Just Jordan August by "JUST Jordan"

JUST JORDAN

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JUST Jordan

Tue 1 Aug IN THIS ISSUE

Introduction Hello everyone and welcome to my Aug edition of “Just Jordan”. My cover photo is one am very proud of as it was taken with my family & pets on my 18th birthday. Again am elated with the response about my “JUST Jordan” group and newsletter, so thank you all from the bottom of my heart! It’s been wonderful having so many of you asking to submit articles and responding with such wonderful feedback too, thank you. I’ve continued with a similar layout and this time as it’s the holidays have

focused on things to do! As always please do keep your feedback and messages coming, it’s a pleasure hearing from each and everyone of you! Once again I’ve worked very hard on this Newsletter 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 August edition.

See ya,

Jordan Fernando xx

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Autism & Family Art Corner

Review

Holiday Snaps

“ “JUST Jordan” Poet – Kerry McGinn

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AUTISM & FAMILY

My goal this month is to understand some things that happen to family members when Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome become part of the picture. My family mean the world to me so this is a particularly important feature for me to talk about. Take my sister Aaron for instance, she’s 16 now and am pretty sure she understands most of what it means for me to go through life with Asperger’s Syndrome. What about your family members, do they understand? try to ignore it? constantly learning? etc. As most of you know by now I have Asperger’s Syndrome which is a condition that affects the ability to adapt to change and to understand basic social exchanges. I like my routines, eating the same

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toast every morning, going to bed at the same time every night, going out for my daily exercise, cleaning my glasses a specific way and having everything in its right place. I always know for instance if someone has been in my room and moved even 1 item slightly! Aaron is used to my routines and habits having grown up with it and it just becoming a normal thing for her, as she has grown into a young woman our relationship has just got better and better am very lucky to have her. That’s not always the case for all families however and some siblings can get rather frustrated with each others habits and can cause a lot of stress within the family so often best to seek professional support to get you through it. For me the school playground was most difficult as nobody would

play with me because I was ‘different’ which really hurt and I just couldn’t understand so would end up just sitting on a wall until the bell rang, that is unless my sister was there and she’d keep me company and look out for me as she got older and wiser. For the sibling without autism, family life can feel like a non-ending series of compromises and that is something I am more aware of now and do make a conscious effort to ask Aaron

if she’d like to sit in the front seat of the car, or choose a game to play etc.

”How does it affect a new mum or dad when their new baby hates being touch?” Am so thankful though as Aaron was always supportive (even if she didn’t like the choices made for her) and for

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that I will be eternally grateful. Some parents can view these difficult situations very differently, confronting the child for what seemed like mean-spirited behaviors towards their sibling. My parents would often make a situation that was proving difficult for me into a sort of game and that actually helped me relax and forget about why I was upset in the first place. Finding a local sibling support group can also make a huge impact on your families life for the better. Emotions that every parent dealing with autism knows parents are biologically programmed to stay “in tune” with their children, reading cries of distress and discomfort, and reaching out to soothe until the cries become sobs and sighs, and then finally a return to normal. No parent is perfect at the job, but most parents experience a feeling of confidence when a child responds to soothing communication by being soothed. But what happens when autism gets in the middle, and reasonable attempts to calm down a tantrum are met with yelling or screaming, and an endless

conversation in which the child explains just why “it has to be that way. ”How does it affect a new mother or father when their new baby strains and arches in response to touch, or looks away indifferently?” I’d imagine depression can kick in. Would you feel less depressed if your child didn’t have an autistic spectrum condition? I’ve spoken openly about this with my own parents who answer the same way everytime, ‘we loved you from the moment we set eyes on you and love EVERYTHING about you’. Let’s face it if we were all the same life would be pretty darn boring right?

Any parent regardless of having a child on the

spectrum will go through various amounts of challenges with their children one way or another. Anyway, asking parents that question is like asking if life would be different if we all lived in plastic bubble houses on the moon. . . it just isn’t the situation. What does help parents who feel the weight of exhaustion and depression? Things like online chats with other parents who are in a similar circumstance, and pursuing activities weekly that remind a mother or father that she is a person as well as a parent. My parents enjoy various things outwith the family like camping, horse riding, spending time with their own friends or going to the cinema together etc.

After the early stress and worry about finding a way to make living with autism or asperger’s a part of the daily family routine, the situation usually becomes easier as the days go by. Parents find more resources in the community, parents realise that it is a matter of teaching differently, and that most kids show more “islands of good functioning” as they

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grow older. Parents of children who have autismrelated speech delays are often surprised at how verbal and talkative their kids become after enough speech therapy, crikey you couldn’t shut me up after mine!!!! As I have written in earlier articles, from my own parents decisions, things worked out better for them when they set their sights on

goals of about five years into the future, and would ask, “What do I need to be doing now to get my child to the next level?” No one can tell parents and siblings how to react to the news that autism or its related conditions are now part of their lives, but with the kind of support now available no one has to go through the situation in isolation. Over the years we found so so much support

from charities like The National Autistic Society and The One Stop Shop who are always their for us and most probably always will be. To finish off I just want to say love your family, cherish them and make the most of the time you all have together, it truly is precious.

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Your Holiday Snaps!

A huge thanks to everyone who submitted their favourite holiday snaps for my Aug edition of ‘JUST Jordan’. It was such a difficult task selecting the chosen few due to limited space, so apologies if yours were not chosen but I will store them for a future publication.

“Meet Fiona’s pet dog Bailey, he’s a 2 year old miniature Labradoodle. Isn’t he just adorable having fun in the sun!!”

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“Connor, 18 from Beith, having a laugh with his Mum’s hat at Sister Holly’s wedding in July. Connor definitely is the joker in the Smith family!”

“Meet Autist Steven and friends celebrating ‘Pryde’ in Edinburgh!”

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Derek Cooper has sent in his favourite photo he took of his pet dog Zara, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t she a wee cutie with a beautiful smile!

Mum Laura has sent in a fab photo of her children, Autists Alex and Matilda doing their lines

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Margaret has sent in a photo of her daughters Chloe & Cadence, I had the pleasure of attending their Christening and shocked at how quickly they have grown. Am sure you’ll agree they’re a right wee pair of ‘Power Rangers’!!

Kerry had fun at a Little Mermaid Sleepover during the summer holidays and wanted to share her favourite photo from the event with us.

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Access Social Autism is something that has been a huge part of Adam’s life for 30 years. His sister, Heathar, has Autism and Epilepsy just like me. Adam is a part of her support team that assist Heathar to live independently. Adam’s passion for inclusion and disability rights lead him look to create a tool that all autistic people can benefit from. Adam set up a company with an old school friend Anthony Curran. The company Access Social Ltd has been developing ideas and software looking to disrupt the disability access market since 2014. The primary objective of the company is to produce useful tools and software that can benefit people who experience the world in different ways.

Seeing autism as an access issue is not really on anyone’s radar. Disability access is unfortunately predominately seen as a physical issue and you will struggle to find adequate or useful information for autistic people on any venues homepages. Information like what does the reception area look like? When is it busy? What do the toilets look like? Are the lifts small? Is there any strong smells in parts of the building? What noises can I expect to hear? None of the questions autistic visitors might require before visiting are addressed in the information provided. All the sensory information, that autistic visitors would love to have before visiting, is missing, and something needs to be done about it. Autism is just as much an access issue as using a wheelchair, and therefore should be treated as such.

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At the beginning of their journey Anthony and Adam consulted with the Lowry Theatre at Salford Quays and Wigan Council to develop their ideas and run pilots. The Lowry allowed them to film on multiple occasions and create a business case to take to Wigan Council. In partnership with Wigan Council, Access Social gained Department of Health funding via the Autism Innovation fund. This allowed Anthony and Adam to develop the software and film three locations in Wigan borough. The locations were decided in collaboration with Autistic Wigan, a local community group run by autistic people. It was decided the project will have a leisure focus so Leigh leisure centre, Howe Bridge leisure centre and Wigan life centre south were the locations chosen. Please see the links below to watch the Wigan videos and like their Facebook page. http://www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Education/Educational-support/Tours/Virtual-leisure-centre-tour.aspx https://www.facebook.com/Roamites/

Anthony and Adam have a clear view of what they want to achieve in the future. “We want to disrupt the WHOLE disability access information market. We want businesses, healthcare, tourism, leisure, transport, EVERYWHERE to wake up and realise they are not providing adequate information for a large majority of people with sensory needs. What we provide is simple, cost effective, and extremely useful. If you plan for true accessibility it’s not expensive.”

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Kids Zone

Please do feel free to comment on my JUST Jordan Facebook page or twitter account. https://www.facebook.com/groups/213071952427706/ @JustJordan2016

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Mum & Dad at The Queen’s Royal Garden Party

As promised in last month's newsletter folks here is a wee update on my parent’s day at the Palace, am just so darn proud of them both I had to share. Maw n paw were overjoyed after getting to meet the Queen at the Queen's Royal Garden Party in Edinburgh. My Mum was one of the special guests at Holyroodhouse at the start of July. Each year, The Queen spends a week visiting various regions in Scotland, meeting Scots from all walks of life and hosting chosen guests at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in recognition of their good work. Known in Scotland as ‘Royal Week’, and to others as ‘Holyrood Week’, these visits celebrate Scottish culture, achievement and community. My parents were delighted to have been invited to the garden party by The Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Mr John Duncan, for Mum's voluntary and charity contributions to the

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community. My Mum has been raising awareness of Autism and fundraising for many many years and I definately caught the bug from her! It was my Mum who stood by me when I decided to volunteer with autism charities like The National Autistic Society and I've never looked back. I absolutely love it and hope to one day in the near future work with the charity on a more permanent basis. Thankfully the rain stayed off for most of the day as they walked around the palace gardens and Dad said the splendour of it all was simply breathtaking. Everyone gathered on the lawn awaiting the arrival of the royals which took around a half an hour, they had a great spot as they actually stood near the stairs where the royals made their entrance. They spent an (albeit rather cold, wet and windy) but relaxed afternoon where they enjoyed a lovely cuppa, some sandwiches and cakes, and saw the Queen, Prince Philip, Duke of York and the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The Party was accompanied by music from regimental bands and The Royal Scottish Pipers Society. Mum & Dad enjoyed a lovely chat over tea meeting new friends, then decided to have a walk around the massive gardens, listened to the military bands for a while then came home and told us all about it. Mum said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity especially having served our Queen and country in the Army as a Royal Military Policewoman, she said they both thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the palace and would never forget their special day out.

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Our regular JUST Jordan poem submitted by Autist Kerry McGinn 20, Stevenston, North Ayrshire.

Beautiful Music Music is a big part of all our lives We listen, we sing and we dance to it And I must say I definitely love the singing If I must admit There are different genres to choose from From rock, RnB, jazz and pop To Country, classic, opera And Hip-Hop Dancing is also a good way to express the love for music Whether you do freestyle, breakdance, ballet or even tap In fact sometimes when I watch strictly on the telly I sometimes think “Gosh, I wish I could do that” Another way to express the love of music is singing As I probably mentioned before Whether Singing quietly in my room or even just humming It just makes me happy and I could ask for nothing more Even just listening to music can be good because it can make you happy Or cheer you up when you’re sad So if you feel stressed or had a bad day just put the stereo on Or put on your headphones and then hopefully afterwards you won’t feel so bad

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Autism and Pets

Many of us on the spectrum have special bonds with our pets. These bonds can be as simple as the animal drawing more of an emotional reaction from the child than anyone else has, or as complicated as the animal actually helping you learn how to do things, for example Autism Assistance Dogs. These stories appear so frequently, both on social media and in the news that it would seem a lot of autistic people do benefit from their relationships with animals. Not all autistic people like animals in fact some of them find the sensory issues, such as noise and smell, extremely difficult to deal with, from a personal point of view I was just scared of animals. But for the most part autistic people often find that they can form strong, long-lasting relationships with animals, in ways they might not be able to do with people. Nobody really knows why, it could be because animals don’t demand as much back socially – not that they don’t need love – but they don’t require eye contact all the time, and autistic people don’t have to fit a certain standard in the way they dress, or speak when they are around an animal. It could be because the way certain animals think is more similar to the way autistic people think – in the way they go off instinct, and don’t try to second- guess what is going to happen, and they don’t lie or try to manipulate. Or it could simply be that having animals around is calming and soothing, as it is can be for non-autistic people. Whatever the reason, the majority of autists have personal stories about animals they have felt close to over the years. These stories range from an

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animal that completely drew an autistic person out of themselves, and got them communicating, and interacting with the world around them in ways they never had before, to simply a close relationship with a pet dog, small furry or cat that was stronger than most relationships with friends, or even family in some cases. The majority of autistic people seem to feel very strongly about their relationships with animals, and speak in extremely positive terms about them. Of course there are the minority of people who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t actually like animals, or like them but get no benefit from being around them. It would be silly to categorise everybody who is autistic as an animal lover. But there does seem to be something about the presence of animals in an autistic personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life that can prove to be extremely beneficial for them. If your thinking of getting a pet please do consider going to your local rescue centre first as sadly we still have far too many unwanted pets desperately looking for a new home. We often visit ours and despite not having room at the moment for any new pets we do still like to hand in a few donations for them.

According to a recent research carried out at the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine a research fellow concluded that when they compared the social skills of children with autism who lived with dogs to those who did not, the children with dogs appeared to have greater social skills. Well all I can say is I was absolutely petrified of animals until we got our first pet dog Bruno, and having pets has definately made me more outgoing, socially interactive and less fearful now. The internet is full of stories of autistic people forming special bonds with animals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; either pets or working animals, but we're all different so what's your story? I'd love to hear from you on my Facebook or Twitter page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/213071952427706/ https://twitter.com/JustJordan2016

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Finally I just wanted to mention that our poor boy Angus is not himself and been at the vets recently with chronic neck pain. Any healing and loving thoughts for our Angus would be greatly appreciated.

Rescue Centres : https://www.scottishspca.org/rehome/our-centres/ayrshire-and-south-west-scotland/ https://www.scottishspca.org/ http://www.hessilhead.org.uk/ https://www.islaydogrescue.org.uk/ http://southayrshire.cats.org.uk/

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Review Time Look out for special reviews next month right here in â&#x20AC;&#x153;JUST Jordanâ&#x20AC;?.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time By Gamer, Aidan MacDonald

It's a game that constantly ranks high on review websites. It's been on the Virtual Console for both Wii and Wii U and easily nets over a million downloads across both platforms (and maybe a couple more once the Switch's VC finally sees a release date). It's a game so popular that a graphic-enhancing remake was among the very first titles released for the Nintendo 3DS. However, despite all that, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time hasn't aged well. The primary reason for this isn't really because of anything wrong with the game, it's more to do with how Nintendo raised a bar so high back in 1997 that when it came to subsequent console Zelda titles, they had to raise the bar slightly in different places. The bar then got rocketed skyhigh when March 3rd 2017 finally came around and with it, Breath of the Wild. In short, despite what the fans will tell you, every aspect that made Ocarina of Time a great game has been overshadowed by at least one or two later Zelda games (for example, Wind Waker and Breath of

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the Wild both have much better exploration, and despite having divisive motion controls, Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword have much better storylines). Being one of the more mainstream Zelda games, Ocarina follows the tried-and-true formula of "Link wakes up from napping, collects 3 early plot-coupons, scores the Master Sword, finds a new and bigger collection of plot-coupons, defeats Ganon and saves the day". But even with the late-game twist that recurring companion Sheik is actually Zelda (which isn't really a surprise to anyone who knows how to play Smash Bros. these days), Ocarina of Time's story is a little bland compared to several SNES greats such as the Final Fantasy series, Chrono Trigger, and Super Metroid (and that last one has barely any text dialogue). Ocarina's graphics are an excellent starting point for Nintendo's early 3D games, but the textures aren't as colourful or detailed as most other games at the time. Sadly, the frame rate isn't as reliable either – a paltry 20fps, which for an N64 title doesn't seem too bad, but even “A Link to the Past” on the SNES runs smoother, but fortunately the 3DS version greatly improves this to keep up with modern games. Either way, Ocarina of Time's overworld is still a marvel for an early N64 game. Although the main Hyrule Field area seems empty (except for the ranch, Peahats, and a couple of hidden holes that you can't find without the Rumble Pak), ultimately, what makes the overworld a gem are the other areas that lead away from Hyrule Field (Zora's Domain, Death Mountain and Gerudo Valley being some key highlights). The Castle area also has some sharp, quality contrasts between certain points, but avoiding the soldiers to get to the inner sanctuary of the castle as soon as you leave Kokiri Forest is a pain. At least there's some Great Fairies around to give Link some power boosts. That said, the power boosts aren't really necessary. Once you get past the arguably-simple combat controls, that's all you ever need. Extra Defense? Just dodge attacks and use your shield. New spells? The only one you'll actually need is Din's Fire if you know how to find your way around dungeons. Magic Bar? ...Okay, that one's a necessity. Most of the enemies you'll find in this game are mere cannon-fodder once you finally find a use for it (i.e. the aforementioned Din's Fire). Maybe I've spent too much time swinging axes in Breath of the Wild and I'm now being ungrateful, but at the very least, Ocarina is a good starting point for the combat system that's featured and tweaked in every subsequent 3D Zelda game. Watching Link do a backflip is always satisfying. The monsters aren't as memorable either except for the Skulltulas (They'll initially give you a fright), the Wallmasters (nightmare-inducing), and the Moblins (A major surprise once you first meet them, but they're only found in one area of the entire game, and you only need to traverse it twice - they only pop up the second time). Have fun finding all 100 Gold Skulltulas. Admittedly, the only reason Ocarina still stands out today is the music. Certain tracks introduced in A Link to the Past are better remembered from this game ("Kakariko Village" and Zelda & Ganon's respective leitmotifs), and Ocarina's overworld theme is always worth a good listen when you're out cycling (change it up for "Lost Woods" when you're cycling through, well, woods). The jingles are also catchy, for example, when you obtain an item (hard to remember

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when you open your first treasure chest and find the Kokiri Sword). Ultimately, what was easily an amazing game at the time of its release has aged horribly, but for multiple reasons. Ocarina's quality has declined because not only have Nintendo been consistently outdoing themselves ever since, but because nearly all of its flaws are swept under a rug without hesitation, causing newcomers to get frustrated when Navi and Kaepora won't keep quiet, or when it comes to constantly switching between gameplay and menu in dungeons just to access certain items (#IronBoots). If you ever plan on playing this game, do yourself a massive favour and get the Nintendo 3DS remake. It fixes nearly every single flaw in the game (while keeping small fun little bugs to mess around with), and it's easier to find at CeX anyway. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" may not the greatest game of all time as half of the internet will have you believe, but it still has its moments. Sadly, however, the original release is not as high an achievement as Super Mario 64. But if you can find the 3DS version instead, it's worth the look into what is ultimately an essential piece of Zelda history. N64 – 2/5 3DS – 4/5

Please do keep your requests coming in and I’ll do my best to feature them in next months edition of JUST Jordan. To submit your entries please send to : Jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk

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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 straightest-talking 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: **What is PDD and Aspergers disorder, was a bit confused by the pdd part?** There have been a number of changes to diagnostic criteria over the years. PDD stands for Pervasive developmental delay. This is one of many autism profiles. The National Autistic Society would define PDD as "A group of disorders characterized by qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interactions and in patterns of communication, and by a restricted, stereotyped, repetitive repertoire of interests and activities. These qualitative abnormalities are a pervasive feature of the individual's functioning in all situations". If you are unsure about the information contained in an assessment you should always make an appointment to have a further discussion as it is important that you understand the diagnosis clearly. Hope this helps ! Love Jordan xxx

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dear Jordanâ&#x20AC;?: **My autistic son is growing up so fast, he'll be leaving school and turning 18. I get a bit of respite while he's at school and worried I won't cope with him at home full time. What facilities are available for him as a young adult?** As part of your sons transition, you should expect future planning to be taken into account so that both and your son know what to expect. A good guide for parents is the transition guide 3, which details information about what you should expect. You can find the link to the guide herehttp://scottishtransitions.org.uk/blank/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/complete-POGT3_A4version.pdf What maybe available very much depends on what area of the country you are from, however if you live in Scotland you may wish to explore how you could potentially use self-directed support to support your son. Your local social work team can explain more about this. If you are thinking about further education, then you should have these discussions with school now. They have a lead role in relation to your son's needs. Timescales for discussions are detailed here http://enquire.org.uk/20100622/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/transition-timescales-summaryof-duties.pdf In summary, I would ask the school to arrange a transition planning meeting and read through the transition guide before going to the meeting and write down any questions you have before going to meet with school. Hope this information was helpful to you and remember to use your local carers centres for information .

Hope this helps ! Love Jordan xxx

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“Dear Jordan”: **My 10 year old autistic daughter is very hyperactive, can you tell me what other behavioural effects their are please?** Hi there, start by taking a step back and thinking about the environment and how this might impact on her. You may wish to read through this as there are some helpful hints tips to support young people who may present in this way. http://www.autism.org.uk/about/behaviour/sensory-world.aspx There are some practical things you do http://www.autism.org.uk/about/behaviour/meltdowns.aspx##what-to-do You may have access to Occupational therapy and if so you should contact the local team for advice and guidance.

Hope this helps ! Love Jordan xxx

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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What’s On in Ayrshire Epilepsy Connections Short Break for Families 22 – 25 September 2017 Epilepsy Connections have received funding from the Short Breaks Fund for a short break for children and young people affected by epilepsy and their families at Ardentinny Outdoor Centre near Dunoon. It promises to be an exciting weekend of outdoor activities for the whole family. Return transport from Glasgow city centre, accommodation, meals, activities, waterproofs and wellies will be provided, and the only cost to families is a minimum donation of £20 per adult attending. To express interest contact Irene Manson @ Epilepsy Connections 100 Wellington Street Glasgow G2 6DH Tel: 0141 248 4125 E-mail: info@epilepsyconnections.org.uk

Lego and Games Club 3 - 5pm Fridays (weekly) Saltcoats Branch Library, Springvale Place, Glebe Street, Saltcoats KA21 5LS Age: 0 - 18yrs Cost: FREE Pop along to Saltcoats library for their fun sessions every week. Young children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. There are other Lego sessions at another few libraries in North Ayrshire, during the weekend. See our attached comments section for details. Please contact the library each week to confirm the club is active. Tel: 01294 469546 Email: saltcoatslibrary@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

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North Ayrshire Libraries (Fb): https://www.facebook.com/North-Ayrshire-Libraries331241090815/ Resourceful Career Centres in Ayrshire If you are due to leave school, or you have left already but you just don't know what to do next, then why don't you visit your local Skills Development Scotland (SDS) careers centre, where you can chat to one of their advisers who have a wealth of knowledge to help you. At your local SDS centre, a Career Advisor can give you up-to-date information and advice about what options that are out there for you, including Modern Apprenticeships, training and college courses, and employment opportunities. You can also get help with your Curriculum VitĂŚ (CV), application forms, cover letters, and much more. Depending on what service you need, you can make an appointment for an interview with a Careers Adviser OR you can simply just walk in and ask for help. For further information, or to arrange an interview, please use the contact details in our attached comments section. SDS: http://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/

The National Autistic Society's Autism Hour!! Simple steps to an autism-friendly world: For autistic people, the world can seem full of too much information - and too little understanding. That's why The National Autistic Society has launched the Too Much Information campaign to challenge the myths, misconceptions and stereotypes that contribute to 79% of autistic people feeling socially isolated and 64% of autistic people avoiding going to the shops. More than 1 in 100 of the population have been diagnosed with autism. Along with their families, that's over 3 million customers waiting to be welcomed into your business. Over 99% of people have heard of autism, but only 16% of autistic people feel the public understand them. So, as part of the Too Much Information campaign and with the support of shopping

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centre owner intu, in the week of 2 October JUST Jordan is helping the charity by asking shops and businesses to organise a National Autistic Society Autism Hour and take simple steps for 60 minutes that lead to a more autism-friendly world:

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Turning down music and other noise: Overwhelming noise is a common barrier to autistic people accessing shops. Where possible, in-store tannoy announcements and other controllable noise should be reduced.

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Dimming the lights: Lighting, particularly fluorescent strip lighting, can be overwhelming for autistic people. Wherever possible, whilst maintaining a safe premises, lights should be dimmed or switched off.

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Sharing information about autism with employees: We don't expect everyone to be an autism expert but we believe everyone should understand autism. We'll provide information about autism to help your staff make your customers' experience a positive one.

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Sharing information about our Too Much Information campaign: In the week of October 2 we ask that you help increase the public's understanding of autism by sharing our Too Much Information campaign with customers. •

Taking part in The National Autistic Society's Autism Hour is straightforward but the changes shops and businesses make will have a big impact for autistic people and their families. And in turn the support and loyalty of this new customer base could really benefit businesses too. So, sign up for The National Autistic Society Autism Hour and access resources to help make a lasting difference for autistic people, their families and businesses.

http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/tmi/autismhour.aspx?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=organic_post&utm_campaign=autism_hour

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Charity Fundraiser Morrisons Store Stevenston Saturday 12th August 10am till 4pm Store Community Champion Yvonne Clark, is all set to help raise funds for Clic Sargent and a station Defibrillator. 3tfm Manager Louis Ferguson will be keeping everyone entertained with some fab tunes, they'll be singing from the talented Amanda Jean, Facepainting, Tombola stall. Book stall Food sampling, lot's of treats, goodies and fun things for the kids! It's going to be a wonderful day for the community so make sure and put the date in your diary!!

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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.

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