Graemes Story

Produced by Speakup Self Advocacy

2014 Speakup Self Advocacy
www.speakup.org.uk

My Story
Whats 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 dont listen to me or sometimes
when things dont 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 its 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.