Graeme’s Story

Produced by Speakup Self Advocacy

©2014 Speakup Self Advocacy www.speakup.org.uk

 

My Story

What’s worked well for people with autism

Hello, my name is Graeme and I have Fragile X Syndrome which is the most common known genetic cause of autism – this means I have inherited this condition.

Sometimes I find it really difficult to manage my anger and I can ‘blow my top’ in certain situations, such as when people don’t listen to me or sometimes when things don’t go my way.

Through my Circle of Support which includes my mum, colleagues and friends at my advocacy group and my Psychiatric Consultant, we have worked out a way of helping me to cope with my behaviour so that I do not end up in in-patient settings. People in my circle of support know and tell other people around me that if I get very angry the best way to calm me down is to immediately give me some space, which means to move away fro m me and leave me alone.

When I have calmed down I sometimes will want to talk and then I seek out people who will take the time to listen to me. I o ften dwell on things that have happened in the past and find it very difficult to ‘let things go’ so I

need reassurance from my friends and colleagues.

One of my coping strategies is to keep as busy as possible by undertaking activities like the ones I have included in my story. I also have a great deal of fun with some of my colleagues and friends at the Ramblers Association and my advocacy group.

Speakup Self Advocacy

Rotherham

I go to Speakup (Broad Street) on Monday afternoons, Wednesday mornings (Broad Street or Galax) and Friday mornings (Galax). On Mondays I attend t he Committee Meeting with 12 other self-advocates where we talk about the work and projects Speakup is doing.

On Wednesday mornings I get involved in whatever work needs doing to help Speakup and the same on Friday mornings.

Every Wednesday I also attend the Speakup for Autism group which also works with Sheffield Hallam University.

I go to Speakup for work experience and so cialising and have met a lot of friends. I enjoy going to Speakup and being involved in the work that they do. Again, it also gets me out of the

house and I can get help with any problems/issues I might have or be experiencing. This includes support with my benefits and attending Job Centre interviews.

Walking Group

Ramblers Association, Rotherham

Every Monday at 10.00am I go walking with the Ramblers around Rotherham. This used to be run by the Council until July 2013 but is now run by two ladies from the Ramblers. The walks are around rural locations in Rotherham and last around 1 hour.

There are usually about 15 people on the walks and therefore it is a nice social activity and gets me out of the house and allows me to enjoy the fresh air. The walks take place in most weathers unless it’s heavy rain. We normally meet at Herringthorpe playing fields and travel from there to where the walk is taking place.

The walks help me to feel good and helps keep me fit and active. It also helps me to keep my mind off other things that might be bothering me.

This has led me to enjoy walks on my own at weekends.

Computer Class

St Andrews Centre, Rotherham

Every Thursday morning, 9.30-11.30, I go to a computer class run by the WEA (Workers Educational Authority) who are based in Leeds.

I learn about word processing and emails and will receive a certificate for my work. There are usuaally about 11 people in the class which helps with my social circle as we talk about life in general.

I enjoy the class as it gets me out of the house and gives me something to do that I enjoy. It also increases my skills.

At the moment I feel that my life is pretty good and this is because of the support I get from my Circle of Support. It is really important to me that I have support from my advocacy group and feel that if it was no t there then my personal well-being would deteriorate and would lead to me being in and in-patient setting.

Thank you for reading my story.