Aspergers and High Functioning Autism at the University of New England

By goodvibe |

I am John McDonald and I'm an aspergers autistic adult, drifting lost in a world I'm just not a part of. For what it's worth, here is my experience at the University of New England. After a difficult autistic adolescence, in 1987 as a mature age student at the age of 30, I settled into an Arts degree with a Psychology major at the University of New England. A purpose in life.

Advocacy in Secondary schools

By Marlicia Travis |

Hi everyone, I'm new here. I have a son on the spectrum. Life has been like a blend of "what's eating Gilbert grape" and "the black balloon" for my family. Having been amazed at the various responses across the whole of society regarding my sons behaviour, I have decided to create a presentation to take into secondary schools across the Sydney region to build community awareness on a broader scale, and offer the opportunity for questions to be answered with the intention of a greater level of understanding in all aspects of future Sydney community life.

Terrace man sells his skin

By bobb |

BY ALISON BRANLEY

Forget bus stop seats, a Raymond Terrace man is selling advertising space on his skin in an effort to raise $1 million.

Tim Christian, 26, said every square centimetre of his body was up for grabs by businesses looking to get their brand permanently tattooed on his walking billboard.

The father-of-three is doing it to raise money to improve Hunter autism services after struggling to get help for his four-year-old son, Connor.

Mother branded mentally ill after complaint

By bobb |

Louise Hall, September 30, 2010

A MOTHER who raised serious concerns about the care of her intellectually disabled daughter at a group home was taken to the Guardianship Tribunal where the state government tried to strip her parental rights.

Documents obtained under freedom of information show disability bureaucrats tried to portray the mother as mentally ill and unfit to make decisions about her daughter, then 19.

Rocketing autism numbers met with education shortfall

By bobb |

HEATH GILMORE, July 26, 2010

AUTISTIC children are being forced into mainstream classes because of a lack of places in specialised learning groups in NSW schools, an inquiry has heard.

The families and teachers of autistic children have complained to the NSW parliamentary inquiry about the failure to provide an adequate number of places, despite a sharp increase in students diagnosed with learning problems.

HELPFUL MEDICATION FOR ASPERGERS

By Chris_Y64 |

My 12 year old daughter has had many years of distress and torment due to her aspergers symptoms. She has endured severe bullying throughout her schooling years until she had a major breakdown 16 months ago which required emergency hospital treatment as she wanted to end her life. At the hospital she was placed on Zaprexia. This medication is very strong and it causes other problems for the child. She experienced severe weight gain & it lowers dopamine levels in the rear & frontal lobes of the brain. This caused her to feel foggy in her thinking & very tired.

Outrage over Seven Hills West Public School putting autistic children in cage

By bobb |

By Lisa Martin, From: AAP, March 11, 2010 6:01PM

  • Autistic children kept in fenced area
  • Treatment inhumane, says NSW Opposition
  • Matter of safety, says Education Department

A SYDNEY primary school that pens children with autism in a fenced area at lunchtimes should be investigated for human rights violations, the New South Wales Opposition says.

Parents with children at Seven Hills West Public School are angry that pupils with special needs are placed inside a fenced enclosure that has one tree, a bench and a dirt floor.

Aspergers doesn't eventually go away

By anut131 |

My 15 year old son has transferred from the private education system to the public education system this year. He was diagnosed with Aspergers Disorder when he was 4.He has followed the usual path for ASD attending early intervention and being funded through out school. His diagnosis was reconfirmed on the DSM -IV scale in 2004 when he started in the private education system.I have just been informed by the public school that they cannot apply for funding in the public education system unless his diagnosis is confirmed by a psychiatrist yet again.

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