My achievements
Booloominbah, University of New England
My life has been somewhat difficult and unconventional but one of my proudest achievements since my diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome in 1998, was to successfully graduate from the University of New England with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Despite having a poor academic record earlier and after having repeated my Senior Certificate in 1993, I was to prove some of the critics wrong within the education system who believed I would never be able to attend university, let alone obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in both Politics and Sociology.
University life was not an easy ride for me as I worked very hard at my course work to scrap passes, some credits and obtaining a Distinction in a Sociology assignment on the consumption of food. I enjoyed my time at UNE as I enjoyed the solitude and more importantly I had close proximity and help from lecturers and tutors. It was also my first time away from Brisbane living in Armidale to attend the university campus.
I don't really know where to begin but my first year at university was a difficult experience. Having worked hard and completing assignments and sitting exams, I found that despite my efforts that I was barely passing. My first year of study in 1994 was spent mostly in social isolation as I had few friends, was different to my peers and not 'cutting the mustard" caused me to eventually be excluded for one year in 1995. I had to show cause as to why I should be allowed re-admission into UNE in 1995. I was to not give up though for I followed the suggestions of the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts to satisfy the requirements for re-admission and upon meeting with the Associate Dean in 1995, I was granted re-admission. From 1996 through to 1998, I worked hard and it was after my diagnosis that the University of New England finally understand what was wrong with me. My diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome ensured that the university understood where I needed help.
My early years in school were not pleasant memories. In secondary school I was told I had no brains. Teachers doubted my ability and I was deemed 'brainless' and not able to go far in my life. I was also constantly bullied and teased. As you can imagine my self esteem hit rock bottom but having and always maintaining strength and fortitude. This was to get me through. I also was considered a numerical failure as I received in what was back then the TE Score. I am glad that the TE Score was abolished in 1991 and in all honesty I do not think the current OP Score is much better either. Persons on the Autism Spectrum should not have to be judged by a set of numbers once they leave school in an education system that failures to deliver as in my case.
I would encourage anyone on the Autism Spectrum to believe they are capable of university study and more importantly a place in the world. I have some friends on the Autism Spectrum who have successfully completed university study and some who have had the courage to have a go. I believe that within schools early intervention is essential and support required. I hope that my own experience is a pioneering effort that will show other Aspies (Persons with Asperger Syndrome) that university study is possible. As an Aspie, I know of other adults on the Autism Spectrum who have also tried their hardest to obtain and attempt a university degree. Having dealt with social isolation, depression and an inability to always be understood, I was successful in getting through and graduating in 1999. I was also fortunate to have spoken with Dr Tony Attwood at the Queensland University of Technology in 1999 where I spoke about my own experiences in university and the challenges I confronted.
University life was not an easy ride for me as I worked very hard at my course work to scrap passes, some credits and obtaining a Distinction in a Sociology assignment on the consumption of food. I enjoyed my time at UNE as I enjoyed the solitude and more importantly I had close proximity and help from lecturers and tutors. It was also my first time away from Brisbane living in Armidale to attend the university campus.
I don't really know where to begin but my first year at university was a difficult experience. Having worked hard and completing assignments and sitting exams, I found that despite my efforts that I was barely passing. My first year of study in 1994 was spent mostly in social isolation as I had few friends, was different to my peers and not 'cutting the mustard" caused me to eventually be excluded for one year in 1995. I had to show cause as to why I should be allowed re-admission into UNE in 1995. I was to not give up though for I followed the suggestions of the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts to satisfy the requirements for re-admission and upon meeting with the Associate Dean in 1995, I was granted re-admission. From 1996 through to 1998, I worked hard and it was after my diagnosis that the University of New England finally understand what was wrong with me. My diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome ensured that the university understood where I needed help.
My early years in school were not pleasant memories. In secondary school I was told I had no brains. Teachers doubted my ability and I was deemed 'brainless' and not able to go far in my life. I was also constantly bullied and teased. As you can imagine my self esteem hit rock bottom but having and always maintaining strength and fortitude. This was to get me through. I also was considered a numerical failure as I received in what was back then the TE Score. I am glad that the TE Score was abolished in 1991 and in all honesty I do not think the current OP Score is much better either. Persons on the Autism Spectrum should not have to be judged by a set of numbers once they leave school in an education system that failures to deliver as in my case.
I would encourage anyone on the Autism Spectrum to believe they are capable of university study and more importantly a place in the world. I have some friends on the Autism Spectrum who have successfully completed university study and some who have had the courage to have a go. I believe that within schools early intervention is essential and support required. I hope that my own experience is a pioneering effort that will show other Aspies (Persons with Asperger Syndrome) that university study is possible. As an Aspie, I know of other adults on the Autism Spectrum who have also tried their hardest to obtain and attempt a university degree. Having dealt with social isolation, depression and an inability to always be understood, I was successful in getting through and graduating in 1999. I was also fortunate to have spoken with Dr Tony Attwood at the Queensland University of Technology in 1999 where I spoke about my own experiences in university and the challenges I confronted.
Traveling abroad.
Venice, Italy 2010
Having employment has opened many avenues for me as I have been fortunate to have traveled overseas. My first trip overseas was to the United Kingdom in May 2001. Here I met with Chris Mitchell another adult on the Autism Spectrum. Meeting Chris was like meeting my mirror image on another side of the world.
I have also been fortunate to have traveled to the United States, Canada and New Zealand. I was also fortunate to have visited Europe in May 2010. As traveling has broadened my horizons, I can only hope that other adults on the Autism Spectrum are also able to have a chance in employment. They too can get to see the world around them and not feel at a loss within society or socially isolated. I hope that my book will help to provide and promote more awareness of my own personal struggles within employment and assist in supporting other adults on the Autism Spectrum.
I was fortunate in my life to have met a female on the Autism Spectrum. Unfortunately this relationship did not work out due to the difficulties of immigration as she lived in the United and me living in Australia. It was an interesting experience though for despite having met on Facebook, I was to spend 14 days with her near Chicago. If you can imagine traveling half way around the world to meet with someone you had never met for the first time, and wondering how you would get on, then you can begin to understand the experience I had.
I have also been fortunate to have traveled to the United States, Canada and New Zealand. I was also fortunate to have visited Europe in May 2010. As traveling has broadened my horizons, I can only hope that other adults on the Autism Spectrum are also able to have a chance in employment. They too can get to see the world around them and not feel at a loss within society or socially isolated. I hope that my book will help to provide and promote more awareness of my own personal struggles within employment and assist in supporting other adults on the Autism Spectrum.
I was fortunate in my life to have met a female on the Autism Spectrum. Unfortunately this relationship did not work out due to the difficulties of immigration as she lived in the United and me living in Australia. It was an interesting experience though for despite having met on Facebook, I was to spend 14 days with her near Chicago. If you can imagine traveling half way around the world to meet with someone you had never met for the first time, and wondering how you would get on, then you can begin to understand the experience I had.
Awareness of the Autism Spectrum in Brisbane
Autism Awards April 2011
Brisbane, Australia is very fortunate in its location and the work which is being undertaken here. First of all, Brisbane is the home town of Dr Tony Attwood. Dr Attwood's clinic is based in Petrie on the north side of the city and Brisbane also has the Minds and Hearts Clinic.
I think that Brisbane has a lot of merits for Autism awareness. Firstly it is the fastest growing region in Australia and it is close to both the Asian and New Zealand markets. If services and support continue to grow, then Brisbane is a prime location not only for its close proximity to the areas mentioned but also for more essential support and services in Australia.
In terms of support and services, Brisbane also includes the headquarters of Asperger Services Australia. Asperger Services Australia offers a great deal of support and awareness to both the local and Australia wide community. Over the coming months, crucial work will be undertaken I believe to place Brisbane in the ideal position of leading the rest of the world and particularly the Southern Hemisphere in providing support and more awareness of the Autism Spectrum. Over the coming months, vital work will be undertaken to help place Brisbane in the world stage as a leading centre for Autism support and services. My own advocacy work has seen the early formation of an Asperger Syndrome adult group and more importantly the emergence of an adult support group at the University of Queensland. Asperger Services Australia has an adult support group and more information about this group can be found by contacting Asperger Services Australia in the links page on this website.
How an Asperger Syndrome Diagnosis helped me.
Having been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome by Dr Tony Attwood in 1998 helped me to understand what exactly was wrong with me. For instance it answered the important questions and concerns I had by the following:
Not all adults on the Autism Spectrum feel comfortable with going forward to obtain a diagnosis to determine whether they may or may not have Asperger Syndrome. For me it was a relief and when I attended my first session with Dr Tony Attwood, I could at last find out exactly what was wrong with me. It is often difficult when you are first diagnosed to know exactly where to to go next and often the person feels overwhelmed and not able to come to terms with finding assistance and support where possible. From my own personal view point, I do not see a problem in having an Asperger Syndrome diagnosis but society needs to understand that Asperger Syndrome and Autism just does not disappear in childhood. It extends into adulthood and within Australia especially the government and other agencies need to provide necessary support urgently to combat the number of adults who are now realising they have Asperger Syndrome. All I can suggest is that if you feel you may have Asperger Syndrome that you visit Dr Tony Attwood's website as this website has accurate information on where to find support and services. Within Brisbane and also in Sydney, I know of work being undertaken by Minds and Hearts which are trying their best to provide support and services to both adults and children on the Autism Spectrum. Melbourne also has support for adults on the Autism Spectrum and both Brisbane and Sydney need to also follow. I feel it is vital that the Australian Government starts to provide necessary support for early intervention within schools and to provide assistance for adults in terms of employment and other issues relating to lifestyle management and executive function. I have often been asked what Executive Function is and I can best describe it as a means of a person being able to organise their day to day activities. Some adults on the Autism Spectrum struggle with their own executive function and this is where support and assistance is crucial to assist them. I would like to also conclude that in my own opinion denial of a person having Asperger Syndrome only makes life harder for the person affected by it. The person with Asperger Syndrome may encounter severe anxiety or anger in that other people may not understand just how exactly they may be affected by Autism. I have become an advocate of Asperger Syndrome because I am fed up with trying to fit into a world which I constantly am misunderstood or struggle in and I feel it my duty to promote and raise awareness where necessary. This website has been all of my own work and I am trying my best to ensure it reflects vital support, services and awareness where necessary.
What can the community do to better understand people on the Autism Spectrum?
People on the Autism Spectrum including myself do not expect the world to change but I am sure I can speak from personal experience in that we just ask that there is a balance. All that is required is the following
I think that Brisbane has a lot of merits for Autism awareness. Firstly it is the fastest growing region in Australia and it is close to both the Asian and New Zealand markets. If services and support continue to grow, then Brisbane is a prime location not only for its close proximity to the areas mentioned but also for more essential support and services in Australia.
In terms of support and services, Brisbane also includes the headquarters of Asperger Services Australia. Asperger Services Australia offers a great deal of support and awareness to both the local and Australia wide community. Over the coming months, crucial work will be undertaken I believe to place Brisbane in the ideal position of leading the rest of the world and particularly the Southern Hemisphere in providing support and more awareness of the Autism Spectrum. Over the coming months, vital work will be undertaken to help place Brisbane in the world stage as a leading centre for Autism support and services. My own advocacy work has seen the early formation of an Asperger Syndrome adult group and more importantly the emergence of an adult support group at the University of Queensland. Asperger Services Australia has an adult support group and more information about this group can be found by contacting Asperger Services Australia in the links page on this website.
How an Asperger Syndrome Diagnosis helped me.
Having been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome by Dr Tony Attwood in 1998 helped me to understand what exactly was wrong with me. For instance it answered the important questions and concerns I had by the following:
- Why I was different to other people and never able to fit in with others and make friends
- Why I felt depressed and socially isolated from other people around me and often felt anxious and depressed.
- The difficulties I confronted in not being able to hold down regular employment
- Not being able to put my finger on exactly what was wrong with me and why I struggled within the conventional world.
Not all adults on the Autism Spectrum feel comfortable with going forward to obtain a diagnosis to determine whether they may or may not have Asperger Syndrome. For me it was a relief and when I attended my first session with Dr Tony Attwood, I could at last find out exactly what was wrong with me. It is often difficult when you are first diagnosed to know exactly where to to go next and often the person feels overwhelmed and not able to come to terms with finding assistance and support where possible. From my own personal view point, I do not see a problem in having an Asperger Syndrome diagnosis but society needs to understand that Asperger Syndrome and Autism just does not disappear in childhood. It extends into adulthood and within Australia especially the government and other agencies need to provide necessary support urgently to combat the number of adults who are now realising they have Asperger Syndrome. All I can suggest is that if you feel you may have Asperger Syndrome that you visit Dr Tony Attwood's website as this website has accurate information on where to find support and services. Within Brisbane and also in Sydney, I know of work being undertaken by Minds and Hearts which are trying their best to provide support and services to both adults and children on the Autism Spectrum. Melbourne also has support for adults on the Autism Spectrum and both Brisbane and Sydney need to also follow. I feel it is vital that the Australian Government starts to provide necessary support for early intervention within schools and to provide assistance for adults in terms of employment and other issues relating to lifestyle management and executive function. I have often been asked what Executive Function is and I can best describe it as a means of a person being able to organise their day to day activities. Some adults on the Autism Spectrum struggle with their own executive function and this is where support and assistance is crucial to assist them. I would like to also conclude that in my own opinion denial of a person having Asperger Syndrome only makes life harder for the person affected by it. The person with Asperger Syndrome may encounter severe anxiety or anger in that other people may not understand just how exactly they may be affected by Autism. I have become an advocate of Asperger Syndrome because I am fed up with trying to fit into a world which I constantly am misunderstood or struggle in and I feel it my duty to promote and raise awareness where necessary. This website has been all of my own work and I am trying my best to ensure it reflects vital support, services and awareness where necessary.
What can the community do to better understand people on the Autism Spectrum?
People on the Autism Spectrum including myself do not expect the world to change but I am sure I can speak from personal experience in that we just ask that there is a balance. All that is required is the following
- Just an acceptance of the person on the Autism Spectrum if they think or act differently
- A chance in providing a supportive and tolerant work environment
- Employment agencies to provide support with job placement
- Support for housing and life style management issues and concerns
- Time to get to know the person on the Autism Spectrum rather than dismissing them as odd or eccentric
- Providing a hand of friendship and a listening ear in times of need
- More awareness of the Autism Spectrum within society so people know how to relate to it better
- An open minded society and one which is tolerant of people who may be intellectually curious.
- More workshops and presentations to allow for awareness of the Autism Spectrum in adults as well as children.
Australia a leading nation for the future of Autism
It is my goal and to ensure that Australia leads the way in terms of awareness of the Autism Spectrum. Currently it is difficult in terms of an Autism Bill being passed at a federal level in Australia but we can only hope that one day such a dream becomes a reality. The United Kingdom passed an Autism Act in 2009 and although the Autism Bill has now become law, it does provide an awareness of Autism within the United Kingdom. I have contacted several federal politicians in Australia but as yet there has not been support for a Private Members Bill to be put forward for an Autism Bill. Hopefully this will soon change.
Australia leads the world in one day becoming one of the southern hemisphere's Autism aware country. Australia is also in a prime position being close to both the New Zealand and Asian markets. More importantly, soon adults on the Autism Spectrum may be employed in similar concepts to Autism Works and Specialisterne. It is just a matter of perseverance.
The Autism Spectrum Adult Epidemic
Like anywhere else in the world, Australia has adults who are on the Autism Spectrum including myself. It would be good to live in a country that one day chooses not to question a person having Autism but more so accepting it. The following would go a long way to improve the lives of adults on the Autism Spectrum. This only exists in hope at this stage
Australia leads the world in one day becoming one of the southern hemisphere's Autism aware country. Australia is also in a prime position being close to both the New Zealand and Asian markets. More importantly, soon adults on the Autism Spectrum may be employed in similar concepts to Autism Works and Specialisterne. It is just a matter of perseverance.
The Autism Spectrum Adult Epidemic
Like anywhere else in the world, Australia has adults who are on the Autism Spectrum including myself. It would be good to live in a country that one day chooses not to question a person having Autism but more so accepting it. The following would go a long way to improve the lives of adults on the Autism Spectrum. This only exists in hope at this stage
- Society embracing Autism and including and accepting persons on the Autism Spectrum rather than ignoring or misunderstanding them
- An understanding that the Autism Spectrum does not disappear in childhood or after schooling and that it extends into adulthood and is life long.
- Acceptance of people if they think and act differently or whether or not they may be married, single or choose to live by themselves.
- More services to assist in employment and lifestyle support for adults on the Autism Spectrum
- The passage of an Autism Bill similar to the United Kingdom Autism Bill which was passed in 2009
- Increased awareness and services for adults as well as children on the Autism Spectrum.
- Adults on the Autism Spectrum to work together to raise a level of awareness of the Autism Spectrum at a federal level.
- A means of acceptance in the community and a means of more support in terms of friendship and including adults with Autism to network where necessary.
- A united approach to a national problem above the allocation of support and awareness beyond the Australian states.
Meeting with Dr Tony Attwood 28th November 2019
On Thursday 28th November 2019, I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr Tony Attwood again after he diagnosed me in 1998. I was able to update him on the National Disability Insurance Scheme as well as the support work I am now receiving with my support workers. We are doing our best to make the National Disability Insurance Scheme more accommodating for all persons on the Autism Spectrum, including adults as well as children. It is great to have Tony's support and it would be good to have more support from the NDIS!
