Some of my Favourite Links

• Something about us is a short film (approx. 20 mins, in 2 parts) that consists of segements created by different autistic individuals from a variety of 'walks of life' who have things they want the world to know about autism. It's message is positive, timely, very important and should be veiwed by all interested in our point of view. I hope you enjoy watching this beautifully crafted contribution to the broadening of understanding that our autism gives us. We want you to recognise our strengths, not just our weaknesses and build upon these. It's time the world listened....
• Socialeyes is a particular package focussed on social issues and how to note & practice helpful ideas for us as autistic adults. It has been created with the input of 5 autistic adults. Our stories, reasoning and honesty make this package accessable, real and worthwhile. This is not a typical training package that lacks the understanding from our point of view... it is quite different to anything else on the market. The National Autistic Society team, who worked with us in the making of these materials, listened to us and valued our individuality, life experience and the gifts we bring to share. I recommend Socialeyes to any individual who wants to learn more about themselves, about others and about how to connect to the social world in a meaning and positive way.
• The Early Days workshops are an intiative of the Australian Government and they organise the workshops to come to the families in their local community.  There are also on-line workshops and these are really helpful. Understanding our family members on the autism spectrum and helping them to understand us is a huge part of the solution when it comes to stress reduction. Accessing resources and finding support from others is another aspect to aid parental & family stress reduction.
• Hacking Autism is technology for kids that offers free and for purchase apps that help kids communicate and express themselves.. really cool stuff. 
• I purchased a Watchminder 3 to try out. It's a watch that can be programed to remind you of basic things you need to do.... great for many of us as autistic folk or ADHD.Yesterday it reminded me that I needed to calm down.... it also reminded me to visit my mother!
• Squeasewear have created jackets that apply a gentle hug, like pressure to your upper body. I reckon these products will reduce the anxiety for so many people and increase our quality of life, thanks guys!
• My friend Jo Adkins in New Zealand has written some great books on toileting and communication. Her latest book is on Maths.
• The Carson Street School has some terrific free resources.
• Cartwheel Education have begun a campaign to encourage people to give their old iPhone's and iPod Touch's to students on the Autism Spectrum. This is a great idea which I wholeheartedl support.
• AI (autistic intellegence) is now live. AI hosts a group of individuals who want to share their expertise about autistic intellegence with the world. We have lots to share and invite you to check us out!
• Rudy Simone is a good friend of mine and has a great website.
• Zaffy Simone has a great facebook page.
• I take Low dose Naltrexone every night and since doing so have noticed a general sense of increased well being; less attacks from collitis and reduced inflamation in my joints.
• Tony Attwood is a great conference speaker and authority on Asperger Syndrome.
• art4autism.com.au is a great site that Lisa, my artist friend, hosts. Lisa is autistic and has a unique way of expressing emotive states, like sensory over load, in her cartoon art work.
• The ASC Good Practice Guide
• Josh Muggleton is a talented young man with Asperger's Syndrome, and a great conference speaker and good friend of mine. The Channel 4 YearDot series, now on YouTube covering his transition to university are well worth seeing. Episode 8 and Episode 16.
• Robyn Steward is a gifted young woman with Asperger's Syndrome who offers training and mentoring.
• The Autreach IT Project aims to promote ICT training within care establishments, particularly those specialising in autism. I passionately believe that this will empower vulnerable communities and I am proud to be a Trustee of this organisation.
• I'm more & more excited about the potential for our kids & adults to access 'conversation' via iPodtouch & Proloquo2GO or texting via mobile phones, typing or using text to speech on the computer etc. This technology is opening up new terrotory to autistic individuals that previously was out of reach. It gives them a real hope for their future!
• Temple Grandin's Home Page. Being autistic doesn't mean 'being without a future'... as Temple Grandin's life clearly demonstrates.
• Laurens Creed is the title of Dianne Winbanks inspiring story of raising a child with autism.
• Shelly Cline is the parent of a child with Asperger Syndrome and has an interesting site.
• WOTSNormal is a series of books I have read which I think are very useful.
• Autism Training is a free online AS training program & I think it's quite good. I don't agree with everything but the gist is great, especially for building understanding between school & home. Teachers should know that they can access understanding and strategies by working through this website's on-line course(s).
• This is one family's story. It is not connnected to autism but it is connected to the values and ideas behind being family and facing the difficulties of bureaucracy, system failure, and frustration. It is a life and death story - One that will make you laugh and make you cry. It could be your story or my story. The overriding feeling and experience I had when I first read this story was one of "what courage and committment. I hope I have the guts and stamina to cope, should such circumstances ever come my direction". This story warmed my heart, made me feel angry at the injustice and endeared me to my special caravan friends and family that I have the good fortune to share it with. I hope you will have the time to read it.
• These videos offer a different perspective on autism in the face of a rising media-hyped tide of fear, self-pity, and talk of suffering. It helps to support a positive image of autistic kids as human beings who love and laugh.
• Dannie's Dilemma is a series of books that look really helpful, and is written by the parent of a child with Asperger's Syndrome.
• Emotional Resilience & Well being Programme (FRIENDS) is designed for children and young people with ASD in Redcar and Cleveland (UK).
• Homes Caring for Autism Ltd run community integrated care homes in the South West UK. I say: "You guys are just great. People with Autism need your sort of service." "We could do with your service in Australia." "It's nice to meet people who are willing to use my knowledge."
• Autism For Psychologists is worth reading because it is written by an individual with ASD who might represent others with ASD who feel that the professional world isn't listening to them.
• Autistic People Against Neuroleptic Abuse is an organisation of which I am proud to be the patron of. It explains why I am concerned about the prescribing of many drugs that can do us a lot of harm. There is also an interview there with me.
• Autism Solutions Incorporated are based in Western Australia and are doing a great job of supporting families of children with ASD's.
• Autism and Computing is a not-for-profit group. Its aim is to explore ways of helping people with autism to lead fulfilling lives. The Potions and Pills article is definitely recommended reading.
• Helping To Grow has software and teaching tips for parents of children with learning delays and difficulties.
• Cassandra Leuthold is a remarkable college bowler who says having Asperger's syndrome helps her concentrate when it matters most. Watch the video.
• Eric Chen is an autistic who has entered the human world now guides people to experience the world of autism.
• The Autism Research Program At The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has been running a series of collaboratives project looking at brain development in people with autism. They have already made some interesting findings.
• Autismarts.com is a collection of artwork from people on the autistic spectrum. Their objective is to collect the largest portfolio of artwork from around the world.
• Autism and Asperger's Support Group Inc. is a parent support group in New South Wales. If you live in the area, look them up!
• Here are some good places for Australians with AS to chat:
  • http://members.ozemail.com.au/~rbmitch/Asperger.htm - there are several adults with AS in the Australian chat room each night, these people can direct others to chats they may be interested in.
  • http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AspergerAutism_Teens/ - a mailing list for teens. There is the opportunity for teens to create their own chatroom from this.
• I have been extremely moved by the Getting The Truth Out website.

And when I'm away from home and start getting homesick....

Warrnambool on the Web

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