REGIONAL AUSTRALIA AUTISM SUPPORT NETWORK

Newsletter #2 October 2013

Welcome
Dear Reader,

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the

Welcome to our second edition, the response that we had from our first edition was positive and I thank everyone who took the time to give us their feedback. From the committee we hope you continue to enjoy reading our newsletter and look forward to hearing from you soon. September in household across NSW and VIC meant school holidays, this is something which we come into each term with trepidation as with four kids in and out of the house one never knows what to expect day to day. However, much to my surprise we had no meltdowns, no anxiety attacks and Zachary managed to use the toilet. Woohoo!!!! I find myself spending the majority of the school holidays testing Zachary on his social skills that he has learnt at Aspect. I use the time to test the boundaries on where we can go and what we can do. I am usually astounded at the changes that have occurred during the school term. Does anyone else do this? I sincerely hope that you took the time to enjoy the sunshine with your loved ones, even with the cold winds blowing. It is so important to enjoy each day as they are and remember we will never have that day back again. So stay strong and positive from one day to the next and be all that you can. Regards Belinda Martin CEO RAASN

brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities." Dr Seuss

In This Issue
Welcome by CEO 200 words one minute

Social group for young adults and

teenagers information
Upcoming Seminar APAC 13 Different Not Less Campaign Feature Family

Recommended books to read written by: John Elder Robinson.

Dates for the Diary ASD friendly service

200 Words One Minute. Why 200 words? Well, because that will take you about 1 minute to read. You can do a lot of things in one minute if you have to. As an Autism Mum, Ive learned to do my make up in one minute, get dressed in one minute, do my hair in under one minute, put the wash on, make the beds, and even feed the pets in one minute. The only thing I cant do, or rather refuse to reduce to one frantic minute is my evening shower, which is why I leave that little luxury to the very end of the day, when my husbands home, or my beautiful little energiser bunny is safely tucked up in bed. Do I feel guilty about using all the hot water? Nope. I go last so no -one else misses out, and I use that time to feel good, purged of the day and any stresses that may have gotten the best of me. Its my Mum reward. I earned it. I deserve it. You deserve it too. Whats your Mum reward? Its OK to say chocolate. Or bacon. By Jen Tait

Upcoming Seminar
The planning for AutismLiving on the Border Seminar is underway. Guest Speakers so far include Liz CampbellSpeech Pathologist Aspect Riverina Vaughan OSullivanWork Trainers Murray Dawson-SmithAmaze Linda KaineWewak St, School Melanie MartinelliLittle Black Duck L.E.A.P Centre Dr David ChristieAlbury Wodonga Pediatric Group

Social Group for Young Adults on the

Autism Spectrum!
Jen Tait is looking for expressions of interest from young adults with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's, aged between 17 and 25 years to create a Social Group in the Albury Wodonga area. If this interests you, please email Jen at aeagalburywodonga@gmail.com; Jen is interested in your thoughts on the idea of a Social Group, and what you would like from a Social Group in terms of activities and interests. She would also like to hear parents thoughts on the idea.

Seminar will be held at The Quest Apartments, Kiewa Street Albury. February 10, 11 & 12, 2014. If anyone is interested in volunteering their time to come and talk about the amazing work they do then we would love to hear from you. autismsupport@live.com.au Enrollments for seminar will open in November so stay tuned. Watch this space while we continue to plan and update you on our seminar. Sponsored by:

APAC 2013
Early August 2013, I had the pleasure of attending the Asia Pacific Autism Conference in Adelaide. Opening Plenary 1New Evidence on Early Neural Development Defects that Cause Autism. Research conducted by Professor Eric Courchesne. This was by far the most interesting session which I attended. Personally I found Eric to be an amazing and inspiring man. After developing polio as a youngster he has gone on to doing some amazing research and work. Summary of his research follows: New studies have discovered that a majority of boys with autism have an excess number of brain cells in the frontal cortex, which is a region that controls social, communication, emotion, language and higher cognitive functions. New studies have also discovered a novel defect in frontal and temporal cortical neural organisation. These and related discoveries on the underlying neural defects in toddlers and children with autism point to prenatal onset of autism and possible causes. They also explain why autistic toddlers have an unusual pattern of early brain overgrowth as revealed by neuroimaging, and shed light on how this impacts early social, language and emotion development. Lastly, new neuroimaging studies investigate whether autism may involve two different forms of underlying neural defect that may predict different clinical outcomes. For more information on Prof. Eric Courchesne please go to the following link.. http://neurosciences.ucsd.edu/faculty/Pages/eric-courchesne.aspx

Different Not Less Campaign 2014

In conjunction with world Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd 2014, we will be holding our annual Different Not Less Campaign. We are interested in speaking with anyone who has some ideas on what they would like to see at the next Different not Less Campaign. What did you like about this years and what are your thoughts on what can be improved for 2014. If anyone is interested in getting on board as either a sponsor, service provider or volunteer then please email us at autismsupport@live.com.au

Our Story by Kylie Dennis.

My nine year old step-son, Blake was officially diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome and ADHD with subsequent executive functioning and learning difficulties. Blake has a range of social and communication / comprehension issues, each of which are being addressed on a day by day basis and with long awaited ongoing support from his school. When I arrived in Blakes life, he had not yet turned 5 and his biological parents had recently separated. Despite initially residing with his biological mother he was soon enough delivered to his father for permanent care and accommodation. Within seven months, I was a permanent fixture in Blakes life as I had relocated from Melbourne to Thurgoona. I moved into Blakes home to begin a life with his father, Doug; Samara (Blakes closest in age sister who lives with her biological mother but comes to visit regularly, and who has been diagnosed with High Functioning Autism); Sascha (Blakes next older sister who lives with her father and I); and Sean (Blakes eldest sister who at the time did live with her father and I). Life as an instant Mum to three children on a full time basis, and a fourth child on an interim basis certainly had its challenges, but so many delights. As Blake began primary school within three months of my arrival into his life, there were consistent negative and odd behaviour that Blake displayed which could have been quite easily attributed to the recent change in domestic situation and not much was thought of them. However, they persisted and included: chewing his clothes (particularly shoulder seams, bands, cuffs, buttons and collars of jumpers and shoes) and other items as the desire took him. Blakes oddities continued and it soon became realised that these behaviours, along with violent tantrums and uncontrollable rages, could no longer be overlooked. After a number of meetings and regular discussions with Blakes teachers and school counsellor, we decided to seek advice from a local Paediatrician, Dr David Christie. Initially diagnosed with PDD -NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), Blakes condition was monitored and various strategies to control, mould and eliminate negative behaviours were implemented. With Dr Christies advice, we sourced additional support from a local Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist. Blake showed signs of improved social interactions, and a significant reduction in violent outbursts, however, there were things he still didnt get and struggled with on a daily basis. We decided to seek a formal diagnosis and spent a period of time in Melbourne where we went through the private system and had Blake assessed with a Clinical and Developmental Psychologist who diagnosed Blake with Aspergers Syndrome in addition to ADHD and the myriad of other complementing issues. Since the official diagnosis of Aspergers coupled with ADHD, we have received support from local organisation Aspire Support Services and more support from Blakes primary school counsellor. Aspire provide respite for Blake approximately twice a month, in addition to planned events and activities throughout the school term and

holidays; while Blakes school counsellor has been working closely with Blake this year on explaining social relationships particularly regarding friendships and sharing. There are certainly periods of overwhelming frustration, anger, resentment and abandonment on his part but Blake is a truly remarkable boy so completely angelic and loving. He genuinely wants to do the right thing in all situations and please everyone; particularly his father and myself. Blake began calling me Mum over two years ago, and came to that decision alone, with no coercion from his father or me. I adore him and he adores me. We have a wonderful bond and enjoy so many activities together, including regular story time, cooking, walks, board games, jigsaw, dancing and watching marathon sessions of Star Wars, Ben 10 and SpongeBob. There is so much to be learnt from Aspie kids and so many resources out there I have found that the best way to make contact with places / organisations and support is to have a loud voice, and dont accept we dont know, you dont qualify or he was diagnosed too late. My best advice to anyone, parent or carer out there, is to ask, ask and keep asking. Follow your gut instinct, and dont stop until you get somewhere.. but most importantly, allow yourself to learn along the way! Enjoy the ride, and the special moments, the pats, kisses, endlessly repeated questions and statements.they may not last, but they should be cherished forever!

To my Blakey-boy: thank you for all that you continue to teach me! I love you xxxx

Dates for the Diary

Friday 11th OctoberKnowledge over the Rainbow. Lismore Workers Club. Saturday 12th October Parent night out 6.00pm. Location to be advised, Depending on numbers. RSVP October 1st to autismsupport@live.com.au Tuesday 15th OctoberAspire ASD support group meeting. 10am at Borella Rd Office

ASD Friendly stores, services and places of interest

It is always nice to know what dentist to visit, or hairdresser to attempt getting our children's hair cut with. So this place is for that missing information that we sometimes don't know unless someone else has a good experience. If you know of any place that can be added to the list then please email us.

Have you got an event in your area that you would like to see advertised. Please email us and we will place the details here.

DentistChad Phillips at City Gardens Dental Albury 6021 6141

Hair DresserCarols Artistic Salon, Albury 6040 1907 CafThe Grind on Olive , Albury RestaurantThe Stump, Wodonga

Contact Us 0437 310 688

RAASN PO Box 3173 Albury NSW 2640 autismsupport@live.com.au Visit us on the web at https://www.facebook.com/RegionalAustraliaAutismInc