Just Jordan Jan

JUST JORDAN

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JUST Jordan

Sun 1 Jan IN THIS ISSUE

Introduction Hello everyone and a very Happy New year to you all!

Welcome to my New Year edition of

by Jordan Fernando “Just Jordan”.

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 so here’s hoping you are in for yet another treat! 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”.

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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 New Year edition.

Wishing you all a Happy & Prosperous New year. See ya,

Jordan Fernando xx

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Art Corner More Art work submitted by you my fab members.

I PASSED! Driving with Autism.

Being A Dad!

“ “JUST Jordan” Poet – Kerry McGinn

Review

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couldn't function properly, it was horrendous and I wouldn't wish DRIVING WITH AUTISM that on anyone.

My parents tried very hard to help calm my nerves on the lead up to my test and I'll be forever grateful to them, they reminded me of easy breathing techniques, meditation with my favourite crystals, taking my rescue remedy, kalms, relaxing baths with essential oils and some lovely crystal healing from my Dad too. Even my Sis tried her best to keep me company by playing some games and making me laugh and my wonderful boyfriend Ross would give me a much needed hug and words of encouragement too. Thanks guys I don't know what I'd do without you all.

Wierdly though on the day of my test I was actually in good spirits, played a few games of Uno and dominos with Mum to relax me and before I knew it, Amy was at the house to pick me up and take me to the test centre.

I had a quick chat with my instructor Amy who also gave me a few words of encouragement before heading into Well it took me 2 years to pass my the test centre and a quick drive around. driving test but I got there in the end At the test centre I was greeted by a slow but sure! lovely woman who introduced herself as I deliberately wanted to take my time my examiner, I instantly felt a bit more and be absolutely sure that i was 100% relaxed in her company as she was not at ready to take my test and take to the all what I'd expected. roads independently. Not everyone on It was not ideal weather conditions the spectrum can take as long as me to decide to take their test but that was during my driving test just my own personal decision and one either as it am thankful for taking as it has helped was me gain complete control and am no torrential longer as nervous as I used to be.

I really enjoyed learning to drive but for rain and very cold those of you who are deciding to take but I done the plunge please be aware of how my best stressful the lead up to taking your test and it paid can be. off as she I normally take things in my stride and rarely get that nervous or worried about happily announced things but a few days before taking my I'd passed test I was a nervous wreck! with only 5 I could hardly eat anything, I was short minor tempered, wanted to be on my own, couldn't sleep, emotional and simply just faults. (You

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are allowed up to 15 minor faults during your test).

I was so overcome with emotion that I just burst into tears with the biggest smile on my face too, it was one of the strangest feelings in the world but one of the best too.

Rather difficult to explain as I've had my routine for a while now (I thrive off routines) and suddenly I no longer needed driving lessons every week or set aside time to study for my test.

It was all rather surreal and I couldn't quite accept or believe what had just happened, it actually took a while for it all to sink in. I couldn't wait to get home so texted my Mum the good news, who then phoned me back screaming down the phone with sheer delight.......safe to say she was very proud and over the moon. I could barely hear Dad and Aaron in the background congratulating me as Mums screams could probably have been heard half way down the street lol!!

When I got home (after more screaming, tears of joy and plenty of hugs) I had my photo taken next to my car with my certificate in hand. We celebrated the rest of the day with a slap up meal, chocolate cake and a fun game too.

Then I drove my boyfriend home........x

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I’ve been easing into driving on my own by going out at quieter times and staying local until my confidence grew and I felt able to drive further afield.

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All Information regarding applying for a driving licence can be found on the DVLA website: http://www.dvla.gov.uk/medical.aspx

Since passing my driving test just before Christmas I've been asked a few times about what our legal rights are for those of us on the spectrum regarding learning to drive.

Personally I feel it is impossible to say anyone with autism should or shouldn’t drive as we are all different and some may find learning to drive difficult while others get the hang of it really quickly.

I am living proof that being on the spectrum should not stop you from learning to drive but just be aware, when you do decide to apply for a driving licence you will have to declare your disability on the application form.

Failure to do so can result in you being fined up to £1000 and you could be prosecuted if you are involved in an accident.

The normal age for driving is 17 but if you are on Disability Living Allowance higher rate mobility you are entitled to learn to drive from the age of 16.

You may come across barriers with your application form if you have a history of epilepsy, sight problems, difficulties with multi-tasking etc, however these shouldn't stop you gaining a licence but you will need to be aware that it might be a bit more difficult for you. My advice would be to go have a chat with your GP if you do have any concerns before applying.

Jordan xxxx

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Kids Zone

by Jordan Fernando

More in the Kids Zone next month!

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Being A Dad!

By Kester Fernando

Being a Dad of an autist has been a real pleasure. I mean really.

Achievement in any 'normal' sense is obviously great but when we have someone who has more barriers in the way of achievement or whom started well behind the starting line and has a longer way to go than most to 'catch up' then you have an even greater sense of achievement for reaching the same goal as someone whom is not Autistic. Because of this Jordan's life and her great achievements (some even for neuro-typicals) are even greater and make me even prouder than I would have been otherwise.

Sure there were moments like when Jordan refused to sleep as a baby (grrr. lol) or when she had a meltdown because 'Bad Daddy' drove a different way to the shop or school from the usual route but in hindsight that was just an opportunity for MY education. Jordan always is whom she has been and now that she can communicate very articulately, I often get lectured by her :-) instead of her needing to have a meltdown (because I don't get it and she can't explain it). So as Jordan got older her old Dad has actually been the one that had the learning difficulty lol and I have learnt mainly to be more considerate of how Jordan may perceive a situation or need support of some kind.

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Certainly though, as I say, one could not be a prouder Dad as now Jordan has passed her Driving Test which is probably one of the last major tests of teendom for her and which she passed with absolutely flying colours and with less attempts than yours truly.

One final note, Autism whats not to like? - I mean I get to see the world in a new way from a different vantage point, how can that be a negative? Thanks (Sweetpea) Jordan, for everything. Yours Dad XXX .

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Art Corner!

My name is Aaron and I’m Jordan’s Sister.

I love to draw Anime characters. I often take art requests from friends and family as they seem to love my artwork too. Happy New Year Everyone !

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“New Year Messages”

We’d like to say a huge well done to Jordan words just can’t describe how very proud we are of you our darling daughter.

Here’s to another successful year in 2017 for “JUST Jordan” Happy New Year One & All. Love you to the moon and back.

Mum & Dad xxxxx

“From all the 3tfm Volunteers & Management team we'd like to thank Jordan for the excellent feature on 3tfm and wish all the Just Jordan readers a terrific healthy 2017" x

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Hansel Enterprising Minds wishes everyone a Happy New Year!

Here’s to another great year Jordan!

Can’t wait to see what JUST Jordan has in store!

We know that the New Year can be a very stressful time for families and people with autism adjusting to new routines. Keeping routines and structures in place at the start of a new year is extremely difficult. There is a lot change in the activities that people take part and planning is key.

We at the One Stop Shop wish you all a Happy New Year.

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Our regular JUST Jordan poem submitted by Autist Kerry McGinn 19, Stevenston, North Ayrshire.

New Year has come again Well it’s that time again 2016 has come to pass Now we welcome 2017 How does time fly so fast?

When that clock chimes twelve The fireworks will start, so shiny and bright And then as most of us do We’ll just party for the rest of the night

One tradition of New Year is to make resolutions You have yours and I have mine Like for example some might do more exercise Or in this case for some adults drink less wine

One thing about a New Year That’s exciting some have said Is that they never know what expect In fact I wonder what things for me this year lie ahead?

I know for some of you out there Times are tough and you struggle to get though But listen to me when I say have hope and stay strong Because maybe this year all your wishes may come true

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Review Time Look out for special reviews next month on Film, Cartoon, Music & Anime right here in “JUST Jordan”

Rogue One Review

By Autist, Aidan MacDonald I’d like to begin by thanking Just Jordan for this opportunity.

ROGUE ONE MINI-REVIEW: The Star Wars fanbase can unanimously agree that if there's two things the prequels did right, it's: 1) The lightsaber duels in Episodes 1 & 3 2) Absolutely no Jar Jar dialogue in Episode 3 That said, there are a number of issues various fans have with the prequels that are fixed in Rogue One. To break it down: >Jar Jar Binks. Good News - He's not in RO at all. Bad News Obviously, that means he doesn't die in the film. >CGI. Rogue One uses Episode VII's example of the general look for a Star Wars film (i.e. based off of the original trilogy, or at least IV & V). Well, there IS the Grand Moff, but Peter Cushing's no longer among us, so CGI was used for his face as far as I can tell. But that's it for nearly all of it. No really. >Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman's acting. Padmé's dead as of Episode 3 (anyone starting to see a pattern here?) and Vader spends all of his screentime in Rogue One being a total badass. Also, James Earl Jones' voice acting is back. >George Lucas's poor direction with the prequels in general. It's Disney, guys, I think that speaks for itself.

All in all, Rogue One is basically Disney and Lucasfilm's way of saying "Sorry for the prequels". I'd recommend watching it.

Rating: 4/5

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Ballerina (2016) Film Review by Dale Garton

Last week, I went to see Ballerina at Cineworld in Glasgow. It is an animated film about an orphan girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina. The film follows her journey of going to Paris to make it big. She achieves her dream in the end.

Elle Fanning is the voice of the main character, FĂŠlicie Milliner. I would give the film 4/5 stars.

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: Can an adult with Aspergers or High Functioning Autism have a meltdown just like a child with the same disorder?

The answer is ‘yes’ – but the adult’s meltdown-behavior looks a bit different than a child’s. Under severe enough stress, any normally calm and collected individual may become “out-of-control”.

But some individuals experience repeated meltdowns in which tension mounts until there is an explosive release.

The adult version of a meltdown may include any of the following (just to name a few): aggressive behavior angry outbursts that involve throwing or breaking objects banging your head/fist crying pacing back and forth yelling and screaming

On the mild end of the continuum, the adult in meltdown may simply say some things that are overly critical and disrespectful,

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thus ultimately destroying the relationship with the other party (or parties) in many cases. On the more extreme end of the continuum. The adult often later feels remorse, regret or embarrassment.

Meltdowns, usually lasting 5 to 20 minutes but sometimes a lot longer depending on what the individual has had to cope with, may occur in clusters or be separated by weeks or months in which the Aspergers adult maintains his/her composure.

Meltdown episodes may be preceded or accompanied by: Chest tightness Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head Increased energy Irritability Palpitations Paranoia Rage Tingling Tremors

A number of factors increase the likelihood of experiencing a meltdown: A history of physical abuse or bullying: “Aspies” who were abused as kids have an increased risk for frequent meltdowns as adults.

Age: Meltdowns are most common in Aspies in their late teens to mid 20s.

Being male: Aspergers men are far more likely to meltdown than women.

Having another mental health problem: Aspies with other mental illnesses (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders) are more likely to have meltdowns.

The meltdown is not always directed at others.

Aspergers adults who experience meltdowns are often perceived by others as “always being angry.” Other complications may include job loss, school suspension, divorce, auto accidents, and even incarceration.

If you're concerned because you're having repeated meltdowns, talk with your doctor, Nas representative or make an appointment with someone who specializes in treating adults on the spectrum (e.g., a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, etc.).

Here's how to prepare for an appointment with a professional: Make a list of all medications as well as any vitamins or supplements that you're taking.

Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.

Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.

Write down questions to ask your doctor. Preparing a list of questions can help you make sure you cover everything that's important to you.

Don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.

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There's no one treatment that's best for Aspergers adults who experience meltdowns.

Treatment generally includes medication and individual or group therapy. Individual or group therapy sessions can be very helpful. A commonly used type of therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, helps Aspergers adults identify which situations or behaviors may trigger a meltdown. In addition, this type of therapy teaches Aspies how to manage their anger and control their typically inappropriate response using relaxation techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy that combines cognitive restructuring, coping skills training, and relaxation training has the most promising results.

Unfortunately, many Aspergers adults who experience meltdowns don't seek treatment. If you're involved in a relationship with an Aspie, it's important that you take steps to protect yourself and your kids. Seek the help and information available to your partner.

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 Marvel Universe Live! Super Heroes Assemble Hosted by The SSE Hydro January 4, 2017 – January 8, 2017 Jan 4, 2017 at 7 PM to Jan 8, 2017 at 10 PM The SSE Hydro Exhibition Way, G3 8 Glasgow, United Kingdom 0141 248 3000 info@secc.co.uk Tickets: http://www.thessehydro.com/events/marvel-universe-live-16273.aspx

FAMILY TREE WORKSHOPS Burns Monument Centre, Kay Park, Kilmarnock Would you like to find out more about your family history, but don’t know where to begin?

Then why not start at the Burns Monument Centre where they are running family tree workshops every Saturday.Each workshop includes access to the ‘Scotland’s People’ genealogical records and all tuition.

Cost: £10 01563 576695 www.eastayrshireleisure.com Every Saturday 10.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

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SCOTTISH MARITIME MUSEUM Harbourside, Irvine. North Ayrshire.KA12 8QE At The Scottish Maritime Museum In Irivne you can build and test your own model boat, or learn to manoeuvre a remotecontrolled boat in our indoor boating ponds. See our collection of floating vessels, including Spartan, Scotland’s last Scottish-built puffer, the harbour tug Garnock, and Carola, a steam yacht built in 1898. Learn about Scotland’s importance to maritime history.

Visit the shipyard worker’s tenement flat, a ‘room and kitchen’ restored to its pre-1920’s appearance. This is just a taster of what to see. Sea it all at the Maritme!

Tel 01294 278283 www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org

AYR FILM SOCIETY - GIRLHOOD Film screening of GIRLHOOD (Bande de Filles) - France 2014. A girl with few real prospects joins a gang, gaining a sense of self confidence, but a new life and happiness does not come so easily. With Karidja Touré, Assa Sylla.

Costs: Guests £5 Student s& under 25's £2. Members free Thur 12th Jan: 7pm Venue: Ayr Town Hall Tel: 01292 283435 www.ayrfilmsociety.co.uk

THE BURNS SUPPER Join the Friends of Robert Burns Birthplace Museum for this very special fundraising event to celebrate the Bard's Birthday in the place where it all began. This promises to be an exclusive and unforgettable evening with piper, toasts, recitations, music and speeches.

Wed 25th Jan Venue: Burns Cottage, Alloway, Ayr Tickets: £25.

To book and for more information Tel: 01292 443700 or visit www.burnsmuseum.org.uk

Copyright of Jordan Fernando Jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/213071952427706/ @JustJordan2016 https://issuu.com/justjordan19/docs/justjordan.docx__2_ Disclaimer: All articles and information in this newsletter are of the writers own personal experiences and opinions.