Author: Guest

  • Body Language by Glenn Wilson – Review

    Body Language by Glenn Wilson – Review


    Book Review of

    “Introducing Body Language”
    A Practical Guide

    by Glenn Wilson
    Publishers: Icon Books Ltd.

    Unfortunately I found this author’s approach to body language quite lightweight.

    On the positive side it is easy to read and on occasion quite funny.

    On the negative side there are many claims about body language which go unsubstantiated and others which are clearly wrong.

    I bought this book because I wanted to see what I could learn about a topic which is a weakness for all autistic people. I took exception to the following statement from page 85:
    ‘Autistic individuals notoriously cannot read emotions in other people; show them a picture of someone laughing or crying and they have difficulty in saying what that person is feeling’.
    I have no such difficulty. My difficulty concerns much more subtle distinctions in body language and in particular facial expression.

    I was surprised as Dr Glenn Wilson is obviously an experienced author.

    I wonder if anyone has any suggestions as to more helpful books on this topic.

    Martin John Reynolds – Guest Contributor


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  • ASD on BBC Radio Stoke

    ASD on BBC Radio Stoke


    We recently received an email which they wanted to share with others as it may be of interest…

    ASD on BBC Radio Stoke

    Dear Carly,
     
    I was diagnosed by Linda a couple of years ago and I wanted to let you all know that:
     
    1) There is a support group called Middlewich Aspergers, Autism and ADHD Support Group which has a Facebook page and meets at least once a month. We welcome parents/Carers/adults on the spectrum for coffee mornings and additional events, and we also get all our kids together when we can. I hoped you may be able to add this to your website/info. Oh, and living in Middlewich isn’t a requirement.
     
    2) I am going on a three-day course to BBC Radio Stoke, 14-16 Nov, for a project called Open Doors which was open to people from community groups/organisations. From what I understand, our stories will go out on the radio on the Wednesday and so hopefully we will get some coverage about ASD/ADHD. If I am able to give you any more accurate info than this at any point, I will let you know.
     
    Hope you are all well at Axia.
     
    Kind regards,
    Michelle Parsons (Buckley).
    Guest Contributor

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  • Inside Out – A Family Review


    A Family Review of the Film “Inside Out”

    Ashton

    I liked it when they got back to headquarters but I didn’t like it when Bing Bong faded away. I liked when sadness made Joy drag her around the library. I think the message of the film is don’t throw any of your emotions away and never run away. Don’t let your anger, fear or disgust take over.

    Madalyn

    it is a good film because it’s a good entertainment for little children however it gets sad at times which is a good thing as it shows a variety of different emotions in the film. Furthermore the film teaches you to use all of your emotions and not just one because it is good to have a variety of different emotions. Make sure all emotions don’t get the best of you because you have different personalities.

    Carly

    I really enjoyed this film. I particularly liked how it separated the emotions and explained them to the audience. It was very sad at times but definitely grips you too. I would recommend this as a film to watch as a family.
    Carly, Madalyn & Ashton
    Guest Contributors

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  • A brief message from Luke…

    A brief message from Luke…


    Following our attendance at the “North Wales 1st Annual Autism Conference” today, we were again privileged to hear Dr. Beardon give an insightful and inspiring “key note presentation”.

    Luke sent the following through our “Guest Submission Form” following the Conference, and it is a pleasure to share his words…


    Team Axia

    I don’t want to review a book or Vlog or Blog just now. I want to share my feelings on the amazing team that go under the umbrella of Axia.
     
    Each and every one of you are extraordinary human beings, who have the innate ability it seems to me to make everyone else feel at home with you. I don’t much like company but have never had an issue being in your presence. I cannot ‘sing your praises’ highly enough.
     
    Thank you.
    Luke Beardon
    Guest Contributor

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  • The Nine Degrees of Autism – Review

    The Nine Degrees of Autism – Review


    Book Review of

    “The Nine Degrees
    of Autism”

    A Developmental Model for the Alignment and Reconciliation of Hidden Neurological Conditions
    Edited by Philip Wylie, Wenn Lawson, Luke Beardon
    Publisher – Routledge
    ISBN-10: 113888717X

    This is a collection of essays by a variety authors on the different life stages of a person with autism, with a couple of very good introductory chapters.

    I found it fascinating to see life with autism as a step by step process in individuation. The first chapter which wets the appetite for the book is by Tony Attwood and the last by Temple Grandin speaks of an autistic individual achieving a certain amount of recognition in the wider world.

    My favourite chapter was by Altazar Rossiter a ‘shamanic healer’ It was probably the most radical. He proposed that we should hold lightly the myths we invent about ourselves to explain who we are and how we got this far in our journey. We should be flexible so that we can bend under natural pressures. If we are too inflexible we may become brittle and crack. It’s a kind of ‘dare to be real’ message. Inspiring stuff and in fact the whole book is awesome. Certain bits are highly accessible and others more challenging.

    Martin John Reynolds
    Guest Contributor
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  • Aspergers Flyer Educational Society

    Aspergers Flyer Educational Society


    Good Morning Dr Linda,Carly, and all at Axia,
     
    I wondered if this might be of interest to you, although I imagine you are possibly aware of it.
     
    My hubbie is a steam enthusiast, and he came across a random photograph of a steam hauled train bearing this name.
    about-afes
    It’s good to think of a steam train charging about the country spreading positivity ( I hope).
     
    Have a good day all
    Kindest regards
    Helen
    Guest Contributor
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  • Why I Bothered to Pursue an Autism Diagnosis at 63 Years Old

    Why I Bothered to Pursue an Autism Diagnosis at 63 Years Old


    Hi Carly,
     
    I came across this on “The Mighty” website and wondered if it might be possible/ appropriate to include it on the Axia contributions “page” ?
     
    It kind of is on the lines of what was being discussed at the recent PDSG, and online, about coping as one gets older.
     
    I hope all is well at Team Axia, thank you so much for being there.
    Kindest regards
    Helen Jones
    Guest Contributor
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  • Temple Grandin (2010) – Review

    Temple Grandin (2010) – Review

    “TEMPLE GRANDIN (2010)”

    Temple Grandin is probably the world’s most famous autistic person. The film takes you through the extraordinary challenges Temple and her mother faced. She didn’t begin to speak until she was 4 years old. Her mother was advised to put her in an institution by the specialist. Yet that was never an option for them.

    Temple was encouraged to do ‘normal’ things. She was nearly refused admission to a new school but Dr Carlock, a former NASA scientist, began to take an interest and that was the turning point. Temple gradually emerges from being the prisoner of her autism, to being a gifted designer and finally able to communicate her ideas very effectively.

    She is played magnificently by Claire Danes. I shed a few tears over this film.

    Martin John Reynolds – Guest Contributor

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  • “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” – Review

    “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” – Review


    Book Review of

    “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”

    by Mark Haddon
    Publisher: Vintage; Reprint edition (1 April 2004)
    ISBN-10: 0099450259

    Christopher is a 15 year old maths genius who sets about solving the mystery of a neighbour’s murdered dog. What he uncovers along the way is quite surprising and enthralling.

    This is not a children’s book. It starts out very much like one but soon builds up layers of complexity putting it in the adult category. It is a very enjoyable read.

    I have seen the film ‘Temple Grandin’ and I would say that the type of autism displayed by Christopher is quite extreme and of a somewhat similar nature.

    A well written book although avoid if you are easily offended as there is some strong language.

    Martin John Reynolds
    Guest Contributor
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  • Aspies on Mental Health – Review

    Aspies on Mental Health – Review


    Book Review of

    “Aspies on Mental Health”

    Speaking for Ourselves

    Edited by Luke Beardon and Dean Worton
    Jessica Kingsley Publishers
    ISBN: 978-1-84905-152-1

    To the unknowing/neurotypical we Aspies may appear “odd” or “quirky”, but most of us fight daily battles (to our cost) in trying to conform or appearing to be “normal”. This book reminds me that I am not alone in my Asperger bubble, there is a whole army of us out there.

    Along with Luke Beardon’s highly insightful introduction to the book and to each piece of writing, Aspies on Mental Health is an honest and brave account on how life really is.

    I am a slow reader, yet I read this book in four sittings – it hits home on many levels, and is touching beyond words.

    I wish that it were compulsory reading for all Health Care Professionals including GPs, hospital staff and in particular, all those involved in the world of mental health care.

    Helen J – Guest Contributor
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  • Holby City and Autism – Guest Critique

    Holby City and Autism – Guest Critique

    “Holby City and Autism”

    bbc-holby-cityI feel the portrayal of Asperger Syndrome in Holby City in a negative way that has set understanding back 50 years.

    It comes across to me as though us people who have Asperger Syndrome is a problem and we must be kept in a metaphorical box.

    One example, the actor gets into bed in hospital to although not a patient to get the attention of his Auntie.I have thought about it again over recent days and still cannot think of any other person I know with Asperger syndrome who would get into a hospital bed just to get someone’s attention.

    I don’t blame the actor who I am told has asperger syndrome.

    Ronnie Hunt – Guest Contributor

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