JUST JORDAN
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JUST Jordan
Sat 4 Sept IN THIS ISSUE
Introduction by Jordan Fernando
Hello everyone and welcome to my 2nd edition of ‘Just Jordan’.
enjoy and tell all your friends & family about “JUST Jordan”.
I’ve had an overwhelming response about my Facebook Group with a staggering 600 members already and growing by the day! Lot’s of lovely feedback and submissions for my Newsletter and I have to admit was genuinely surprised as I really didn’t expect it. The first edition was great and a work in progress but this month’s Newsletter is jam packed and I think you will love it!
You will find information on my ‘JUST Jordan’ Facebook page and how to contact me details are also enclosed.
September’s issue is filled with real life stories and even an interview with my beautiful Cover Girl & Sister Aaron, who was recently awarded £250 worth of makeup and jewellery, complete with sash and tiara on reaching the Teen Model UK Grand Finals…..Woohoo Go Aaron!!!! I’ve worked very hard on this Newsletter and I hope that you will
As always I look forward to your feedback, submissions and questions for next month’s Newsletter. See ya,
Jordan Fernando xx
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Richmond Fellowship News : Positive Pathways distributing “JUST Jordan” Newsletter around Scotland! Page 4
Exclusive Interview Read Aaron’s perspective on living with an autistic sibling! Page 2
Introducing Barry Bear Come and meet Barry Bear in the Kids Zone. Page 3
If you ask her the last time we went to the Game Store in Irvine, she would tell If you name a Super Mario you it was June 4th, 2016, a Saturday and it was raining, but that's ok as we Game, my Sister could probably tell you the exact were indoors most of the time anyway. day, month and year it was She can easily tell you the last time she ate cheesy pasta which was on a released. Wednesday, 3 weeks ago at Grandmas, In fact, this morning while and how the soft gooey texture melts in I was eating breakfast, she her mouth and the smell she loves so matter-of-factly informed much. My sister has unique abilities me that Mylene Klass unlike anyone I have ever met. shares a birthday with her She is brilliant. She is priceless. Her brain too. She has always been EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH works in ways that mine never will. But really good at remembering AARON she does not fit society’s “norm” and things unlike me and it always fascinated me how brilliant her mind can these amazing skills often go unappreciated. My sister Jordan is the be at times. founder of "JUST Jordan" and has autism.
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I have had a unique life. I grew up with a big sister whose needs were sometimes more important than mine but that's ok. Acceptance took longer than I wanted it to… I couldn't understand the strange looks when Jordan acted out in public, the uncomfortable look on my friends’ faces when I decided (after months of internal debate) I would invite them over to play. Sometimes when a sibling has a disability you feel pressure to compensate for it. I wanted to be the best at everything and go above and beyond in every minute detail of my life so I could be there for her whenever she needed me. I learnt as much as I possibly could about autism/asperger’s sydrome from my parents. I selfishly considered myself the only possible ‘proof’ that my parents were good parents and could raise ‘good’ children. Who else did they have? Who will take care of them someday? I realize now I could not have been more wrong.
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When I was little, the doctors said Jordan had delayed speech. I wondered if my sister would ever be able to talk to me and tell me how she felt and why she cried and screamed. I wondered why we couldn’t leave the house without tears, even to go to the shops or why my mum was tying her shoes at ten years old. I didn’t understand why she didn’t respond when we screamed “Jordan!” the day my mum asked me to watch her for two minutes and she wandered away. I wondered how many other 7-year-olds had lost their sister before and if they understood the guilt. I wondered if she even knew what it meant to have a little sister.
the luckiest sister in the whole world to have every day blessed by the honesty, innocence and joy that someone with autism brings. Disabilities bring you back to the bare basics where being kind, helpful, patient and loving are the most important attributes. I often think people just fear what they do not understand.
Understanding is the key to acceptance; to understand that everyone is different and some people need extra help, extra time, extra attention and a little extra love. Living with Jordan has exposed some tough, scary feelings but I think most siblings regardless would probably say the same thing anyway. I’ve I used to wonder if she would ever be able to tie her shoes, or if she would ever encouraged and helped Jordan as often as I can and try to be the best sister I can be able to ride a bike. Of course Jordan now rides her bike all over the place and be. Who knows where our life path with lead us but that's the exciting part of ties her own laces. It's funny how so many things we take for granted but to living, for me yes I've had my ups and others it may seem like they have a huge downs but they've all been part of my life's lesson and journey, but with the To be the sister of a child with autism mountain to climb. Things that I find means every day is crazy and you never difficult though like studying for Math’s I support of my family I'll dust myself down and get on with it the only way I know what to expect. It’s stressful. It’s always ask Jordan for help as she is just know how..........head on just like Jordan! chaotic. But I love it and wouldn't have it amazingly clever with numbers! We all any other way. You grow up very have something we're good at and enjoy My parents are the most amazing people quickly. Whining about staying up later and let's face it, the world would be a I have ever met and with their love and or wanting the newest phone seems very boring place to live if we were all the dedication, Jordan and I have grown into completely insignificant when your same, right? young adults with the utmost respect sibling is struggling with basic life skills. and gratitude for one another. Jordan volunteers with The National You deal with a lot of emotions and Autistic Society and has done so for anxieties that never cross the minds of some time now enjoying every second of other 8-years-olds. Why are those kids it. She has made strides that could staring at my sister? What are they saying? Please stop flapping your arms. inspire anyone on their darkest days. She has a loving and loyal boyfriend You need your own space, you love called Ross, she enjoys spending time spending time with your sibling..... It is with her friends, volunteering at Oss and overwhelming at first and that’s okay helping out up at our favourite local too. Remembering that trip to Disney radio station 3TFM with our adorable and how much it overwhelmed her and how your first cello concert might irritate friend Louis Ferguson. her sensory issues. However, what you While there are a lot of things I don’t gain are irreplaceable life experiences know, I do know that there is nothing that turn you into a strong, independent Jordan won't at least try to do… She will and caring person who knows the true face challenges whenever required, like meaning of love, hard work, patience the recent 150ft zip slide with Mum and family. raising money for NAS! And if she lives with me for the rest of my life, I will be
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And to my sister, I love you more than you could ever imagine. I would not trade you for anything. I would not change anything and I would go to the ends of the world for you. The struggles only make us stronger. I am the luckiest sister in the world and I love you with all my heart. Thank you for being the best Big Sister Jordan
. Aaron xxxx
USEFUL CONTACTS http://www.autism.org.uk/ NAS Scotland Central Chambers 1st Floor, 109 Hope Street Glasgow G2 6LL United Kingdom NAS One Stop Shop - Ayrshire 22 Portland Road, Kilmarnock, Kilmarnock, KA1 2BS, United Kingdom
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The kitchen has never been a safe place for children. But it becomes an
even dangerous place if there are
Kids Zone
children who are autistic at home. Caring for children with autism
by Jordan Fernando
requires a very special focus on their safety. And nothing can pose more possibilities of hurt and injury than an unplanned and un-organised kitchen. With a little preparation, a kitchen can be modified so that it becomes safe and harmless for children with autism. Since is a kitchen is home to
Kitchen Safety & Hygiene
innumerable objects,
For Mums & Dads:
there
are many modifications that need to be made to the kitchen to make it completely safe for a child with
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autism. However, different autistic
induction cooktop which does not
Hot water taps in kitchen : If there
children have different behavioural
emit any lights that might attract the
are hot water taps in kitchen, having
patterns. For someone wondering
child’s attention. Again make sure to
a second level of control can help
where the changes in the kitchen
have even the induction stove
prevent the child from burning
should be started, it is best to
moved high.
himself. Avoid using a tap with flick
understand
the
Other light emitting devices: Other
mixer as it is very easy to operate for
maximum threat to the child in the
light emitting devices like the oven or
the child.
kitchen based on the behavioural
even the refrigerator can keep the
pattern of the child. Children with
child hung around them. Hence
Autistic children also throw tantrums
autism tend to develop attraction
position these kitchen electronics as
and can end up hurting themselves
towards certain things like light and
far away from the reach of children as
in the process. If the child tends to
constantly stare at them and try to
possible. Built in wall ovens can
throw or scatter things, some
reach out to them and grab them.
remain inconspicuous to the eyes of
changes that can be made to the
the child and locked refrigerator door
kitchen are –
what
poses
Lighting in the kitchen – Autistic children who develop a fascination for lights tend to stare at the electric bulbs and other decorative lights. While these lights are generally positioned beyond the reach of children, they do not pose much harm. It is still advisable to have the
can avoid children from wanting to step into it. Some autistic children find heating instruments amusing and end up reaching out for them despite
all
modifications
warnings. for
such
Some children
include –
(i) Replace cutlery with ones made from plastic or fibre – having plates and utensils of glass or material that can shatter and break can lead to these pieces hurting the child. They can also hurt others in the kitchen. Hence choose dinner sets made of
lights covered with heat resistant
Building a barricade: While it might
material that does not break and is
fibres so that if a child does manage
sound silly, building a small barricade
light weight.
to touch them, he does not get burnt
around your stove can keep your
or get a shock. Also, keeping these
child away from it.
lights mild will prevent harm to the
Separate cooling area for hot
eyes of the child due to constant
instruments: After usage,
staring.
instruments such as kettles, toasters
Lights from gas stove: A gas stove is the biggest attraction to such children who get drawn towards it due to the lights it emits when on. It is hence necessary to move the gas stove top as high as possible to avoid the child from being able to reach it. If possible, replace the gas stoves for
etc remain warm for some time. A separate area that is at a height and away from reach of child can be
(ii) Keep the kitchen as clean as possible – ensure that there are no loosely left items lying around in the kitchen that the child can easily grab and throw. Keep everything locked in cupboards and cabinets and take it out only while using.
allocated for cooling where all hot
(iii) Hide away all sharp objects –
instruments and utensils can be left
work in kitchen cannot be completed
to cool. They can later be stored in
without knives but knives pose the
cabinets.
greatest threat to the safety of the child. Hence all kinds of sharp
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objects need to be hidden away from the child so that the child does not find them even as a matter of chance. Taking care of a child with autism can be challenging and requires patience. But by keen observation of the child and the kitchen surrounding, all areas that can harm the child can be identified. The above measures can also help make kitchen a much safer place for the child. Some of them are more expensive and some are less, but nothing is more important than the safety of the child. Useful Contacts:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/wa ndering-resources http://www.goedekers.com/blog/ki tchen-safety-families-autisticchildren/
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Richmond Fellowship News Ruth Adams, a Behaviour Support Advisor (Autism) is part of The Positive Behaviour Support Team within the Richmond Fellowship Scotland and following a conversation with her I am delighted to announce that she will be sharing my newsletter in some workshops and with staff members around Scotland. Ruth has recognised the importance of firsthand accounts of what it is like to have autism in a Neurotypical world, because people can connect to what is said better than by just reading information on slides. A colleague of Ruth who is currently delivering training to parents of people with autism across Scotland, says she often gets requests about how their children, especially teenagers, can access peer support. So they will be printing copies of “JUST Jordan” newsletter to hand out at the workshops! Isn’t this just fantastic news and a real boost for spreading awareness of “JUST Jordan” too. I am absolutely delighted and thrilled about what the future may bring, so watch this space folks! Below is a link to the website for the Positive Pathways Training so that you can see what it involves and where my newsletter will be distributed: http://www.positivepathways.scot/ https://www.facebook.com/TheRichmondFellowshipScotland/
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Art Corner! As promised here are the chosen entries submitted by you, my wonderful readers! Miss Kerry McGinn 19, Stevenston has submitted 3 pieces of artwork telling a story of a popular Disney Movie. Can you guess which one?
Answer : Rapunzel Well done if you got it right! Kerry explains here what each drawing represents: « The drawing of the Golden Flower tells the beginning of the story of Rapunzel. The flower has gone into bloom bringing light to a world of darkness and giving Rapunzel her magical golden hair. I wanted to show how the flower represents goodness. The next drawing of Rapunzel’s eye’s represent her curiosity and the final drawing marks the end of the story when Rapunzel is rescued by her hero and takes her place as the Princess. The heart represents true love, the sun is Rapunzels royal crest and the flower
represents how Rapunzel blossomed into a beautiful young woman. »
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Miss Aaron Fernando 15, Ardrossan submitted a couple of her favourite drawings. Aaron enjoys spending time at Comic Cons with her friends, reading Anime and drawing her own characters
as shown here. She also enjoys volunteering at Vintage Rose Therapies where she has gained a lot of experience with owner Margaret Wilson. Aaron now provides pamper parties of her own providing quality makeovers and nail art too. You can view her Facebook page here for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4763 15025910707/
More lucky winners will be chosen and featured in next month’s edition so get to work and good luck !
To submit your entries please send to : Jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk
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Share Your Hobbies! Last month I shared my love of restoration work featuring some of my finished products and I’d like to thank everyone for their lovely comments, they were most appreciated! The lucky winners chosen to feature in this month’s edition of “JUST
Jordan” are Miss Jill Sheldrake 12 years old from Carmarthen in Wales and Mr Ross Carswell 19 from Irvine. Jill uses art as a way of explaining her emotions through social stories on route to school via a taxi or on a trip out, she also enjoys making games online and here is a little sample of what she’s done so far: https://www.facebook.com/karen.sh eldrake.5/videos/1015278951082858 3/ Opposite are 2 fabulous drawings submitted by Jill and am sure you will all agree are full of imagination and a brilliant use of colour!
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What do you all think? Jill writes: "My inspiration for my drawings, comes from a lot of different things- such as vines/YouTube videos, a special lego theme (Mixels) is also a very inspirational show to me. The second drawing shows my view on politics in the form of a drawing. As for the first one- that was my view on swimming in lazy river at blue lagoon, my drawings are also affected by the music I’m listening to as I draw for I can't draw without it (or at least- I can't draw 'Like I normally do' without it) I've been drawing for a long time and I've gotten the hang of it. Just recently I made a new OC and more than 10 users like it now. I can't wait to hear from you guys. Jill Sheldrake.�
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“Everyone meet my handsome and very talented boyfriend Ross”. Now I want to share my sheer joy and pride in my boyfriend’s recent win, you are now looking at the SN British Judo Open Champion!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go you completely smashed it Babe! Another one of his hobbies is Wrestling which he absolutely loves and if I say so myself is very good at what he does! His stage name is ‘Korbyn Krowe’ and yes he’s a baddie and we do have to ‘Boo’ him but someone’s gotta do it eh hahaha! Ross is a member of the PBW Academy which is the official training school for Premier British Wrestling. Wrestling training is every Sunday in Barrhead, Airdrie & Greenock.
Ross writes: “For as long as I can remember I have being learning all there is to know about Judo. I believe I have been attending classes for over 10 years now, my friends mother told her about a Judo club in Kilwinning and she thought my sister and I would love it. Well I was hooked after that first session, however the club I initially attended seemed
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to wither over the years, member’s started leaving including my Sister Megan. We found another club for me to join in Irvine, that’s when I started to realise something exciting was stirring in me. At first it was just a source of fitness but when I took part in my first competition and WON, I realised the potential and confidence I had in myself. I have won a total of 9 medals, including 2 British golds! I even got the chance to hold the baton for the Commonwealth Games! Was also nominated for an award for Young Athlete of the Year, which I reached finalist status. Judo has now become a huge part of my life, and to think I’d never achieve anything in Sport!! Judo is not my only passion, professional wrestling has always been one of my childhood dreams too. 2 and a half years ago I heard about PBW Academy, a wrestling school for fans. Since joining I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and at the beginning of the year, I made my debut as 'Korbyn Krowe' and it was AMAZING! To actually go in a 4 sided ring and wrestle is a dream come true for wrestling fans like myself, so far I have been on 3 shows and there will be plenty more to come! Overall, never would I have thought to have made it this far in life, I am thrilled to be excelling in Judo and living the dream in Wrestling. Like my beautiful girlfriend Jordan always says; it truly does prove when you believe in yourself, you can do anything!” Full info can be found on their website at www.pbwwrestling.com
Do you have a hobby you’d like readers in the next edition of I’d love to see you all in action me some photos and I’ll try publish as many as I can in huge thank you to both Ross first members to share their hobbies Submissions via Email: jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk or
to share with our ‘JUST Jordan’? so please do send my very best to our October issue. A & Jill for being our very with us. 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”
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
“Dear Jordan: What if I Suspect that I Have Autism? ” John, 26 from Kilwinning.
Hi John. “Many people with Asperger syndrome or other highfunctioning forms of autism never received a diagnosis as a child. They may be diagnosed as adults when seeking help for related problems at work or in their social lives. Consider asking your physician for a referral to an appropriate specialist. Professionals qualified to make an adult autism diagnosis include licensed clinical psychologists, neurologists and psychiatrists. Some nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers and master’s level psychologists likewise have the expertise to diagnose autism in adults.". Hope that helps, Love Jordan xx
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“Dear Jordan: Will my child be able to attend school?” Sonia, 30 from Kilbirnie Hi Sonia Absolutely. In fact, it's a child’s right. Your child deserves access to a “free and appropriate” education funded by the government, whether it be in a mainstream or special education classroom. Love Jordan xx
“Dear Jordan: I work with an adult who becomes very aggressive when the TV schedule for his favourite programme changes. Any advice?” Jayne, 40 from Ayr Hi Jayne, Any kind of change can be difficult for a person with autism to understand, especially when it impacts on a favourite event. The best way to help them overcome this is to try and teach them flexibility as early as possible. Learning that things do change, often without warning, can help a person with autism prepare for this in the future. This can be done in a number of ways. Allowing other people to change the TV channel could teach him not to have control of the TV schedule all the time. If it is a residential environment, could there be different days that different people get to decide what to watch? A surprise schedule could also be built into the whole day's activity. This could be done by introducing a visual timetable on the wall and sticking a surprise visual (making sure it is bright so it stands out) over a disliked activity and introducing a fun activity instead. This might help a person cope with the change more because it is motivating. The surprise activity will also eventually become a fairly everyday task to him, so he will learn to cope better with mundane changes. If there is a problem around a particular TV programme, it may be easier for him to record the programme and have a different designated time to watch it, so he has a degree of control over this. Hope that helps! Love Jordan xx
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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The Little box of distractions is a new charity set up to help people who are in mental distress or suffer with mental health issues. They provide a box of things proven to help distract someone who is struggling to cope with daily life. Some examples of the things in our boxes are: stress ball, hot chocolate, candles, colouring book, puzzles, colouring pencils and much more. The boxes are free but if out with North Ayrshire a fee of £3 for p&p is appreciated. They have helped over 700 people in the UK in the time they have been running. ‘The Little Box of Distractions’ were established in October 2015 and have recently become a registered charity. Alongside the boxes of distractions they are in the process of setting up premises which will be used as a drop in centre. Kerry Elliot & partner Shelley Montgomery O’Pray will provide a safe and fun environment for people who just need some peer support and will meet other people in a similar situation. They will also provide one to one peer support and hope to have a relaxation room set up where they can get a volunteer to come along and provide some reflexology or other therapies. Kerry & Shelley would appreciate any cash donations or donations of furniture for their premises. Check out their Facebook “the little box of distractions” or their website https://littleboxofdistractions.wordpress.com/
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What’s On in Ayrshire
Family Friendly Wrestling 6 - 10pm Friday 28th October 2016 Lagoon Leisure Centre, 11 Christie Street, Paisley PA1 1NB Cost: ÂŁ12+ The Scottish Wrestling Allience (SWA) have arranged this event, with the opportunity for you to 'meet & greet' with Cody Rhodes, Joe Coffey and other wrestlers before the show. For further information please click on the link below. Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/261979620855701
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**Young Campaigners Group** The Young Campaigners are a group of young people in Scotland aged 13-19 who want to transform the way society views people with autism. In just two years, they have become an invaluable part of The National Autistic Society’s wider campaign work. They’ve raised awareness of autism by meeting MPs, speaking at events and featuring in national and local media. Contact Callum McCrossan, Befriending and Mentoring Coordinator Callum.McCrosson@nas.org.uk
“JUST Aaron” Autism friendly new and innovative Beauty & Nail Business created by Aaron Fernando.. "JUST Aaron" Beauty & Nails can be carried out in the comfort of your own home. No acrylics only file & polish available. Great idea for kids parties! Aaron is self taught and provides new creations frequently with low affordable rates. For more information why not join “JUST Aaron” here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/476315025910707/
Touchbase Ayrshire Sense Scotland have been providing services for people with communication support needs in Ayrshire for over 15 years. For more information contact: Mairi Morrison, Head of Business Development Phone: 0300 330 9292Email: mmorrison@sensescotland.org.uk
Copyright of Jordan Fernando Jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/213071952427706/ https://issuu.com/justjordan19/docs/justjordan.docx__2_
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