JUST JORDAN
• My favourite features exclusively inside now! • Check out my new layout of JUST Jordan for 2018 • January blues
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Introduction Hello everyone and a very Happy New Year to you all! Welcome to my January edition of “Just Jordan”. I’ve decided to give my newsletter a new look for 2018 so really hope you like it. I’ve chosen a lovely photo for my front page as it fills me with such wonderful memories of a Magical Fairy Photo Shoot with my best friend Kerry. I designed the photo above as it is filled with my bestest friends in the whole world. Again am elated with the response about my “JUST Jordan” group and
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newsletter, so thank you all from the bottom of my heart! If you’d like to order a paper or hardback edition just drop me a line and I’ll order it for you. I’ve continued with a similar layout but please do share any suggestions for the Feb 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 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.
See ya,
Jordan Fernando xx
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BEATING THE BLUES
Beating the January blues By my Mum Suzanne
The January blues is all too common in us Aspies so we need to nip depression in the bud!! Festivities are over and we all come down to earth with a bump, am I right? Have you been stressed? Have you cried uncontrollably? Have you felt helpless and alone? I am not a mental health expert, but I do suffer with depression and can share a little knowledge and suggestions. Depression and autism is such a challenging dual diagnosis because traditionally the autism diagnosis coincides with rigidity, perseverating, and rule governed behavior. However when you spend all of your time perseverating on what makes you feel depression, create rules that you will never feel happy, and are rigid enough to be stuck in those ways – you are digging yourself deeper and deeper into a huge hole of despair. I wanted to share what tips I have found dealing with this dual diagnosis: Monitor the Medical Aspect: There are countless combinations of depression drugs. Stay on top of medication changes, doctor appointments, and drug potential side effects. Allow Extra Breaks and quiet time/time out: Sometimes we just need a break to regroup and refocus. It’s okay – allowing this will make a huge difference. Even if it feels like you are missing out on work, it will be better for you in the long run.
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Use Visuals: Sometimes engaging in any social responses might be too overwhelming for those dealing with depression or anger issues. Provide visuals – even written visuals – that they can use to communicate during these times. Using rate scales will help put emotions into some context. Adding visuals or color coding will help clarify the rating scale. Help Create New Rules: Children with autism are role governed creatures, I still am, which is probably why I loved the structural military life for so long. And while that is usually an awesome quality, when the rule is keeping them stuck in their depressed ways – help create new rules. Spell them out and be detailed. Remind them of when the rule is kept, “See Shari, we are having fun when we play Jenga. Playing games is fun.”On top of everything – have empathy. Depression is ncredibly difficult for individuals without autism – so imagine the struggles of having both. Take a deep breath, give yourself a break when needed, and try your best.
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Kids Zone by Jordan Fernando
A wee selection of my favourite drawings!
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Jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk or suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/213071952427706/ @JustJordan2016
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My favourite poem submitted by Autist Kerry McGinn 20, Stevenston, North Ayrshire.
It’s Christmas time again For me, the time between this year And last year’s Christmas doesn’t seem that long But who cares because for me no matter how long the wait The Christmas cheer inside me stays strong We all love this time of year, don’t we? Hanging up the stockings all around And the children staying up at night Just so they can listen for jingle bell sounds We also can’t beat a good old fashioned pantomime And for me that is certainly true They make us laugh, they make us cheer And you just can’t resist shouting ‘he’s behind you!’ For the children, I hope you have been good And make sure you lay out some milk and cookies, so that Santa is well fed And remember he will only come When you are all tucked up and fast asleep in bed I can’t really say what my favourite part of Christmas is I love the songs, the food and putting the decorations on the tree But it doesn’t matter because no matter what Christmas will always fill my heart with glee
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My Favourite Reviews Look out for special reviews next month right here in “JUST Jordan�.
Dianne Jackson's "The Snowman" By Jordan Fernando "The Snowman" was adapted from the Raymond Briggs book of the same name and is a Christmas TV special that holds a very special place in my heart. The story takes place in a village where a young boy builds a snowman, which comes to life and they have fun for the whole duration of the short. I really love this animated short because it really fills you with a sense of wonder and the song adds to that feeling as well as making it a truly magical scene in this beloved adventure. It really captures the Christmas spirit considering we get to see Father Christmas near the end. This is why I love this TV special. Rating: Can't rate highly enough!! 5/5
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First Day at College By JUST Jordan
My Sister Aaron has passed all her school exams and off to College now studying Music/Guitar, am so proud of everything that she has achieved and will continue to achieve so I thought I'd write up a little feature providing some hints and tips about anyone out there who's also starting College. From chatting to people who are already in college they have offered some really good advice that I'm going to share with you all. As you've finished high school now and preparing for College, remember your social standing in the class hierarchy no longer applies whatever it was. It's a clean slate so don't act like you're the big man on campus, you’re a grown up now and it just won't be tolerated! Most new students are unprepared for the college-level coursework, financial responsibilities and freedom that they've been granted all of a sudden so try and find out as much as you can beforehand. Going to as many networking events as possible is just as important as going to class, seriously, friendships are forged and memories are made at these things, and it's a known fact that despite whatever disability you may have you'll still be talking about these events for years to come. I think getting to know your tutors is something most people don't realize is as beneficial as it is, this isn't just a 'know their names' but if you get to know them and even if your not top of the class or an A student, they will give you good letters of recommendation in the future because they'll know how much effort you've put in and that your a good person inside and out. Point to also note is if you get along well with them their office will always be open to you for advice, a chinwag, or even homework help. They are there to teach the material and help your understanding of the material. They are not there to tell you that you're special, that you can do anything, or spoon feed you answers so keep them on your good side.
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Student loans are no joke, so if you can stay at home with parents or crash with a friend it will cut your costs. Sadly so many students get into debt at such a young age, so if you can avoid it please do. These are no joke and you may find you spend many many years paying it off! If you have problems getting up in the mornings then do set a few alarms and make sure to get up when at least one of them goes off, perhaps put your alarm on the opposite side of the room, as it forces you to walk when you wake up in the morning, and by the time you get there you should realize you need to stay awake. Always go to class! You have to take responsibility for your own future now, your a young adult. It's up to you whether you want to sleep all day or be successful in life. Make the right choice, even if it's the hard one, it will benefit you in the long run. I understand it maybe really, really hard to do when you have horrid exams at 9 in the morning, but you just have to do it. Please don't make skipping class a bad habit either. When you skip class in college, not only are you wasting your money, but more importantly, you're wasting this amazing opportunity to LEARN! Now as we all know am an Autist but I do still try very hard at times to try new things, the same applies when your at College. Try doing things that you never would have done in high school. Do things that fall way outside your comfort zone. Do it because you can and because you'll never know what you love if you don't find it. Your probably thinking yeah easier said than done when your on the spectrum, but you won't know unless you at least give it a try, right? I grew up petrified to try new things or go out and do new things but as time has gone by am slowly gaining confidence in taking my own advice. Making new friends and working on your social skills can be really hard for us too, but your all young adults now and you may find striking up a conversation a lot less daunting and more enjoyable at College so go on give it a go! Remember College classes aren't like high school classes, they can be hard sure, but it will help to have friends in your class to study with and to help you out when you don't know what you're doing. This can be vital. Now if your anything like me you will at some points throughout the day need some alone time, so finding somewhere that will allow you even five minutes of quiet a day will keep you sane. When I was at school we had a seperate room we could go to where it was lovely and calm so find out if there is anywhere like that at College for you. And most of all, enjoy your time, make the most of it and look forward to a bright happy future! www1.ayrshire.ac.uk https://www.facebook.com/ayrshirecollege
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My Favourite Article:
Remembrance Day As many of you know my Mum served in the Military Police and it has been our tradition every year to remember those who served in the armed forces and who lost their lives in the line of duty. Along with a few members of the Legion Irvine, Mum is featured in this amazing photo created by Kevin @ KSG Photography.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=291501440860847
Most of us are familiar with the date and seeing people wearing poppies but do you all know exactly what Remembrance Day is and why we commemorate it every year. Growing up all I knew was that we wore a poppy and mum took part in a parade as a veteran, but reading all about it just made me so thankful to every single person who has served in the military and am so proud of my Mum.
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Remembrance Day (sometimes known informally as Poppy Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth of Nations member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Following a tradition inaugurated by King George V in 1919, the day is also marked by war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November in most countries to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month", in accordance with the armistice signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning. ("At the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 am.) The First World War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919. The memorial evolved out of Armistice Day, which continues to be marked on the same date. The initial Armistice Day was observed at Buckingham Palace, commencing with King George V hosting a "Banquet in Honour of the President of the French Republic" during the evening hours of 10 November 1919. The first official Armistice Day was subsequently held on the grounds of Buckingham Palace the following morning. The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem "In Flanders Fields" written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. After reading the poem, Moina Michael, a professor at the University of Georgia, wrote the poem, "We Shall Remember," and swore to wear a red poppy on the anniversary. The custom spread to Europe and the countries of the British Empire and Commonwealth within three years. Madame Anne E. Guerin tirelessly promoted the practice in Europe and the British Empire. In the UK Major George Howson fostered the cause with the support of General Haig. Poppies were worn for the first time at the 1921 anniversary ceremony. At first real poppies were worn. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red colour became a symbol for the blood spilled in the war.
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Photo opposite is my Mum and our dearest friend Mathew Wilson at the cenotaph in Dalmellington. In the United Kingdom, the main observance is on the Sunday nearest to 11 November, Remembrance Sunday with two minutes of silence observed on 11 November itself, a custom which had lapsed before a campaign for its revival began in the 1990s. Ceremonies are held at local war memorials, usually organised by local branches of the Royal British Legion, an association for ex-servicemen. Typically, poppy wreaths are laid by representatives of the Crown, the armed forces, and local civic leaders, as well as by local organisations including exservicemen organisations, cadet forces, the Scouts, Guides, Boys' Brigade, St John Ambulance and the Salvation Army. The start and end of the silence is often also marked by the firing of an artillery piece. A minute's or two minutes' silence is also frequently incorporated into church services. Further wreath-laying ceremonies are observed at most war memorials across the UK at 11 am on 11 November, led by the Royal British Legion. The beginning and end of the two minutes' silence is often marked in large towns and cities by the firing of ceremonial cannon and many employers and businesses invite their staff and customers to observe the two minutes' silence at 11:00 am. Every year we plant our own poppy cross in the garden as a mark of respect for our fallen comrades and I truly believe we should all ‘remember them’ and continue to pass it on from one generation to the next.
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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 I look forward to hearing from you all and excited for the year ahead in JUST Jordan…………….watch this space!!!
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
“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.