Brotherly Love

Here's a beautiful story of an individual explaining what it is like to have a brother with autism. Watch and share their inspiring story.

 

 

Taken from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHC0FzywHGY#action=share

A Gentle And Intelligent Man

My husband, Mike, has just been formally diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 41. I have always known he had Asperger's since I met him 12 years ago at the school where I was teaching English. He was doing maternity cover in the maths department and spent lunchtimes pouring fastidiously over his lunchbox in the staffroom, looking rather lonely and lost. The English department took him under our wing. He amazed us. A clearly intelligent and gentle man, he was the second highest rated chess player in the county.

 

I was intrigued. It was obvious he was a bit 'odd' though, and I asked a friend who taught psychology at the school what he thought. 'Read this,' he said, handing me a photocopy on Asperger's.

 

Since then I have been instrumental in spotting quite a few undiagnosed children with the syndrome and have referred them on, so my friend did more than one person a service that day. Mike and I went out together a few times: cinema, quizzes (we were brilliant!), and I accompanied him to chess tournaments (the biggest Asperger conferences in the world) I even managed to hold him to a draw in our first chess game because he underestimated me (though he claims he let me have stalemate, of course).

 

He has been my partner since then, my husband the last two years. Life is never boring with Mike. That isn't to say it is easy either. Before his recent diagnosis I wrote an article, 'Either my husband has Asperger's or I am married to the most selfish man on earth', but it was all tongue in cheek. He is still odd - but he makes me laugh and we love each other. Yes, his Asperger's has caused some problems in his work life. We are going through a bit of a tough patch at the moment, but we shall survive. We are together and are each other's best friend.

 

My son (from my first marriage) is engaged to a lovely woman who works with disabled adults. She recognised Mike's condition from the start, so my family is supportive. My friends are my friends because they accept him. When he is odd or rude, they look at me and we smile knowingly. Meeting, marrying and being with Mike has enriched my life. For better or for Asperger's, eh?

 

by Vicki

 

Taken from: http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/real-life-stories/real-life-stories-from-partners/gentle-and-intelligent-man.aspx

EAP Malaysia Autism Awareness

With Autism Awareness month coming to an end, EAP Malaysia would like to thank all the teachers and staff for helping spread the awareness this month. It's been a bright and colourful month here at EAP and though this month ends, we know that the days will continue to shine as we give love, show hope and have faith in all that we do.

Here's a special video dedicated to the kids and YOU!

 

 

EAP Malaysia

 

Autism's Point of View

 

Insights on autism, from an individual with autism herself. Temple Grandin gives us her views.

 

10 Early Warning Signs of Autism

1. Rarely smiles when approached by caregivers - infants typically smile when they are smiled at, but babies with developmental delays often don't respond to smiles from caregivers.

 

Google Image

 

 

2. Rarely imitates expressions -  infant does not try to imitate sounds and movements others make, such as smiling and laughing during social exchanges.

 

Google Image

 

 

3. Delayed of infrequent babbling - by six months of age, most babies start babbling or produce repetitive syllables.

 

Google Image

 

 

4. Does not respond to his or her name - an infant should generally respond to his or her name with increasing consistency from 6 to 12 months of age. Lack of responsiveness to one's name is a sign of developmental delay.

 

Google Image

 

 

5. Does not gesture to communicate - by 10 months of age, an infant should begin to communicate through gestures.

 

Google Image

 

 

6. Poor eye contact - most children with autism shy away from eye contact. Lack of eye contact is therefore a common warning sign parents should look out for.

 

Google Image

 

 

7. Seeks your attention infrequently - infants exhibiting this developmental delay express less reliance on parents' care and attention.

 

Google Image

 

 

8. Unusual body movements - infants who may later be diagnosed with autism may repeatedly stiffen their arms, hands, or legs. They may also display unusual body movements, such as rotating the hands on the wrists, uncommon postures, or other repetitive behaviors.

 

Google Image

 

 

9. Does not reach up when parents try to pick him or her up - when parents reach for their children to pick them up or to hold them, infants generally respond by reaching back up toward the parents.

 

Google Image

 

10. Delays in motor development - these delays include slow rolling over, pushing up, and crawling.

 

Google Image

 

Adapted from: http://www.cbsnews.com/8334-504763_162-57406979-10391704/10-early-warning-signs-of-autism/

 

 

 

EAP Malaysia, in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month, helping to spread awareness.

 

HELP Career Fair 2013

Last Thursday, 28th March 2013, EAP Malaysia received the chance to be part of HELP's Career Fair. EAP's team managed to interview a number of students while they enquired about our availabilities be that part-time job, full-time job, internship or volunteer positions. It was an honour to get such an opportunity to reach out to individuals that sought for career advice while spontaneously spreading awareness on autism.

 

In the end it was a great success! We managed to gather 30 applicants!

Jochebed (EAP's director) at the booth 

Answering questions and handing out information 

Charissa (EAP's Business Manager) spreading awareness!

Nisha and Nisah (EAP Therapists)

 

Autism Awareness Month!

Did you know...?

Google Image

• 1 in 88 children are affected with autism

• Out of the 1 in 88, 1 in 54 of them are boys

• Autism is the fastest growing serious development disability in USA

• Researchers believe that genetics and environment play a role in causing autism

• There is no medical cure for autism but behavioural interventions has been proven to make a significant difference in an individual with autism

• The earlier the intervention, the greater the progress

• People with autism are different from one another

Google Image

Spread the love, spread the awareness.