearingcolouredlensesthestudentinthecasestudyreportedseveresensorysymptomswhichincludedhavinghoteyesinbrightenvironmentsheadachesnauseavomitingandburnoutperiodswherehewouldsleepordaysatatime.Theseseveresensorysymptomscausedhimtobeunabletounctioninamainstreamschool.Thestudentexperienceddramaticimprovementsohissymptomswhenwearingcolouredlenses.Notonlydidheexperienceasignifcantimprovementinhisreadingandacademicabilitieshealsoexperiencedanimprovementinhisphysicalsymptomsareductioninanxietyandasignifcantimprovementinhissel-confdence.InadditiontotheormalresearchfndingsthereissignifcantanecdotalevidencethatsupportstheuseotheIrlenmethodorpeoplewhohaveASDtoimprovevisualsensoryperceptionandreducedicultiesassociatedwithsensoryoverload.VisualsensoryprocessingdicultiesexperiencedbypeoplewhohaveIrlenSyndromeandASDcanresultindebilitatingsymptoms.HavingpersonallyexperiencedandwitnessedthebeneftsoIrlenlensesIwouldliketoraiseawarenessinthegeneralcommunityothepositiveimpactthatIrlenlensescanhaveinreducingsensorysymptoms.IhopethroughwritingarticlessuchasthisonethatIamabletodojustthat.FormoreinormationaboutIrlenSyndromeandIrlendiagnosticassessmentspleasereertotheIrlenInstitutewebsitewww.irlen.com.ThereisanAutismQuestionnaireavailableontheIrlenwebsitetoassistyouindeterminingiyouoryourchildmaybeneftromtheuseotheIrlenmethod.Foraullyreerencecopyothisarticlepleasecontacttheeditor.Abouttheauthor.FionaisacertifedIrlenScreenerwhohasapersonalinterestinAutismSpectrumDisorders.FionahasIrlenSyndromeandisthemotherotwochildrenwhohavebothIrlenSyndromeandAspergersSyndrome.ShebecameawareotheIrlenmethodin2011whenhersonstutorsuggestedtoherthathersonsreadingdicultiescouldbecausedbyIrlenSyndrome.AnIrlendiagnosticassessmentthroughtheBuderimIrlenClinicconfrmedthathedidindeedhaveIrlenSyndrome.In2012aewmonthsatercommencingaMasteroEducationdegreeFionassonwasdiagnosedwithAspergersSyndrome.HerdesiretolearnmoreaboutIrlenSyndromeandAutismSpectrumDisordersASDledhertochangeherpathwayromaMastersdegreebycourseworktoaMastersdegreebyresearch.TheocusoherresearchprojectissupportingstudentengagementorstudentswhohavebothIrlenSyndromeandASD.AspartoherresearchprojectshewillbecarryingoutasurveytoevaluatetheimpactthatIrlenlenseshaveonthesensoryprofleostudentswhohavebothIrlenSyndromeandASD.FionaRandallandherfamilywearingIrlenLenses AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE39professionaladviceSexualeducationandinterventionpracticalideasandstrategiesByISAbEllEHNAUlTPh.D.PsychologistSexologistIsabelleHnaulthasamastersdegreeinsexologyandadoctorateopsychologyromtheUniversityoQuebecatMontreal.Shehasaprivatepracticethatprovidesassessmentandtherapyorindividualscouplesandamiliesandactsasaconsultanttoavarietyoorganizationsandschools.HerexpertiseliesinAspergerssyndromewithaspecialemphasisonsexualityandsheistheauthorothebookAspergerssyndromeandSexualityFromAdolescencethroughAdulthoodatJKPPublishers.SheisinvolvedwithinternationalresearchprojectsonsexualeducationandpsychotherapyorpeopleontheAutismSpectrum.AspergerssyndromeHighFunctioningAutismandsexuadeveopmentThesexualdevelopmentoindividualsdiagnosedwithAspergerssyndromeisasubjectthatdeservesparticularattention.OverthelastewyearsseveralauthorsHellemansDeboutte2002Hnault2005HolmesIslerBottMarkowitz2005NewportNewport2002havebecomeincreasinglyawareotheimportanceothissubjectbyproposingvariousinterventionstrategiestherapeutictoolsandsociosexualeducationalprogramsadaptedtoAspergerssyndromeindividuals.SexualityconstitutesanimportantactorinthehealthydevelopmentoindividualsandqualityolieispartlyindicatedbyhowsatisedindividualsarewiththeirsexualliestyleHolmesIslerBottMarkowitz2005.Thesexualdevelopmentoadolescentsiscomposedoseveralaspectssuchasbehaviorsintimacyaectcommunicationskillssel-esteemsexualknowledgesexualexperienceandmuchmore.Despitethedifcultiestheyencounterincommunicatingandinteractingsociallytheir 40AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEprofessionaladviceinterestinsexualityisverysimilartoadolescentsandyoungadultsinthegeneralpopulation.Howeverthecognitiveanddiagnosticproleothesyndromemustbeconsideredinordertoullyunderstandtheirsexualdevelopment.SeveralactorsalsoaectthesexualdevelopmentotheseindividualssociosexualknowledgeexperiencepriorhistoryoabusecurrentandpastenvironmentspoliciesrelatingtosexualitymedicalandbehaviouralhistoryselectionopartnerrustrationsimaginationmodellingandimitationGrifthsQuinseyHingsburger1989.Adetailedanalysisotheseactorsandoexistingsexualbehavioursisnecessaryinordertopreparetheindividualorsexualeducationandincertaincasesoranindividualorgroupintervention.CertaininappropriatesexualbehavioursormpartothesexualrepertoireoindividualswithAspergerssyndrome.ThemajorityothesebehavioursconsistoactsperormedinpublictouchingorondlingthelackorespectorconsentsexualassaultexcessivestimulationsexualobsessionsandcompulsionsHaracoposPedersen1999RubleDalrymple1993.Thelackosociosexualknowledgeisamajorelementgiventhatitcancontributetoaninappropriateact.Inadditionmanyadolescentsareconusedwithregardstoissuesoprivacyespeciallythosewhicharerelatedtobehavioursoanintimatenature.Thusadetailedandconcretedescriptionosexualactsandintimateareasothebodyhastobegiventomostadolescentsandyoungadults.ThemajorityoindividualswithAspergerssyndromehaveverylittleexperiencewithinterpersonalrelationshipsandtheonsetopubertyriskscreatingmuchstressandrustrationwithregardstosexualissues.Thesocialpressureandtheirdesiretobeacceptedinagroupareevenhigherinthosewholackthemostsocialandrelationshipskills.FinallyAspergerssyndromeaectsthenotionoconsentintermsoTheoryoMindi.e.onesabilitytorecognizedierentmentalstatesandtorecognizetheexistenceothoughtsbeliesandemotionsinothers.Thepersonmayassumethatotherssharethesamethoughtsasheshewithoutrstinquiring.Thereoremanyinappropriatesexualactsresultrompoorjudgementorromnotrstinquiringwithothers.Forinstanceanadolescentwithautismmayexperienceastrongcrushonastudentinhisclass.Hedecidestoprovehisloveorherbyoferingheragitandbytryingtokissher.Heisconvincedthatsheeelsthesameloveorhimdespitehavinganyevidenceromherthatsheshareshiseelings.Sheissurprisedandinormshimthatshealreadyhasaboyriend.Heisstrikenwithsadnessandangerandeelsconusedbyherresponse.Thistypeoexampleiscommonandunortunatelymanyinappropriatebehavioursandstrongreactionsmightresultromsimilarsituations.SexualeducationandInterventionTherststepininterventionandsexualeducationprogramsinvolvesteachinggeneralknowledgewhichistailoredtotheindividualschronologicalanddevelopmentalage.Thisinormationallowstheindividualtomakeinormedchoices.Itwillalsoenablethepersontobetterunderstandthelimitswithinhislearnedbehaviourscanbeexploredandexperiencedwhilerespectinghisownvaluesandthoseoothers.Thegoalotheinterventionistobothprovideastructureorappropriatesexualbehavioursandoermanyopportunitiesorlearningandobtainingenrichingexperiences.TheobjectivesotheinterventionaimprimarilytoAcquirebetterknowledgeaboutsocialandsexualexpectationsintheadolescentyearsCopewithchangesDeveloponesownlimitsandjudgementDecodesituationsinterpersonalandintimatecontextsImprovesocialandsexualskillsDecreaseproblembehavioursandinappropriatesexualconductsEmpowertheadolescentandincreasesel-esteemTheollowingthemeswhichareadaptedtotherealityoadolescentsandadultswithAspergerssyndromecoverasawholethecharacteristicslinkedtotheirsocialandsexualdevelopmentHnault2005-Inormationonnocturnalemissions-Thevalueoandstagesinvolvedinmakingdecisions-Intimacybothprivateandnon-privatepartsothebodydierentenvironments-Sexualhealthandinitialexaminationogenitalorgansorgynecologicalexam-Communicationinterpersonalintimateloveandriendlyrelationships-Theeectoalcoholanddrugsontheabilitytomakedecisions-Sexualrelationsandothersexualbehaviours-Sel-stimulationmasturbation-Sexualorientationandidentity-Planningorpregnancymenstruationandparentalresponsibilities-CondomscontraceptionandthepreventionosexuallytransmitteddiseasesSTDs-Hygiene-Friendshiprecognitionoabusiveunriendlyrelationships-Dangerousrelationshipsagedierenceintentionbullyingaggression-Qualitiesoahealthyrelationshipsharingcommunicationpleasureinterestrespect-Intensityorelationshipsndingabalanceandlearningthelimits-Socialskillspresentationinteractionsreciprocitysharingetc.-Boundariesandthenotionoinormedconsent AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE41professionaladviceThetechniquesemployedintheinterventionareplacedwithinarealisticcontextsothattheymightsubstitutealimitedexperienceinanadolescentoryoungadult.Modellingandeedbackoeredtotheindividualaimtooeramodelobehaviourandareviewothepersonsperormance.Theuseomaterialwhichisadaptedvisualandpracticalalsohelpsthelearningprocess.Filmscomputerprogramsphotosdiagramsgamesandsocialstoriesarereerredtothroughouttheintervention.Thesexualeducationcanbeoeredingroupsusuallybetween6and10participantswhereasinthecaseoacombinationotherapeuticinterventionandsexualeducationindividuallysessionscanberecommended.ThesociosexualeducationalprogramHnaultForgetGiroux2003Hnault2005hasbeenvalidatedinmorethan20groupsoadolescentsandyoungadultswithAspergerssyndrome.Theproposedthemesaredividesintwelveworkshopswhichlastninetyminuteseach.Theactivitiesineachworkshoparevariedandinciteactiveparticipationromtheparticipants.ThethemesnotonlyrefecttheexperiencesoparticipantsbutrespectthecriteriaoutlinedinthesexualeducationotheNationalInormationCenterorChildrenandYouthwithDisabilities19921.Loveandriendship2.Physiologicalchanges3.Sexualrelationships4.Emotions5.ContraceptionandpreventionoSTDandAIDS6.Sexualorientation7.Alcoholdrugsandsexuality8.Sexismandgenderroles9.Sexualabuseandproblembehaviours10.TheoryoMindcommunicationandintimacyBynatureindividualswithAspergerssyndromeneedtobetaughtexplicitlyaboutsocialskills.Giventhatitrepresentsoneotheirgreatestdicultiesparentsandproessionalscannottakeorgrantedthattheyshouldlearnsimplybybeinginagrouporbyreadingabook.Itisalsorecommendedthattheyremainfexibleandadapttheinterventiontotherealityandneedsotheseadolescents.Role-playingandmodellingareessentialtechniquesbecausetheyprovideasaelearningexperienceortheparticipantsandtheproessionalcanprovidethemwithaquickeedbackregardingtheirperormance.Theseindividualshavethedesiretolearnandastrongcuriosity.Theinterventionintermsosexualeducationrespondstotheseneeds.Positivereinorcementisimportantthroughoutthesexualeducationandinterventionprogramsitcanbeverbalornonverbaleedbackisgivenduringandattheendoeachsessionandshouldrespectthecontentandthestructureoeachsession.Socialreinorcementalsoplaysarolewhentheactivitiesaredoneinagroupormat.TheresultsSexualeducationandtheinterventionstailoredtothispopulationoerresultsveryinterestingresults.TheapplicationothesociosexualeducationalprogramHnaultForgetGiroux2003hasallowedorthedevelopmentodierentskillsandhasalteredinappropriatesexualbehaviours.Theprincipalresultscanbegroupedintothreecategories1.1Improvementosocialskillsintermso-Presentation-Conversationreciprocity-Eyecontact-Helpingempathy-Non-verbalskills1.2Increasedgeneralknowledgeandbetterjudgementaboutsexualityingeneral2.Reductioninproblembehaviours-Isolationmorecontactwithparticipantsinvolvementinactivitiesmoreconversation-Impulsivity-Inappropriatesexualbehavioursmasturbationinpublictouchingotherssexualobsessionsanorcompulsionsetc.3.Generalization3monthollow-upmeasures-Bettersociosexualknowledge-Developmentointerpersonalrelationshipsinterestinormingriendships-Positiveattitudeaboutsexuality-Increaseinsel-condenceConclusionIndividualswithAspergerssyndromemustbeguidedwithrespecttosexualissues.Anextendeddenitionosexualitytakesintoaccountactorslinkedtosexualdevelopmentpubertyandsymptomsassociatedwiththeautismcondition.Apositiveapproachthatrespectsthepersonalandculturalvaluesisavouredoveranattitudeocondemnationwhichrisksincreasingsocialstigmasandtaboosacedbytheseindividuals.Parentsandproessionalsplayakeyroleintermsotheeducationandsupportthattheycanoerbutalsoneedthenecessarytoolsinordertointerveneeectively.TheopenandreceptiveattitudeheldbyparentsandproessionalswillavouranopencommunicationandapossibilityorindividualswithAspergerssyndrometosharetheirexperiencesquestionsandexpresstheirpreoccupationstowardssexuality.Thesexualeducationandinterventionprogramnotonlyaimstoteachadolescentsandyoungadultstobecomeresponsiblebutoersthemthenecessarytoolstodevelopinterpersonalrelationships.Thisprocesswillthereoreprovidethemahealthyandenrichingsexualliestyle. 42AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEprofessionaladvicebiiographyGrifthsD.QuinseyV.L.HingsburgerD.1989ChangingInappropriateSexualBehavior.BaltimorePaulH.Brookes.HellemansH.DeboutteD.2002AutismSpectrumDisordersandSexuality.ConerenceMelbourneWorldAutismCongress.HnaultI.ForgetJ.GirouxN.2003LeDveloppementdHabiletsSexuellesAdaptativeschezdesIndividusAtteintsdAutismedeHautNiveauouduSyndromedAsperger.ThseprsentecommeexigencepartielleduDoctoratenPsychologie.UniversityoQubecatMontral.HnaultI.2005AspergersSyndromeandSexualityFromPubertythroughAdulthood.SexualEducationandIntervention.LondonJessicaKingsleyPublisher.HaracoposD.etPedersenL.1999TheDanishReport.SocietyForTheAutisticallyHandicapped.HolmesD.LIslerV.BottC.MarkowitzC.2005SexualityandIndividualswithAutismandDevelopmentalDisabilities.AutismSpectrumQuarterly.Winter-Fall30-36.NationalInormationCenterorChildrenandYouthwithDisabilities.1992Sexualityeducationorchildrenandyouthwithdisabilities.NICHCYNewsDigest171-37.NewportJ.NewportM.2002Autism-AspergersandSexualityPubertyandBeyond.TexasUSAFutureHorizonsInc.RubleL.A.DalrympleJ.1993SocialSexualAwarenessoPersonswithAutismAParentalPerspective.ArchivesofSexualBehavior22229-240.SECURElYTHROUGHOURWEbSITEwww.aanmag.com.auEMAIlUSATadminaanmag.com.auHOWTOORDERASUBSCRIPTIONAvailableinPrintandDigitalFormatsforiPadiPhoneAndroidandeReadersCostperissuewhenayearlysubscriptionispurchasedSUBSCRIBEANDSAVE4ISSUESPERYEAROneYearPrintSubscription34.00OneYearDigitalSubscription26.00SingleIssuePrint10.00SingleIssueDigital8.00ONLY8.50printOr6.50digialperissue AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE43professionaladviceSimonBaron-CohenwinnerotheSocietysPresidentsAwardoutlinesacareerattheorerontothinkingoverAutismandAspergerssyndromeClassicautismandAspergerssyndromebothsharethreecorediagnosticeaturesdifcultiesinsocialdevelopmentandinthedevelopmentocommunicationalongsideunusuallystrongnarrowinterestsandrepetitivebehaviour.SincecommunicationisalwayssocialitmightbemoreruitultothinkoautismandAspergerssyndromeassharingeaturesintwobroadareassocialcommunicationandnarrowinterestsrepetitiveactions.AsordistinguishingeaturesadiagnosisoAspergerssyndromerequiresthatthechildspokeontimeandhasaverageIQorabove.TodaythenotionoanautisticspectrumisnolongerdeinedbyanysharpseparationromnormalityWing1997.TheclearestwayoseeingthisnormaldistributionoautistictraitsisusingtheAutismSpectrumQuotientorAQBaron-Cohenetal.2006Baron-CohenWheelwrightSkinneretal.2001.Thisisascreeninginstrumentintheormoaquestionnaireeithercompletedbyaparentabouttheirchildorbysel-reportitheadultishigh-unctioning.Thereare50itemsintotalandwhenadministeredtoalargepopulationtheresultsresembleanormaldistribution.Mostpeoplewithoutadiagnosisallintherange025mostwithadiagnosisoanautismspectrumconditionallbetween26and50.Othosewithanautisticspectrumcondition80percentscoreabove32and99percentabove26.SotheAQneatlyseparatesthegroups93TheoriesotheByPROFESSORSIMONBARON-COHENautisticmind 44AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEprofessionaladvicepercentothegeneralpopulationallintheaveragerangeotheAQand99percentotheautisticpopulationallintheextremehigh-endothescale.Inthegeneralpopulationmalesscoreslightlybutstatisticallysigniicantlyhigherthanemales.SinceautismspectrumconditionsarearmorecommoninmalesthaninemalesclassicautismoccursinourmalesoreveryoneemaleandAspergerssyndromeoccursinninemalesoreveryoneemalethismaysuggestthatthenumberoautistictraitsapersonhasisconnectedtoasex-linkedbiologicalactorgeneticorhormonalorbothBaron-Cohenetal.2005Baron-Cohenetal.2004.Thesetwoaspectstheautisticspectrumandthepossibilityosex-linkedexplanationshavebeenatthecoreomyresearchandtheorisingoverrecentyears.ThemindblindnesstheoryInmyearlyworkIexploredthetheorythatchildrenwithautismspectrumconditionsaredelayedindevelopingatheoryomindToMtheabilitytoputoneselintosomeoneelsesshoestoimaginetheirthoughtsandeelingsBaron-Cohen1995Baron-Cohenetal.1985.WhenwemindreadormentalisewenotonlymakesenseoanotherpersonsbehaviourwhydidtheirheadswivelontheirneckWhydidtheireyesmoveletbutwealsoimagineawholesetomentalstatestheyhaveseensomethingointeresttheyknowsomethingorwantsomethingandwecanpredictwhattheymightdonext.ThemindblindnesstheoryproposesthatchildrenwithautismandAspergerssyndromearedelayedinthedevelopmentotheirToMleavingthemwithdegreesomindblindness.Asaconsequencetheyfndotherpeoplesbehaviourconusingandunpredictableevenrightening.Evidenceorthiscomesromdicultiestheyshowateachpointinthedevelopmentothecapacitytomindread.Atypical14-month-oldshowsjointattentionsuchaspointingorollowinganotherpersonsgazeduringwhichtheynotonlylookatanotherpersonsaceandeyesbutpayattentiontowhattheotherpersonisinterestedinScaieBruner1975.ChildrenwithautismandAspergerssyndromeshowreducedrequencyojointattentionintoddlerhoodSwettenhametal.1998.Thetypical24-month-oldengagesinpretendplayusingtheirmindreadingskillstobeabletounderstandthatintheotherpersonsmindtheyarejustpretendingLeslie1987.ChildrenwithautismandAspergerssyndromeshowlesspretendplayortheirpretenceislimitedtomorerule-basedormatsBaron-Cohen1987.Thetypicalthree-year-oldchildcanpasstheseeingleadstoknowingtestunderstandingthatmerelytouchingaboxisnotenoughtoknowwhatisinsidePrattBryant1990.ChildrenwithautismandAspergerssyndromearedelayedinthisBaron-CohenGoodhart1994.Thetypicalour-year-oldchildpassesthealsebelietestrecognisingwhensomeoneelsehasamistakenbelieabouttheworldWimmerPerner1983.MostchildrenwithautismandAspergerssyndromearedelayedinpassingthistestBaron-Cohenetal.1985.Deceptioniseasilyunderstoodbythetypicalour-year-oldchildSodianFrith1992.ChildrenwithautismandAspergerssyndrometendtoassumeeveryoneistellingthetruthandmaybeshockedbytheideathatotherpeoplemaynotsaywhattheymeanBaron-Cohen1992Baron-Cohen2007a.Thetypicalnine-year-oldcanfgureoutwhatmighthurtanotherseelingsandwhatmightthereorebebetterletunspokenfauxpas.ChildrenwithAspergerssyndromearedelayedbyaroundthreeyearsinthisskilldespitetheirnormalIQBaron-CohenORiordanetal.1999.Thetypicalnine-year-oldcaninterpretanotherpersonsexpressionsromtheireyestofgureoutwhattheymightbethinkingoreeling.ChildrenwithAspergerssyndrometendtofndsuchtestsarmoredicultBaron-CohenWheelwrightScahilletal.2001andthesameistruewhentheadultversionothetestisused.AdultswithautismandAspergerssyndromescorebelowaverageonthistestoadvancedmindreadingBaron-CohenWheelwrightHilletal.2001.AstrengthothemindblindnesstheoryisthatitcanmakesenseothesocialandcommunicationdicultiesinautismandAspergerssyndromeandthatitisuniversalinapplyingtoallindividualsontheautisticspectrum.Itsshortcomingisthatitcannotaccountorthenon-socialeatures.AsecondshortcomingothistheoryisthatwhilstmindreadingisonecomponentoempathytrueempathyalsorequiresanemotionalresponsetoanotherpersonsstateomindDavis1994.ManypeopleontheautisticspectrumalsoreportthattheyarepuzzledbyhowtorespondtoanotherpersonsemotionsGrandin1996.Afnallimitationothemindblindnesstheoryisthatarangeoclinicalconditions AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE45professionaladviceshowormsomindblindnesssuchaspatientswithschizophreniaCorcoranFrith1997ornarcissisticandborderlinepersonalitydisordersFonagy1989orchildrenwithconductdisorderDodge1993sothismaynotbespecictoautismandAspergerssyndrome.Twokeywaystorevisethistheoryhavebeentoexplainthenon-socialareasostrengthbyreerencetoasecondactorandtobroadentheconceptoToMtoincludeanemotionalreactivitydimension.Bothotheserevisionswerebehindthedevelopmentothenexttheory.Theempathising-systemisingE-StheoryThisnewertheoryexplainsthesocialandcommunicationdicultiesinautismandAspergerssyndromebyreerencetodelaysanddecitsinempathywhilstexplainingtheareasostrengthbyreerencetointactorevensuperiorskillinsystemisingBaron-Cohen2002.ToMisjustthecognitivecomponentoempathy.Thesecondcomponentoempathyistheresponseelementhavinganappropriateemotionalreactiontoanotherpersonsthoughtsandeelings.ThisisreerredtoaffectiveempathyDavis1994.OntheEmpathyQuotientEQaquestionnaireeitherlledoutbyanadultaboutthemselvesorbyaparentabouttheirchildbothcognitiveempathyandafectiveempathyareassessed.Onthisscalepeoplewithautismspectrumconditionsscorelowerthancomparisongroups.AccordingtotheempathisingsystemisingE-StheoryautismandAspergerssyndromearebestexplainednotjustwithreerencetoempathybelowaveragebutalsowithreerencetoasecondpsychologicalactorsystemisingwhichiseitheraverageorevenaboveaverage.SoitisthediscrepancybetweenEandSthatdetermineswhetheryouarelikelytodevelopanautismspectrumcondition.Tounderstandthistheoryweneedtoturntothissecondactortheconceptosystemisingthedrivetoanalyseorconstructanykindosystem.WhatdenesasystemisthatitollowsrulesandwhenwesystemisewearetryingtoidentiytherulesthatgovernthesysteminordertopredicthowthatsystemwillbehaveBaron-Cohen2006.Thesearesomeothemajorkindsosystemcollectiblesystemse.g.distinguishingbetweentypesostonesorwoodmechanicalsystemse.g.avideo-recorderorawindowlocknumericalsystemse.g.atraintimetableoracalendarabstractsystemse.g.thesyntaxoalanguageormusicalnotationnaturalsystemse.g.theweatherpatternsortidalpatternssocialsystemse.g.amanagementhierarchyoradanceroutinewithadancepartnermotoricsystemse.g.throwingaFrisbee.Inallthesecasesyousystemisebynotingregularitiesorstructureandrules.TherulestendtobederivedbynotingwhetherAandBareassociatedinasystematicway.TheevidenceorintactorevenunusuallystrongsystemisinginautismandAspergerssyndromeisthatinonestudysuchchildrenperormedabovethelevelthatonewouldexpectonaphysicstestBaron-CohenWheelwrightetal.2001.ChildrenwithAspergerssyndromeasyoungas811yearsoldscoredhigherthanacomparisongroupwhowereoldertypicalteenagers.AsecondpieceoevidencecomesromstudiesusingtheSystemisingQuotientSQ.Thehigheryourscorethestrongeryourdrivetosystemise.PeoplewithhighunctioningautismorAspergerssyndromescorehigherontheSQcomparedtopeopleinthegeneralpopulationBaron-Cohenetal.2003.TheabovetestsosystemisingweredesignedorchildrenoradultswithAspergerssyndromenotclassicautism.HoweverchildrenwithclassicautismperormbetterthancontrolsonthePictureSequencingTestwherethestoriescanbesequencedusingphysical-causalconceptsBaron-Cohenetal.1986.TheyalsoscoreaboveaverageonatestohowtogureouthowaPolaroidcameraworksLeslieThaiss1992eventhoughtheyhavedicultiesguringoutpeoplesthoughtsandeelingsBaron-Cohenetal.1985Perneretal.1989.Bothothesearesignsotheirintactorevenstrongsystemising.ThestrengthotheE-Stheoryisthatitisatwo-factortheorythatcanexplaintheclusteroboththesocialandnon-socialeaturesinautismspectrumconditions.Below-averageempathyisasimplewaytoexplainthesocial-communicationdicultieswhilstaverageorevenaboveaveragesystemisingisawayoexplainingthenarrowinterestsrepetitivebehaviourandresistancetochangeneedorsameness.Thisisbecausewhenyousystemiseitiseasiesttokeepeverythingconstantandonlyvaryonethingatatime.Thatwayyoucanseewhatmightbecausingwhatrenderingtheworldpredictable.Whenthistheoryrstcameoutonecriticismoitwasthatitmightonlyapplytothehigh-unctioningindividualswithautismorAspergerssyndrome.WhilsttheirobsessionswithcomputersormathsorexamplecouldbeseenintermsostrongsystemisingBaron-Cohenetal.1999surelythisdidntapplytothelowE-Stheoryseesexcellentattentiontodetailasbeinghighlypurposeul 46AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEprofessionaladviceunctioningindividualsHoweverwhenwethinkoachildwithautismmanyotheclassicbehaviourscanbeseenasarefectionotheirstrongsystemisingseeboxabove.LiketheweakcentralcoherenceWCCtheoryFrith1989theE-StheoryisaboutadierentcognitivestyleHapp1996.Likethattheoryitalsopositsexcellentattentiontodetailinperceptionandmemorysincewhenyousystemiseyouhavetopayattentiontothetinydetails.Thisisbecauseeachtinydetailinasystemmighthaveaunctionalrole.ExcellentattentiontodetailinautismhasbeenrepeatedlydemonstratedJollieBaron-Cohen2001ORiordanetal.2001ShahFrith19831993.ThedierencebetweenthesetwotheoriesisthatwhilsttheWCCtheoryseespeoplewithautismspectrumconditionsasdrawntoSensorysystemisingTappingsuracesorlettingsandrunthroughonesngersInsistingonthesameoodseachdayMotoricsystemisingSpinningroundandroundorrockingbackandorthLearningknittingpatternsoratennistechniqueCollectiblesystemisingCollectingleavesorootballstickersMakinglistsandcataloguesNumericalsystemisingObsessionswithcalendarsortraintimetablesSolvingmathsproblemsMotionsystemisingWatchingwashingmachinesspinroundandroundAnalysingexactlywhenaspecifceventoccursinarepeatingcycleSpatialsystemisingObsessionswithroutesDevelopingdrawingtechniquesEnvironmentalsystemisingInsistingontoybricksbeinglinedupinaninvariantorderInsistingathnothingismovedromitsusualpositionSocialsystemisingSayingthersthalophraseorsentenceandwaitingortheotherpersontocompleteitInsistingonplayingthesamegamewheneverachildcomestoplayNaturalsystemisingAskingoverandoveragainwhattheweatherwillbetodayLearningtheLatinnamesoeverplantandtheiroptimalgrowingconditionsMechanicalsystemisingLearningtooperatetheVCRFixingbicyclesortakingapartgadgetsandresassemblingthemVocalauditoryverbalsystemisingEchoingsoundsCollectingwordsandwordmeaningsSystemisingactionsequencesWatchingthesamevideooverandoveragainAnalysingdancetechniquesMusicalsystemisingPlayingthesametuneoverandoveragainAnalysingthemusicalstructureoasongExampleofsystemisinginclassicautismandorAspergerssyndromeitalicsdetailedinormationsometimescalledlocalprocessingornegativereasonsanallegedinabilitytointegratetheE-Stheoryseesthissamequalityexcellentattentiontodetailasbeinghighlypurposeulitexistsinordertounderstandasystem.Attentiontodetailisoccurringorpositivereasonsintheserviceoachievinganultimateunderstandingoasystemhoweversmallandspecicthatsystemmightbe.WhereastheWCCtheorypredictsthatpeoplewithautismorAspergerssyndromewillbeoreverlostinthedetailneverachievinganunderstandingothesystemasawholesincethiswouldrequireaglobaloverviewtheE-Stheorypredictsthatovertimethepersonmayachieveanexcellentunderstandingoawholesystemgiventheopportunitytoobserveandcontrolallthevariablesinthatsystem.TheexistenceotalentedmathematicianswithAspergerssyndromelikeRichardBorcherdsisproothatsuchindividualscanintegratethedetailsintoatrueunderstandingothesystemBaron-Cohen2003.ItisworthnotingthattheexecutivedysunctionEDtheorye.g.Ozonoetal.1991hasevenmoredicultyinexplaininginstancesogoodunderstandingoawholesystemsuchascalendricalcalculationorindeedowhytheso-calledobsessionsinautismandAspergerssyndromeshouldcentreonsystemsatall.Sowhenthelow-unctioningpersonwithclassicautismhasshakenapieceostringthousandsotimesclosetohiseyeswhilsttheEDtheoryseesthisasperseverationarisingromsomeneuraldysunctionwhichwouldnormallyenabletheindividualtoshitattentiontheE-Stheoryseesthesamebehaviourasasignthattheindividualunderstandsthephysicsothatstringmovement.Hemaybeabletomakeitmoveinexactlythesamewayeverytime.Whenhemakesalongrapidsequenceosoundshemayknowexactlythatacousticpatternandgetsomepleasureromtheconrmationthatthesequenceisthesameeverytime.Muchasamathematicianmighteelanultimatesenseopleasureatthegoldenratiosothechildevenwithlow-unctioningautismwhoproducesthesameoutcomeeverytimewiththeirrepetitivebehaviourappearstoderivesomeemotionalpleasureatthepredictabilityotheworld.ThismaybewhatisclinicallydescribedasstimmingWing1997.AutismwasoriginallydescribedasinvolvingresistancetochangeandneedorsamenessKanner1943andhereweseethatimportantclinicalobservationmaybethehallmarkostrongsystemising.OnenaladvantageotheE-StheoryisthatitcanexplainwhatissometimesseenasaninabilitytogeneraliseinautismspectrumconditionsPlaistedetal.1998Rimland1964Wing1997.AccordingtotheE-Stheorythisisexactlywhat AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE47professionaladviceyouwouldexpectithepersonistryingtounderstandeachsystemasauniquesystem.Agoodsystemiserisasplitternotalumpersincelumpingthingstogethercanleadtomissingkeydiferencesthatenableyoutopredicthowthesetwothingsbehavediferently.TheextrememalebraintheoryTheE-StheoryhasbeenextendedintotheextrememalebrainEMBtheoryoautismBaron-Cohen2002.Thisisbecausethereareclearsexdiferencesinempathisingemalesperormingbetteronmanysuchtestsandinsystemisingmalesperormingbetterontestsothis.AutismandAspergerssyndromecanbeseenasanextremeothetypicalmaleproleaviewrstputorwardbythepaediatricianHansAsperger.ToseehowthistheoryisefectivelyjustanextensionotheE-StheoryoneneedstounderstandthattheorypositstwoindependentdimensionsEorempathyandSorsystemisinginwhichindividualdiferencesareobservedinthepopulation.WhenyouplotthesevediferentbraintypesareseenTypeEESindividualswhoseempathyisstrongerthantheirsystemising.TypeSSEindividualswhosesystemisingisstrongerthantheirempathy.TypeBSEindividualswhoseempathyisasgoodorasbadastheirsystemising.Bstandsorbalanced.ExtremeTypeEESindividualswhoseempathyisaboveaveragebutwhoarechallengedwhenitcomestosystemising.ExtremeTypeSSEindividualswhosesystemisingisaboveaveragebutwhoarechallengedwhenitcomestoempathy.TheE-SmodelpredictsthatmoreemaleshaveabrainoTypeEandmoremaleshaveabrainoTypeS.PeoplewithautismspectrumconditionsitheyareanextremeothemalebrainarepredictedtobemorelikelytohaveabrainoExtremeTypeS.IonegivespeopleinthegeneralpopulationmeasuresoempathyandsystemisingtheEQandSQtheresultstthismodelreasonablywell.Themajorityomales54percentdohaveabrainoTypeSwhereasthelargestgroupoemales44percenthaveabrainoTypeEandthemajorityopeoplewithautismandAspergerssyndrome65percenthaveanextremeothemalebrainGoldeneldetal.2005.ApartromtheevidenceromtheSQandEQthereisotherevidencethatsupportstheEMBtheory.RegardingtestsoempathyontheauxpastestwhereachildhastorecognisewhensomeonehassaidsomethingthatcouldbehurtulgirlstypicallydevelopasterthanboysandchildrenwithautismspectrumconditionsdevelopevenslowerthantypicalboysBaron-Cohenetal.1999.OntheReadingtheMindintheEyesTestonaveragewomenscorehigherthanmenandpeoplewithautismspectrumconditionsscoreevenlowerthantypicalmalesBaron-Cohenetal.1997.RegardingtestsoattentiontodetailontheEmbeddedFiguresTestwhereonehastondatargetshapeasquicklyaspossibleonaveragemalesareasterthanemalesandpeoplewithautismareevenasterthantypicalmalesJollifeBaron-Cohen1997.RecentlytheextrememalebraintheoryhasbeenextendedtotheleveloneurologywithsomeinterestingndingsemergingBaron-Cohenetal.2005.Thusinregionsothebrainthatonaveragearesmallerinmalesthaninemalese.g.theanteriorcingulatesuperiortemporalgyrusprerontalcortexandthalamuspeoplewithautismhaveevensmallerbrainregionsthantypicalmales.Incontrastinregionsothebrainthatonaveragearebiggerinmalesthaninemalese.g.theamygdalaandcerebellumpeoplewithautismhaveevenbiggerbrainregionsthantypicalmales.Alsothemalebrainonaverageislargerthaninemalesandpeoplewithautismhavebeenoundtohaveevenlargerbrainsthantypicalmales.Notallstudiessupportthispatternbutsomedoanditwillbeimportanttostudysuchpatternsurther.InsummarytheEMBtheoryisrelativelynewandmaybeimportantorunderstandingwhymoremalesdevelopautismandAspergerssyndromethandoemales.Itremainsinneedourtherexamination.ItextendstheE-Stheorywhichhasthepowertoexplainnotjustthesocial-communicationdecitsinautismspectrumconditionsbutalsotheunevencognitiveprolerepetitivebehaviourisletsoabilitysavantskillsandunusualnarrowintereststhatarepartotheatypicalneurologyothissubgroupinthepopulation.TheE-Stheoryhasimplicationsorinterventionasisbeingtriedbysystemisingempathypresentingemotionsinanautism-riendlyormatBaron-Cohen2007bGolanetal.2006.FinallytheE-StheorydestigmatisesautismandAspergerssyndromerelatingthesetoindividualdiferencesweseeinthepopulationbetweenthesexesandwithinthesexesratherthanascategoricallydistinctormysterious.Simon-BaronCohenisProessoroDevelopmentalPsychopathologyattheAutismResearchCentreCambridgeUniversity.www.autismresearchcentre.com 48AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEprofessionaladviceWhileitistruethatwithpropersupportsmanyindividualswithASDscanhaveproductiveliveseducatorsandprovidersotenmissonekeystepinassistingtheindividualinconceptualizingonesuniqueexpressionAttwood2006oASD.AutmeansselyetinabitterironyindividualswithAutismspectrumdisordersASDstrugglewithknowingandintegratingsel.TheoryoMindTOMisthecapacitytotaketheperspectiveoothersandunderstandinghowoneisbeingperceived.ThisisotenreerencedinrelationtothepersonsrelatingtoothersbutinthisessayIwillprojectitisalsoimplicatedinregardtorelatingtoonessel.Thisisreectedintheirinabilitytoseeunderstandandaccepttheirautismcondition.TherearemanyactorsthatresultinalackointernalTheoryoMind.Manyadultsreporttomethattheyhadheardautismtendenciesorsimilardescriptionsothemintheirchildhoodbuttheinormationwaswithheldorearthatthechildwouldusethediagnosisasanexcuse.Perhapstheparentsearedthatitwouldlimitthechildsoptionssometimesappropriatelyso.Perhapsill-inormedtheyknewnobetterthantopresumeitwasbecausetheywerentfrmenoughprobablyduetopressureromgrandparentssiblingsandorthecommunity.Sometimeseventhemostwellinormedparentoreducatorsmayhavetaughtthatoutingoneselcouldresultinnegativeconsequences.Evenateradiagnosisisprovidedtheremaybenourthersupportinhelpingtheindividualinapplyingtheiruniquediagnosticmaniestationsinrealtimeasitrelatestodailylieandunctioning.ForthoseobtainingdiagnosismostlylatediagnosisahugevoidexistsbetweenthediagnosisByDENAGASSNERTHECONNECTIONPROCESSfromtheCentreforUnderstandingHuntingtonUS AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE49professionaladvicethatispresentedtothemonpaperandtheunctionalexpressionotheirconditionintheirdailylives.Itspresumedbecausetheyareintelligentinmanywaystheyhavethecapacitytotakeclinicaldiagnosticsandgeneralizethemtoeverydaylie.AsaresultartoomanyindividualswithASDsareeitherdeniedanopportunitytoconnecttotheirdiagnosisortheyrejectandrepressthisunderstandingosel.Usingthisdetachedinormationtheymayawkwardlyattemptdisclosureandorrequestingaccommodationsonlytondthattheirlanguageprocessingdicultiesmaketheirexplanationunusablebyothers.SimplysayingIhaveautismdoesntexplainIhaveautismanditmakesmeanxioustobeincrowdedsituationssoiyoudontmindIneedtopre-boardthisight.Manyousknowwehaveanxietybutarenttaughttodigdeepertotheoundationalcausetheactualunctionalbarrierthatisthebasisotheanxietyandthentotakethatsel-awarenessandconvertitintousablelanguageorthelistener.Anxietymayalsolimitthecognitiveprocessingabilitiestoexecuteacohesivelymeaninguluseuldisclosureasanxietyshutsdownneurologicalcentersorproblemsolvingandlanguage.Combinedwithalackogeneralknowledgeotheprotocolorasuccessuldisclosureandtheindividualislimitedintheirsel-awarenesssuchthattheycantidentiythecausetheaccommodationandthenusethelanguageneededtogetrelie.TheoryoMindchallengescanhavemanyimplications.Theymayonlyseetheoutwardexpressionothelimitationratherthantheoundationalcause.Similarlytheymayonlyseenegativeoutcomesandseeminglyhavenocapacitytoseetheirstrengthsworsestilltheyhavenocapacitytocelebratethestrengths.Theearoeelinginadequateandstupidmaymakeaskingoranalterativeormoinstructionalmaterialsoradditionaltimeorunderstandingproblematic.WhenitbecomesapparentthattheindividualwithASDisnotintegratinginormationinthesamewaysasnon-disabledpeersitmaybeperceivedthattheyinadequatetothetask.AnotherconsequenceotheinvisibilityoASDormanymayincludenegativeattitudesopeersandamily.Researchwithtypicallydevelopinghigh-schoolstudentsdemonstratedthattheyarelesslikelytoincludeortoshowempathyorsupporttoindividualswhoareperceivedashighunctioningtheyaremorelikelytooferthosetostudentwithvisibleandmoreinvolveddisabilitiesCookSemmel1999.ThisbiascanreasonablybeexpectedtoholdtrueoradultsparticularlyorthoseinthecompanyoindividualswithASDwhohavenotdisclosedtheirdisabilityortherelatedneeds.Manybiographicalaccountse.g.MeyerR2001Shore2003ParadizpresentationMay2008Gassner2011Grandin198619962011reportthatthelackoempathyoradultswithautismspectrumconditionsiscommoninmanyscenarios.Itisanaturalhumanresponsetobeavoidantanddistressedwhenacedwithaninitialexposuretoanunexplaineddierenceinsomeone.Itscriticalthatweautisticscometounderstandtheapplicationsandimplicationsoourcondition.Wemusttakethechancetosolicitactualeedbackmuchdierentromcriticismtoenhanceoursel-awarenesssowehavethechoicetomakechangesornotratherthancontinuingtomakemistakesunknowingly.Thisisanongoingprocessnecessaryorpersonalgrowthandachievement.Rememberingthatnormalisunachievableoronespersonalbestishappeningeverydaywecancontinuetogrowandbestronglearningnothowtoeliminateourconditionbutinsteadhowtolivewellwithit.Withoutproactivesel-assessmentorqualitysel-awarenessthepersonwithASDremainsunabletogrowandchange.NOTEThisarticleisacomponentoalargerpiececollaborativelycreatedbyDr.LynnetteHendersonoVanderbiltUniversityandDenaGassnerLMSW.WhatollowsisacondensedessayrefectiveosomeothecontributionstothelargerpiecebyMs.Gassner.ItsimportanttonotethatthiscompositecouldnothavebeendonewithoutthecontributionoDr.Henderson.DenaGassnerisaprivatepracticesocialworkerwriterandmotivationalspeakerwhospecializesintransition-ageyouthandadultlatediagnosisautismrelatedissues.Sheisalsoveryskilledinaddressingissuesrelatedtowomen.ShesbeenpublishedinScholarswithAutismAchievingDreamsEd.PernerisarequentcontributortotheAutismSocietyoAmericasAutismAdvocateanddoesalieweeklybroadcastorAutismBrainstormautismbrainstorm.org.Denablogsatdenagassner.com.Along-timeadvisoryboardmemberorASAandGRASPDenaisamuchindemandspeakerandpolicyadvisoryonautismachievement.DenaisthemothertoPatrickwholiveswithautismandisinuniversityandadaughterBrookewhoisagraphicartdesignerorauniversity.Married20yearsDenastrivestosupportothersinherjourneynotoutgrowingautismbutgrowingintoitwiththecomortosupportsembracinghertohigherachievement. 50AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEprofessionaladvicePeoplewithAspergerssyndromeappearvulnerabletoeelingdepressedwithaboutoneinthreeadolescentshavingaclinicaldepression.Howevertwooutothreedonothavesignsoaclinicaldepression.ThereasonswhyasignicantminorityoadolescentswithAspergerssyndromebecomedepressedaremanyandincludeeelingsosocialisolationandlonelinessthelong-termconsequencesonsel-esteemoeelingrejectedandnotrespectedorvaluedbypeersthementalexhaustionromtryingtosucceedsociallybeingteasedhumiliatedbulliedandridiculedbypeersandinternalisingandbelievingthepeercriticismsandtormentsacognitivestylethatocusesonerrorsandwhatcouldgowrongandaearoailurethatleadstoapessimisticorgrumpyoutlookonpersonalabilitiesandlienotbeingabletocopewithintensesensorysensitivitybeingdiagnosedwithAspergerssyndromewhichisperceivedasadisability.TherecanbearelativelackooptimismandastheadolescentwithAspergerssyndromeachievesgreaterintellectualmaturitythiscanbeassociatedwithanincreasedinsightintobeingdierentandsel-perceptionobeingirreparablydeectiveandsociallystupid.TeurationanintensitofepressionSomeothecharacteristicsoAspergerssyndromecanprolongthedurationandincreasetheintensityodepression.TheadolescentwithAspergerssyndromemayhaveconsiderabledifcultyconceptualisinganddisclosinghisorherinnereelingstoparentsandpeerspreerringtoretreatintosolitude.Heorshemayavoidconversationespeciallywhentheconversationisaboutnegativeeelingsandexperiencesandtrytoresolvethedepressionbysubjectivethoughtorbyusingthespecialinterestasathoughtblocker.Typicaladolescentsarebetteratandmorecondentaboutdisclosingeelingsandknowingthatanotherpersonmayprovideamoreobjectiveopinionandvalidationoemotionsandactasanemotionalrestorative.Familyandriendsoatypicalpersonmaybeabletotemporarilyhaltandtoacertainextentalleviatethedepressedmoodbywordsandgesturesocompassionreassuranceandaection.Theymaybeabletodistractthepersonwhoisdepressedbyinitiatingenjoyablesocialexperiencesorusinghumour.AdolescentsandadultswithAspergerssyndromecanhaveconsiderabledifcultyresonatingwithorbeinginusedorinectedbythehappinessoothers.ThussomeemotionalrescuestrategiesusedbyadolescentsmaybelesseectiveorpeoplewithAspergerssyndromewhotrytosolvepersonalissuesbythemselvesandorwhomaectionandcompassionAspergerssyndromeByPROFESSORTONyATTWOOdanddRMIchEllEGARNETTTheMindsandHeartsClinicBrisbanedepression AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE51professionaladviceandabsorbingthepositiveandoptimisticeelingsoothersmaynotbeasefectiveanemotionalrestorative.AnothercharacteristicoAspergerssyndromeisadisconnectionbetweenmindandbodysuchthatthepersondoesnotseemtobeawareointernalandphysicalsignalsorwarningsignsodeepeningsadness.Forexampleateenagerwasrecountingattheclinichisexperiencesobeingbulliedatschoolthatmorning.Ashetoldthestorytearswerewellinginhiseyes.Thetearswereabouttocascadedownhischeeksandwereclearlyvisibletohismotherandbothous.HismotherhandedhimatissuewhichhelookedatinamazementandsaidHowdidyouknowIwasgoingtocrySometimestheadolescentwithAspergerssyndromeisthelastpersontorecognisethesignsosadnessordepression.CBTprogramsorsuchindividualswillneedtoincludestrategiestoimprovesel-awarenessintermsothephysicalsignsointenseemotions.ThemajorityotheclinicalsignsodepressioninanadolescentwithAspergerssyndromecanbethesameaswouldbeexpectedotypicaladolescentsbutclinicianswhospecialiseinAspergerssyndromehavenotedanotherspeciceaturethatcanbeindicativeodepression.ThespecialinterestothepersonwithAspergerssyndromeisotenassociatedwithpleasureandtheacquisitionoknowledgeonanintellectuallystimulatingtopic.HoweverwhentheadolescentwithAspergerssyndromebecomesdepressedtheinterestcanbecomemorbidandtheadolescentpreoccupiedwithaspectsodeathperhapsalmostobsessivelywatchingmoviesthathaveathemeodespairanddeath.Thereasonorthechangeintheocusotheinteresttothemacabreismystiyingbutistheadolescentsattempttocommunicateconusionsadnessanduncertaintyabouthisorherpersonalcircumstancesandtounderstanddeepnegativeinneremotions.Themorbidinterestcanbeacryorhelpandanattempttounderstandintensesadnessanddespairwithouthavingtoengageinsocialinteractionsandconversation.Parentsandcliniciansmayneedtolookbeyondtheocusotheinterestandrecogniseamooddisorderthatisbeingexpressedinanunconventionalway.Clinicalexperienceconrmsthatmanytypicaladolescentscanconsidersuicideasameansoendingtheemotionalpainanddespairotheircircumstancesandsel-perception.Theadolescentcareullyplansameansosuicideoverdaysorweeks.HoweversomeadolescentswithAspergerssyndromecanexperiencewhatcanbedescribedasadepressionattackanintensecatastrophicandunanticipatedspur-o-the-momentdecisiontomakeadramaticendtooneslie.Cliniciansrecognisetheoccurrenceoapanicattackintypicalpeoplewhichcanoccurveryquicklyandbeunanticipatedthepersonhasasuddenandoverwhelmingeelingoanxiety.InadepressionattackthepersonwithAspergerssyndromehasasuddenandoverwhelmingeelingodepressionthatisacatastrophicoverreactiontoarelativelyminornegativeexperience.Therecanthenbeanimpulsiveanddramaticattemptatsuicideorexampletheadolescentcansuddenlyruninrontoamovingvehicleorgotoabridgetojumpromaheighttoendhisorherlie.Thosewhohavebeenwiththepersonimmediatelypriortothedepressionattackmaynothaveidentiedanyconspicuousprecedingdepressivethoughtsbutaminorirritationsuchasbeingteasedormakingamistakecantriggeranintenseemotionaloverreaction.Quiteremarkablyashortwhilelatertheadolescentusuallyreturnstohisorhertypicalemotionalstate.AnewcBTtreatmentofdepressioninadolesentswhohaveAspergerssyndromeTreatmentoraclinicaldepressioninsomeonewithAspergerssyndromeincludesCognitiveBehaviourTherapyCBTandprogrammestoencouragesel-acceptance.WehavebeendevelopinganewCBTprogrammespecicallydesignedoradolescentswhohaveAspergerssyndromewhohaveaclinicaldepressionoratriskodevelopingtheclinicalsigns.ResearchersintheSchooloPsychologyattheUniversityoQueenslandareintendingtoevaluatetheprogrammeonceethicalapprovalhasbeengrantedandwillbeseekingvolunteerstoundertakethetensessionCBTprogrammeattheUQPsychologyClinicromAugustthisyear.IyouwouldlikeurtherinormationpleasecontactMrDamianSantomauroviaemailatd.santomaurouqconnect.edu.au.DrMichelleGarnettMPsychClinPhDMAPSMCCPMichelleisaclinicalpsychologistandounderandDirectoroMindsHeartsASpecialistClinicorAspergersSyndromeandAutism.TheclinicwasbornthroughherpassionorunderstandingautismspectrumconditionsASCandherstrongdesiretobepartopositivechangeorpeoplewhohaveASCandtheiramilies.Michellethoroughlyenjoysworkinginthisareaasadiagnosticiantherapistconsultantclinicalsupervisorworkshoppresenterandresearcher.Shehasspecialisedinautismspectrumconditionsorthepast20yearsdevelopingexpertiseinallsubtypesoautismacrossallages.MichellecreatedtherstscreeninginstrumentorAspergersSyndrometheAustralianScaleorAspergersSyndromeASASin1993.SheobtainedaPhDorherresearchintoASCdiagnosisandamiliesin2007romtheUniversityoQueenslandAustralia.SheprovidestraininginASCorpostgraduateclinicalstudentsorourAustralianUniversities.Michellehasbeenaninvitedspeakeratmanynationalandinternationalconerencesandworkshopevents. 52AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEBackgroundIn2006MargotPriorandJacquelineRobertsauthoredEarlyInterventionorChildrenwithAutismSpectrumDisordersGuidelinesorBestPractice.UndertakenonbehalotheCommonwealthDepartmentoHealthandAgingthispaperevaluatedtheevidenceotheavailableinterventionprogramsanditsvalue.MostimportantlyorbehaviouristsandamiliesPriorandRobertsidentiedbehaviouralinterventionsasefectiveinteachingnewskillsandmanagingbehavioursoconcern.LiketheseminalworkoDrIvarO.Lovaasalmost20yearsearlierwhichoriginallycatapultedABAEIBIandDiscreteTrialTeachingintotheliteratureandclinicalpracticethePriorandRobertsreportboughtarenewedandrevisedinteresttoABAEIBI.TreatmentModelsOneotherstqueriesromparentsandamiliesiswhichmodelABAEIBIofersourclinic-basedhomebased11andgroupEIBI.Parentsalsorightlywanttoknowwhateachmodelisaboutandwhichoneislikelytoworkbestorthem.In1987LovaasreportedsignicantimprovementsinIntelligenceQuotainalmosthalthechildrenwithanAutismSpectrumDisorder.Thesechildrenreceived40hourso11clinic-basedEIBIperweekoraperiodotwoyears.Thendingspromptedurtherresearchonissuesregardinggeneralisationsoskillsromclinicsettingstothecommunityandmaintenanceotheskillsthechildrenacquiredintreatment.TheresearchchallengewastakenupbyMcEachinSmithandLovaas1993andSallowsandGraupner2005whodemonstratedthatgeneralisationandmaintenanceoskillsbeyondtheclinicsettingwaspossibleandthatLovaasoriginalndingscouldindeedbereplicated.ToolittleTooMuchThereslittledoubtthatEIBIisintensive.Itcommonlyinvolvesbetween20-40hoursointerventionperweekoveraperiodoatleasttwoyears.TocommenceanEIBIprogramamiliestypicallyseekservicesromarecognisedproessionalandestablishaprogramtailoredtotheirchildsindividualneeds.Theprogramwillincludeprovisionotherapyeitherintheamilyhomeorinaclinicsetting--orattimesamixoboth.Therapyisprovidedonasessionalbasiswithamiliesarrangingtheirchildstherapysessionstooccuratvarioustimesthroughouttheweekandoccasionallyonweekends.AutismunortunatelydoesnthonourtheSabbathorrespectSaturdaysportsandamilyactivitiesandtheseactivitiesandoutingsallowtherapytotakeplaceindiferentyetcommonsituations.Therapysessionstypicallyrunromonetovehoursdependingonactorsrelevanttotheindividualchild.Centre-BasedVersusHome-BasedInterventionCentre-basedEIBItypicallyinvolvesateamotrainedinstructorsaseniorinstructorprogramsupervisorandotentimesapsychologistwhooverseestheprogramandprovidesongoingstaftrainingandsupport.Centre-basedEarlyIntensiveBehaviouralInterventionTreatmentModelsByKIMSHEPPARDInrecentyearsbehavioural-basedtreatmentssuchasAppliedBehaviourAnalysisABAandEarlyIntensiveBehaviouralInterventionEIBIhavegainedsignicantrecognitionasanefectivetreatmentmethodorchildrenwithautism.Yetinsynchronicitywiththeirgrowththerehasbeencriticismabouttherigourbehindtheresearchandquestionsabouttheirreplication.OnbehalotheAutismBehaviouralInterventionAssociationMelbourne-basedpsychologistandseniorEIBIspecialistKimShepparddebunksanumberothemythsandmisconceptionsandofersinsightintothepracticeandtheory.WhyThechallengewastakenupbyMcEachinSmithandLovaas1993andSallowsandGraupner2005whodemonstratedthatgeneralisationandmaintenanceoskillsbeyondtheclinicsettingwaspossibleandthatLovaasoriginalfndingscouldindeedbereplicated.WhatWhereWhen AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE53treatmentrequiresthattheamilytraveltotheclinicwheretheirchildreceivesindividualisedtreatmentoraspeciednumberohoursperweek.Interventionincludesdirectworkwiththechildandamilyproessionalteammeetingswhichdiscussanalyseandevaluatethechildsprogresstheindividualprogramandthebehaviourmanagementplan.Incontrasthome-basedEIBIoccursinthechildshome.Inmostcasestheamilywillsourceandemployinstructorstoworkdirectlywiththeirchild.Similarlytheamilywillenlisttheserviceovariousproessionalsexperiencedinestablishingandsupervisingahome-basedprogram.Whiletheroleorecruitercanbetimeconsumingandrustratingoramiliestheconsensusisthatitsworththetimeinvestedtondtherighttreatmentteamoryourchild.Asmostousknowchildrenwithautismotenpresentwithsensorysensitivitiesandhighlevelsoanxiety.Learningenvironmentsthatminimisedistractionswhetherintheamilyhomeortheclinicalcentrewillthereorebemostadvantageous.Environmentsoptimisedtocapturethechildsattentionwillexpediteprogress.11orGroupTreatmentAreviewothevariousteachingcurriculumsavailableoramiliesrunningIBIprogramsidentiesanumberotreatmentphases.Theinitialphasetypicallyocusesongettingreadytolearnandspecicallytargetsskillssuchassittinginachairsittingattableollowingsimpleverbaldirectionsandplayandimitation.Manychildrenwithautismlearnmostefcientlyinastructureddistraction-reeenvironmentiehomebased11teaching.Forthesereasonsa11teacherstudentratiocanleadtoamoreorganisedlearningenvironmentwherethechildsattentionandlearningarebothmaximised.Theinstructorcanocussolelyontheonechildpotentiallyleadingtoamoreproductiveandefcientsession.GroupEIBIiscentre-basedtreatmentandrequiresthatthechildattendasetnumberosessionseachweek.Parentsdonottypicallyattendthesesessions.Liketheir11counterpartsgroup-basedprogramssetindividualgoalsorthechild.Howevertheycontrastinthatthecentreprovidestheamilywithinstructorsandtherequiredteachingmaterials.GrouptreatmentprogramscanbeanexcellentpartoachildscomprehensiveEIBItreatmentprogram.Theyprovidethechildwithanopportunitytobeinvolvedinlargersettingsandthechancetomanagetheirbehaviourinasettingthatisquitedierenttotheirhome.Furthermorethechildispresentedwiththeopportunitytoacquiremanyskillsthatcannotbetaughtina11teachingenvironment.Socialskillsarebesttaughtinasocialenvironmentandcentre-basedcareprovidesagoodavenueorthislearning.AndTheWinnerIsThehallmarkoABAasusedinanEIBIprogramistheabilitytoindividualiseachildstreatment.Thisprocessallowsornumerouspossibilitiesregardingspecicprogramsbehaviourmanagementplansandteachingandtreatmentmodalities.Essentiallytheanswertothequestionwhatworksbestiswhatworksoreachindividualchildandtheiramilyataparticularpointintime.EIBIisadevelopmentallysequencedapproachtoteachingchildrenwithautism.Itisreasonableandrealisticthatachildslearningenvironmentandteachingmethodwillchangedependentontheirdevelopmentalageandtheircurrentphaseotreatment.AboutABIAABIAisthepeakbodyorABAEIBIorautisminVictoriaprovidingtrainingeducationandsupporttoparentscarersandproessionalswhoworkwithlivewithorloveachildwithautism.KimSheppardholdsaMastersoPsychologyisanexperiencedABAServiceProviderworkinginprivatepracticeandamemberoABIA.ForurtherinormationaboutAppliedBehaviouralAnalysisorKimSheppardsworkemailinoabia.org.auReferencesLovaasOI1987Behavioraltreatmentandnormaleducationandintellectualfunctioninginyoungautisticchildren.JournalofConsultingandClinicalPsychology5513-9McEachinJJSmithTLovaasOI1993.Longtermoutcomeforchildrenwithautismwhoreceivedearlyintensivebehaviouraltreatment.AmericanJournalonMentalRetardation4359-172RobertsJMAPriorM2006.EarlyInterventionforChildrenwithAutismSpectrumDisordersGuidelinesforBestPracticeSallowsGOGraupnerTD2005.IntensiveBehavioraltreatmentforchildrenwithautismFour-yearoutcomeandpredictors.AmericanJournalofMentalRetardation1106417-438ThehallmarkofABAasusedinanEIBIprogramistheabilitytoindividualiseachildstreatment. 54AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEChildhoodcancerdiabetesobesitydepressionhavealldoubledinthepasttwentyyears.DrKennethBockcallsAsthmaAllergiesADHDAutismthenewchildhoodepidemicsandsaysWeareinthemidstoagrouponewchildhoodepidemicsrelatedtopollutionenvironmentaldegradationtoxicityInthisarticleIdliketooutlinesomeothechemicalsandtoxinsthatcouldbeaectingYOURchildshealth.Theeectsmaynotbeobviousbutthesethingslurkinginouroodscookwarecleaningandpersonalcareproductscouldbewreakinghavoconyourchildsandyourownwellbeing.Heresjustaewexamplesoharmuladditivesthatourkidsoodsareullo.ColoursCaramelIII150Cisoundinmuselibarsandspreadsandislinkedtohyperactivity.TheYellows102110areoundinyogurtandicecreamandcancontributetolearningdicultiesbehaviouralproblemsandhyperactivity.PreservativesSulphurdioxide220isextremelydetrimentalorasthmaticsaswellaskidswithbehaviouralproblems.Youllfndthisindelimeatsanddriedruitssohavealookonthelabelsor220sulftessulurdioxideandbuyabrandthatdoesntcontainit.Inthehealthoodshoplookortheblackapricotsdriedapricotsareonlybrightorangebecauseothepreservatives.TheblackonesmightlooklessattractivebuttheyaremuchhealthierArtifcialsweetenersAspartamehasbeendubbedbysomemedicalexpertsasperhapsthemostdangerousoodsubstanceonourshelves.Youllfnditinchewinggumanddietsotdrinksaswellassugarreeoodsanddrinks.Ithasover90adverseeectsreportedtoauthoritiesincludingasthmaaggressionandlinkstocancer.LookoritunderthenamesNutraSweetEqualSpoonulandAminoSweet.AndavoiditliketheplagueHowwecookouroodcanalsohaveamassiveimpactontheendresultaswell-wedontwanttobeinvestinginlovelycleanorganicoodandthencookitinatoxicpanChemicalsinouroodandourhomesarewreakinghavoconourchildrenshealthTheressomeverydisturbingnumbersIwanttotalkabouttodayandtheyinvolvethehealthoourchildren.Allergiesaect1in3Asthmaaect1in4ADHDaects1in10Autismaects1in100CDCfguresnowsay1in50ByKRISBARRETT100NATURALNOPRESERVATIVESNOPRESERVATIVES AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE55healthwellbeingLetstalkaboutTefonorexampleoneothemostpopularnonsticksubstancesaroundandletsaceitveryveryconvenienttocookandcleanwith.Itcanreleaseupto15toxicgasseswhenheatedtohightemperatures.Itsmadewithachemicalcalledper-furo-octa-noicacidorPFOAwhichhasbeenoundtobecarcinogenic.Tefoncaneasilyscratchandthatmeansthepossibilityweingestthesetoxins.TefoncandisrupthormonalbalanceandisnowalsolinkedtothyroiddiseaseandcanceraccordingtoastudyromtheNationalInstituteoHealth.Therearemuchsaeroptionsaroundlikeceramicstainlesssteelandglassthatmaytakealittlemorewashingbutwontwreckyourhealth.Aswellaslookingatwhatyourecookinginyouwanttolookatthecontainersyourestoringyouroodinaswell.Turnoveryourcontainerandhavealookonthebottomorthenumberyouwanttoavoid3PVC6PS7PolycarbonateYoushouldlookor1PETE2HDPE4LDPEand5PPTupperwareisusually2or5soyoudonthavetocleanoutyourTupperwarecupboardjustyetTwoofthebiggestissueswithplasticsareBPAandPthalates.BPAisshortorBiphneylAachemicalinventedbackinthe1930s.Youllnditinbabybottlesdrinkbottlesandintheliningocannedgoods.AnyoodordrinkthatcomesintocontactwithcontainersmaderomBPAwillabsorbit.EvenworsetheScienticAmericanreportedthatwhenitsheateditleechesout55timesasterAndwhatdowedowithbabybottlesweheatthemupdontwe.Scary.BPAisreallynastystu.Itsasyntheticestrogenahormonedisruptorandislinkedtobreastcancerdiabetesheartdisease.Inthelastewyearssomestudieshavealsolinkedittoincreasesinaggressionandhyperactivityinyoungchildren.ThegoodnewsisthattherearemanymoreBPA-reeoptionsavailablenowandsomeabulousglassandstainlesssteeldrinkbottleswhicharemuchsaer.Pthlatesareanothermanmadechemicalusedinplasticsespeciallyincheapercontainerstogivethemfexibilityandasottexture.Pthalatesarealsousedinbodycareproductstoholdthescentsothingsthatarehighlyragrancedalsocontainpthlates.LikeBPAtheyaresyntheticestrogensandcanaectalldierentsortsohormonesthatregulategrowthmetabolismanddigestion.Inboysitcandisrupttestosteronelevelswhichcanhaveadrasticeectonbehaviour.Checkyourplasticscodesas3and7usuallycontainpthlates.Iyoucanavoidusingproductscontainingthesesubstancesoryourcookingandoodstorageyouwillmarkedlyeasethetoxinburdenoyourwholeamily.Therustratingthingisthatyouwouldassumeiproductswereallowedtobesoldtoustheircontentswouldhavebeentestedandproventobesae.Withregardstoourpersonalcareandcleaningproductswehaveover80000syntheticchemicalsinuserightnowwithabout1000newonesaddedeachyear.AndmosthaveneverbeentestedorsaetyTheToxicSubstancesControlActwaspassedbackin1976andhasneverbeenrevised.Backthen60000chemicalswereincludedintheactwithnosaetytesting.Newchemicalssincethenhavegonestraighttothemarketplace.Inthe37yearssincethisacthasbeeninplaceintheUSAthegovernmenthasrequiredtestingoronly200othemandregulatedonly5othem.Itseemsacrazysituationwhenwenowknowmoreandmoreabouttheirtoxiceects.Inanyonedaytheaverageadultwilluse9personalcareproductswithabout120chemicalsbetweenthemmostowhichhaveneverbeentestedThesechemicalsareinallthethingsweandourkidsingestandabsorbeveryday-shampooconditionerbodywashbodylotionsdeodorants.Kidswillinhalethesmellandhavetheirskinsmotheredinthem.Rememberourskinisourlargestorgansoanythingweputonthereisgoingrightintoourbodies.TherearemanynastiestobeawareobuttwoIwantedtomentionoryoutolookoutorrightnowareBPAFREE 56AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEhealthwellbeingFragranceItsinmostbabycareshampooconditionerdeodorantsskincareandbodycare.ThewordFRAGRANCEonalabelcanindicatethepresenceoupto4000separateingredientsmostothemsyntheticandmanyothemcarcinogenic.ExposuretoragrancecanaecttheCentralnervoussystemandcancausesymptomslikehyperactivityirritabilityandotherbehaviouralproblemsnotorgettingallergiesandasthma.OurASDkidsarealreadysupersensitivewithheightenedsensessotheseragrancescanbecompletelyoverwhelmingorthem.Lookortheingredientragranceandtryandfndaproductthatusesessentialoilsratherthansyntheticconcoctions.SodiumLauralSulphateandSodiumLaurethSulphateSLSSLES.Thesearedetergentsusedincarwashsoapsandenginedegreasers.Theyarealsoin90oourshampooconditionerstoothpastesandcosmeticsmainlyinthingsthatoam.Thedetrimentaleectsothesetwocompoundsincludedepressionimmunesystemdamagediarrhoeaallergiesandskinirritation.Becomealabeldetectiveandchooseproductsthatdonotcontaintheseingredients.ThereisagreatAustralianresourcecalledTheChemicalMazeavailableasabookandanAppwhichlistschemicalsbytheirnameandnumberandgivesyoutheinsidestoryonthemwhethertheyaregoodbadorotherwise.Notallchemicalsarebadandnotallchemicalswillcausehealthproblemssoknowingwhatyouaredealingwithiskey.Iknowitcanseemoverwhelmingtolearntherearesomanydangerslurkinginourhomesinouroodsandcleaningproductsandourpersonalcareitems.ButIthinkthatknowledgeispower.ManyothesethingscouldbesubtlyaectingyourchildshealthandbehavioursoitsworthinvestigatingwhatisinYOURcupboardsandseeingwhatyoucanchangetomakeapositiveimpactonyouramilyshealth.Dontbeoverwhelmedchangeslowlyonethingamonthisagreatgoal.NexttimeyougotobuysomeshampoobuyanSLSreebrand.Whenyourunoutobodywashnexttimelookoracleanragrance-reeone.MakingsmallchangestowhatyoudoeverydayaddsuptoBIGdierencesinthelongrun.KrisBarrettisaCertifedNutritioncoachCertifedGAPSpractitionerandmumotwo.SheimplementeddietaryandbiomedicalinterventionwithherASDsonin2004andheisnowullymainstreamedandahappyandhealthy11yearold.Krisspassionisworkingwithamiliestohelpthemmakethedietaryandliestylechangeswhichwerethebackboneohersonsrecovery.YoucanfndKrisathercoachingwebsiteNourishMeatwww.nourishmehealth.com.auWeofferagreatrangeofproductssuitableforpeoplewhosufferfromfoodallergiesorintolerancescoeliacdiseaseeczeamaasthmaorautism.Alloourproductsareglutenwheatdairycaseinsoynuteggfshandshellfshree.GreatSnackLunchboxoptionswww.allergyfriendlyfoods.com.auGetyourDigitalcopyotheAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineTODAYwww.aanmag.com.au AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE57feature57AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEIhadnever...notonceheldachildinmyarmsbeoreIgavebirthtomyrstson.Itwasapivotalpointorme.AbeautiulmomentandabloodyNoramomentrolledintoone.Myliewascompletelytransormedandmealongwithit....Irevelledinmotherhoodandallthatwentwithit.IhadmorphedromcorporatemanagertoMegaMotherrulerotheuniverse.Wellmylittlepieceoitanyway.Thechildreninmyamilyrangeinageromouryrsoldtotwentyyrs.TheyareaabulousengagingunnylovingnaughtyexasperatinglotandIlovethemalltothemoonandback.Fourothemhaveanautismspectrumdisorder.WehaveallcoloursothespectrumrangingromverymildPDD-NOSPervasivedevelopmentaldisordernototherwisespeciedtothemostprooundandsevereAutismunderpinnedbyachromosomedisorder.ThethingsIwantormyarechildrenarethesamekindothingsthatIwantormyselandmypartnermyriendsandamily-AGoodlie.Healthhappinessinclusionpaidemploymentalittlerecreationindependentlivingandmostimportantlytobesurroundedbypeoplewhoknowandloveus.MakingagoodliehappenwillbesomuchmoredifcultormyyoungestsonChristian.MylittleBoyWonderwasbornwitharareChromosomeDisordercalledDup15Q.Thereareabout35peopleinAustraliawithDup15Q.MypregnancywithChristianwasdifcultandIwasveryunwell.SoIwasrelievedwhenhewasnallydeliveredbyCaesareanat37weeksandIcouldholdmybeautiulsoninmyarms.CallitmothersintuitioncallitwhatyouwillIknewthatallwasnotwellintheStateoDenmark.Mybabydidnotcryatallever.InactChristianmadenonoiseoanykindandremainedcompletelysilentuntilaterhisrstbirthday.Christianwasnotabletobreasteedhecouldbarelyorganisehismoutharoundabottle.Beingsilentandunabletoeedwasaseriousproblem.Iexpressedbreastmilkandedhimona3hourscheduleuntilhewas3monthsold.CHRISTIANSGIFTeature 58AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureDuringthistimeIhadmy8yearoldandalsoan18montholdtoddlertomanage.Managewedidandwebecamegoodatthatmostothetime.ThechildrensathertravelledorworkandIwasathomebymyselduringtheweek.SchoolrunsspeechtherapyappointmentsOTappointmentsandschoolmeetingsortheNo1childandlotsoappointmentsandworryingaboutlittleChristianaswellashelpingtorunthelocalPlaygrouporthetoddlerandmothersgroupormummy.Notsurprisinglythisperiodisnowallratherablur.AtthetimewelivedinasmallbutperectlyormedolderstylehouseintheouterBrisbaneSuburboTheGap.ThehousewasotenlledwiththesmellobakingorcakesthatIhadmadewiththechildren.ThesoundsotheneighbourhoodchildrenplayingandLaughingandartactivitiesoutonmydeck.Weweresurroundedbybush.KingparrotsandlorikeetscametovisitmybirdeedersonmysmalldeckandIcouldwatchthemasIpreparedoodordidthedishes.Floortoceilingglassandgiantglasslouvresensuredthattherewasapictureperectviewoutintothegardenromeveryroom.IhelpedthisalongbystrategicallyplacingbirdhousesandotherquirkyitemsthatIhadcollectedthrougheachwindow.Icouldliedowninbedandseetawnymouthowlsromonewindowandlookarupthegardenandpastthepondoutotheotherandseemychookhouseunderthegiantmulberrytree.ItwasadearlittlehomeandIadoredit-IcalleditmyBushHouse.OneaternoonwhenChristianwasabout6weeksoldtragedystruckmylittlebushhouse.MidaternoonIwenttocheckonbabytimeoraquickbottlebeoredinnerandbathtimeorallothechildren.MovinghimromhiscottothelittlebasketinthecornerothekitchenoutoharmswaysaenowromthetoddlerIshooedtheneighbourschildrenbacktotheirownhomes.Iheatedhisbottleandpickedupmydarlingboy.Hewaslimpandhotsoveryhot.Therewassomethingwrongwiththewayhelooked.ThrowinghisbottleinmybagandbabeinarmsIewdownstairsviamyhusbandsoceandtoldhimthatIwasgoingtotheDoctor.NowItwasclearthatChristianwasveryill.Thatverydayhehadseentheclinicsisterandthedaybeorehehadseenthepaediatricianandhehadbeenne.Irushedtothehospitalmysenseswhirling.Straighttoemergencytheytookonelookathimandsentusstraightthrough.IoferedmybabyadrinkandChristianhadhisrstullblownseizureThisiswhenIgottoseetheabsolutewonderothechildrenemergencyteaminullswing.Itwasapitythatitwasntanacademicexerciseinsteadoworkingonmyowneshandblood.Christianwastakenintotheemergencytheatre.Hewasputonoxygenbloodsweretakeneventuallythroughalineintotherontohistinyleg.UrinewasextractedviaaneedleandIsteppedoutsidesothatIdidnotwitnessthelumbarpuncturewithnopainrelie.TheICUdoctorcameandlookedathimandIwillalwaysremembertheYepHeisoneooursastheyadmittedhimtoPICU-ThePaediatricIntensiveCareUnit.ForthenextewdaysChristianhoveredbetweenlieanddeathandIdidnotleavehisside.ChristianhadcontractedencephalitisandanInectionhadenteredhisbrain.Histinychestwentupanddownwitheachbreaththathetook.IstrokedhistinyhandtalkingsotlytohimMummylovesyouandthenIhummedourspecialsong.Thoseourdaysareirrevocablyetchedintomymemory.Abattleragedwithinhimandwrackedhistinybody.Itwasamiraclethathesurvivedandaterthoseourlongdayswewenthomeandstartedthelongroadtorecovery.Itookmybabyhomeandlovedhimlookedaterhimandwatchedhimlikeahawk.Helaywithhisarmsdownbyhissidesorthenext7months.WhatadearlittlebabyhewasandIadoredhim.Wehadmanymedicalappointmentsaterwecamehomeromhospital.HewasstartedonanintensivephysiotherapyregimethatIcoulddoathome.Christianhadnomuscletonewhatsoeverromhistrunktohisneckandtherebecamearealpossibilityohimnotbeingabletositletalonewalk.Overthenext12monthsliebecameverybusybuteventuallywewerepresentedwiththesecondmiraclemybeautiulboyChristiangotupontohiseet.Sometimesitisveryhardtoknowwhattowishor.Hewasincrediblyclumsyandhavingnospatialawarenesswhatsoeverwasanissuesohehadtowearheadgeartoprotecthimselromhismanyalls.Hewentromwalkingtorunningwhichwascompletelyterriying.MyBoyWonderhadnoeyecontactwashyperactiveandraneverywherewithhisheadbacklookingskywards.Christianhadnolanguagemadenoeyecontactandhehadnoideathatanyoneontheplanetexistedexceptorhimsel.Manyaccidentsollowedromthemildcutsrequiringstitchestotheseverehavingglassinthecorneaohiseyeandalmostseveringhistongue.Liewastricky.Christianwantedtobeheldallothetimeandwhenhiseetwereontheoorhewasdoinghisrunninglookingskywardsstunt.Hestartedtoslamintothewallsdeliberatelyanditwasverydiculttokeephimsae.WhenChristianwastwohereceivedadiagnosisoClassicAutism.ThenewswasdeliveredwhilstInursedmynewbornbabygirl.ThediagnosismeantthatnowIhadsomethingtoworkwith.Forthenext6monthsIdidintensivetherapywithhimathomeuntilhewasoldenoughtobeenrolledinaull-timeprogramatAEIOU.ToknowChristianistolovehim.HisworldissmallbutIamocussedonmakingitabulous. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE59featureHewastobetreatedthereorthenext3years.WewerebeautiullysupportedandthestafworkedincrediblyhardonChristiansearlyintervention.MyeldestchildcontinuedtohavespeechtherapyandOTandeventuallywereceivedadiagnosisorhimoPDD-NOS.AroundChristians5thbirthdayhestartedtobecomeveryunwell.Theseepisodesculminatedinathreemonthhospitaladmission.ChristianwasthendiagnosedwithEEEsophogitisandabowelmobilitydisorder.Healsostartedhavingalotoseizuresanddevelopedaneuropathicpaindisorder.Thistimewasverydicult.Theresultothesecondroundogenetictestingcoincidedwiththeatheromythreesmallestchildrenmakingthedecisiontoleave.ThatwastwoyearsagoandwehavejustcelebratedChristiansseventhbirthday.Mybabyhascomesuchalongway.Heisanactivesweetlittleboy.Ihaveabeautiulnewpartnerinmylieandnoweightabulouskids..BoyWondershealthhasnotimproved.Hehashadapermanentportinsertedintohisstomachorthedeliveryohismedication.Thesupervisiondemandsolookingaterhimhavegrownsubstantially.Everymorninghismedicationisgroundupdissolvedanddrawnupintothirtysyringes.MostlyChristianrequiresaoneononeratioocaretokeephimsaehoweverwhenheisunwellistakestwopeopletolookaterhim.BoyWonderwillrequiresignicantcareintotheutureandIhavetriedtokeephimsaeintheuturebyhavingasupportcirclesetuporhim.Fourteenpeoplewhocometogetherregularlytohaveanintentionalconversationabouthim.ApaediatricianaseniorsocialworkerapsychologistapsychiatristandanumberoothercommunitymemberswhohavebecamepassionatesupportersoChristian.Ihavelobbiedthelocalcouncilorplaygroundencingortheirall-abilityParksinBrisbane.ALLspecialchildrenshouldhavesomewheresaetoplaywithintheircommunity.WhenthecouncilreusedtoullyencethelocalAll-AbilitiesParkwetookChristianscasetotheHumanRightsCommissionusingprovisionsotheDisabilityDiscriminationActinNovember2010.WewontherighttotakethecasetotheederalcourthoweverChristianshealthdeterioratedandIwasunabletocontinuetheght.Christianstilllovestorunbutwehavetotakehimtothelocaldogparktodoso.Dogsarewellcateredorhere.Therearethreeinwalkingdistanceoourhome.Ithasntallbeenuphill.IhaveorsometimebeenlobbyingstronglyorQueenslandtosigntheNationalDisabilityInsuranceScheme.WhenChristianandIwereaskedtowitnessthehistoricsigningotheagreementonMay8Icouldnothavebeenmoreproud.Iholdtightlyontotheideaaboutwhatmakesagoodlieormychildrenandamworkingalwaystowardsthatgoal.ThecostsassociatedwithcaringormyboyareveryhighsoIhavesetupatrustundtohelppayorhismedicalcosts.FortunatelyChristianisthenicestboyontheplanetitisnthardtogetpeopleonhisside.Oneothebettereaturesothisgeneticconditionistobeunusuallycontentandhappy.ThishasbeenablessingoralloouramilyandalsoorChristian.Morethananythingmylittleboystilllovestoruntobeinthesunshinewiththewindinhishair.ToknowChristianistolovehim.HisworldissmallbutIamocussedonmakingitabulous.SarahCarter-MurrayisapassionateadvocateortheNDISPlaygroundFencingandtheASDcommunity.SherunsaPlayconnectASDPlaygroupinBrisbaneChristiansGitFBpageTheAutismLadderWebsiteaparentledgrassrootsonlinecommunityamonthlyretreatorcarersStudioNextapilotartsbasedprojectoryoungpeoplewithAutismbetweentheageso16-25yrs.TheTrusteeforChristiansGiftTrustDonatethroughtheBankOfQueensland.ACCNumber21646370BSB124-021 60AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEThememoryochildrentauntingmyautisticsoninthelocalparkisburntintomybrain.Teasedbecauseohispoorspeechhissocialawkwardnesshislackocoordinationandgeneralweirdnessthatcamewithautism.Childrenarethersttocalloutdiferences.Whetherthediferencesaremaniestedinlunchboxcontentsorskincolourinuniormlengthorreligioninhairstyleorethnicityinsmellorparentalincome.Childrenaremastersinampliyinganydiferences.Thereisnothingsubtleaboutchildrenstauntingbecausetheyareunawareopoliticalcorrectnessandunamiliarwiththepolitenessafordedbyeuphemisms.Whilewearealldiferentourcapacitytounderstandandacceptourdiferencesaschildrencandirectlydeterminehowweallcopeandinteractasadults.FacingfearsWhenevermysonEwanenteredaparkschoolorswimmingpooloneomygreatestearswashowotherchildrenwouldjudgeandteasehimandmyearwasrealbecauseithappenedalot.AsacharacterinonememorablekidsmoviequippedSeeaneedllaneed.byCASSANDRASCOTTalleviatingthehumiliationofautismSAMEdiferentbutparentingThereisnothingsubtleaboutchildrenstauntingbecausetheyareunawareopoliticalcorrectnessandunamiliarwiththepolitenessafordedbyeuphemisms. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE61parentingMyNameisMaxIhaveAutismismycontributiontotranslatingthewhatwhyandhowoeccentricautisticbehaviourstochildreninchildrenslanguage.ButIamawriternotanillustrator.IgaveEwanthewordsandhedrewtheaccompanyingpicturesromhisperspective-completelyabsentrommydirection.Thebookbecamethevehicleorustolaterdiscusshisautismandhowmanyothesebehaviourshadbeenminimisedandmanaged.NowthatEwancanspeakclearlysitinachairkeepeyecontactandeatmorethanoneoodtypeIaminapositiontosharesomeoourexperiences.MyNameisMaxIhaveAutismisareedigitalresourcetohelpmorepeopleunderstandthatwhileweareallthesamewearealsodierentandthatsnotsuchabadthing.ThisisMaxsstory.Iithelpsjustonepersonitsworthit.OurstoryEwanScottwasdiagnosedwithautismattheageotwo.Justlikediabetesautismcannotbecured-butwithaherculeaninvestmentotimemoneyandtherightpeopleattherighttimeitcaniyouareluckybemanaged.InEwanscasetherewasareerraltoabrilliantspeechtherapistoccupationaltherapistandpsychologist.Therewereyearsoweeklytherapysessionsanddailyrepetitivespeakingexercises.Therewereyearsoworkingongrossandnemotorskillandsensoryprocessingexercisestrainingobabysitterscarersandteachers.Therewerecoursesinmusicmulti-litspeechsotwarejudoandswimming.Wehadthreeyearsinthreedierentautismschoolsandassistanceinmainstreamschoolclasses.AterspendingtheGDPoasmallcountryEwanisinamainstreamschoolandholdinghisownwithgustoandjoy.Ewanwasdiagnosedwithautismatatimewhentheconditionhadntreceivedmuchattentioninthemainstreammedia.AllIknewoautismbeoreadoctormentioneditasapossibleexplanationoEwansspeechdelaywasromthemovieRainman.WashegoingtoendupcountingcardsandobsessedwithgoingtoK-MarttogethisunderwearLookingbackoverthoseeightyearswhenweweregiventheocialdiagnosisthememoriesorawemotionscomefoodingin.ItwashardnottobawlmyeyesoutwhenbreakingEwansshatteringnewstoriendsandamily.Sobbingonthestreetoutsidethedevelopmentalpaediatriciansocethenreturningtoworkinamessgavemeanimmediateappreciationowhatthetermoverwhelmedreallymeant.Thephotocopiedbrochuresalllookedverywell-meaningbutittookquitesometodigestwhatthehellitallreallymeant.AteratrawlthroughGoogleIdidnteelespeciallyrelievedbutperhapsalittlelessignorant.OverthecomingmonthsIeltasiIdearnedauniversitydegreeinautismandallitentails.Theautismlabeltookonanewmeaning.NowIhadanexplanationareasonwhyorexamplemysonstillcouldntsaymuchmorethanasinglewordandthenonlyonhisterms.WhymysonresembledawildcatandhadapenchantorthrowinghimselonthegroundandthrashingaboutinaragewhentheroutinechangedorheavenOverthecomingmonthsIfeltasifIdearnedauniversitydegreeinautismandallitentails. 62AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEorbidhedidntgethisownwayandworsestillwhyhispainthresholdwassohighwhyhecouldhurthimselquitebadlyandnotapparentlynotnotice.EvenbetterthananexplanationIhadstrategiesIhadarmouryIhadhope.TheautismlabelwasalsohandyintheguiltdepartmentnowIdidnteelacompleteailureoamother.Therewasanexplanationormysonssomewhatunusualbehaviour.FromapurelyselishperspectiveIwasrelieveditwasntallmyault.TheproverbiallightreallyswitchedonwhenIcameacrossEwansoccupationalandspeechtherapistswhobecamethetwomostimportantwomeninmylie.Iwastremendouslyluckytohavebeenreerredtotherapistswhowerespecialistsinautism.Theoccupationaltherapistputmysononanintensesensorydiet.Heneededsensorystimulationandlotsoit.Therewasnowanexplanationorwhyhehadputhimselintothemostridiculousplacesbetweenthettedsheetandthemattresssquashedbetweenthewallandthecouchhangingupsidedownandliterallyclimbingthewalls.Allautisticchildrenaredierentandneeddierenttreatmentregimes.AtthattimeEwanneededtobebrusheddownwithasurgicalbrushbemassagedhavehisacetappedgumsbrushedtheworks.Itdidntendthere.Exerciseaterexercisewastraversedovertheyears.Breathingexercisesrangingromblowingbubblesinthebaththroughaquariumtubingtochasingcottonwoolballsaroundthefooronalloursusingdrinkingstrawswerepartothedailyroutine.Jacketsstuedwithricetoweighhimdownandcalmhimrubbershapestochewon.Oncehissensoryissueswereundercontrolhisattentionspanwentromnegativetopositive.Thismeantthelong-sueringspeechtherapistgotsometraction.Thespeechprogramwastwo-prongedrstlyEwanhadtolearnhowtophysicallymovehismouthtoshapethesoundsandsecondlyhowtorelatethewordtothepropercontext.Ateryearsoworkhisarticulationimprovedthroughtheworldsmostrepetitivemind-numbingexercises.Reamsophoneticsblendedconsonantswordcategoriesphrasesandmorelaminatedfashcardsthanyoucouldpokeastickat.ButitworkedandIcantbegintotellyouthereliewhenIrstheardmysonusewordsintherightcontextthatwhilststillvaguelyunintelligiblewereattemptedmoreotenandwithoutprompting.Hewentromstrengthtostrength.Theneurologicalpathwayswerecreatedthroughmanualprogrammingandintheendbecamesucientlywell-troddenorhisspeechtobecomeeasibleandbecomprehendedbyothers.Ittakesballsosteeltoswallowtheactyourchildhasautismandhavingachildwithautismisundoubtedlyacharacterbuildingexperience.ButnavigatingmywaythroughtheworldoautismhasgivenmerenewedaithinthehumanraceasIdirectlybenetedromthekindnessandgenerosityoriendsamilyandstrangers.www.mynameismax.com.auAboutCassandraScott...CassandraistheDirectoroContextualCommunicationsPtyLtdandaproessionallyqualifeduneralcelebrant.CassandracreatesC-levelpresentationsandreportsspeecheseulogywritinganddeliverygravesidecommittalsaudiovisualcollectionswakesandceremoniescopywritingstrategicbusinessdevelopmentandchildrensliterature.Cassandrahasnearlytwentyyearsexperienceinpublicpolicymanagementmediacommunicationsregulationandstakeholderrelationswithaspecialocusintelecommunications. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE63featureEveryoneyoumeetinyourliewillbedierentromyouinsomeway.Forsomepeoplethatdierencemightbeintimidatingtheymaynotunderstandwhatitmeansandwillwalkawayjudgeortauntsomepeopleyouwontevenrealisehowdierenttheyarebecauseyoudidntgettoknowthemnobodytoldyouoryoudidntnotice.IamdierentinmyownuniquewayandlotsopeoplewriteabouthowpeoplelikemearedierentbuttheyarentwritingromtheinsideandInoticealotopeoplethinktheyknowsomethingabouthowandwhyIamdierentbuttheydontreallyknoworgetiteitherevenexperts.IwanttotellyouhowIamdierentjustasmallinsightbecauselikeanybodysdiversitiesitscomplicatedIamgoingtotellyouthesimpleversion.Imaginewakingeachdaywithyoursensetentimesmorealivethanusual.Everysmelleverysoundeverytoucheventheabricbrushingagainstyourskineverytasteeveryickerolight.Leavingyoubreathlessandgraspingorpeaceandthefltersinyourbraintokickinandslowitalldown.Somedaysthosefltersdontkickin.Thosedaysjustgettingtoschoolorgoingtosocialeventsissuchaneortandyourwholebodyachesjustwantingtoeelasenseonormalwhateverthatmeans.UniquelydiferentAchildsperspective 64AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureSomedaysitispainulnotlikethepainwhenyouhurtyourselitsapainthathurtsinsideyourbrain.Conusionpalpitationsatornadoolesyingaroundyourheadwordspicturessoundsnumbersyingaroundandaroundsparkinglikeacomputercircuitboardasitoverloads.Thesesortsodaysaremostlyaveragesdaysorme.SomedaysIcanslowitalldownwithmusicorreadingtochangemyawarenesslongshowerswhereIcaneelimmersedinwaterbecauseIeelmoreathomeinwaterthanIdoonland.Therearedayswhereitlastsalldayorcomesonlikearushowaterwhenoodgatesbreak.Idontalwaysknowwhenorhowthiseelingwillhappen.Icannotprocesseventhesimplestthoughtseverythingaroundmecomesoodingintomybrainoutoorderandoutocontrol.Myhearingishazyandmyabilitytospeakgetslosttheconnectionbetweenmymouthandbrainseemstoblowause.Icallitbrainreezelikeacomputerreezingwithtoomuchinputortoomanycommands.Otherpeoplecallitsensoryoverloadormeltdowns.Whateveryoucallititcanbeterriyingbeingoutocontrolandeelingsolost.ItcanbeexhaustingitcanhurtwaysIcannotdescribe.Itsneverachoicetoeellikethissometimesthereisthisinternaltobattletoregaincontrol.Thereasonsorthismaychangebuttheeelingstaysthesame.TherearethingsIdothatseemoddtothepeoplearoundmeIdothesethingstohelpmeocustosel-regulate.ImighthaveaspecicorderinwhicheverythingIhaveanddoneedstobeImightcountthesestepsthingsprocessesImightpacerocktalktomyselImightgondsomewhereIcanbealone.ThismightbeseemasanObsessiveCompulsiveDisorderitmightbeseenassomethingcalledstimmingnotmatterwhatyouseeitasitsjuststepsIneedtoquietmymindsometimes.Communicationineverydayliecanleavemeeelinglikemostpeoplearoundmespeakadierentlanguageorinaoreignland.Andsometimesevenlikeanalienromadierentplanet.Thewaymostpeoplecommunicateisconusingpeoplerarelysaywhattheymeanormeanwhattheysaysomepeopletalkalotsosaynothingorverylittle.Somepeopleappeartotalkwithnoideaowhattheyareactuallysaying.TherearemanylittlesayingsandclichsthatIjustdontunderstandIcanturnmyheadinsideouttryingtounderstandthingssometimes.Iamveryliteraltomethingsareexactlyastheyaresaidrainingcatsanddogsmakesmelookoutthewindowlookingorcatsanddogs.Noexplainingthesesayingstomehelpsmeunderstand.AndInditsillywhynotjustsayitspouringwithrainorwater.Somepeoplespeakveryastsomepeoplesaythingswiththeirmouthswhilsttheirbodiesoracesrelaysomethingverydierent.Indthisconusingtoo.Sometimespeoplewantyoutobepartoaconversationbuttheyareonlyreallytalkingorthemselves.Iotenmissthesubtlecuesotonechangesandacialexpressions.IhavetorelyontheeelingsIgetrompeopleandsometimestheeelingisntaboutmethiscanbeconusingtoo.SittingwithsomeonewhoisangryorsadanditisntmewhohasmadethemangryorsadbuteelingthatandwonderingiIdidmakethemangryorsadandnotknowingorsure.IdonotalwayshavetherightwordsreadilyavailableIneedtotimetotalkorsaywhatIhavetosaywhenIlikesomethingItalkandtalkaboutitandamneverquitesurewhenpeoplearenolongerinterested.Itcanbesoexhaustingnavigatingallthevariablesohumancommunication.PeopleotenthinkIamanti-socialornotinterestedinthem.Iamnotanti-socialsomepeopleIreallylikeandIreallyenjoyspendingtimewiththem.Iliketohaveriends.HoweverIneedtoretreatIneedtorestmybodyandbrain.Icannotalwaystellwhenpeoplelikemesothismakesmecautioustoo.Iseemussywithoodssoundssmellstexturesandabricswellmaybewitheverything.Sometexturesortastesonmytonguemakemegagbrushingmyteethmakesmegagsomesmellsgivemeanxietysomeabricsonmyskinhurtandmakemewanttoripscratchandpeelmyskinosoundsaredierentinmyearssomethingsmostpeoplecannotheararelikepiercingsquealsorme.Icannotalwaysrecognisewhatshappening.IdontalwaysknowwhyIdontlikethingsbutIknowthatitsallothesereasonsIclingtowhatIdolike.WhyIlikehabitsandroutine.Itgivesmeasenseosomecontrol.IdontchoosetoseemdifcultIjustchoosetotrytoavoideelingoutocontrol.IamnotuniquewellnotinthissenseohowIeelaboutmyplaceintheworldorhowmybrainworks.TherearemanypeoplelikemetheymayeelthingsdierentlybutlikemetheyhaveAspergersSyndrome.Itisnotadiseaseitisnotadisabilityitdoesnotmakemementallyillorretardeditdoesnotmakemeapsychopathoracriminalcrazydelusionalorevilasmanypeoplemayignorantlybelieve.AspergersissimplyaneurologicalconditionIhavewhitematterinmybrainwheretherewouldnormallybegreymatter AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE65featureitmeanssomeomymentalandneurologicalprocessesarechangedimpairedorchallenged.ItdoesntmeanIamlessintelligentinmanycasespeoplewithAspergersarealsogitedpossessingahigherintelligencethantheaverageitissometimesdifculttoexpressthisbecausetheareasothebrainimpactedmayaecttheregularwaytoexpressthisintelligence.IdontdislikebeingwhoIamorthewayIam.Beingsupportedandtaughtsel-awarenesshashelpedmeunderstandandworkwithmyuniquethinking.IlikethinkingliterallyalthoughincommunicatingwithpeoplethismightbehardwhenitcomestocomputersorproblemsolvingIhaveanadvantage.Ihaveaninsightandclaritytomostsituationsthatotherpeoplemaynothave.Icanbeanobserverinmyownlieattimesandnotbesoemotionallyaectedbythingsthatwouldperhapsbetraumaticorothers.Therearethingsthatwillimpactmemorethanotherstoo.Whenmybrainhasclarityandcalmitismoreefcientthanmost.BecauseIamquirkyeccentricdierentandgeekyIamlikemanyotherswithAspergersSyndromeatargetorbullies.Ithinkisomeothesebulliesgottospendadayasmetheymightthinktwiceaboutthenamecallingandthephysicaltauntsorotherteasing.Althoughtheycannotseeititsabravepersonwhocanmanageallothesevariationsandgettoschoolatall.Anditherearemeltdownsalongthewayitjustmeanssomethingisntworkingandmoreawarenessandsupportisneeded.Alotopeoplethinkdisciplinerestraintseclusionsuspensionandlecturesaretheanswerstomeltdowns.Noneothesethingshelptheonlythingthathelpsistryingtounderstandhavingawarenessandpreventionthebetterthesesupportsarethemoresuccessulsel-regulationis.Theeasieritistomanagesensoryinputtheeasieritistonavigateeachdaypositively.ThelessanxiousIeelthecalmermysensesare.WhenIwasyoungerIcouldnttellanyonewhyorhowIelthowIdid.IdidntknowwhyitwaspainultohavetheseamsinmysocksinthewrongplacesopainulthatIwouldscreamuntiltheywererightandmyeeteltrightinmyshoes.Icouldnttellanyonethebuzzromtheuorescentlightsintheclassroomhurtmyearsortheickerotheselightshurtmyeyes.IdidntknowallothesethingsIjustkneweverydayIeltlikemybrainwouldexplode.IneededsomeonetowatchandseewhataectedmehowitaectedmesothatIcouldeelmorecomortable.ItwasveryhardormetotalkatallandIhadtoputalotoeortintotryingsometimes.Itstillis.Icanunderstandwhyalotopeoplearenonverbalonceyoustarttotalkpeopleexpectalotromyou.IlikethatIdonthaveacleardenitionogenderorrace.AlotopeoplewithAspergersdonotunderstandthevariancesingenderandrace.Thereistheobviousbuttomeitdoesntmatteriyouaremaleoremalebeingriendsisnotcomplicatedbygenderorrace.Peoplearejustpeople.AspergersSyndromeisjustapartomeitisnotwhomIamitisnottheonlythingaboutmethatisdierent.Itdoesntchangeeverythingaboutmejustsomethings.MostlyIama12yearoldboylikemany12yearoldboys.IlikeplayinggamesIlikereadinganimalsthebeachthewaternotthesandionlythebeachcamewithoutsandIlikeootballmakingriendsmusicandlotsootherthings.IeellikeayoungadultbutIknowIamalsojustakid.IamlearningmoreaboutwhoIamwhothepeoplearoundmeare.IlikeanybodyandMeawholepackagewithvariableswhoisnteachpersonhassomelevelodierence.Itmightbetheiramilyhistoryculturebackgroundmusicpreerencesandgenderandlieexperiencephysicalorneurologicaldierences.EachpersonwithAspergersSyndromeisdierent.Wearenotallmeanttobethesameclonesareorstarwarsnotorhumanity.Itisthepeoplewiththemostchallengingdierencesthathavehadthemosttooerinmyliewhichhaveoeredthebestriendshipsandthemostinterestingexperiences.Irecommendeveryonetostepoutsidethesquareandgettoknowpeoplewhoaredierentromyoursel.Itmayjustchangeyouinthegreatestways.Communicationineverydayliecanleavemeeelinglikemostpeoplearoundmespeakadierentlanguageorinaoreignland.WeareaBrisbanebasedAutismandAspergerresourcecompanywhowillshipanywhereinAustralia.WehavealargerangeofbooksgamesDVDspuppetssensorytoysandmorespecicallyforthosewithAutismandAspergerSyndrome.Visitwww.resourcesathand.com.autodayandquoteAANMtoreceive10offyouronlineorder.Expires15thNov2013 66AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingmasoncameintothisworldonAugust14th2007.MylittleVBACbabyvaginalbirthatercaesareanwasoursuccessstoryromtheverystart.Likewithanynewparentsourheartsweremeltedbythoserstcoosandsmiles.Inoureyeswithtwohealthysonsouramilywasapictureoperection.TherstredagthatIshouldhavepickedupwaswhenMasondidntsitupuntilhewas11monthsold.Iwastoldaewsessionswithaphysiotherapistwoulddothetrickanditdid.Hewassoonsittingandveryquicklyoundhiseetstoodandthenwalked.AndthatsthelasttimethatMasonseethavestoppedsinceBytheageotwoMasonwasaveryullonchildconstantlyonthegoandintoeverything.EverydraworcupboardwasemptiedandexploredonadailybasissomethingwhichIputdowntotheterribletwosthateveryonehadwarnedmeabout.IrememberthinkingBlakeMasonsolderbrotherwasneverlikethisbutIembracedthediferencesbetweenmytwosons.WhenMasonwasthreethingswerereallytough.MasonsbehaviourwassounpredictablethatIeltanxioustotakehimoutinpublic.IwashavingmasonAMatefor AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE67parentingtroublecopingwithhimathomeandpreschoolwashavingthesameissues.Hewouldconstantlyjumptheenceandrunawayhidingandnotansweringwhenwewereranticallylookingorhimandcallinghisname.ThisiswhenIstartedquestioningieverythingwasalright.IhadnoticedthatMasonwasverydistractibleandalwaysonthegobutputitdowntoboyswillbeboysItwasntuntilIhadreachedapointoeelinglikeIwasailingasamotherthatIsoughthelpromtheproessionals.IhadinterpretedthedifcultiesthatIhadwithMasonsbehaviourasashortcominginmyabilityasamotherbutitcouldntbeurtherromthetruth.Nowatage5MasonhasbeendiagnosedwithPPD-NOSautismADHDandODD.WiththediagnosiscameamuchbetterunderstandingohowMasonthoughtandprocessedtheworldaroundhim.Nowwecanworkwithhiminsteadoconstantlybattlinghimtoconormtowhatweandsocietythoughtwasnormal.WiththiscombinationoadiagnosisMasonisacedwithmanychallengesonadailybasis.Hestruggleswithhyperactivityandimpulsivitywhichissomewhatcontrolledbymedication.Masonisalsodiagnosedashavingasevercommunicationdisordermakingitdifculttointeractwithothers.Hestrugglesmakingsocialriendshipsotentaggingalongwithhisolderbrotherandhisriendsplayingalongsidethembutneveractuallywiththemandneverwithriendsohisown.Masonsuersanxietyinsocialsettingsasheisunawareowhatisappropriatebehaviourneverknowingwhattosayorhowtorespondwhenspokentootenexpressinghisanxietyasstrongemotionalresponsessuchasmeltdownsortantrums.MasoniscurrentlyonthewaitinglisttoreceiveanAutismAssistanceDogromawonderulnotorprotorganisationcalledSmartpupsbasedontheSunshineCoastQueensland.SmartpupstrainqualiedassistancedogsthatareplacedwithchildrenwhoareontheAutismSpectrum.Thesedogsarecertiedorullpublicaccessincludingshopsdoctorsofceandschoolsaimingtohelpchildrenwheretheyneeditthemost.Thesecaninesaretrainedtohelpchildrenwithautismachievesuccessandindependence.TheyaidchildrenthroughouteverydaysocialchallengesandactasabuerorcommonstressesandanxietieseltbychildrenwithanAutismSpectrumDisorder.Theseamazinganimalsaresspecicallybredortemperamenthavingbeenworkedonadailybasistoaccepttheactionsoachildwithadditionalneeds.InadditiontotheregulardogobedienceandtrickslikesitdownstayMasonsdogwillbespeciallytrainedtohisindividualneeds.Itwillbeabletotrackhimihebecomeslostorwandersawaygivingmepeaceomindthathewillbesae.HavinganassistancedogwillalsohelpMasonwhenheisoutinpublicbysupportinghimwiththetransitionbetweenunamiliarplacesorsituations.WearingaharnessthatcanbeattachedtoMasonpreventshimromrunningawaykeepinghimsaeandgivinghimsomethingtoocuson.Thereisamagicalrelationshipthatexistsbetweenchildrenontheautismspectrumanddogs.Mostparentsochildrenwithautismidentiyacommonneedthattheirchildhasveryewriendsiany.WhenMasonreceiveshisautismassistancedogitwillveryquicklybecomeapivotalcompanionorhimteachinghimempathyallowinghimtobuildalielongriendshipaswellascreatingendlesscommunicationopportunitieswithagatewayorMasontoconnecttootherchildrenandthewidercommunity.Ouramilyisonajourneytoraiseatotalo13000orMasontoreceivehisAutismAssistanceDog.TohelpmakethisdreamcometrueweneedpeoplelikeyousoiyouareablewewillacceptyourdonationwithgreatappreciationhoweveriyouarenotyoucanstillhelpbytellingothersaboutMason.Pleaseheadovertowww.smartpups.org.autodonateorgetmoreinormation.PleaseleaveMasonNicholsonasyourreerencesotheundscanbeallocatedtohisdog.TherstredfagthatIshouldhavepickedupwaswhenMasondidntsitupuntilhewas11monthsold. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE68parentingByLINDAWEMYSSRespiteRespitecanseemlikeadirtywordtosomepeoplewhoeelthattheyshouldntneedtohaveabreakromtheirkidsevenitheirchildhasAutismorinsomecasesespeciallyitheirchildhasAutism.Itcanbediiculttoindsomeonewiththeskillstotakeonthecarerrole.Theycaneelthataskingorhelpisadmittingdeeatorthatrespiteisonlyorpeoplewhocanthackitorthatitmeansadmittingthattheirchildisdierentorworsediicult.Forothersrespiteisseenasessentialmeanstorechargeandregroup.Thereisnoshameinneedingorevenjustwantingrespite.IconsidermyownchildrenonthespectrumtoberelativelylowneedshoweverIstillcantgoshoppingwithoutitendingintearsandmeltdownsandtheoccasionalootstamping.AndthatisjustmeSometimesthekidsactupjustasbadlyaswellThereareaewdiferenttypesorespite.Mostpeopleareawareothenumberohoursperweekrespitethatisoferedtocarerssothattheycanaccomplishtasksthattheywouldntnecessarilybeabletodootherwisegettingahaircutpayingthebillsorhavingapapsmearwithoutcuriouseyespeekingrombehindthecurtainorperhapspullingthecurtaindownwhilehangingromtheceilingan.Thisweeklytimecanbeessentialtosomeamiliesandthereareaewwaystoorganiseit.Foryoungchildrenonewaythatisrelativelyeasytoorganiseistoplaceyourchildindaycare.Daycarecentresareusuallyopenortwelvehoursperdayandtakechildrenromsixweekstoschoolage.Therearevariousprogramsavailabledependingonwhatstateyouliveinthatcanassistthedaycarecentrewithanyadditionalcostsoprovidingextracaretoachildwithadisabilityaswellasextraassistanceorparentswithcostscheckwithyourpreerreddaycareproviderordetails.Anotherwayoreceivingrespiteonaweeklybasisistoregisterwithyourstategovernmentdisabilityserviceandthenapplyor68AUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE69parentingundingorrespite.AswetransitiontotheNationalDisabilityInsuranceSchemethewayinwhichthiswillbeorganisedwillvarywithineachstatesoitisbesttocallthedisabilityserviceorrespiteserviceinyourstateandcheckhowtoorganisethis.Usuallythistypeorespitewhenoeredisoraewhourseachweek.Therearetwoothertypesorespitethatamiliesneedtoconsideraswellhowever.ThefrstisthatoaRespiteHoliday.Sometimesaewhoursbreakaweekisnotgoingtobeenoughespeciallyiyouarebusydoingchoresduringthattimeinsteadosippingyouravouritecocktailbyapool.OrganisationssuchasCarersAustraliaproviderespiteortheselongerperiods.Youmayneedtoberegisteredwithyourstategovernmentdisabilityserviceinordertoqualiyorassistance.RespiteHolidaysareachanceorcarerstoullyrechargeandregroup.MostamiliesIknowchoosetotakethistimeasacoupleandleavethekidsathomewithacarerprovidedaspartotheirpackage.Otheramiliessuchasourshoweverchoosetohaveaamilyholidaywiththekidsintow.WedothisasIfndthatIamsobusywithalltheeverydaychoresoappointmentsandresearchandthelikethatIrarelyhaveachancetojustbewithmychildrenandenjoythemorwhotheyarewithoutalsoworryingaboutwhatishappeningtomorrow.Theseholidaysprovidethattimeormetorelaxandjustenjoybeingamotherachancetobewithmychildrenwithoutthecarerhaton.ThereisnorightwaytodoRespiteHolidayschooseastyleobreakthatwillbeneftyouthemost.ThereisalsotheFiveMinuteRespite.Thisisthekindorespitethatmostpeopleorgetabout.Itissoeasytobecaughtupinthetherapiesandthemeetingswithschoolandthemeltdownsandtheorgoodnesssakejustdoyourteethalreadytypestuthatbythetimewegettobedweareexhausted.Itisgoodtotryandorganiseourdaysothatwegotobedmerelytired.Upuntilnotthatlongagoourownamilyellintothetrapoconstantlybeingonthego.NeitheroourchildrensleepwellandmyhusbandandIjustcannotrelaxuntilourchildrenareasleepmainlyduetheconstantcomingoutoradrinktogotothetoilettotellusjustonemorethingormypersonalavouritewhenouryoungestdecidesthatMummysimplycantgotobedwithouthisCloudstuedanimalandwhocangetmadatthatandsendachildbacktobedwithasternwarningreally.DespitemychildcarequalifcationsandmyyearsoexperienceworkingwithchildrentellingmethattelevisionsdoNOTbelonginkidsroomseventuallyIrealisedthatsometimesyoujusthavetotrustyourgutanddowhatyouhavetodoandwepromptlyputatelevisionintoourkidsroom.Muchtomysurpriseitworked.Ourchildrenallasleepearlierandarecalmerwhiletheydozeo.BedtimesaremuchlessstressulandmyhusbandandIcanstartrelaxinghoursearlier.IamnotrecommendingthatallamiliesplacetelevisionsintheirkidsroomshoweverIdorecommenddoingwhatyouhavetodowithinreasoninordertogainsometimeoryourseleachday.Perhapsthatmeanshavingacoeeatyouravouritecoeeshopbeorepickingyourkidsupromdaycareorschoolorperhapsyouandyourpartneriyouhaveoneorariendiyoudontcanswapparentaldutiestogiveeachotherabreakeachday.Spendsometimeeachdaydoingsomethingthatisjustoryoueveniitisonlycrankingupthemusicandbeltingoutatuneintheshowerorfveminutes.Iknowwhatitsliketoeelguiltyaskingorrespite.AterascarethisyearhoweverwhereInearlylostitcompletely.Iamdeterminedtogetovermyselandaskorhelpmoreoten.MykidsneedmetobeatmybestandIcantdothatalone.Thereisnoshameinthatwhatsoever.IyoufndyourselstillwonderingiyoursituationisworthyoarespitebreakIfndithelpultowritedownexactlywhatIdothattheaveragepersondoesnotneedtobeconcernedabout.ItwasthisexercisethatledmetoaskorourlatestRespiteHolidayanditwasantastictogetawayoracoupleodaysandjustbeMumorawhile 70AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEMyhomeschooljourneystartedbackin2005whenIormoreimportantlymysonhadreachedtheendotheroadinmainstreamschooling.HehadstartedschoolintheUKattheageoourandrightromthewordgowehadproblems.HehadalwaysstoodoutasbeingdierentandattheageothreehadbeendiagnosedwithADHD.Mysontomewasagorgeouslittleboywhowasulloenergybutschooloundhimtobeaproblemleavingmyselwithhavingmanymanymeetingstotrytogureawaytoaccommodatehimintheclassroom.AtthisstageSamuelwasenjoyingschoolbeingahappyupbeatchildwhoreallysawthejoyinmostthingsaroundhim.WhenhewassevenwemovedtoNewZealandandSamuelhadtoattendareallybigschool.TheyaremuchbiggerthanintheUKwherehehadcomeromaschooloonly100students.Hestruggledwiththisandtheystruggledwithhim.Wehadmanycallstotheprincipalsofceoronethingoranother.ItwasherehealsostartedtonotseemsohappyandwhenIlookbackonthattimeIamnotsurprised.Hewasconstantlyintroubleorthingsthatreallyhecouldnothelpandparticularlywithregardtohiswork.Hewasotenkeptinornothavingdoneenoughwriting.Pressurewasalsobeingputonusorhimnotdoinghisreadinghomeworkeither.ItlaterturnedoutthatSamuelhasalearningdifcultynamelydysgraphiawhichisverylikedyslexiabutinthewrittenorm.Istilleelupsetthinkingbackonhowhewastreatedasthoughhewasdeliberatelybeingdifcultornotdoingmuchwritingwheninactualacthisbrainwasnotlettinghimdoit.SunnySchoolingByHEATHERHAINESHome AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE71Samuelisaverybrightboyandaroundthistimewasassessedasbeinggited.Hisvocabularyrangewasthatoa17yearoldandhiscomprehensionwasimpressive.HequestionedEVERYTHINGandagainwasotenperceivedbyteachersasbeingrudewithhisconstantdemandormoredetailedinormationthanwhatwasbeinggiveninclass.AterbeingsuspendedaewtimesromschoolandhavingtodealwithaprincipalwhoreallydidnotlistentoanyguidanceonhowbesttomanageSamuelwedecidedtotakehimtoanotherschool.Herehehadabeautiulbeginnerteacherwhoreallyworkedhardwithhimbutliewasarromeasy.SamuelwasdierentanditwasherethathewasdiagnosedwithAspergersSyndrome.SomysonnowhadanassortmentolabelsnamelyADHDGitedAspergersDysgraphiaandabitodyspraxiathrownintooIbegantowonderaboutalltheappointmentswewerehavingwithpsychologistsandpsychiatriststhedierenttherapieswewereinvolvedintotrytoxSamuel.ItwashereIstartedtowonderwhetheritwasSamuelwhoneededxingormoretothepointthesystemthatcanbesorigidandinfexibleinitsapproachthatanyoneoutsideothenormotenhasahardtime.TogetherwiththelearningdicultiesSamuelwasobviouslynotedbyhispeersasbeingdierent.Forthemitwasuntowindhimupandseehimspinout.SamuelinaragewasimpressivebutthenhehadmuchtorageaboutAterbeingsuspendedaboutthreetimesinthreeweeksatthisschoolitwasthenIstartedtothinkIwouldhavetotakehimoutoschoolandtrytoteachhimathome.IwasnowrunningoutoideasohowSamuelcouldpossiblystayinschool.BythenIhadreadsomethingsabouthomeschooling.TheschoolwhereIwasdoingmybeginningteacherpracticesaidthatIshouldbringSamueltomyschool.TheyblamedhiscurrentschoolormuchoSamuelsproblemsandsaidtheycoulddomuchbetter.TheysuspendedhimintherstweekocomingthereItwasherethattheprincipaltoldmethatSamuelneededseriouspsychiatrichelpandwasapossiblecolumbinekidThisisnotsomethinganyparentwantstohearAlarmbellswereringingbutnotaboutmysonwhomIknewtobeawonderulkindandcompassionateboywhowassomisunderstoodbymanybutaboutasystemthatreallycouldnotseeawaytoaccommodatedierenceinalloitsglory.Ratherinsteadneedinglabelsandtreatmentstotthosedierencesintotheirrigidramework.Samuelalsohadtoenduremoreandmorebullyingwherebyhewouldbeteasedthathecouldnotwriteandthenhewouldthinkthathewasdumb.TheactthathewasamemberoMensameantverylittletoSamuelespeciallywhenhewasbeingtoldbythosearoundhimwhataproblemhewas.HehadnoriendsandspentmostlunchtimesaloneoutsidetheprincipalsoceorrunningawayromitNextwetriedaprivateschool.Thiswasevenworseorhimandtheinsipidbullyingwasawul.Hislunchboxwouldbethrownoutothewindoworsomethinghehadmadewouldbeoundbrokenandyouwouldneverknowwhohaddoneit.MysonsbeautiulupbeatpersonalitystartedtoadeandhewasreusingtogotoschoolandwhocouldblamehimThatwastheclincherorme.Icouldnotstandbyandseehimallintodepressionallinthenameogettinganeducation.IhadalsoseenenoughasateachertoknowthattherearemanyfawsintheschoolingsystemandIdidnotwanttobepartoit.Iwantedtomakeadierenceinchildrenslivesbutmyhandsweretiedbeinginmainstreamschooling.SoIletandtookmysonwithmeandIhaveneverlookedback.Hehasfourishedbeingallowedtodothingshisway.IndeedihehadstayedintheschoolsystemheprobablywouldhaveneededseriouspsychiatrictreatmentandsowouldIItwassuchastressultimeorbothousthatcominghomegavemuchneededrespitetorecoverromtheabuseoschoolandIdocallitabuse.Idonotwanttoputschooldownorthoseowhomitworksbutorthoseowhomitdoesntitreallycanbeatorturousplace.IstartedtowonderwhetheritwasSamuelwhoneededxingormoretothepointthesystemthatcanbesorigidandinfexibleinitsapproachthatanyoneoutsideothenormotenhasahardtime. 72AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEManyteachersappearinourlivesandnevermoreobviouslythanwhenwearentlookingorthem.Myteachertodaywasmylovelyspiritedandspringloaded5montholdRatTerriernamedChloe.Ispentthelastewdaysbattlinganastystomachviruswhichmademealessthanstellarplaymate.IameelingmuchbettertodaythoughIstartedoprettycrabbyasImstilleelingdiscombobulated.IwasworkingtocatchuponworkIdallenbehindononlytogetstuckinthemiddleoaproject.FrustratedSoIbegansearchingmylistsoranythingImayhaveorgottentodo.AtthatmomentChloewantedtogooutside.Butthistimeshedidsomethinginteresting.ShestoodintheopendoorandlookedoutsidethenlookedatmelookedoutsidethenlookedatmeasitosayYouto.SoIollowedheroutsideandshebegantorunandpranceasthoughshewasgrateultohavemewithher.IpickedupheravoriteFrisbeeandthroughitoverandoverasrantograbandretrieveiteachtime.ThephotoabovewasamomentinwhichsheplacedherpawuponitasitosayTryandtakeitoldman.TherewasatimeshedecidedjusttorunaroundtheyardandIthoughtshewasfnishedwithmesoIturnedandbeganwalkingtowardthehouse.SoChloesprintedtowardmeandtappedthetopomyootwithhernoseasitosayWhereareyougoingSoweplayedsomemoreuntilitwastimetocomein.Irememberedchucklingatheranticsinnocenceandboundlessjoyaswesimplyplayed.ItdidnttakemuchtokickthegrumpoutomeotherthanthesimplereminderrommyourleggedsagethatIorgottodooneothemostimportantthings.Iorgottoplay.ShesnowtuckeredoutandsleepingnexttomeonthecouchasIsharethiswithyou.Thanksorbeingyou.ABOUTTHEAUTHORBrianR.KingLCSWisaRelationshipBreakthroughSpecialist.Hisbreakthroughstrategiesdrawonhisexperienceasa24yearcancersurvivoradultwithDyslexiaDysgraphiaA.D.D.theatherothreesonsontheautismspectrumaswellassomeonewholivesontheautismspectrumhimsel.Hisbooksandseminarshavegarneredhimworldwideattentionorhisinnovativecommunicationandrelationshipstrategies.HomeeducationoereduslightattheendoaverydarktunnelandorthatIshallalwaysbegrateul.Ipromotewithapassionthiswayolearningorthosewhoareinterestedindoingthingsdierentlyratherthantryingtoftthosewhoaredierentintotheschoolingsystemasitstands.Mysonwhohasjustturned18isnowinhissecondyearoUniversitystudyingSotwareEngineering.HeisahappyconfdentyoungmanandIamnotsurethiswouldhavebeenthecaseiwehadstayedwithinmainstreamschooling.ForthisreasonIhavestartedahomeschoolingsupportgrouptohelpotherswhomaywellmakethatdecisiontogoitaloneathomewiththeirchildren.Ithinkwhenyouareonthisjourneyitishelpultosurroundyourselwiththosewhounderstandwhatyouaregoingthrough.IhavetwopagesonFacebook.ThefrstonebeingSunnyHomeschoolwhichisanopenpageoreveryone.Iandotherscanpostthingsointeresttothehomeschoolcommunity.ItsnotjustontheSunshineCoastbutacrosstheworld.ThesecondpageSunnyHomeschoolSupportHubisaclosedgrouporprivacyandonlymemberscanseewhatiswrittenwithinthisgroup.ItwasprimarilystartedtooerreesupportandadvicetothoseseekinginormationonthingssuchasHEUregistrationreportingandadviceoncurriculumoranythingelsethatmaybegivingyouconcerns.Weareaneclecticbunchwithabroadbaseoexperienceandknowledgewithinourcommunityandweencouragesharingothisamongsteachother.Aworrysharedisaworryhalved.AlthoughIampassionateaboutsupportingamilieswithchildrenwhomaybediagnosedasbeingontheASDspectrumwithADHDGitedorasdiverselearnersthispageisorANYONE.Whethertheyhomeschoolornotorarejustinterestedinhomeschoolingwhowanttoconnectonthecoastoranywhereelsetoshareideasthoughtsinsightsorganiseeventsmeetuptosocialiseoranythingelsethatyoucanthinkothatthiscommunitymaywant.Wealsotrytoprovidelotsoreeresourcesandarticlesointerestthatwefndalongourcybertravels.PleaseeelreetopostonSunnyHomeschoolswalltooandshareanythingthatyoueelmaybeobenefttoourevergrowinghomeschoolcommunity.ForotherswhoarenotonFacebookyoumaywishtoemailmeanyhomeschoolingquestionsthatyouhaveandIwillendeavourtoansweryouhereinutureeditions.YourquestionsorenquiriescanbeemailedtoHeatherHainesatsunnyhomeschoolershotmail.comLinkstoSunnyHomeschoolFacebookspageandgroupwww.facebook.compagesSunnyHomeschool124980940910291www.facebook.comgroupsSunnyHomeschoolSupportHubDadyouorgottoplayByBRIANR.KING AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE73artTheadedphotographromthemid-1960sshowsanormalhappytoddlersmilingorthecamera.Thesecondphotoisoawithdrawnchildwithnoeyecontact.Itsdifculttotellthisisthesameboy.CraigRovetasmomAnneisshowingthesetwophotosoCraigexplainingtheyweretakenonlyonemonthapart.WhathappenedtoCraigThechildCraigbecamewastraumatictothosearoundhimanddevastatingtoCraig.InhisownwordsherecallsIcouldhearandrespondinsidetowhatpeopleweresayingyetIcouldntmakemybodyandwordscomeoutinwaysthatcouldbeunderstood.Unabletocommunicatehisbasicneedsheactedoutinrustrationandrage.Iteltlikebeingaghostlivinglikeashadeopalethatcouldntbepartoanythingreal.AtthattimeIcouldnttalk.IeltsoangrythatIhadbeenpunishedinthiswayCraigrecounts.BesidesbeingunresponsiveandwithdrawnCraighaddifcultysleepingscreamingindistressorhoursatnight.AnneremembersHeneversleptBarryCraigsdadwouldtakethenightshitwhenhewashome.Itwasatimeoextremegrieatigueandpowerlessness.BarrywasapoliceofcerAnneonlysleptwhenBarrywashome.AnnetookCraigtoseemanyspecialists.TheconsensuswasThereisnohopeorthischild.WhenproessionalsgivenohopeitsmuchharderoramiliestoholdontohopeyetAnneandBarrypersevered.OutotheDarkByDEBRAHOSSEINIintotheLighT 74AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEartThoughothersdiscountedCraigAnneandBarryknewhewasbrightandinsightul.Theyoughttoacquiremeaningultherapies.Atthattimebehaviourmodicationusedoodasarewardandwithdrawalooodasapunishment.BecausethistherapyhadbeenusedonCraigtothisdayitsdicultorhimtomoderatehiseating.Theamilyeltisolatedandabandoned.Throughassociationhisoldersisterandyoungerbrotherwereshunnedandrejectedbyotherchildren.AnneandBarrylostmanyormerriendsandwatchedsadlyastheirchildrenweretauntedandteased.AnnerecallsIlearnedtotrustonlyourlittleamilytryinginvaintoprotectthemromthepainsocietywasinictingoneachothemmostoallCraig.TherewereeweducationaloptionsorchildrenlikeCraig.Hestayedathome.LaterwhenhewastenheattendedtheSub-NormalCentreoBrisbane.Withinhisrstyearhewasexpelledorbeingtoobizarre.WhenhewastwelveCraigattendedtheRudolSteinerCentreinSydneyyinghomeeachweekendortheentireyearheattended.ThebestthingabouttheSteinerCentrewashisintroductiontocolourandpainting.Fromage14through18CraigattendedtheAutisticAssociationoBrisbane.Inthe1970stheprevailingattitudetowardpeoplewhopresentedlikeCraigwasthattheyhadnointellect.AsaresultCraigwasprovidednoacademicinstructionandnotrainingwhatsoeverinnumeracyorliteracy.ThroughoutCraigschildhoodtheonlyormosupporthewasgivenwasmedication.ThoughCraigwaseventuallydiagnosed-whenhewasclosetotwentyyearsoagebacktheninBrisbanelittlewasknownaboutautism.ThespecialistsaccusedAnneobeingcoldandaRerigeratorMother.ForthosewhoknewAnneandherdevotiontoCraigthisdescriptionwasbeyondabsurd.CraigbelieveshislietrulybeganinhislatethirtieswhenhemovedtohisownhouseinBrisbane.PriortothatCraigwasseverelyemotionallyandphysicallyabusedinagovernment-rungrouphome.IeltmyseltobeinsaneandpeopletobehorrendousCraignowreports.FollowingthetraumaticexperiencesinsharedlivingwhileCraigbeganhishealingprocesshelivedinhisparentshomeoroverayearnourishedbytheirtotalloveandacceptance.DuringthistimeAnneandBarryreturnedtoghtingorsupportsorCraigandotherslikehimdemandingprotectionsromabuseandneglectorthosewhocantspeakorthemselves.DeterminedtobringCraigsdreamstorealitytheyorganizedaamily-centeredteamtooverseeCraigslieandgoals.Theysoughtsuitablegovernment-ownedhousingwhereCraigwouldbesaereetoliveanddreamhisvisionsoanormallie.HavinglivedinanenvironmentoearwhereeachdaywasamatterosheersurvivalittookyearsorCraigtotrustandeelsaeagain.AstherealityowhatCraigsueredunravelledheandhisamilyexperiencedyetanothertryingperiodthattookitstollonthehealthandwell-beingoeachmemberotheamily.EventuallytheyoundahomeinaneighbouringsuburbcloseenoughtopreserveCraigstiestohisamilyandthecommunity.Intimethoughtulaccommodationsweremadetomaketheeighteenmonthtransitionromthesaetyohisparentshousetohisnewresidenceeasier.Thehousewaspaintedinthesamecolourashisbedroomathisparentshome.HisteamtalkedhimthroughtheprocessevenvideotapingtheroutetoCraigsnewhomeromhisparentshomesohecouldseethepaththeywouldbetaking.ItwasimportantthatCraigmakehisowndecisiontomove.TheteamcommittedtowaitingaslongasittookorCraigtobecomortable.AterseveralvisitsCraigannouncedImready.Hisnewliebegins.AnnespendsthenighteachnightuntilCraigiscomortableandtrustsinhissupportstaforliestyleacilitators.EverydayAnneorBarrystopbytocheckonCraig.AllholidaysarecelebratedatCraigshome.Overtheyearsthestanghourschangerom8-hourto12-hourandnow24-hourshits.ThisgivesmorecontinuityorCraig.HisliestyleacilitatormovesthroughtheentiredailycyclealwayswithCraigsneedsinmind.SarahCraigsteamleaderwhoCraigreerstoasareedomghterhasbeenwithhimsincehismove.Shecommunicateswithhiminmanywaysusingsongandintuition.Shealso AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE75artCraigsaysArtismymediumochoiceaswellasmyvoiceandmyjoytoconnecttoothers.MorerecentlyIdiscovered...howmywordsafectotherswiththeirpowertomoveandshakeinallgoodways.CraigsgoalsincludehavingapaintinghangintheNationalGallery.Hewouldliketobereetogowhereverhechooses.Craigsimplywantstobevaluedandtovaluehimsel.Andnowmostimportantlyhewantstobeanadvocateorotherswhohaventbeenheard.Craigisnowexperimentingwithanewormosel-expression-poetry.SarahsaysCraigisanartistwhohasamassiveheartandagentlevoicethatispowerullyshockingoritssimpleeleganceandrawreality.In2012CraighadaonemanexhibitattheRosalieGalleryGoombungee.ItwasironicallycalledDanceoLieacelebrationoaveryhappylie...andrepresentedtheculminationoCraigsstoryandhisuniqueviewotheworld.Theartwasdrawnromhisexperiencesinlieandthechallengesinherentinholdingontodreamsthatmayseemimpossibleyetsometimesreallydocometrue.Craighopesthroughexhibitionsohisartandsharinghisstorythatamoreunderstandingandcompassionateworldwillcometobeaworldwherepeopleareseenorallowhotheyarenotorwhattheycanandcantdo.CraigRovetaisasymbolohopecourageandtheresilienceothehumanspirit.CraigRovetaisoneothe77eaturedartistsandpoetsinDebraHosseinisbookTheArtoAutismShitingPerceptions2012.Moreohispoetryandartartcanbeviewedatthewww.the-art-o-autism.com.observesCraigspatternsobehaviourtensionandrelaxationrelatedtovarioustopics.SarahnotesCraighasanamazingrepertoireosongsandcansinglikeanangelHeletsusknowhowheiseelingbythesongchoiceshemakes.In2004CraiglearnedtocommunicatethroughFacilitatedCommunicationFCusinganalphabetboard.RecentlyhelearnedtocommunicatethroughanIPAD.SarahemphasizesHowCraiglearnedtocommunicateisntclearexceptthathehasaverykeenandactivemindandabsorbsthingsromtheworldaroundhim.RememberCraigneverreceivedanyormalteachingoanykindrelatedtoliteracyornumeracy.IthastakenCraigmanyyearstolearnhowtomakehisownchoicesanddecisions.TodayCraigemployshisownteammembersandprovidesthemwitheedback.Henolongereelspersecutedorhisopinions.Hetrainshissupportstafhimselbyempoweringthemtohelphimwhenheghtswithhisownbodysuchasgettingstuckonhisobsessivethoughtsaboutood.Sarahsaysthisworkisnotaone-waystreetitgoesbothways.Theteamworksondevelopingthestrengthsoallinvolved.Craigempowersmetohelphimdowhathewantstodobutnotalwayswhathisbodyisdemandingatthetime.IvehadthehonortowitnessCraiggoromapersonwhohasaverylimitedsayinhisownlietogoingtoaplacewherehetakesownershipovereveryaspectohisliewithhisteamtosupportthatprocess.Ineverythingwedoweworkwithhimtoachievedreamsandmiracles.SadlythreeyearsagoCraigsdadBarrydied.AlthoughBarryspassingwasatremendouslosstotheteamthestructureotheteamaccommodatesthelossoateam-mateandtheyreabletocarryon.WhileCraigwasintroducedtopaintingasateenagerinSydneyuntilhecameoutotheshared-livingsettingheneverhadtheopportunitytopursuehispassionorthisormoexpression.Atrsthebeganpaintingoncardboardwithacrylicsastherapytoreleasepent-upemotions.Ashispaintingbecamemoreoanavenueorsel-realizationheprogressedtocanvas.Craigsrstexhibitionin2001wastitledVictoryoverMadness.ItrepresentsacrucialturningpointinCraigslieenablinghimorthersttimetobeseenandheardatacommunitylevel.SincethenCraighasdisplayedhisartinmanyplacesincludinganumberogalleriesintheBrisbanearea.WhileheprimarilyexhibitshisartisingroupshowsheshadoursoloexhibitionsattheGracevilleGallery.SincethepivotaldayhemovedintohisownhomeCraighascreatedanimpressivecollectiono300emotiveabstractpaintings.CraigrecentlyjoinedagroupoartistswhomeetweeklyatAccessArts.Helooksorwardtourtheringhiscareerasaproessionalartistwithamentortoguidehisjourney.FRAGMENTEDIamadamagedmanNegativethoughtsimprisonmeRealityragmentedbyautismanddyspraxiaMessagescrosswithsignalstakingovercuttingmeofbutthebodyisthevehicleothesoulandautismisnotallowhoIamDonotgetcaughtupinmyexterioraadeGrabmywordsthatreachouttoyouSeethatIamnotreallythatdiferentromyouCraigsharesthispoem 76AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEartStEvENCoventryDuringAuismAwarenessMonhApril2013IwasluckyenoughohaemyfrssoloarexhibiioninhebeauiulhisoricalownshipoCaslemaine.theexperiencewasincrediblyerriyingyecompleelyhumblinginisexecuion.thesupporIreceiedrompeoplesuchasBeckKellyoheRealPeopleASDradioshowoPhoenixFMinBendigoandJacquiRigheiromheturnaliearoundProjecwereamazing.BoharejusincredibleinheirriendshipundersandingandempahyandwihouheirdedicaedhelpwiheeryhingromflingapplicaionsoransporingbohGlenandmyselaswellasarworkoandromCaslemaine.theexhibiionwenerywellandmaynohaebeensuchasuccesslealonehaehappenedwihouhesewonderulpeopel.AlsoahugehankyouoheLionsCluboBendigowhograciouslydonaedmoneyoassiswihramingandaccommodaioncossec.thiswasahugehelpashiscanbehemosexpensieparExhibition AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE77artoheexercisesuchashis.LaslybubynomeansleasmybiggeshanksgoomyullimecarerbesriendandellowAspieheincrediblebespokeailorMr.GlenPendleburywhohelpedinsomanywaysobringiallogehersuccessully.GlenworkedasagobeweenduringconsulaionswihlocalcouncilworkersandmanyohersallowhomwereeryhelpulandsupporieoraisingASDawareness.thisypeohelpandmoreheassisswihonadailybasis.IisoneomygreaesjoyswachinghimcraingbeauiulEdwardianwaiscoasiesandohernelycraedclohingorhisgrowingonlinesoreandcanbeeasilylocaedbygooglingGlenPendleburyWaiscoa.MyexhibiionwasomyknowledgeheonlyeenonwihinheGreaerBendigoRegionorAuismAwarenessmonhwhichwasabidisappoining.therewereoherexhibiionsoninvicoriasuchasBallarawhereseeralomypainingswerealsoeauredalongsidesomewonderulASDarissandphoographerssuchasthursinLakerink.AlhoughIwouldhaelikedoIwasnoableoaendpersonallybecauseoclashingopeningnighsandranspordiculiesbuhaeheardmanyreporsiwasalsoagreasuccess.IwasincrediblyhonouredohaemyexhibiionaendedbyseeralohelocalaboriginaleldersromheGreaerBendigoRegionaswellasoherareasincludingSouhAusraliaandWesernAusralia.theexhibiionwasociallyopenedbyhewonderulAunyLynnWarrenrepreseninghelocalaboriginalcommuniyBDACandheDjaDjaWurrungcommuniybringingmanyousoearswihhereloquence.AlsoinaendancewasMurrayDawsonSmihCEOoAmazeAuismvicoriawhodroeallhewayromMelbourneoshowhissupporwhichwasagreapleasureandhonour.WewereablespeakbrieyolargerplansornexyearincludinghepossibiliyoarangeosensoryriendlyclohingbyMr.Pendlebury.WearehopingomakemuchmoreoanimpacwihuureexhibiionsobohGlenandmyselswork.SeeralpoliicianswerealsoinaendanceandsomeineresingandenligheningconersaionswerehadabouheissuesrelaingoliingwihanAuismSpecrumDisorder.valuableinsighsweregienoallreelyandagreaimewashadbyall.thecommensconersaionsandemoionscreaedbymyworkonhecrowdopeoplewhoaendedheopeningwasquieamazingowinessPeoplewerelierallycapuredinronoparicularpieceswihouoicingawordorquielydiscussingheinricaedeailsandsacredgeomericperecionIhadachieed.thenmoingsilenlyonohenexbumainaininganamazedchildlikegleeinheireyes.Iloeoseeheindiidualefecmyworkhasonpeopleasheyareoenransporedoplacesheyneerrealisedexised.Buonceheydoheyrealiseiwaswihinhemhewholeime.andoenwihouwords.UsuallyImnoaalkaiepersonandoensrugglewihconersaionsoenpreeringmyarandmusic.Ibelieehaishebeswayoperceiemyworkquiely.theeeningwasacompleesuccesswihmanygisbeinggienandreceiedgraciously.Speecheswerehearelandinormaieabousomeoheissuesrelaingoadulsliingonhespecrumandheypesoassisanceheyrequire.thishighlighederyaluableinsighsorhepoliiciansandohersinaendanceallIcouldhaeaskedor.Iwashelasdayoheexhibiionhawasaendedbyagroupo10-20AboriginaleldersromheBendigoregionandoherareasincludingS.A.andW.A.theyhadbeeniniedbyAunyLynnWarrenoseemyamazingworkandhereacionswerequieincredible.IwaspriilegedomeesomeamazingpeoplewihinhisgroupoeldersandhecommensandpureriendshipIreceiedromhemwasbreah-akingandwillbesomeomynesmemoriesohewholeeen.Iamlookingorwardomanymoreexhibiionsandencounersinheuure.MurrayandBeckKellyStevenandAuntyLynWarrenStevenbeinginterviewedGlenPendleburyandLisaChalmersMP 78AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEfeatureAspergiaPlanetlivigifo...IhavegoneoverinmyheadagainandagainwhatIwantedtosay.ThestoryIwantedtotell.AboutmydiagnosisasanAspergianwaybackwhennexttonothingwasknownaboutit.Butitalltendstocomeoutaswordvomit.Allatonce.Soitcomesdowntotakingitapartpiecebypiece.Makingithaveabeginningamiddleandanend.SoIstartatthebeginningBeingtherstchildmymotherdidntknowwhattoexpect.Iwasjustquiet.Inevercried.Sheeltblessedtonothaveascreamingchildinthehousewhileatthesametimewonderingwhy.WhyIwassoquietwhyIdidntlikebeingtouchedorneverbreasted.InevermadeasoundevenwhenIwasmessy.MothertooktocampingoutsideomybedroomatnightaraidshewouldnthearmeiIneededsomethingoriIwasstillalive.SkipaheadIwassickorthersttime.IwastwoyearsoldnowandmotherwasnttherewhenIneededher.Iwasletatnannashousewithmyather.WhenshenallyreturnedIwassittinginrontotheTV.Shecalledmyname.Iturnedaroundexpectantlyandinherarmswasanotherchild.TraitorShegoesawaywhileImsickandthenreturnswithsomeoneelseIspokemyrstwordsthatday.Goawaymum.Startingschoolandmydierencesstarteddrawingattentiontome.Iwasthestrangechildthatwonderedoutoclassthatcouldntsitstillthatwouldntplaywiththeotherchildrenwhotalkedtolizards.Thatwasodd.Thatwasmorethanodd.Itwasoneaternoonwhenalltheotherkidswerehavinganapincludingthesubstituteteacherhadallenasleepduetobeingheavilypregnant.Ihadgottenuptousethelittlegirlsroomandhadwonderedbacktothewrongclassallingbacktosleeponabigcomybeanbagchair.IdontknowhowlongitwasbeoremydisappearancewasnoticedbutIwashorriblyawokenbyapackoscreamingkidsscreamingadultsallclusteredclosearoundme.Ididwhatanyasyetundiagnosedaspiewoulddoinsuchasituation.Ifed.IranandIran.Irandowncorridorsallwiththatgangoscreamingbansheesaterme.IwascorneredandWordedbyMISSEllEOfPlANETASPERGIAvONDOUGlAS. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE79featurebeingslappedrepeatedlyacrosstheace.ThesubhadassumedIwassleepingrunningorsomethingandthatwasthetreatmentorthat.Iwentrombeingthischubbyhappykidatthestartoschoolturningintoazombiechild.Iwasamereshadowomyormersel.Aterthisincidencethepowersthatbeatschooltookituponthemselvestohavemecheckedoutbyoneotheparentswhowasapsychiatrist.HedeterminedinhissessionwithmeIwouldmostlikelykillthemintheirsleepbeoreIwasseven.Icanlaughatthisnowbutmyparentswerehorriedwhentheyoundoutthiswasdonebehindtheirbacks.NeedlesstosayIdidntstayatthatschool.NextIbeganlieatwhatcanbebestdescribedasaHippytypeschool.Alternative.Theclasseswereverysmall.Everyonekneweveryoneelsewhichwasntalwaysbenecialorsomeonewhotendedtostickoutlikeasorethumbinherdierentness.Iwasbulliedalot.ThestoriesIcouldtelljustromthatalone.ButIwont.Notnowanyway.WhenIwas11Iwastakenoraormaldiagnosis1987year6.Highunctioningautismwastheresultothat.MymotherwascalledarerigeratormotheranditwasheraultIwasautistic.NopressurecouldbeputonmeorIwouldwithdrawintomyselIwouldntbeabletocopewithitatall.Sotheschoolhadbetternotpushmetoohard.ImustneverbetoldmydiagnosisanditwouldprobablybebesttojustinstitutionalisemeasIwasntevergoingtobeabletounctionproperlyintheworld.Myparentssaidinnouncertaintermsrackoandlet.Theschoolwastoldomydiagnosisandthewarningonottoputanyunduepressureonme.Theytookitwellbeyondthatandinsteadotryingtoteachmeinwaysthatmybrainwouldunderstandtheythrewmeintoallthevegieclassesandletmeatthat.IspentmyschoolliewonderingwhatthehellIwasdoingthereatall.Iwouldsitatthebackotheroomanddrawonmyuniormorstareoutthewindow.Therewasntanythingelsetodo.IcametotheconclusionnotknowingocoursemydiagnosisthatIwasinsomewayretardedorstupid.ThatIcouldntlearn.SowhenwemovedtoQueenslandattheendo1990IaskedmyparentstopleasenotsayanythingtotheschoolthatIwasstupidbecauseIwantedtoseeiIcouldlearnthingsonmyown.Sotheytoldthenewschoolnothing.Iwasthrownwayintothedeepend.Iwassuddenlymadetowork.WhenIcouldntunderstandwhatitwasIwasdoingorhowtodoitIdidnothing.Whichocoursejustendedmeindetention.HavingtodealwithangryteachersandawholenewlevelobullieswhowerealsophysicallyviolenttowardmeIendedupsickallthetimewithstomachachesandvomitingromallthestressIwasunder.Bythetimeyear11camearoundIcouldtolerateitnomore.IwanteditalltostopandIwantedtoleave.Myparentstoldtheschoolaboutmeaboutthestress.Whatitwasdoingtome.Sotheytriedhavingtalkswithmewithoutmyparentsknowledge.Abouttheconsequencesoleavingschoolwithoutnishingtryingtopressuremetostay.Allothesetalksendedupintears.Ihadmadeupmymindandwantedtoleave.WhichIdid.AterthatIwastakentoseeanewdoctor.TonyAttwoodwaspresentduringthesessionandimmediatelysaidAspergersSyndrome.Healsosaidtellhershehastoknow.IrememberitstillthedayIoundout.WewereinthecarmumandIandshejustcameoutwithit.YouhaveAspergersSyndromeandtriedtoexplainittome.IdontknowwhatkindoreactionsheexpectedbutallIsaidwassothatsitFinallyIknewwhatwaswrongIwasSOrelievedIhadananswerorthequestionsthathadbeenplaguingmeoryearsbutIdidnothingaboutit.AndthatiswhereIletit.Fromtheageo17whenIwastoldtothetimeIwas29-30IdidnothingaboutmydiagnosisthoughiIhaditprobablywouldhavesparedmethetrouble.BythenmysonwasbornandIstartedgettingcuriousaboutmysel.Iwantedtolearnmore.SoIgotouteverythingIcouldromthelibraryaboutAspergers.Iwentonlineandresearchedtillmyeyespoppedoutomyhead.ThoughwitheverythingIhadreadthebestbookIoundwasAspergirlsbyRudySimone.ItwaslikeIwasreadingaboutmysel.Therewereallmystoriesonthosepages.ThatwasmylieItmadesensenow.Iwantedtoknowotherslikeme.SojoiningthesocialnetworksiteFacebookIjoinedAspergersorums.Ioundaguythatdidntlivetooarawayandendedupmeetingmyveryrstpersonbesidesmyselthatwasanaspie.InspiredbythatmeetingIstartedaacebookgroupcalledAspergiansoQueensland.WhichaterawhileduetomembershipromallovertheworldwaschangedtoPlanetAspergiaIvemetsomanywonderulcreativenuttymadandpurplepeopleromthatgroupwithcheesecakezombiesandfurowighelmettrolleyracesandothers.IvelearnedmoreaboutmyselandnowmysonwhoisalsoAspergianADHD.Ilovebeingme.IlovewhoIam.AndiIcanhelpotherscometolearnmoreaboutthemselvesinmyImgoingtousethewordjourneyeventhoughIknowmotherHATESitloljourneythenallthebetter.ButallIsaidwassothatsitFinallyIknewwhatwaswrongIwasSOrelieved 80AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEtravelSpeakinganotherlanguageotherthanEnglishwhileinoreigncountriesisntreallyrequiredasmanypeopleusuallyspeakEnglish.Butgoingotheusualtouristroutesdoesmeanyouwouldneedtohaveagraspothelocallanguage.SinceIwasgoingtoGermanyIhadboughtanEnglishtoGermantranslationbookwhichwasntverymuchhelpSpeakingtothemanbehindthedeskattheNuremburgstatearchiveswasevenmoreunbuthedidhelpmeoutasIhadaamilyhistoryquestion.UsingthebooktondmywayaroundthearchivesinNuremburgtranslatedtheenquiryroomintosomethingunexpectedandrude.IdidvisitonemuseumwhereeverythingwasinGermanwithnoEnglishanditturnedoutthatIcouldhireanaudioguidewhichwouldexplainwhateveryroommeantincludingtranslatingrecordings.PostingpackageshometurnedouttobeentertainingwhileinParis.ClosetowhereIwasstayingwasapostofcewhereIhadtakensomethingstosendhome.OneboxIhadchosenturnedouttobeanexpresspostbox.ThecustomerservicepeoplecouldntspeakmuchEnglishandIcouldntspeakFrenchwhichturnedintoastalemate.Postingtheboxhometurnedouttobeanexpensiveexperience.AccentsalsobecomehardtounderstandaswelleveniyouareinanEnglishspeakingcountry.IdidhaveuninPortsmouthtryingtoordershandchipswhenIcouldntquiteunderstandthemanspeakingtome.Becominggeographicallymisalignedotherwiseknownasgettinglostissomethingwhichdoesactuallyoccuronaregularbasiseveniyouhaveamaphandy.Youmaylookatatransporttimetableandyouthinkyouhopontothecorrecttransportandyouwouldeasilyendupattherequireddestination.Turnsoutthisdoesntalwayshappeninthatexactorderasyoumaycatchthecorrecttrainorbusbutitdoesntmeanitiseithergoingintherightdirection.CatchingthebusrombacktoDorchesterendedupbeingthebuswhichtookmeinthedirectionoExmouthDorset.UponrealisingmymistakeIdecidedtocontinueonthebusandeventuallygotoattheEnglishseasidetownoLymeRegiswhereIhadashandchiplunch.Thetownturnedouttobewellworthgettingmysellostonthebus.OnamorerecenttourIwascatchingatrainwhileinAucklandtoasuburbandailedtorealisethatthetrainbypassedtheentirelink.ButittookmesevenstopstorealiseIneededtocatchanothertraingoingbacktotheareaIwaswanting.Ijustshruggedthisoandgotonwithmyday.SometimeswirescangetcrossedwhichhappenedwhensomeonewassupposedtomeetmeattheairportinCopenhagen.TheythoughtIwouldhaveaccesstotheinternetatalltimesasamessagehadbeensenttosaytheywereunavailable.AterwaitingoraroundthearrivalloungeoranhourIrealisedIhadtogetmyseltothecityplusIhadnoAnaspieabroadByBRADBEADELTRAVELTIPS AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE81travelmap.Luckilytheairportshophadacitymapbook.IstillgotlosttryingtondmyhostelbuthadanamazinglookaroundanoldEuropeancity.ThereweresomedierencesinLondonwhichIdidnotrealiseatthetime.AtonepointIhadthoughtVictoriatubestationandVictoriabusstationwereactuallythesameplaceuntilIwentsearching.Iwasactuallywrongasthebusstationwasactuallyarounda900metrewalkaway.EverytimeItravelIstayinthecheapestaccommodationavailable.OvertheyearsIhavelearntwhichplacesnottostayinespeciallywithinAucklandassomehavenightclubsveryclosebyorevennextdoor.Manyotheroomstobebookedcanbemixedoronesexonlyandeveryoneseemstogetalongwitheachother.ManyothepeopleareromothercountriesromtheUSAEuropeoreventheMiddleEast.Thereisusuallysomeoneneweverydayaspeoplearecontinuallymovingromplacetoplace.Peopleusuallyareabletogiveadviceastowheretovisitwithinthetownsanditheyareluckyyoumightbeabletopasssomethingontothemthattheycanuse.Therearestillthenightsoundssuchaspeoplesnoringwhichsometimesislikehavingareighttraininyourroomatnight.IwasluckyinthisrespectasinonehostelIwasstayinginthepersonwasapartyanimalwhoreturnedaround5am.IhavelearnttocarryapadlockwithmesothatIcanlockmyvaluablesinlockersthatareusuallyprovidedintherooms.Sometimestheroomsyouarestayingindonothavelocksontheirdoorssoanyoneinthehostelcouldwalkinandsayhellotoyourbelongings.Sometimesyoucanbeluckytobeupgradedromadormroomtosharearoomwithoneotherpersonwhodoesntseemtospendmuchtimeintheroomatall.Manyotheseplacesyoudohavetoshareabathroomwithothersonthefooryoureside.Othersprovidebreakastiyouarestillinthehostel.Washingmachinesareprovidedmostothetimebuthavetimeswhentheycanbeused.WhileinNewcastleUponTyneIoundIcouldntdothewashingasthepeoplehadnoaccesstothetokens.IcamebacklaterlikeIwastoldandtheanswerwasstillthesame.ThenextplaceIwenttowaswhenIdidmywashingasIwaitedtocheck-in.Manycountrieshavepeoplewhobegormoneynomatterwhereyouarehowyouaredressednomatterwhatlanguagetheyspeak.OnenightwaitingorthetraintoarriveontheLondonundergroundIwasaskedormoneyespeciallyasIwasdressedup.IexplainedtothemanthatIamatouristandhavenomoney.Hedidactuallyacceptmyexplanation.ThereseemtobeanabundanceogypsygirlsthroughoutEuropechasingyouormoney.IlearntatertherstonehandedmeanoteinEnglishaskingormoney.Isaidnoandthenkeptaneyeoutonthedistinctiveclothingtoavoidthem.IdidorgetinBerlinandwasactuallygoingtocomplaintotheladyatCheckpointCharliemuseumbutthenseenasignsayingtheyareromthehumanrightscommissiononthewall.OneladyactuallydroppedaringbehindmeandIhadbeentoldaboutthissortoscamandwhiletheladyheldtheringouttomeIjustwalkedaway.AroundTheLouvrethereseemstobegatheringsopeoplewhowantyoutobuythingsorevenlloutorms.Iignoredthemallandkeptwalkingwithhandsinpockets.SomethingthatwasextraordinaryinthetypeoscamsIhavecomeacrosswasonemanwhopulleduptomeoneaternooninBerlin.HewasItalianandwasaterapetrolstationwherehecouldgetuel.Hewentontoexplainthathehadlost6000Euroinsomecasinoandwantedmetocomewithhimtotheservicestationbutdidntwantmoney.Hehadalreadyshakenmyhandandoeredmeseveralsuitswhichhehadhandedovertome.AtthesametimehehadrubbishedwhatIwaswearingbuttoldmetovisithiminItalyathisactory.AssoonashewantedmetohopintothecarItoldhimIhadmywalletinthehostelsotheoerwasthentotakemetheretopickitup.Isaidnothanksanddumpedtheclothesthroughtheopenwindowontothepassengerseat.IwalkedawayreallyastandIwashappynottohavebeenollowedbacktomyhostel.IdontknowwhatwouldhavehappenediIhadjumpedintothecarwithhim.TravellingisloadsounandiyoucanhandlethecrowdedstreetsoLondonthengoingoverseasisaprivilege.ThecrowdedstreetsomanyAustraliancitiesarenotasbusyandchaoticasmanycitiesinothercountries.Followingthelawsandcustomsothatcountrytomakesureyoudonotgetintotroubleandisomeonetellsyouoorsomethingneverargueasthatcouldalsogetyouintotrouble.Someactionsdocomewithhetyconsequencesespeciallywhenwhatyoudogetawaywithathomedoesnotnecessarilyapplywhenyouareelsewhere.Showingpeoplerespectmeansyourtimewillbepleasantandthatyoumayendupndingsomethingspecialortheymightdosomethingoryouiyoushouldask.Alwaysexploretheroutesyouneedtotaketogettowhereyouneedtocatchyourtransport.Makesureyouweardecentootwearasyoumayendupwearingthemeverydayortheentiretimeyouareonholidayandbepreparedtodoplentyowalking.Getoutthereandenjoyliealittleandbepreparedtobreakallyourusualhabitsandroutines.Becominggeographicallymisalignedotherwiseknownasgettinglostissomethingwhichdoesactuallyoccuronaregularbasis 82AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEAnInterviewwithBryanChandler.ByBARBCOOKBryanpleasetellusaboutyourselfandyourconnectiontoAspergersSyndrome.Youseethingswerealittledierentorme.MostpeoplearediagnosedwithAspergersSyndromewhiletheyarestillachildwhichprovidesbettersupportandearlyinterventionorhelpwithcertaindicultiesindividualsmayace.WellatseventeenIdidnotknowwhatAspergersSyndromeevenwasletalonetheactthatIhadit.Aterbecomingacollegedrop-outIwassueringromdeepdepressionandIhadpilledonthepoundstotwenty-twostonesmyliewentonadownwardsspiralromthispointuntilseveralmonthslatermyAuntiedescribedtomethebeneftsocounselling.FromMarch5th2009untilMarch5th2010IwasaclientasampletosomeoneelsesresearchoratleastthatswhatIthoughtatfrstbutwhenmycounsellorandIbegantalkingIsoondiscoveredhewasacomortablepersontotalkto.HisnamewasMikeandthiswasverysignifcantseeingasIonlylikedtorememberpeoplesnamesiIhadaninterestinthem-notsexuallybutgenerally.ItwasveryrareItookinterestinsomethingastrangerhadtosayespeciallysomeonewhowantedtoverballyexperimentonme.AterseveralmonthsobondingIwasverycomortabletalkingtoMikeandIdiscoveredthathedidnotwanttoexperimentonmebuthegenerallywantedtomakesurethatIwasalrightandhewaswillingtotakecertainproessionalmethodstomakesureIwasok.Bytheallo2009atercountlessdrawingsomyeelingsanddiscussionsMiketoldmeaboutaconditioncalledAspergersSyndromeandthathestronglybelievedIhadit.Sooursessionsturnedromdiscussionstopathwaystoseekingsupportas2009turnedinto2010.OnMarch5th2010IhadtosayaondgoodbyetoMikeandthelastthingwedecidedonwasthatIwouldmakeanappointmentwithadoctortohelpreceivethesupportIwasentitledto.SometimeinMarch2010asIwassittingnervouslyinthewaitingroomothedoctorssurgeryIwasthinkingoMikesserviceIdidnotwanttolethimdownandwhenitwasmyturntobeseenIwasanervouswreck.AWARENESSAspergerSyndromeWelcomeBryantotheAutismAspergersNetworkMagazineandthankyoufortheopportunitytogainaninsightintothewonderfulworkyoudoinraisingawarenessfortheAutismCommunity. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE83ThedoctorexplainedtometheexpensesandlengthywaitingothediagnosisprocessandIdecidednottoproceedwithadiagnosisasthatwouldpresentmewithmorestressandlessmoney.HoweverthedoctordidfndauseulAspergersSyndromesupportgroupinPortsmouthEnglandmyhometowncalledPiratesareCoolerthanNinjasandIwasduetostartthereinApril.AssoonastheautomaticdoorsothedoctorssurgeryshutbehindmeIbreathedasighorelieandletoutasmile.FinallyIwasbeginningtounderstandmyselandnearingtheendomytimewithMikeIhadbeguntolosethepoundsIhadputonthroughcomorteatingandbythesummero2010Ihadlostatotaloninestones-whicheventothisdayremainsoneomygreatestaccomplishmentsthatisuntilJanuary1st2012butmoreothatlater.Duringthesummero2010Ihadbeguntomakesomeriends.Ihadnothadanyriendsorfveyears-IwasisolatedwithinmyselbutnowwithlessbodyweightriendsandanideaomyownidentityIbegantoeelree.ItwasaHUGEdierenceincomparisontomyschoolliewhereIwasbulliedeverysingledayanditswheremydepressionstemmedrom.IdidnothaveasenseowhoIwasbutsincemeetingMikeorthefrsttimeandjoiningPiratesAreCoolerThanNinjasthatallchanged.IstartedtoeellikeIwasNOTworthlessandthatIWAShereorareason.OverthenexttwoyearsIsettledintoPiratesareCoolerthanNinjas-theleaderbeingaSocialWorkerandwasrunbyherriends.Itwasadecentservice-butIwantedmore.WhatmotivatedyoutocreatethefacebookpageAspergerSyndromeAwarenessandwhatwereyourvisionswhenyousetoutOnJanuary1st2012IcreatedthepageAspergerSyndromeAwarenessandIbeganexperimentinginraisingawarenessthroughsocialmedia.ThepagestartedosmallbecausemymainocuswasstillwithPiratesareCoolerthanNinjasbutourlikeswereincreasingaroundabouttenperdayandIwasveryexcited.Iwantedtomakeadierencetopeoplelikemewhodidnothaveanyservicesorsupportthroughouttheirschoollieandorpeoplewhowerestrugglingasadults.IwantedtomakeadierencetopeoplesliveslikeMikeandPiratesareCoolerthanNinjashaddoneorme.ThroughoutthenextyearIhadlearnedIhadDyspraxiamotorclumsinessontopoAspergersSyndromeandduetotheinormationpeoplewereprovidingonmypageandthroughbooksandthePiratessessionsIattendedIbegantolearnmoreaboutAspergersSyndromeandmyselingeneral.IfnallyknewwhatIwanted-tobeanAutismadvocate.TodaytheAspergerSyndromeAwarenessFacebookpagehasover62000followers.Youmustfeelveryproudtohaveachievedthisandwecongratulateyouonthismajormilestone.HowdoyouseethefutureofyourpageinitsroleofraisingawarenessWilltherebeotheravenuesthatyouwillbeexploringinraisingawarenessandacceptanceOneyearaterstartingAspergerSyndromeAwarenessandthreeyearssincestartingPiratesareCoolerthanNinjasIbegantoloseinterestinPirates.Ithadprovidedmewithanamazingserviceandwithover20000FacebooklikesonmyFacebookpageIdecidedtosayaondarewelltothegroupandstepoutonmyown.IwasdeterminedtomakethemostowhatIhad.Ihadhadenoughocounsellingandsupportgroupsandtherapysessions.IwantedtoraiseawarenessoAspergersSyndromepositivelythroughtheknowledgeIhadgainedoverthelastcoupleoyears.InApril2013oneoourpostswentVIRALandourlikesincreaseddramaticallyandasotodayweareworkingtowards70000likes.WeareociallyoneothebiggestAutismcommunitiesonFacebookandthisachievementhasbeatenmydramaticweightlosswhichIneverthoughtwouldhappen.IntheutureIhopetotakeAspergerSyndromeAwarenessbeyondaFacebookpage.Wehavemadeseveralvideosorthepageandthethoughtoawebsitehascrossedmymindseveraltimes.IamIwantedtomakeadiferencetopeoplelikemewhodidnothaveanyservicesorsupportthroughouttheirschoollieandorpeoplewhowerestrugglingasadults. 84AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEnotgoingtoohopetomuchatthisstagebutwiththeincreaseinouransandmygoalsIwoulddoalmostANYTHINGtobeanAutismAdvocate.Itismydream.Iwouldliketoprovetotheworldthatdreamscancometrue.Youhaveateamofvolunteersthathelpwithyourpage.PleasetellusaboutthemandhowtheybecameinvolvedArethesepeopleyouhavemetinreallifeordidyouconnectviatheinternetDoanyofyourteamhaveanyspecialinterestsorcoolhobbiesthattheywouldliketosharewithusTheadminsoAspergerSyndromeAwarenessallhaveAspergersSyndrome.ThebestpeopletoeducateothersonsomethingtheyhavearepeoplewhohaveitthemselvesrightIwouldneverallowanyonewithoutAspergerstoworkonthepage-asIhaveapointtoprove.PeoplewithAspergersSyndromeCANbeindependentandweCANworkasateamandweCANhaveempathy.IamastrongbelieverinICANandnotICANNOT.OurlongestrunningadminapartrommyselisRoelantandwouldliketosayaewwordsWorkingasanadminorASAAspergerSyndromeAwarenesshasgivenmeaeelingthatIcanhelpotherpeoplethathavethesameconditionasIhavealsoIstartedtoseeASAasapartomyselIseeitasalieworkandIrespectBryanorputtingitup.IliketheideabehindASAthataspergershasadvantagesRoelantisromBelgiumandwehavenotmetinrealliebeorebutwearemeetingTWICEnextyearonceinEnglandanothertimeinBelgiumheisoneomybestriendsandIlovehimasariend.AnotheroneomyadminsJoanneromNewZealandhasaewthingsshewouldliketosayImetBryanthroughhisacebookpageAspergerSyndromeAwareness.OneothethingsImostappreciatedromBryanwasthathewasrunningapageorthosewithAspergerswiththebeneftohislivedexperiencewhichIcouldidentiywith.AsthepagehasgrownbiggerandbiggerBryanrecognisedthatheneededsomeassistanceintheormootheradminsandwhenheputthecalloutIdidnthesitateasIthoughtImightbeabletohelpbeinganolderpersoninmylate40sonthespectrumwithateenagesonalsoonthespectrum.ItisaprivilegetohelpotherslearnaboutAspergersbutitismorethanthat-iteelsgreattohelpthemseehowAspergerscanbeagitbecauseothestrengthswehave.Itisalsogoodwhenweareabletohelpthosewhohavechallengesseehowthesecanbeturnedaround.BryaniswillingtolearnandgrowjustashispageisgrowingandIamlookingorwardtowhattheuturewillbringorthepagebutmoreimportantlyortheparentsandthoseonthespectrumthatweareabletoassist.Iamsohonouredthatpeopleromallovertheworldarewillingtoassistme.WealsohaveadminsromAmericaandAustraliaandAspergerSyndromeAwarenesswouldnotbethesamewithoutANYomyadmins.DepressionisquitecommonforindividualswithAspergersSyndromeespeciallyfortheyoungergeneration.HavingexperienceddepressionyourselfwhatpersonaladviceandsupportwouldyousuggestinhelpingthemgetthroughthesedarkperiodsintheirlivesDepressionisahorribleeelingsohorriblethatIamunabletodescribeitbutianyoneelseisgoingthroughthesameeelingpleaseunderstandthatIhavebeenthereandiIhaventSOMEONEouttherehas.Donotgiveuponwhoyouare.Sometimesitsdiculttowakeupinthemorningandsometimesweshutdownandreusetodoanything.Thatsanaturalresponse.IhaveimprovedgreatlybutIstilldothatnowsopleasedonthandlethisalone.JoinAspergerSyndromeAwarenessandspeaktooneoouradminsandwewilldoourbesttoassistyou.WhyBecauseweCAREandwereateam.WearenotmedicallytrainedandwearenotabletodiagnosebutIpromisetwothings.WeWILLlisten.WeWILLcare.IfyouhadonewishwhatwoulditbeforthosewithandconnectedtoAspergersSyndromeOnewishThatseasy.IwishtobecomeanAutismAdvocate.ItsallIwant.NothingmorenothinglessandIhopeonedaywithhardworkIwillbeabletoachievemydream.BryanChandlerage22diagnosedwithAspergersSyndromelaterinlife. AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE85technologytechnologicalrEvIEwByRYANMCNEILLY-SMITHTheOculusritheadsetisthecuttingedgeoitualealityoideogames.TheconsumeesionisellintopoductionateasuccessulKickstatecampaigncombinedpledgeseachingalmost2.5MillionU.S.andbackingommajogamedeelopesvalueEpicGamesandUnityjusttonameae.Theoiginalgoaloeaching250000setbytheFoundePalmeLuckeysel-descibeditualealityenthusiastandhadaegeekotheOculusritasexcededby974iththehelpo9522suppotes.TheOculusritcaughtmyattentionbecauseitisneandinnoatie.Itisthestoitskindaitualealityheadset.Theehaebeenothesbutthisisthestoitskindhichismadepopelyandisullyimmesie.Itillenhancegameplaybecauseitisullyenclosed3-danditgiesyouamoeealisticisualexpeience.Itissoealisticitcanmessithyousenses.TheOculusritisgoodomstpesonshootesFPStosimulationgames.AnythingeallyitillbegeatasthedeelopesupdatecuentgamestosuppottheOculusrit.GameDesillusetheSDKSotaeDe.Kittoupdatetheigamestosuppottherit.Yousimplyopeatethedeicebyeaingtheheadsetandyoucontolthegameplayasyououldanyothetime.BenKucheaomPenny-AcadehashadsthandexpeienceiththeritwhenmysoncomesintomyoceandImeaingtheOculusrithedoesntaskhatImplaying.HeasksheeIam.whenIbingthedeelopmentkittoaiendshouseedontsaythateegoingtoputitonesaythateegoinginocomingouthenetakeitof.Theocabulayoplaychangeshenyoueeaingtheheadset.OculusRiftDevKitSpecsConsumevesionspecssubjecttochangeFieldofview110degeesdiagonal90degeeshoizontalResolution1280x800640x800peeyeThe1goalotheconsumeesionistobeinthe1020pangeoeacheyePlatformsPCConsolesandsmatphonesintheutueWeight0.22kgPriceNoocialodasoitingReleaseDateNoocialdateasoitingryanMcNeilly-SmithliesonQueenslandsSunshineCoast.In2011ryanoundedtheSunshineCoastAspieClubhichisoallyoungAspiesandAuties.Itasdesignedospectumkidsandteenstomeeteachothetoomiendshipsandhangout.CuentlytheClubmeetsotnightlyoGamingNightandplansaebeingmadeootheeentsin2013.ryanisthepoudecipientothe2012AutismQueenslandCeatieFutuesAadandhasdoneanumbeomediainteies.HeisalsoacetiedHandleoaSmatPup.Andallothisatjust14.aboutryanAUSTRALIANAUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE85technologyOculusrithttpwww.oculusvr.comScanMeLinktoOculusRiftWebsitewww.kickstarter.comYoutube-90yearoldusingOculusRiftYoutube-OculusRiftRollercoasterdemo 86AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEtechnologyTOBYPLAYPADDvlpAutismWestSupportIncorporatedVi1.4.1694Pic29.99onsale.Aliteversionisavailable.appreviewsByBRONWYNSUTTONPurPoseTOBYPlaypadisacomprehensiveappspecicallydesignedorearlyinterventionorchildrenontheautismspectrum.TOBYstandsorTherapyOutcomesByYou.TOBYoersahighlydetailedguidetosupportparentstoachieveearlyinterventiongoals.Thereareactivitiesorover50goalsorchildrenintheareasoimitationlanguagesensoryandsocialskills.TOBYwasdevelopedbyateamoautismproessionalsincludingSpeechPathologistsClinicalPsychologistsandComputerScientistsromCurtinUniversityWesternAustraliaandDeakinUniversityVictoria.TOBYhasbeensupportedbyAutismWestanotorprotparentorganisationinWesternAustralia.TOBYisoneotherareappswhichhasbeentrialledbyrealamiliesandhasshownpositiveresultsinresearchconductedatCurtinUniversityPerthandDeakinUniversityVictoria.OneothethingsIlikemostaboutTOBYisthatitencouragesparentstoapplythelearningromtheappinnormaleverydayroutines.ThesearecalledNaturalEnvironmentTasks.Thesearevitalorgeneralisationonewskillsorchildrenonthespectrum.ContentVialmachigThechildmatchesobjectswhichlookthesamesizecolourshapeorarethesametypeoobjectmatchesallthecarsoralltheblocks.AdiymachigThechildmatchesthetwosoundswhichsoundthesame.Theseincludeeverydaysoundstelephoneringingandrealwords.MImiaiThismeanscopyingtheactionsoothers.Activitiesincludewholebodytasksjumpingwavinghandmovementtaskspushingacarordrawingandmovementsneededorblowingnosesandspeechsounds.JiaiThismeansthattheparentandchildocusonthesameobjecttogether.Theyalternativelylookattheobjectandthenchecktheaceoeachother.Childrenaretaughthowtounderstandandalsouseeyecontactgesturesandwordstodirectanotherpersonsattentiontosomethingthattheyreinterestedin.CmphiThechildollowsbasicinstructionsandlearnsthemeaningothingsanimalsbodypartsclotheseverydayobjectsoodandtoys.uigspkWdThechildlearnstonameobjectsintheirenvironmentanimalsbodypartsclotheseverydayobjectsoodandtoys.BronwynistheauthoroTheLearningAppGuidetoAutismandEducationTherstonlineappevaluatororeducationalsupport.Forurtherinormationseewww.laigappgid.cmBronwynSuttonSpeechLanguagePathologistB.App.Sc.SpeechPath.Grad.Dip.EducationMSpEdMSPADoctoralStudentGrifthUniversity AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINE87technologyLarigCciTOBYPlaypadisaresearchedbasedtoolwhichalignsitselfwithcurrentevidencebasedpracticeinautismspectrumdisorders.TheappusespromptingandNaturalEnvironmentTasks.AhiciyChildreninvolvedinarangeofauthenticlearningopportunities.OntheiPadtheypointandmatchandimitate.ButitisintheNaturalEnvironmentTasksthatthechildcanapplythisnewlearningandcreatetheirownexperiencesinlanguageandsocialskills.FdbackFeedbackispositiveandencouraginganddesignedtoresultinimprovedperformance.TOBYincludesstarrewardswhichleadtoatokenfeedbacksystem.Thereisanotableabsenceofnegativefeedbackwhichexistsinotherapps.Resultsareavailableingraphformsoparentscantracktheirchildsprogress.ThesecanbeuploadedtotheTOBYPlaypadserver.AdapabiliyTOBYiscompletelycustomisable.TheparentsetsthegoalsandactivitiesforTOBYbasedontheirchildsindividuallearningneeds.usrFridlissThehelpandsupportavailableforparentsisoneofthebestfeaturesofthisapp.Thereareseveralvideosandplentyofdetailedinformation.Thisdoestakeawhiletoreadbutthisisanessentialpartoflearningnewskillsforyourchild.MivaiThereareplentyofopportunitiesforlearningandfunwithTOBY.Theappitselfisaguidewithlotsofinterestingactivities.TherealfunbeginsduringtheNaturalEnvironmentTasks.eVALuAtIonThisappwasevaluatedusingTheEvaluationRubricforMobileApplicationsbyHarryWalker. 88AUTISMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEreviewsFromLikeToLoveForYoungPeopleWithAspergersSyndromeByProfessorTonyAttwoodandDr.MichelleGarnettRRP27.95printAspergersOnTheJobByRudySimoneRRP29.95printThisnewreleasetitleisamusthaveoranyamilywithayoungpersonwithAspergersSyndromeIyourchildrarelyshowsyouthatheorshelovesyouitcanbeprooundlydistressing.ThisistheexperienceomanyparentsochildrenwithanAutismSpectrumDisorderASDandmostearthatitreectsthetruth.InactthetruthhasgenerallymoretodowiththedicultythatyoungpeoplewithanASDhaveincommunicatinglikeorloveorsomeonephysicallyandverbally.Theymaynotknowhowtogoaboutexpressingthemselvesinthesewaysnordotheyunderstandthatamilymembersandriendscanndtheabsenceodemonstrativeafectionupsetting.WrittenbyworldrenownedexpertsTonyAttwoodandMichelleGarnettaddressthisissueinpracticalterms.Providingcareullydesignedactivitiesorparentstoworkthroughwiththeirchildrentohelpthemtounderstandandexpressafection.Throughtheseactivitiesthechildwilllearntoidentiyhisorherownandotherscomortandenjoymentrangeorgesturesactionsandwordsoafectionandthediferentwaystoexpresseelingsorsomeoneappropriatetoeachrelationshipandsituation.Theactivitiesaresimplestraightorwardandverycareullystructuredsothattheycanbeundertakenatthepacethatworksortheindividualamily.Thebookalsoguidestheadultthroughthechallengesacedbythechildleadingtogreaterunderstandingandcondenceintheirrelationshipwiththeirchildandincreasedabilitytonurturethechildsabilitytoormengagedrelationshipsandriendshipswithothers.ReadersoTonyAttwoodspreviousbookswillrecognisehiswarmpositiveandempoweringapproach.Thebookwillbeatransormativeresourceorparentsandamilyworriedabouttheirchildsemotionallie.bookreviewsUpto85otheAspergerspopulationarewithoutull-timeemploymentthoughmanyhaveabove-averageintelligence.RudySimoneanadultwithAspergersSyndromeandanaccomplishedauthorconsultantandmusiciancreatedthisinsightulresourcetohelpemployerseducatorsandtherapistsaccommodatethisgrowingpopulationandtohelppeoplewithAspergersndandkeepgainulemployment.Rudyscandidadviceisbasedonherpersonalexperiencesandtheexperiencesoover50adultswithAspergersromallovertheworldinadditiontotheiremployersandnumerousexpertsintheeld.DetailedlistsowhattheemployeecandoandtoemployersandadvocatesprovidebalancedguidelinesorsuccesswhileRudysInterviewTipsandPersonalJobMaptoolswillhelpAspergiansyoungoroldndtheiremploymentniche.Thereismoretoajobthanwhatthetasksareromsocialblunderstosensoryissuestobullyingbyco-workersSimonepresentssolutionstodicultchallenges.ReaderswillbeenrichedenlightenedandreadytoworktogetherToviewourlargerangeobooksgamessensorytoyspuppetsandmuchmorepleasevisitourwebsiteatwww.resourcesathand.com.au 90AUSTRALIANAUTISIMASPERGERSNETWORKMAGAZINEparentingBrisbaneparentsimagineawebsitewhereyoucouldtypeinyourlocationandfindeverythingyouneedtoentertainbuyforandhelpyourkidsaged0-16ThingsTodowiThKidsinBrisBaneandonTheCoasTMembershipisreeorallBrisbaneparentstoreceivespecialofersdiscountsandpromotions.kidstodo.com.auSearchoractivitieseventsservicesshoppinginYOURareaNorthSouthEastWestMoretonBayRegionLoganIpswichRedlandBaySunshineCoastGoldCoastRegularcompetitionsGREATprizesFREEdownloadsTopTenlistsTop10rainydayactivitiesTop10under10etcPrintablecalendaroactivitiesoryourareaInormationortwinsandspecialneedskidsItsfinallyhere