Autism in the Workplace
This week on CBC Radio, In The Field aired a 27-minute documentary on autism in the workplace. Kim Pittaway followed some young adults with autism as they attempted to find student employment. She also featured a company in Denmark in which the characteristics and traits of autism are seen as tremendous strengths rather than challenges to overcome.
To listen to this documentary, you can go to the In The Field webpage, and look for the June 1, Part Two link, Finding the Fit.
Depression and Anxiety
The Autism Portage Lending Library will soon include two of the books recommended by Christine Longford, Child/Adolescent Mental Health worker at her presentation to the AutPtg support group on May 31.
"It's Perfectly Normal" is a tremendous resource book for all kids, on and off The Spectrum, to explain the changes that occur during teen and pre-teen years. It is humorously illustrated and engaging, and a great conversation starter! Now offering a brand-new chapter focusing on safe Internet use — one of parents’ key concerns — this universally acclaimed classic by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley is a cutting-edge resource for kids, parents, teachers, librarians, and anyone else who cares about the well-being of tweens and teens. Providing accurate and up-to-date answers to nearly every imaginable question, from conception and puberty to birth control and AIDS, IT'S PERFECTLY NORMAL offers young people the information they need — now more than ever — to make responsible decisions and stay healthy.
"Fighting Invisible Tigers" is a stress-management book for teens, and is useful for all kids. Stress is something we all experience, but research suggests that adolescents are affected in unique ways that can lead to increases in impulsive and risky behaviour. While eliminating stress completely isn't realistic, young people can learn to control how they respond to it."Fighting Invisible Tigers" offers proven techniques that teens can use to deal with stressful situations in any environment - in school, at home, even among friends. It also includes fully up-to-date information on how stress affects health and decision making, as well as the latest stress management skills.Filled with interesting facts, real life stories, and fun activities, this is a great resource for teens everywhere.
To borrow these, or any books in our Lending Library, email us. See the complete list of books in the Lending Library on the Resources page.
Autism Portage merchandise is available year-round!
At $12 to $16, T-shirts and book bags make terrific end-of-year gifts for teachers, EA's, babysitters, respite workers etc.
New colours are available! T-shirts are now available in black, dark grey, chocolate, navy, royal blue, kelly green, kiwi green and red. Shirts are made-to-order, and require 3 weeks for completion. Download an order form here.
Spreading Awarness!
One of the goals of the Autism Portage group is to educate and increase awareness about autism spectrum disorders in the community.
School-aged children may see fellow students with ASD and not understand why those students may act or think differently from them. Autism Portage wants to provide resources to schools that will help explain autism and its effects in a fun, positive way.
Autism Portage has donated books about autism spectrum disorders to the Portage la Prairie and Pine Creek School divisions, to ensure that there is at least one book in each school library that talks about autism or has characters with autism. Schools have chosen their books and these books will be distributed in the coming weeks.
South Central ASD Support Group
South Central ASD is abuzz with activity, including regular support meetings and a number of family events planned!
You can keep up-to-date on all of their activities by visiting their blog, or by going to their brand-new website:
Congratulations to all of the group organizers for the terrific work you have done!
This is a wonderful resource for parents and caregivers in the South Central region!
New Phone Numbers!!!
ASM is pleased to announce that they have a toll free number for you to contact them in Rural and Northern Manitoba. This number is for your use to reach them by phone for any issue you may need assistance with. Referrals to community groups, programs, information or support is now a quick phone call away.
Call 1-888-444-9563.
Asperger Manitoba has a new phone number, routed through SMD Clearinghouse. To reach Asperger Manitoba, call 204-975-3037.
Asperger Manitoba Support Groups
Asperger Manitoba is holding support group meetings in Winnipeg. There is one support group for teens/adults with Asperger syndrome. For information on this Asperger Peer support group, contact jstrub42@hotmail.com
There is another support group for caregivers (parents) of children/adults with Asperger syndrome. For information about this support group, contact pcasupport@asperger-manitoba.ca
There is a group that meets at the University of Manitoba, for post-secondary students with Asperger Syndrome. For more information, contact Topher Duguay.
Asperger Manitoba has also announced that there is an Autistic Self-Advocacy Network for the Manitoba region, which is an online community for individuals with Asperger Syndrome. To subscribe to this network, go to http://asanmbchapter.wordpress.com.
