Just Jordan May

JUST JORDAN

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JUST Jordan

Mon 1 May IN THIS ISSUE

Introduction Hello everyone and welcome to my May edition of “Just Jordan”.

Firstly I’m delighted to announce

by Jordan Fernando that my Mum is on the road to recovery and thank you all for the get well wishes.

Mum, I love you!

Again am elated with the response about my “JUST Jordan” group and newsletter, so thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

The main cover photo was taken during my recent Autism Coffee Morning held at the Ardrossan Outdoor Bowling club. This year was quite quiet but we still managed to raise £117- from the raffle. Thanks to all involved I really appreciate the support.

As always please do keep your feedback and messages coming,

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it’s a pleasure hearing from each and everyone of you!

I hope that you will 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 my June edition.

Jordan Fernando xx

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Art Corner

Reviews – Holiday Destination “ “JUST Jordan” Coffee Morning

“JUST Jordan” Poet

JUST JORDAN AUTISM COFFEE MORNING

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everyone of you who donated a raffle prize, baking and sandwiches as without you these events would not be the success they are so thank you.

I’d also like to thank Ardrossan Bowling club for the use of their venue, our guest speakers, volunteers and photographers Marion McGinn & Derek Cooper for giving up there time. The photos

This years Autism Coffee Morning was held at the Ardrossan Outdoor Bowling Club where we raised £117- for The National Autistic Society Scotland.

I'd like to thank all those who helped support our event.

Fiona from the NAS One Stop Shop - Ayrshire was on hand throughout the morning to offer support and information.

We had some lovely guest speakers including Patricia Gibson MP, The Ayrshire Community Trust and my dad Kes. I’d like to thank each and

are spectacular and we shall treasure them always.

Well done to everyone who won a raffle prize too.

A huge thank you to the lovely Carole for helping us organize this

event while mum was in hospital, we

couldn’t have done it without you Carole so on behalf of mum and me thank you.””

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Below are a few links relating to my Coffee Morning.

https://www.facebook.com/group s/1286870861378618/ https://www.facebook.com/suzan ne.fernando.370/media_set?set=a .10158454463220652.1073742089 .884120651&type=3 https://www.patriciagibson.org/si ngle-post/2017/04/04/AutismAwareness-Event http://www.tsinorthayrshire.org.u k/autism-awareness-coffeemorning/ https://www.patriciagibson.org/si ngle-post/2016/08/08/RaisingAwareness-of-Autism

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JUST JORDAN

Kids Zone

by Jordan Fernando

More in the Kids Zone next month!

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

My Dog Bonnie When it comes to my dog, Bonnie She makes you smile without fail With her sweet nature, her cute pinkie brown nose And especially when she waggles her tail But one thing you should know is that As she gets older her bark gets louder In fact I guarantee if you were to listen to that bark You’d think there was a bit of Rottweiler in her But you should know that she is a gentle dog Despite that menacing bark In fact sometimes she can act shy When she meets people down by the woods or in a park So even though sometimes she can Be a bit mad and drive me up the wall She is MY crazy dog and I wouldn’t trade her For anything at all So here’s some advice for pet owners And keep thinking about this in your heads Enjoy all of your precious time with them Love them, cherish them and never take them for granted

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Review Time Holiday to Tenerife

I thoroughly enjoyed a Short break away with my Mum and Sister Aaron in beautiful Tenerife.

If your thinking of taking the family abroad and you or your child is on the spectrum then theirs a few points to take into consideration beforehand.

Many individuals with autism and their families do not travel because they are concerned with the changes and disruptions in routines that traveling today requires. You can access many autism friendly holidays by searching online that are safe and suitable for your needs. Traveling by plane can be a stressful experience for anxious children (and their parents just ask my mum!) Prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience in advance by driving to an airport, let them watch planes taking off etc. You can request a note from your doctor to ensure you get special assistance before and after your flight.

Airports are very stressful for me so my mum lets the airline/airport know in advance that we require special assistance and it makes the whole experience so much more relaxed. Upon arriving at the airport my mum shows the check in our doctors notes, I am then escorted via lifts through security with my family and it’s all done very quickly, peacefully and stress free. I’ve always felt that the airport and security is generally the worst part for me but you can take provisions to help with that. A special assistant will guide you through your whole time upon arriving to getting onto the plane and you will receive the same assistance when vacating the plane too. You usually have to wait until everyone is off the plane, then your allocated assistant will take you to baggage reclaim and assist you to the exit etc. It has been a superb help to our family over the years.

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Anyway let me tell you a little about Finca Yphys Villa where we stayed. Once we picked up our hire care Mum drove us to the villa.

It is an ideal location in Guimar if like us you prefer a remote area and quiet surroundings. Mum rented a private villa with it’s own pool literally in the middle of nowhere which was ideal for us.

Cesar was both the perfect gentleman and host, he was happy to help out whenever we needed him, and told us about the best local attractions to visit.

We really loved lounging by the pool area which was nice to relax and sunbathe by.

Cesar had two lovely natured dogs that were always around to greet us and would gladly accept a good old tummy rub if the offer was there! They both reminded us so much of our Angus and Bruno.

The villa was perfect, and the complimentary gifts courtesy of surprise on arrival (especially the red wine for mum).

The gecko is endemic to the island and were most definately regular visitors at the villa, we all thoroughly enjoyed watching them scurrying around and were a regular source of entertainment during our stay.

We are looking forward to returning again next year if Cesar will have us. **** Thank you for a wonderful stay Cesar! 10/10 **

Cesar were a lovely

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Dale Garton Film Review Fast and Furious 8

Seen: Friday 14th April 2017 Renfrew Street, Glasgow Cast: Vin Diesel Dwayne Johnstone Jason Stratham Michelle Rodriguez Plot: Dominic (Vin) has settled down with his family and not involved in any crime and all the cast are leading normal lives. Then a criminal mastermind/terrorist called Cipher forces Dom to work for her, against his team, by holding Doms wife and kids hostage. There are the usual car chases, fights and shooting all leading to an exciting film! In the end Dom and his family get back together. I would say the best actor was Dwayne Johnstone (The Rock).

Rating: 5 stars

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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: I'm autistic and dating a girl also on the spectrum, I really like her but as a friend only, what's

the best way to break up without hurting her?

Relationships are always tricky and dating advice is not my strong point.

It is important to think about how she might feel and what support she might need from people. Do you know who she could talk to if she was upset?

Being honest with her and explaining why you want to be her friend rather than her girlfriend is a good starting point but remember to be clear about this before talking to her.

You could help her by explaining what you could both do together instead so she knows that seeing you and spending time with you is still an option if she wants to.

Think about when you tell her and where. It is always better to explain things like this somewhere where she is comfortable and somewhere where she can talk to her supports (friend or family) if she needs to.

The most important thing is to be clear and to expect that she may be upset and what you would do.

Sarah Hendrikx is a consultant who also has autism and she writes some very interesting things on her website and it also has a list of books for you to read or refer to. http://www.asperger-training.com/as-and-relationships/ Hope this helps ! Love Jordan xxx

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“Dear Jordan: What benefits is my high functioning son entitled to and how do we apply?

Hi there, it depends on how old your son is and what challenges he may face. The most typical benefits that people may be eligible for areDisability living allowance or Personal independence payments Employment support allowance Job seekers allowance Universal credit You may be entitled to other benefits as an individual with autism if he/she has his own home and as a carer.

However you are best to contact an organisation that can help you with this. You could contact the following organisationsNational Autistic society welfare rights advisor onAutism Helpline on 0808 800 4104 free (Monday-Thursday, 10am-4pm, and Friday, 9am-3pm Or Contact a family if you son is under 16 years of age https://www.cafamily.org.uk/advice-and-support/in-your-area/ Entitled to is a good website to check what benefits you may be entitled tohttp://www.entitledto.co.uk/ If you prefer to talk to someone in person, you can normally contact your citizens advice bureau who can signpost you to local support organisations.

Hope this helps ! Love Jordan xxx

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“Dear Jordan: My autistic daughter is going to college soon which is going to be very stressful for her, can

she get additional support during college terms?

This very much depends on what level of course your daughter is undertaking. My best advice is to talk to someone within either student services or inclusive learning. Be clear before you contact them on what type of support you feels she needs and what your daughter thinks about this.

If you are studying at an HNC level or above in Scotland, you may be entitled to what is called non medical help through Student awards agency Scotland (SAAS). You can read more about this in this guidehttps://www.saas.gov.uk/_forms/dsa_nmph_booklet.pdf The National Autistic society also have some useful information for people on their websitehttp://www.autism.org.uk/about/transition/starting-college-uni.aspx And http://www.autism.org.uk/services/scotland/further-education.aspx

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

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

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

A free Memory workshop in Skills Development Scotland, Ayr Centre, 37 Carrick Street, Ayr, KA7 1NS The date is Monday 22nd May 10.30am to 1.30pm , tea & coffee provided.

Epilepsy Connections

Positive Pathways Scotland Training Sessions in Ayrshire The National Autistic Society will be running their popular Autism Seminars again in March and April - details to follow, but here is an alternative for those of you who are not in-touch with our One Stop Shop.

Here are FREE Positive Behaviour Support Training Sessions for Family Carers of Young People with Autism.

These are Positive Pathways Scotland (PPS) Training sessions in Ayr, Irvine and Cumnock for parents/carers of young autists between the age 5-18yrs, with emotional and behavioural challenges.

Please note that their website states the incorrect dates for the training sessions. Please see the attached poster for details and contact PPS to confirm the dates and other details.

Please use the details below to contact Positive Pathways Scotland for further information.

Tel: 01417 796365 Email: pps@trfs.org.uk Web: www.positivepathways.scot Positive Pathways Scotland (Fb): https://www.facebook.com/positivepathwaysscotland/

FreshAyr @Burnsfest https://www.facebook.com/events/604501336406927/

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Ayrshire's BIGGEST monthly craft fair. With 40 stalls and thousands of quality hand-crafted items at great prices it's a fantastic place to buy unique gifts & cards or just to treat yourself! There are lots of new crafters lined up again this year so there is always something new to see and buy. You can enjoy browsing a huge selection of crafts in the warm and dry, no matter what the weather brings. FREE Entry. Sat 6th May: 11am - 4.30pm Venue: Troon Concert Hall

www.ayrshirecraftfair.co.uk

The Rotary Great Largs Fun Run this year takes place on Sunday 7th May from 9.00am to 12.00. The entry fees are £12 for adults and £6 for children (minimum age 12 years). All proceeds go to local charities and good causes. £12 adult £6 child (12 years and over) Sun 7th May: 9am – 12 noon Venue: Barrfields Stadium, Largs Tel: 01475 670761. www.largsrotary.org

Equal Futures kenny@equalfutures.org.uk http://www.equalfutures.org.uk/index_htm_files/ef__spring_newsletter_2017.pdf

Anchors away with Anya, Gary and Kevin (formerly the stars of The Singing Kettle) for their all new show for 2017 - UNDERWATER ADVENTURE where they voyage beneath the waves to the bottom of the ocean. There’s somefin fishy going on in their latest singalong tail - the FUNBOX is locked and the gang will have to cause a splash because their magical keys are all tucked up in the sea bed. Can they find them all in time? Fluffy and Flossie the Funsters will be diving in to lend a hand and of course everyone’s favourite salty sea dog; Bonzo will be joining the aquatic action - but has he packed his trunks, snorkel and rubber ring?

Packed with familiar favourites like 'My Father Went To Sea, Sea, Sea’, 'The World Must Be Coming To An End' and 'Hole At The Bottom Of The Sea' as well as brand new songs, UNDERWATER ADVENTURE is the perfect swimalong singalong treat for kids of all ages - from nought to ninety!

Dress up for the sea and join in the fun - dress as a mermaid or come as a fish - you’ll have a whale of a time. You may even get to help on stage! Tickets: £13.50 Saturday 13th May: 1pm & 3.30pm Venue: Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock Tel: 01563 554900 www.eastayrshireleisure.com

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Burnsfest! 2017 is a FREE family festival featuring Live Music, Burns Wine Bar and Beer Garden, A-Coo-Stick Tipi, The Mercat, Performance Pokey, Bairns Bunnet, Burns Fair and more!

NEW for 2017! Openair Burns, The Poe-Tree, Burning Burns plus many more unique attractions in celebration of the bard.

Bring your friends, family and don’t forget your picnic blanket to make a day of it! Plus why not check out our Burnsfringe programme and extend your stay to include some of our other events.

Join us at Burnsfest 2017 to celebrate the man, the music, the legacy!

Sat 6th May: 1pm - 10pm Venue: Rozelle Park Free 1pm - 10pm www.burnsfestival.com

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Copyright of 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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