54 Railway Road Blackburn VIC 3130 T 03 9845 2766 admin@aspergersvic.org.au www.aspergersvic.org.au The inclusion of any opinion, organisation, product or individual does not necessarily imply endorsement by Aspergers Vic Inc.
ASPERGERS VICTORIA NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2015 EDITION
IN THIS ISSUE:
▪ Mistakes help achievement ▪ Brainstorm Success
▪ Alexithymia
▪ Help Needed
▪ AV Sibling Group
▪ I Can Camps
Introduction to Mindfulness
Pictured left: Evelyn Bugel, Psychologist.
With Warren Gibson and Evelyn Bugel DATE: Wednesday 4th March, 7:30pm-9:30pm VENUE: The Nerve Centre, 54 Railway Rd Blackburn
Pictured right: Warren Gibson, Clinical Psychologist.
COST: $15 for members, $30 for non-members* This workshop is designed for individuals interested in learning about the concept of mindfulness and participating
in
mindfulness
activities
and
meditation. If you are an adult with ASD and have been suffering with anxiety - perhaps your whole life - mindfulness may be the answer. Mindfulness is an evidence-based practice that may increase positive mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and decrease reactivity to stressful situations.
Evelyn Bugel is a Melbourne-based psychologist offering counseling services especially developed for carers and health professionals. In addition to extensive professional experience, Evelyn’s personal experience of having a child with a disability enables additional insight into the unique needs of carers who have loved ones with disabilities, mental illness
Warren Gibson is a clinical psychologist with over 15
or chronic conditions. Her services are based on post
years experience in mental health and disability, with
-graduate
qualifications
a particular focus on ASDs, anger and anxiety.
Education
and
Throughout his career, he has worked with a wide
experience in the community sector. For more
range of clients, including government and non-
information on Evelyn, please visit her website at:
government agencies, and is part of The ASD Clinic
www.evelynbugelpsychology.com
team and a director of Healesville Psychology. Warren practices Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), mindfulness
meditation
and
Acceptance
and
Commitment Therapy (ACT). His session for our parents and carers group was so popular we’re offering all members and guests the opportunity to benefit from his advice. For more information visit www.theasdclinic.com.au/team-list/warren-gibson Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
Gestalt
in
Psychology,
Therapy,
and
25
Special years
Registration closes 03/03/15 at 5pm. Book early to avoid disappointment. The Aspergers Vic Library will be open on event day from 7pm. Book and pay online at: www.trybooking.com/GXID
*Not a member? Join Aspergers Victoria online at www.aspergersvic.org.au/membership prior & your membership number will be sent by email.
ABN 47 066 180 983
Association. No. A0043862N
Page 1
Latest News Mistakes Not All Created Equal
Dandelion Employment Model
“It is well to cultivate a friendly feeling towards error, to treat it as a companion inseparable from our lives, as something having a purpose which it truly has." - Maria Montessori
In an Australian-first, 11 people with Autism Spectrum
We can deepen our own and our students'
-profit
understanding of mistakes, which are not all
experience for young graduates with ASD through a 3yr
created equal and not always desirable. After
'Dandelion' traineeship program. "We are excited to bring
all, our ability to manage and learn from
this opportunity to Adelaide and our ICT Hub is the perfect
mistakes is not fixed. We can improve it:
workplace to engage the trainees whose precise attention
Growth Mindset Blog & Newsletter about
to detail and ability to systematically process information
increasing
http://
are very well suited to working in an ICT testing
community.mindsetworks.com/blog-page/
environment," Minister Payne said. "Eleven trainees are
home-blogs/entry/mistakes-are-not-all-
working with our testing teams to ensure the department's
created-equal
IT products and services meet the needs of the millions of
Eduardo Briceno, CEO Mindset Works
student
motivation:
For ASD Trainees
Disorder have begun traineeships designed to harness their unique abilities at the DHS in Adelaide in a joint project with HP Australia and Specialist People Foundation (SPF). The department will work with the private (HP) and not-for sector
(SPF)
to
provide
skilled
employment
Australians we assist every day.” SPF’s Dandelion concept aims to provide 1 million jobs to people with autism and similar challenges worldwide and has already been success in 12 countries. Their aim is to shift
the
focus
from
disability
to
ability,
creating
employment opportunities for people with ASD globally. More details at: 14-Year-Old With Asperger's Syndrome, May
www.mhs.gov.au/media/media_releases/2015/0
Be Smarter Than Einstein – his parents were
2/03_02_2015_-_australian_first_employment_model_for_
told he would not be capable of very much: www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/11/jacob -barnett-autistic-14-year-old-nobel-prize _n_3254920.html
people_with_autism and also: www.theaustralian.com.au/business/technology/ program-tapping-the-talents-of-autistic/story-e6frgakx1227206998736
Penny’s Researcher Profile Penny Robinson, one of our Young Adults Group Leaders was recently profiled by Monash School of Public Health Blog: "Biostatistican Penny Robinson has provided us with fantastic insight into her role with the School of Public Health & Preventative Medicine and the journey of how she got there.” One of the questions Penny was asked was "Do you think your Aspergers has helped or hindered your career in any particular ways?" so The I Can Network is mentioned in her response." Read the full blog here: http://sphpm.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/resear cher-profile-penny-robinson.html
Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
ABN 47 066 180 983
Association. No. A0043862N
Page 2
Support Group Updates By Robyn Guild - Support Group Coordinator
Welcome to all support group members for 2015! Our support groups are up and running again this year with many interesting and informative topics planned by our dedicated team of leaders and assistants. This year many of our support groups will be placing a focus on self-care, which is so important for all-round health. Group leaders use their own time to plan, organise and run meetings and activities, so any offers to assist our groups are very welcome. Our Siblings group has now opened the age range for children from Year 1 through to Year 7, so if you have a child in any of these year levels, please come along and join in the fun activities organised by Helen and Hannah (see below for details).
Siblings Support Group The Siblings Group is for brothers and sisters of children/young people on the Autism Spectrum. It is designed for children from year 1 to year 7 inclusive, as a supportive social outlet. Such children benefit from peer support in the same way that their parents do, gaining strength and insights as they share experiences and coping skills. The children meet with their leaders in one room while parents meet in another. Parents have the opportunity to use the AV library, share experiences and have a chat over supper. Meanwhile the kids are having a night of games, craft activities and lots of laughs, as they learn that they’re not alone, and have the power to make positive change in their lives. Where: The Nerve Centre, 54 Railway Road Blackburn When: 2nd Friday of each month - 7:30pm-9:00pm
“My Sib…” YouTube Video Check out this clip as an expression of what it’s like to be the sibling of a person with a disability. This very personal and direct video provides insight into the feelings, concerns and hopes of these brothers and sisters as they cope with the sometimes difficult reality of their siblings' disability: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=PyOixKJJeXY&feature =youtu.be
Contact: siblings@aspergersvic.org.au Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
ABN 47 066 180 983
Association. No. A0043862N
Page 3
Gayle Vermont at Southern Parents Group
Summary by Tamsin from 30th January 2015 Group Meeting At our January group, Gayle started by emphasising that everyone is different, with no real typical Neuro-typicals (NT) either. Each of us is made up of a variety of puzzle pieces in different combinations – including people with Aspergers: 1. Aspergers is only a difference in neurology so the brain is simply wired differently. This wiring provides some similar tendencies and higher IQ. 2. Genetics are a factor that adds to this – e.g. do we have fight or flight genes? 3. Environment influences what kind of individual we are including: a. Education b. Parenting c. Social experiences d. Employment e. Family 4. Cultural backdrop – e.g. brought up in Germany then live in Australia so you have another layer of differences These puzzle pieces all create the individual with Aspergers – with no single Aspie being the same. Parenting is all about how you manage relationships in your family. You and your Aspergers family member are two people in a relationship so treat them as an individual. Parenting is essentially about: 1. Respect 2. Listening – especially reflective listening 3. Communication 4. Understanding These puzzle pieces all create the individual with Aspergers – with no single Aspie being the same as another. This includes realising your “shoulds” and trying to throw them out the door as that is someone else’s standard, not yours. Your priority is for your child to feel Safe, Secure, Valued and Respected. Gayle believes the more effective parenting strategy is using a bottom up approach – not top down directive approach. She discussed how anxiety, depression and aggression are usually all part of the same coin. The person feels out of control and reacts by trying to control the situation e.g. withdrawal or anger. As a parent you need to help them find out how to take more control and build their ability to do so. However, you can’t protect them too much as they need to learn to cope with change and stressors. You need to find a balance between routine/ predictability and building their ability to adapt to normal change. Alixithymia and Aspergers was also discussed and covered later in this newsletter.
Q&A with Tony Attwood 23rd April 2015
Special AV Members’ Only Event: Join AV to receive your invitation! Professor Tony Attwood will be presenting AV members with a Question and Answer session at Box Hill Townhall. The questions will cover all ages and issues sourced from our members, with the most popular given to Tony Attwood prior to the event. Tony plans to have prepared slides with his answers for his presentation. Please send ONE question for consideration: events@aspergersvic.org.au.
Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
ABN 47 066 180 983
Association. No. A0043862N
Page 4
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! Volunteer and join the Aspergers Victoria team As a not-for-profit charity with very little external funding', our volunteers are crucial to help people with Asperger Syndrome and their families. We URGENTLY NEED volunteers for:
SECRETARY: we are seeking expressions of interest to join our friendly Board and assist AV’s success with this vital role. Duties include; attending monthly board meetings, taking minutes, and collating monthly reports. This takes approximately 10-15 hours per month. Contact president@aspergersvic.org.au URGENTLY for further details and application.
GROUP ASSISTANTS: support Group Leaders at our various support groups. HELP SERVICES TEAM: Join our vital team of Help Volunteers to provide support, information and referral to people with Aspergers related queries. Our Help Volunteers respond to calls for help via telephone or email on a rostered basis. Full training, ongoing support and supervision are provided. If you have knowledge of, or a personal connection with Aspergers, and are a member of Aspergers Victoria, please register your interest to help1@aspergersvic.org.au
LIBRARY: to supervise library borrowings before group meetings. 1 hour shifts available up to 5 times per month. No prior experience necessary.
AUDITOR ROLE : Do you have a background in Auditing? Can you spare a couple of hours on a half-yearly basis to audit our MYOB accounts? If so please email treasurer@aspergersvic.org.au. With your help we can increase our chances of winning some grants! PLEASE join our friendly team of volunteers. Simply give us a call to find out what you can do to help! Even a few hours a week on an on-going basis helps enormously! Contact us today by email admin@aspergersvic.org.au or by phone on 9845 2766 for more information or to register your interest.
Thank you to the AV newsletter team
Thanks to the MS Nerve Centre, Blackburn
Thank you to all our volunteers who
We are grateful for the support of MS Australia who assist AV with access to its venue for our various meetings and presen tations and other support at the Nerve C en tre in Blackburn. This dedicated venue is provided through an innovative community partnership which MS Australia has organised with Aspergers Victoria and other community partners, so we can share the benefits of a high quality environment at the Centre.
contribute to this newsletter including: Lyndel, Lee and board,
as
c on tribu ted suggestions
well
Robyn as
those
th ou ghts, and
from our
articles
who
editin g, including
Belinda, Cristina, Robyn C and Penny R. Also, to Robert Clark, MP for Box Hill who kindly supplies the print copies of our newsletters and to Monique at Exclusive Concepts for her work on all our design and print material,
including
our
seasonal
newsletters.
Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
ABN 47 066 180 983
Association. No. A0043862N
Page 5
2015 Support Group Meetings Our support groups and social meetings are the most significant part of our organisation. You are most welcome to attend our meetings for free on two occasions before we ask you to formally join. Full Membership benefits can be found on our website www.aspergersvic.org.au. We are always interested in hearing from potential leaders of new groups. Group
Meeting Place
Meeting Time
Other Information rd
AS Adults Blackburn
The Nerve Centre 54 Railway Rd, Blackburn
7:30-9:30pm on the 3 Thursday every month, except Jan & Dec
For AS adults to discuss relevant concerns. The Partners Group meets at the same time in another room. Email asadults@aspergersvic.org.au
AS Young Adults Blackburn
The Nerve Centre 54 Railway Rd, Blackburn
7:30-9:30pm on the 4th Thursday every month, except Jan & Dec
For AS young adults (18-30) to discuss relevant concerns. The Eastern Parents (evening) Group meets at the same time in another room. Email youngadults@aspergersvic.org.au
AS Girls Blackburn
The Nerve Centre 54 Railway Rd, Blackburn
7:30-9:30pm on the 3rd Friday in every month, except Jan & Dec
For AS girls to get to know one another in an informal and fun environment, while the parents discuss and share challenges in an adjoining room. Email girls@aspergersvic.org.au
AS Teens
The Nerve Centre 54 Railway Rd, Blackburn
7:30-9:30pm on the 4th Friday in even months, except Dec
For AS teenagers aged 13-18 only to discuss relevant concerns. Please note that Aspergers Vic cannot act as carer at this event. Email teens@aspergersvic.org.au
Glen Waverley
La Porchetta 187 Coleman Pde Glen Waverley
7-9pm on the 4th Friday in A social outing for AS teens aged 13-18. Please note that odd months, except Jan Aspergers Vic cannot act as carer at this event.
AS Boys
Various locations
Fortnightly during term times on Saturdays
Parents & Carers Eastern Suburbs (evening)
The Nerve Centre 54 Railway Rd, Blackburn
7:30-9:30pm on the 4th A coffee evening for parents and carers of young adults where Thursday of every month, you can meet others and share ideas. The Young Adults Group except Jan & Dec meets at the same time in another room. Email easternpm@aspergersvic.org.au
Parents & Carers Eastern Suburbs (daytime)
Salvation Army 53 Wantirna Rd Ringwood
10am-12pm on the 1st Friday of every month, except Jan
Blackburn
For AS boys aged 5-12 to get to know one another in an informal and fun environment. Parents & carers supervise their children while discussing and sharing challenges. Email boys@aspergersvic.org.au
A coffee morning where you can meet others, share challenges and ideas, and hear occasional presentations by professionals working in the autism/asperger field. Email eastern@aspergersvic.org.au
Parents & Carers Reservoir Neighbourhood 7-9pm on the 4th Northern Suburbs House, 2B Cuthbert Rd Tuesday of every month, Reservoir except Dec
A coffee evening for parents and carers of children, where you can meet others in a similar situation, share challenges and ideas. Email northern@aspergersvic.org.au
Wembley Primary School 7:30-9:30pm on the 3rd 32 St Leonards Ave Wednesday of every Yarraville month except Jan & Dec
A coffee evening for parents and carers of children, where you can meet others in a similar situation, share challenges and ideas. Email western@aspergersvic.org.au
Parents & Carers Western Suburbs
Parents & Carers Carnegie Library Southern Suburbs Boyd Room 3, (daytime) 7 Shepparson Ave, Carnegie
10am-12pm on the 4th Friday of every month, except Dec
Partners Blackburn
The Nerve Centre 54 Railway Rd, Blackburn
7:30-9:30pm on the 3rd A coffee evening where you can meet others in a similar Thursday of every month, situation. The AS Adults Group meets at the same time in except Jan another room. Email partners@aspergersvic.org.au
Siblings Blackburn
The Nerve Centre 54 Railway Rd, Blackburn
7:30-9pm on the 2nd Friday of every month, except Jan
Odd Months = Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov The Nerve Centre – Melway ref: 48 A49 – Free parking off Solwood Lane Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
A coffee morning where you can meet others, share challenges and ideas, and hear occasional presentations by professionals working in the autism/asperger field. Email southern@aspergersvic.org.au
For school aged children in years 1-7 who have a sibling with Aspergers or HFA. Parents meet to discuss and share challenges in an adjoining room. Email siblings@aspergersvic.org.au Even Months = Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec Please check exact meeting details at www.aspergersvic.org.au/events
ABN 47 066 180 983
Association. No. A0043862N
Page 6
President’s Message By Lyndel Kennedy - Aspergers Victoria President
I don’t know about you, but I always find the start of a new year is an exciting time. The break from school and work routines over the summer holiday gives us an opportunity to review personal, family and work achievements of the past year, and plan ahead with renewed energy for the coming year. I even enjoy the annual pilgrimage to Officeworks to renew the kid’s stationary supplies (and add in a few pristine notebooks for me). With the new year now well underway, our team at Aspergers Victoria is looking forward to delivering another
year
of
informative
speaker
nights,
supportive groups meetings, and enjoyable social events were members and guests of all neurological persuasions can learn and share together amongst
social groups, six guest speaker functions planned, dedicated
library,
quarterly
newsletter,
website,
accepting and like-minded people.
social media, and the ongoing vital helpline via
A recently published study in in the Journal of Autism
to members on resources at People Making in
and Developmental Disorders identified that the difficulties in accurately identifying another person’s emotional state from non verbal cues can go both ways. Says American researcher Dr Noah Sasson, coauthor of the study, “Rarely do we think about others having difficulty understanding the emotions and the thought processes of people with autism, but social
phone and email. Don’t forget the discount available Camberwell, and the Social Thinking Seminar hosted by Spectrum Speech in September will also be available at a discount to AV members. Next up we have our March Mindfulness Event, with Warren Gibson and Evelyn Bugel on 4th March, followed by Professor Tony Attwood’s AV members
interaction is a two-way street.”
only presentation on 23rd April.
As you can see from the wide variety of content our
Please remember when you come into contact with
Newsletter team have pulled together for you, there is always a lot going on in the Victorian Aspergers Community, and we are proud to be offering our 25th year of services to you, with 12 monthly support/
any of our AV representatives, that we are all volunteers giving freely of our time to support our community and each other.
If you have a chance,
please stop and say hi, and tell us how we’re doing.
Welcome to our NEW Aspergers Victoria Membership Card Aspergers Victoria has upgraded its membership card and from the beginning of this year new members and renewing members have been issued with a credit card sized plastic card. Our members have been requesting a card that can fit into the standard male wallet and now we have delivered. The new cards are being sent to members progressively as they renew. Renewal notices will be issued when due, then jump online to renew at the Join Us page and your new card will be posted to you. The card upgrade has been made possible by the resourcefulness of Michael Costello, an AV member who approached the organisation with the idea and a proposal to provide ongoing printing services. Thank you to Michael for taking the initiative.
Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
ABN 47 066 180 983
Association. No. A0043862N
Page 7
Photo: Joe Shlabotnik / Creative Commons
Musings of an Aspie: Emotional dysfunction: alexithymia & ASD
From Cynthia Kim’s online blog ‘Musings of
an Aspie’ - 31st January 2013 When an Aspie says they don’t know what they’re feeling, it’s a literal statement. We aren’t trying to dodge the conversation. We aren’t withholding information. We aren’t being rude, mean, cold, coy or vindictive. I’ve had variations on the above conversation many times and it’s as frustrating for me as it is for the person who wants to know what’s wrong. The reason? I have difficulty identifying my emotions and even more trouble verbalising them. Working through my emotional constellations has helped me identify some of the specific issues I–and many autistic people–have in processing and identifying feelings. Predictably, I’ve grouped the issues into three general categories:
Modulation: moderating the strength of my emotions Determination: identifying emotions in others Discrimination: separating emotion directed at me from general expression of emotion
Modulation: The Glitchy Volume Control There is a common misconception that autistic people are unemotional. You’ll often hear this refuted by autistics themselves, who say they are too emotional. So which is it? For me, it’s both. My emotions gravitate toward the extremes of muted or intense; few fall in the midranges. My default emotional state is neutral. I don’t feel especially good or bad. I’m present in the moment and content to be so. Externally, I may come across as serious or subdued, but reduced expressiveness shouldn’t be confused with a negative state of being or a lack of feeling. The feelings are definitely there. Most of the time Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
they quietly mind their own business and I need to consciously check-in to see what they’re up to. When they decide to fully surface on their own, however, they’re intense. Unlike most neurotypicals, I don’t have a lot of ability to modulate the strength of my emotions. Imagine a radio with an on/off switch and a glitchy volume control. If you think about this in terms of the weak executive function associated with Asperger’s, it makes sense. Humans use reasoning, rationalisation and labeling to modulate emotion. All of these methods fall under the umbrella of executive function. Labeling emotions, in particular, seems to be hard for Aspies.
Determination: The Broken Mirror Just as I have difficulty labeling my own emotions, I have trouble identifying what others are feeling. I struggle with interpreting facial expressions and body language. I’m weak at perspective-taking. Basically, when it comes to reading emotional clues, I’m like one of those old-time detectives who had to solve murders without any forensic evidence. There’s only so much information you can gather from what people tell you outright. This difficulty determining what others are feeling is a big contributor to the stereotype of the empathydeficient Aspie. If someone is giving off “I’m sad” cues that I fail to recognise, when I don’t console them, they’ll assume I’m cold and unsympathetic. For neurotypical people, emotional interaction is like looking in a mirror. They expect to see a reflective emotion looking back at them and when they don’t, they assume the mirror is broken. This isn’t to say I’m oblivious to other’s emotional states. I get the obvious ones and the ones that I can derive from contextual clues. What I tend to miss are the subtle or unexpected emotional states.
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Page 8
I’ve always been disturbed by confrontation and conflict, even when I’m only a bystander. By default, The Scientist is in charge of “confrontation with
In part, it’s related to my upbringing, but there is also an element of weak executive control at work. In theory, I should be able to rationalise away my
others.” If something needs to be argued over or complained about–a botched repair job or an overcooked restaurant meal–that’s his department. While he’s making that phone call or waiting for the manager to appear, I go off and hide.
overreaction by telling myself that I’m observing generalised anger (or frustration or sadness), not anger directed at me. I should be able to put myself in the other person’s shoes and direct my emotions at the target of their distress, rather than feeling
As an adult, I’m not proud of this. Why do I desperately need to flee a situation to which I’m nothing more than an observer? Because, I recently realised, I don’t discriminate between anger that is aimed at me and anger in general. When someone is angry, I invariably feel like I’m the cause or the target, even when I rationally know that I’m not. If The Scientist calls me after a bad day, I hear how upset he is and immediately feel distressed. Not distressed as in “I should console my husband because he’s had a bad day.” I feel distressed in a “this is incredibly stressful and I want it to stop” kind of way. My brain immediately goes into “fix it” mode, searching for a way to make the other person feel better so I can also relieve my own distress. Of course, a conversation with an upset spouse is upsetting to most people. But what about a conversation between two strangers that I’ve merely overheard? Twice in the past two weeks I’ve witnessed one person berating another for an etiquette infraction at the swimming pool. (Yes, we take our lap swimming seriously around these parts.) Both times I felt my heartbeat skyrocket, as if the anger was directed at me. In reality, I’m sure neither of these people even noticed I was standing nearby. Even now, as I’m sitting here in Starbucks typing, the woman at the next table is telling a story about how mad she is at her sister; I can feel my blood pressure rising at the tone of her words. Words that are completely irrelevant to me. Words that, thanks to my funky brain wiring, I find impossible to tune out. Yes, not only does my autistic brain not know how to interpret the emotional content of other people’s conversations, it also refuses to tune them out. And people wonder why we Aspies like to spend a lot of time alone. It took me a long time and a lot of thought to figure out why I respond to secondhand distress like this. Why should I feel emotionally assailed when the angry words are aimed at another person? Why should I feel emotionally assailed when the angry words are aimed at another person? Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
like the target myself.
Alexithymia The three areas where I have difficulty–modulation, discrimination and determination–are actually core traits of alexithymia. Alexithymia (literally: having no words for emotions) is impairment in identifying and describing emotions. Specifically, it’s characterised by:
Difficulty identifying feelings
Difficulty describing feelings to others
Difficulty distinguishing between feelings and bodily sensations related to emotional arousal Impoverished imagination and fantasy life A stimulus-dependent, externally oriented cognitive style
When I look at the list of alexithymic characteristics, I also realise that when I’m emotionally uncomfortable, I’m more likely to have physical complaints. I’ll be feeling frustrated or sad, but complain that I’m uncomfortably cold or intolerably sleepy. This isn’t a connection I would make on my own, but once I see it described as part of alexithymia–like so much about my autistic self–it suddenly makes perfect sense. There is a lot of overlap between alexithymia and ASD, both in the perception of emotions and the difficulty in verbalising feelings. Not only are autistic people very likely to exhibit the characteristics of alexithymia, their parents are as well. However, many non-autistic people also have alexithymia, so it isn’t exclusive to ASD. Alexithymia isn’t a clinical diagnosis like autism. It’s a construct (theory) used to describe the traits of people who have difficulty verbalising emotions. It’s also a helpful way of thinking about some of the challenges Aspies have with processing feelings. This article is from Cynthia Kim’s blog Musings of an Aspie at www.musingsofanaspie.com/2013/01/31/emo tional-dysfunction-alexithymia-and-asd/. Cynthia Kim has written extensively for various autism publications and has written a guide outlined on her fabulous blog.
ABN 47 066 180 983
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Page 9
Implementing a Student Checklist
Mindfulness
For some students, a simple checklist is all they
1. The Power of Mindfulness:
By Lisa Rogers
The Three Part Series
need to get them started and keep them moving
How a meditation practice can help kids become
through academic activities. The following is an
less anxious, more focused www.childmind.org/
example of such a checklist
en/posts/articles/2012-4-9-power-ofmindfulness
The checklist corresponds to numbered folders in a filing box. The student knows to complete the work
2. Mindfulness in the Classroom:
in the four (corresponding) folders. After checking
How it helps kids regulate behavior and focus on
each number off, the student then has a few
le arn in g :
minutes to engage in a highly reinforcing activity.
articles/2012-4-23-mindfulness-classroom
However, other students may need a bit more to be successful.
3. Mindful Parenting: How to take stress and anxiety out of raising kids: www.childmind.org/en/posts/articles/2012
Add a motivating activity at the end of the checklist.
-5-25-mindfulness-parenting
Remember to encourage the students to check off activities as they are completed. This can increase independence
ww w .c h il d m in d. o rg/ en / p o st s/
and
provide
a
sense
of
accomplishment. Here are some considerations if the checklist is not as effective for the student... More of this article at:
http://aspergers101.com/checklist-implementat ion/. Author Lisa Rogers is Director at Educating Diverse Learners and writes an education blog.
Mindfulness Video:
“When you’re walking, just walk. When you’re eating, just eat. Not in front of the TV, not with the newspaper. It turns out, that’s huge.” - Jon Kabat-Zinn This MIT Scientist tries to explain in this video about what Mindfulness involves and it’s helpfulness with anxiety: www.cbsnews.com/news/mindfulness-and erson-cooper-60-minutes/
#AWEtism Rethink I Can Network Camps The I Can camps are held at Doxa Youth Camp, Malmsbury – accessible by private car, or V/Line train to Kyneton and Doxa bus to camp. Information is posted on the "events" tab at: www.icannetwork.com.au/events/ Interested participants should complete the registration form and one of the camp mentors will be in contact with you (or parent, if under 18) to discuss the camp and provide further info. Participant registration links are:
Young Adults Camp (18-30 years): 13-15 March, http://tinyurl.com/ICan-YoungAdults-2015-EOI Teens (15-18 years) 1-3 May, http://tinyurl.com/ICan-Teens-2015-EOI Teens (15-18 years) 11-13 September, (will open later in the year) I Can are also looking for more "Camp Mentors" to assist with the above:
Register your interest: http://tinyurl.com/ICan-CampMentor-EOI Download position description: http://tinyurl.com/ICan-CampMentor-PD2 Questions? For mentors email: hello@icannetwork.com.au Or for participants email: camp@icannetwork.com.au Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
ABN 47 066 180 983
Association. No. A0043862N
Page 10
Aspergers and Bullying
reacting and not to use our strength to respond
Published 19th February 2015.
that with practice will make a big difference in the
when angry. The Protectors taught us super powers
Robyn Campbell’s blog: My Three Aspies Having
Aspergers
Syndrome
can
playground and online. make
kids
susceptible to bullying. In the playground and online reading social cues and responding tactfully can be darn tricky. Being socially awkward is the equivalent of painting a great big target on your back, leading to unwanted attention from bullies. My three Aspies have had their fair share of meanness thrown at
Question time at the end of the show was almost as entertaining as the show itself as the brilliantly wired audience sought to enlighten the presenters of all the possible flaws in the script and suggest unique strategies for dealing with bullies like “Call Tony Abbott!”
them and now, thanks to Aspergers Victoria, they
Mr 9 year old Aspie Bailey wanted to know which
have some fantastic tools to throw back.
websites he could be directed to if he needed to
The 18th of February was Hans Aspergers birthday. He would have been 99 years old. Hans is the Austrian Pediatrician who first identified the group of
behaviors
that
was later named Aspergers
Syndrome. To celebrate Hans’ birthday, Aspergers Victoria invited all of its members to an educational theatre schools.
production “The
addressing
Protectors”,
anti-bullying by
in
follow up on any of the information he had learnt. Very practical of him I thought! Following the production was a party for Hans and as I watched my boys race for the sweet biscuits on the tables and an opportunity to play with the balloons all around the room, I was very thankful to Aspergers Victoria for putting on such a great event.
Brainstorm
This week at home we’ve all been practicing our
Productions, is a one-hour show that gave our boys
Protect Powers. Several times Bailey has gone to hit
fantastic resources to help reduce incidences of
his younger brother for annoying him and I had the
bullying and encourage resilience, assertiveness and
tools to say, don’t use your strength to solve the
empathy.
problem, breath and release and be assertive, not
Mr 10 year old Aspie Casey was positive he did not want to go. Casey is fearful and anything new and different. If you ask him which movie he’d like to see at the cinema he always asks for one he’s already seen and dreads anything new. So I negotiated that if after 10 minutes of the show he still didn’t like it, we could leave. But he didn’t. Nobody did. The
aggressive. When Casey was being licked to death by a Cavoodle and cowered in the corner I was able to reinforce assertive body language and he stood tall against his affectionate attacker. When Archie saw a child in the playground being bullied. He knew exactly what he should do. And I cried. Happy tears.
entire audience were all captivated by the brilliant
The Protectors show wasn’t about just protecting
team of actors who played out the life of school kids
yourself. It was also about standing up for others,
dealing with bullying.
because "If you’re a bystander to bullying, you’re as
Throughout the show we all learnt how to enact our protect shields so that mean words would just bounce off us. We can use our translators to reverse name-calling onto a bully and to be assertive and clever with our responses. We also learnt how important it is to breathe and release before
Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
bad as the bully yourself". When Bailey first started school a group of boys from grade one, who Bailey had been pestering, surrounded him and pulled down his pants. The school handled it brilliantly and the incident hasn’t been repeated. But the one thing that stood out for me was a little grade one
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boy, who went up to Bailey and helped him and
Please encourage your school or group to find room
made sure that he was okay. I remember at the time
in their budget for this program. I believe every
thinking how proud I would be if that was my son.
school in Australia should be giving this level of
Well, thanks to the Protectors, that child now is my son. This week Archie stood up for a child in the playground, telling them not to be mean. He told them “Hey! That’s not very nice!” which for a six year old on the spectrum, is the equivalent to an opening speech
in
Parliament.
It
took
guts.
It
took
assertiveness. And boy am I proud that my son could be the one to stand up for others. He showed empathy, assertiveness, compassion and conflict
empowerment to their students and then everyone, Aspie or not, would have a better understanding of bullying and the damage it can do, damage, that can last a lifetime. Just ask my husband; he sat there crying throughout the show as it brought back memories of the six months he endured at school being bashed by bullies every day. He wished that he had seen the show as a child and been given the tools he needed to defend himself. Thank
resolution thanks to his Protect Powers! Check out the website: http://brainstormproduc tions.edu.au/primary-school-shows/the-protectors
you
Aspergers
Victoria
and
Brainstorm
Productions for making a difference in our kids lives. Please share this blog to encourage the promotion of Anti-Bullying campaigns.
Spectrospective
Stories of Autism / Aspergers The best people to tell us about Aspergers and ASD are those who live with it – the individuals and their families and supporters. Aspergers Victoria, in partnership with Amaze, want your perspectives on the Autism Spectrum. We are asking you to tell us in a video format:
Call for ASD Artists Are you an artist with an ASD, or do you know someone who is? Following on from the success of the first Frame of Mind exhibition in 2014, OTARC are celebrating the 8th World Autism Awareness Day with another in April and May.
Frame of Mind 2015 will be a group show, featuring work by artists who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Frame of Mind 2015 is supported by La Trobe Museum of Art (LUMA), and will run for eight weeks at Writer's Block Cafe at The Borchardt Library, located in Bundoora. There are a few exhibition criteria specified below:
Tell us a funny story about your Aspergers? What is Aspergers to you? How Aspergers makes you good at some things and how it makes other things hard & challenging.
If you had one wish, what would it be? What would you like others to know about ASD? And how do you do this? Take a video – on a smart phone, tablet, video recorder, GoPro or other technique. Submit it before 1st March 2015 – for further details go to www.spectrospective.com.au.
All the videos will go on to the Spectrospective YouTube Channel, and some on the Spectrospective Microsite. From the videos, a
The work can be any two-dimensional medium The work can be any theme, but must depict a
short film will be created to provide insight into ASD, improve understanding and break some myths
figure of some description, whether it be portrait, abstract, life drawing, fictional etc.
All works will be framed for exhibit All works will for sale (with standard gallery
The movie will be screened on World Autism
commissions applying) For further details and submissions please email the Curator at: a.aulich@latrobe.edu.au.
Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
What is your favourite thing to do? (tell or show)
Awareness Day, 2nd April, at 7 Village Cinema outlets across Victoria and Tasmania, followed by a sensory-friendly movie screening of Shaun The
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Library By Kelly - Asperger Victoria’s Volunteer Librarian
Welcome back to the Aspergers Victoria Library for 2015. The Library is located at the Nerve Centre in Blackburn and provides a great range of resources for members of Aspergers Victoria to borrow. We added many new titles to our collection late last year and are always keen to hear new suggestions and recommendations. For any information regarding the library email Kelly at library@aspergersvic.org.au or come by and browse during our opening times: Throughout 2015 the library will be open every 3 rd and 4th Thursday evening of the month 7pm-8pm, as well as all guest speaker nights held at Blackburn. We are also hoping to open on the 3rd and 4th Friday evenings and are keen to hear from anyone who may be interested in volunteering an hour of their time to help supervise the library, no experience is necessary and any time you can commit is greatly appreciated. The library is a wonderful source of information for those with Aspergers, caring or living with someone with Aspergers, or interested in learning more about AS. Borrowing is available for a 4 week period to coincide with meeting times. Please remember to bring your current membership card with you.
The Zones of Regulation*
Social Thinking at Work
2011 Social Thinking Publishing
Michelle Garcia Winner & Pamela Crooke After reading this book, you will
A curriculum comprised
never think about making small
of lessons and activities
talk or presenting your ideas in
designed
a meeting the same way again.
Kuypers,
The authors describe the inner
OTR/L to help students
workings of the social mind in
gain skills in the area of
the workplace and decode the
self-regulation.
hidden rules of the social world
lessons
by explaining how we think
activities are designed
about our own, as well as other
to
people's thoughts and emotions.
recognise when they are in the different Zones
Why is it that someone can come up with a brilliant strategy, but be unable to effectively communicate an idea
in
a
meeting
with
fellow
managers?
What are the social rules of the workplace, and how
help
by M.
and the
Leah A.
Ed.,
The
learning students
(states of alertness/moods) as well as learn how to use strategies (including sensory supports, calming techniques, and thinking strategies) to regulate the Zone they are in.
them?
This is an excellent resource for both school
How can a person can be recognised for productivity on
and home use and includes a CD of printable
a job but never included in work or social discussions?
worksheets, charts and visual aides.
come
it
seems
not
everyone
understands
This book explores how to better express thoughts and how to encourage others to support endeavours as you gain an understanding of how to regularly adjust your thinking and social behaviours.
Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
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Links & Blogs
Aspergers Awareness:
Charlie is skateboarding from Melbourne to Byron Bay to raise money and awareness for AS. Donations can be made online at: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/rollingforaspergers
I am Asperger Syndrome:
Article by Dan Coulter: w w w . a rn i o n l in e . or g/ i n d e x . ph p ?o p t i on =c o m _ c o n t e n t & vi e w = art i c l e &id=11791%3Ai-am-asperger-syndrome-&catid=35%3Aarniarticles&Ite mid=53
Alternative Wiring:
Blog about growing up with the alternative wiring of Aspergers: www.dailycal.org/2015/01/11/alternative-wiring-living-aspergers/
Life with ASD Blog:
What does having "Mild Aspergers" or "Mild Autism" mean? “One of my readers recently said that "saying that you are mildly Aspergers is like saying that you are mildly pregnant". This is a very good analogy. Much like pregnancy, Asperger Syndrome has a "binary state". It can be on or off, there is no other state…” More at:
http://life-with-aspergers.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/what-does-
having-mild-aspergers-or-mild.html Thrive with Aspergers:
Workplaces tips blog: www.myaspergers.net/what-is-aspergers/3-valuable-aspergers-workplacetips-need-now/
Dude I’m an Aspie:
Some quirky cartoons: www.dudeimanaspie.com
AsperClick:
A forum that allows for parents and those with Aspergers to come together, discuss things, and provide support. http://asperclick.com
Essay Writing Template:
www.aspergers101.com/supporting-college-writing-assignments/
Tony Attwood:
Interview about Autism Friendly Environments with Autism Care UK: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJTl1dyL1zs
Lumosity App:
Personal training for your brain including executive function skills: www.lumosity.com
TEDTalk:
How autism freed me to be myself: www.ted.com/talks/rosie_king_how_autis m_freed_me_to_be_myself?language=en
Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
ABN 47 066 180 983
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Page 14
What’s On
The Stepping Stones Triple P Parenting Program
Social Skills Programs, Counselling and School PD Programs
Parenting is a challenging job, but parenting a child
Offers
with a disability can significantly impact on the
functioning children on the autism spectrum, the
health and wellbeing of all family members.
shy, the high tempered, the lonely, the bullied, the
The Social Learning Studio - Ascot Vale
Project currently rolling out across Victoria
social
skills
groups
designed
for
high
bully, and the bored.
Monash University is inviting all parents of children with a disability aged 2-12 years to take part in the
Social learning is layered with levels of simplicity and
Stepping Stones Project, in which parents will be
sophistication. As such, once individuals join The
offered the highly successful Stepping Stones Triple
Social Learning Studio, they can access the programs
P parenting program free of charge. Stepping Stones
long term, from primary to teen and adult programs
aims to promote child development and reduce the
with programs designed to meet the specific needs
rates of challenging behaviours by empowering
of people attending the clinic. Programs include:
parents to independently solve problems.
support or would like more information on the
Movie Making for Teens Comic Strip Social Subtlety for Adults.
project, please visit www.triplep-steppingstones.net,
More info on The Social Learning Studio website:
If you are interested in receiving the free parenting
or contact the project team on 9905 0154 or on
ww w . so c i al l ea rn i n g s t u d io .c o m/ s oc ia l - sk i l ls -
email: med-steppingstones@monash.edu
programs
Sue Larkey Workshops Victoria
Lego Club
Eltham
Both the Fitzroy Library and the Richmond Library
Thursday 19th March Sue Larkey
Flemington Friday 24th April Geelong Morwell
children aged 6+ starting in Term 1, 2015.
Thursday 19th March Sue Larkey and Friday 12th June
Dean Beadle
Fitzroy Library:
Tuesday 3.30 to 5.00pm
Sue Larkey
Richmond Library:
Thursday 3.30 to 5.00pm
Ballarat
Wed 19th August
Dr Tony Attwood
Mulgrave
Friday 21st August
Dr Tony Attwood
More at:
will be hosting weekly Lego Club sessions for
Dr Tony Attwood
http://suelarkey.com.au/Workshops.php
Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
For more information, please contact: Emma White - Children's & Youth Services Officer 03 9426 5651 or Emma.White@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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Thank you for your support Thank you to the generous people and organisations who have donated to Aspergers Victoria. With our new charity status, we are able to offer tax deductibility to our donors and sponsors and accepts donations on our website: www.aspergersvic.org.au/donate.
We really NEED your help! As a not-for-profit charity with very little external funding', our volunteers are crucial to help people with Asperger Syndrome and their families. Urgent assistance is requirement for a Secretary
DISCOUNTS FOR ALL ASPERGERS VIC MEMBERS TO THIS EVENT
role and many others as highlighted on page 5. To find out how you can help, please call: 9845 2766 or send us an email: admin@aspergersvic.org.au
Research Projects Listed Online If you wish to know details of current research projects, please visit our website at: www.aspergersvic.org.au/research-requests
become a member Becoming a member is easy and you can start enjoying your member-only benefits almost immediately. For your convenience you can become an AV member either online or by post: ONLINE: www.aspergersvic.org.au/membership/ POST:
Complete and post in the application form on the last page of this newsletter or call us to request an application form.
aspergers vic membership Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
ABN 47 066 180 983
Association. No. A0043862N
Page 16
Membership Renewal PLEASE NOTE – YOU CAN JOIN AND RENEW ONLINE! Member benefits include our quarterly newsletter, Support Group meetings, and special rates to our regular seminars. New members also receive a copy of the amazing Aspergers Victoria Information Kit. Membership is valid for 12 months.
PERSONAL DETAILS Applicant’s name __________________________________________________________________________________ Postal address _____________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________Postcode ___________________ Phone __________________________________________Mob ______________________________________________ Email address _____________________________________________________________________________________ AS person’s name _________________________________________________________________________________ Birth date _________________________________________________________________________________________
□
New membership (includes Information Kit)
$40.00
□
Membership renewal
$20.00
□
Donation
$_________ Total amount enclosed $_________
Please note: Membership payments via post are to be made by cheque ONLY - Do not send cash. Make cheque payable to “Aspergers Victoria Inc” and forward it with registration form to: Aspergers Victoria, 54 Railway Road, Blackburn VIC 3130. Receipts issued on request.
Applicant’s signature ____________________________________________ Date ___________________________ Please Note: ▪ You can join or renew ONLINE and save postage at www.aspergersvic.org.au/membership ▪ We have no credit card or EFTPOS facilities (do not send cash) ▪ Any donations will become tax deductible once DGR status is approved by the ATO. ▪ Please allow 4 weeks for delivery of Information Kit and membership card
Helping and sharing… would you like to become involved? Our organisation is only as effective as our volunteers. Please consider offering your time to help. “I would like to help with ______________________________________________ Please contact me to discuss”.
Aspergers Victoria Newsletter - Autumn 2015
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Page 17