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My name is Matthew and – including thousands of adults living in Wales, UK – I suffer from Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which includes autism. Living in a caring society, I naturally assumed that attaining advice and assistance with my disability was going to be straightforward. I was wrong! Consequently the fight for support for adult AS & autism sufferers in Wales commenced in 2002, and I further anticipate the struggle to continue for the predictable future.

(Update: 29-2-20) However, on a more upbeat tone, most people with an ASD can, and do, live fulfilling lives. ASDs are located on a large spectrum, therefore different people with an ASD will lie somewhere on it. We are all individuals, so obviously we have different levels of needs and different levels of positive skills. We need to look carefully for the positive attributes associated with ASDs, and give these people support and encouragement to interact with society.

(Please scroll to bottom of page/blog to see details on: search, archives, calendar and how to “follow” this blog.)

To contact me please complete the form below. Diolch.

Re-publish and re-launch of this blog.

This blog was originally hosted on Blogger, and was created on 8th Jan, 2005. The last “post” was published on 28th Feb, 2013, exactly seven years ago to the day; strange or what? Hope it’s a good omen!

Although the material on here is years old, some of it might still be relevant today. In any case, it’s a historical record of my humble undertakings over an 8 year period.

Anyway, this re-publish is also a re-launch of new content which, hopefully, will be updated on a regular basis and be of relevance to many people interested in ASDs i.e. Autism Spectrum Disorders.

AS not to be included in DSM-V.

Asperger’s Syndrome will not be included in the new edition of DSM-V, due to be released in May 2013. Personally I’m relieved, there are far too many conditions already included in the Manual.

I’ve watched a programme a couple of times, on Sky 200 (Controversial TV, “Edge Media”), about the ridiculous additions to the Manual, even including babies! Try and catch the programme, it should be repeated sometime soon. Incidentally, this Sky channel shows many brilliant programmes, most of which the mainstream media won’t bother to broadcast. No surprise there though, the mainstream media is carefully controlled after all. 

Follow these links for details concerning the new Manual:

Asperger’s syndrome to be dropped from mental disorders manual (DSM-5). 

Asperger’s not in DSM-5 mental health manual.

Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) and Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NLD).

AS and NLD can, unfortunately, lead to social interaction problems and even depression, consequently family, relatives and friends should be vigilant to notice these consequences, which the sufferers normally find impossible or very difficult to be aware of and discuss.

The following article explains the situation in much more detail: “Social Aspects of Asperger Syndrome and Non-verbal Learning Disorder”

Anyone interested in starting an Asperger’s Syndrome and autism support group for adults?

I was wondering if anyone whom is interested in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) would like to join me in starting an ASD support group for adults with AS or autism, and of course, not forgetting their long suffering families, in the Rhondda. So if you’ve had an ASD diagnosis, or in the process of, or suspect you might have, then please get in touch. Also, if there are any families, friends, carers or any one else interested then please do contact me. Perhaps we could all work together and make it a reality. So if you believe you have something of value to contribute, please let me know.

As I’ve received a diagnosis of AS i.e. not proficient in social skills, I would prefer someone else to take a leading role and leave me to work tirelessly in the background.
You can contact me by leaving a comment, for all to see, or use my email address, which can be found in my profile on the right (just scroll down).
So if you are interested, don’t walk away and forget, please get in touch now!

What exactly are Asperger’s Syndrome and autism?

They are both on the autism spectrum and are known as, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), and that’s as far as I’m going. Obviously there are much more qualified people than me, and the best possible advice I can give is to tell you to visit, The National Autistic Society, which is a UK charity.

If you require more detailed information on the situation in Wales, especially RCT County Borough Council (the area where I live), then by all means return to this blog.

Please contact me if you require any further assistance, I’ll try my utmost to help.

I wish you all the best in your journey of understanding.

GPs guided on how to identify ASDs.

New guidance has been given to family doctors on how to recognise Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in adults, for the purpose of receiving assistance. I was diagnosed in 2002, but have never received any help whatsoever. We, people with ASDs, have been promised much over the years, but I’ve yet to experience anything constructive. For example, what’s happening with the Welsh Government’s ASD Strategic Action Plan? I’ve become disillusioned with all these promises!

Anyway, if you feel compelled to learn more about the “new guidance” then go to the article, “Guidance offered to GPs on spotting autism“, and for those of you who need in-depth detail, and I’m not one of them, click here, “Autism: recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum.”

Sorry for my lack of enthusiasm in writing this post but, as I said above, nothing positive has happened in my life in the last 10 years bearing in mind all the “work” done by these various organisations. I wonder how much they get paid?

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