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• Autism Coffee Morning • Birthday Wishes for Jordan • Kerry’s Poem • What’s On At Easter
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Introduction Hello everyone and welcome to my April edition of “Just Jordan”. Don’t be surprised if Mum has sneaked something in this month as I celebrate my 21’st birthday on the 6th! Again, am elated with the response about my “JUST Jordan” group and newsletter, so thank you all from the bottom of my heart! Keep your questions coming. If you’d like to order a paper or hardback edition just drop me a line and I’ll order it for
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you. I’ve continued with a similar layout but please do share any suggestions for the May edition! As always please do keep your feedback and messages coming, it’s a pleasure hearing from each and everyone of you! I’ve worked very hard on this Newsletter (as I’ve no doubt Mum probably has done too lol) and I hope that you will enjoy and tell all your friends & family about “JUST Jordan”. You will find information on my “JUST Jordan”
Facebook/Twitter page and how to contact me details are also enclosed. As always I look forward to your feedback, submissions and questions for the next edition. P.S: How many of these bunnies can you find?
Happy Easter, see ya!!
Jordan Fernando xx
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Autism Coffee Morning
Spring is one of my favourite months in the year as it is my birthday, Easter and World Autism Awareness Week which means lots and lots of cakes and choccy at each event!!! Sadly I was a bit ill this year and Mum and our friend Carol stepped in to save the day and yet again the event was a great success, so a big thank you from the bottom of my heart! Many of us have been diagnosed or know someone with autism, but the condition is often misunderstood. The purpose of WAAW is to help raise awareness about what it means to have autism, and for all of us to get involved in some local events and fundraising. Each year, in the week leading up to World Autism Awareness my family and I organise autism events including bucket
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collections too. If you'd like to join us at our events then please do get in touch and remember it’s also suitable for all ages. . According to the National Autistic Society (NAS), over half a million people with autism feel socially isolated, and struggle to be a part of the society around them. I have to agree somewhat as I often feel isolated, stressed and depressed and find it difficult to snap out of that emotional state. Help is at hand though as you can speak to your GP, explain how your feeling and ask for support. NAS have produced a great promotional video to inspire and encourage everyone, just follow the link here: https://youtu.be/FGsUVHBG0SI
Each year, in the week leading up to World Autism Awareness Week, I try my best to encourage the community to take part with me – a full seven days where friends, family, schools, workplaces and individuals, within our wee community take part in activities to raise money and awareness for The National Autistic Society. We’ve come a long way in raising autism awareness but there’s still more to be done until everyone understands autism. I thoroughly enjoy volunteering with Louis Ferguson at our local health radio station 3TFM and often use the radio to share events and autism information. The radio really helps me spread the word but I also need your support to raise vital funds to continue running events like our local coffee mornings, newsletters and sharing knowledge with professionals working with autistic people, and so much more – and that’s where you come in. You can view some footage from our Autism Coffee Morning here: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.fernando.370/videos/a.10160205245300652.1073742186.88412 0651/10160205340330652/?type=3
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Here is a lovely selection of photos from the day, enjoy!
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Mum back on the sofa discussing World Autism Awareness Week with the STV2 Live at Five presenters!!!
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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
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Chris Packham is the ambassador now for the National Autistic Society (NAS). Chris's documentary Asperger’s and Me, has been very popular, successfully helping people to understand more about autism. Please click on the link below to view the documentary. BBCiplayer - Aspergers and me: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09b1zbb/chrispackham-aspergers-and-me
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Kids Zone by Jordan Fernando
More in the Kids Zone next month!
Please keep your coming and I’ll do my feature them in next months edition Jordan.
drawings best to of JUST
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Our regular JUST Jordan poem submitted by Autist Kerry McGinn 20, Stevenston, North Ayrshire.
I’d like to dedicate this poem to one of the best people I know Happy 21st Birthday Jordan Fernando Best Friends There are many different types of best friends Some are bold and loud while others are quiet and shy But one thing is for certain, you shouldn't take them for granted And here is the reason why They can make any activity fun Whether just chilling at home or going out to the town And when you fall on hard times They perk you up when you’re down Having a best friend is like a lifelong pact They are guaranteed to be there through and through And that’s how I feel about my best friend Jordan Fernando And that is 100% is true Anything we do together is fun Whether playing video games or just sitting down to talk I couldn’t ask for a better best friend In fact I consider her my rock But she is more than just my best friend She is like the sister I never had And I know we will always be there for each other Through the good and Bad
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Dear Jordan…… Ask me anything and I’ll be as frank with my views as Coleen is on Loose Women!! I can be your straightesttalking agony aunt, giving advice on relationships, bullying, early diagnosis and any life problems you may have…..xx Huge thanks to everyone who submitted questions for “Dear Jordan”
“Dear Jordan How do I get a passport photo done when my daughter won't look at the camera? She's almost 5 but there is no chance of her looking at the camera and even less chance of her sitting in a photo booth. If your daughter struggles then you would need to explain this on the passport form and support this with a letter from your consultant. See guidance below https://www.gov.uk/passport-services-disabled Hope this helps ! Love Jordan xxx Contact me anytime : Jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk or suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/213071952427706/ @JustJordan2016
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“Dear Jordan”: My child has been assessed by ATS and ed Psychologist over the last month. Both have completely contradicted each other. One (ed Psychologist) has seen exactly what I see- a child that strives from routine, structure, huge anxiety’s,low self esteem and dislikes anyone new ( was very on edge when ed Psychologist walked in even before my child knew they were for him). They did notice a that my child had a close friend,which they do, but in my opinion there is no depth to the friendship. They just play well together and my child leads the play usually. my child amongst a whole load of other things cannot follow more than a one step instruction but IS progressing well in some areas. ATS has said they do not know why I wanted the child seen, there are no social communication issues, my child has friends and transitions well into the playground and back again and speaks in conversation/answers questions. I said my child definitely does not play age appropriately outside of school, it’s all very one sided and they struggle to join in with others that are already playing. Also if they see those same friends outside the safety of the school gate my child is with drawn and takes along time to ‘join in with anything /the party etc. They said they will assess my child again in a few months. Anyway any advice please. Personally, I'd rather refer you to the NAS education right service as it's much too complex an issue to talk through in this type of forum. http://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/education-rights.aspx
Hope this helps ! Love Jordan xxx
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed
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What’s On in Ayrshire
***Ayrshire Veteran Breakfast club also meet every Monday morning at 10 in the Melbourne Café, Saltcoats. All welcome!***
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/476315025910707/ or https://www.facebook.com/VintageRoseTherapies.co.uk/
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**Happy Birthday Jordan from some special friends and family!**
HAPPY 21ST JORDAN YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL, INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG LADY AND SHOULD BE VERY PROUD OF EVERYTHING YOU HAVE ACHIEVED SO FAR! ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL DAY LOTS OF LOVE APRIL JAMES AND FAMILY XXXXX
To Jordan,hope you have a wonderful birthday ,have a bit of cake but not mountains of it , the way you have a mountain of toast ! Love Norah
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'To a beautiful young lady who has achieved so much in 21 years may you carry on bringing inspiration love and support to others and receive it back 100 times with all our love cousin Nina Chris and William from Chester xxxx
Hi Jordan, Wishing you a very happy 21'st birthday, hope you have an amazing day you are truly amazing and inspirational young lady. We are privileged and honoured to have such a talented young lady as a friend. love James Smith n co,.
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“Don’t forget about us…..we love you too Jordan” Happy Birthday from Bruno, Fung, Fernandez, Vincent, Bonsai, Willow, Thumper and little Miss Cutie Kusama xx
A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AN AMAZING YOUNG WOMAN WHO IS A GREAT AMBASSADOR FOR SOMEONE WITH AUTISM! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDAN - EAT LOTS OF CAKE! LOVE FROM FIONA
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HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY. HAVE A GREAT DAY. FRANK LANNI 3TFM
“Happy 21st Birthday to Jordan. With best wishes from all at the National Autistic Society Scotland” Hi Jordan, from all your collegues here at 3tfm have a very Happy 21st Birthday and do celebrate with a wee tipple or two. Happy Birthday X
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Congrats to Autist David who won Apprentice of the year!
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https://www.facebook.com/events/177184756419872/
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Nas Largs Branch https://www.facebook.com/NAS-Largs-Branch-405708889866923/
Ayrshire Lego and Games Meet Event for Ayrshire Home Educators Friday, April 13 at 11 AM - 1 PM Howard Centre 5 Portland Road, KA1 2BT Kilmarnock https://www.facebook.com/events/1693410657348098/ Birds of Prey Day Hosted by South Ayrshire Events and Festivals and Culzean Castle and Country Park Friday, April 6 at 11 AM - 4 PM Culzean Castle and Country Park KA19 8LE Maybole
WCRS Eggtastic Easter Hosted by Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre Sunday at 12 PM - 4 PM Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre Moor Road, G76 0QQ Eaglesham
POLL: What would you like to read about in “JUST Jordan”? Let us know by contacting us via email: jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk or suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk
HOW TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE. If you would like to submit an article, picture, ask a question or offer support in next month’s newsletter please contact me via email: jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk or suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk
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Autism Friendly Event
Craft Session 3 - 4pm Tuesday 3rd April 2018 Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Murdoch's Lone, Alloway, Ayr KA7 4PQ Cost: Varies (Suggested donation of £1) The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (RBBM) are holding these craft sessions in their Robertson Room for children with additional support needs (ASN) including autism, and their families. Crafting materials will include: • bunny ears • stick animals • egg baskets
☆Places are limited!!!☆ There is a new play park that you could visit whilst you are there. A bonus is that the museum itself will be autism friendly accessible for the day - the lights, sounds and interactives will be turned down to create a more relaxed environment. Normal admission charges apply to the museum display BUT carers go FREE. To BOOK your space/s for the crafting sessions, and for further information, please please contact Ally Beckett. Email: abeckett@nts.org.uk
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Join us on 26 March - 2 April for World Autism Awareness Week! Whether you bake, run, or host a bucket collection, your fundraising will help us to continue to support the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Get your free fundraising pack now and find out what you can do! Why take part? We've come a long way in raising awareness about autism, but there's still more to be done until everyone understands. That's why we are holding World Autism Awareness Week - a week of fundraising activities and events in your community, at work, or at school, to help raise money to continue our life-changing work. You can make a huge difference to the lives of over 700,000 autistic people by taking part. We are here to transform lives, challenge perceptions and build a society that works for autistic people – and the money you raise will help do just that. Your fundraising has helped us gather knowledge from vital resources, spreading the word far and wide through ground-breaking campaigns like Too Much Information. Last year, thousands of you got involved in World Autism Awareness Week and fundraised an amazing £300,000.
How can I get involved? Sign up now and get your free fundraising guide, jam-packed full of fun ideas and activities to help you raise money your way. http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/world-autism-awareness-week/form-individual.aspx
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“JUST Jordan” Copyright of Miss Jordan Fernando Jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/213071952427706/ @JustJordan2016 https://issuu.com/justjordan19/ Disclaimer: All articles and information in this newsletter are of the writers own personal experiences and opinions.