Presenter:
Tracy Bester
Director jesse.ka Foundationª
Autism consultant
Author Learning Curve Series
Contact 07 3889 8572
PO Box 7056
Brendale, Q 4500
As an Autism consultant, I am acutely aware of the issues surrounding the diagnosis of Autism in Australia. Figures indicate a 10-17% rise annually. This figure is not specific to Australia rather evenly distributed across the world. Autism knows not racial or social distinctions and is estimated to be currently affecting 1% of the population. Research is yet to identify a sole cause but speculates a diversion of many causative effects.
Sadly, whilst current treatments are effective in some cases, they are expensive and intensive making these inaccessible to many families.
The figures although frightening have not yet sparked an identifying ÒSignatureÓ for Autism in Australia; Autism is by and large unnoticed by the majority of people even in some cases where loved ones are affected. Without an identity to keep the public informed, raising the necessary funding for ongoing support and research is unlikely.
jesse.kaª autism consultancy saw the need for an identity. In November 2003 we embarked on and launched ÒThe Signature CampaignÓ the single largest effort to raise awareness of Autism and associated Disorders across Australia.
Corporate sponsor ship was sort and secured enabling jesse.kaª to offer substantial prizes to schools that could effectively meet the criteria. There were asked to comment on the following.
The main aim of the campaign was to raise awareness of autism, whilst educating the next generation with a view to successful inclusion. Ongoing sponsorship has been secured and work is already under way to ensure The Signature Campaign is established throughout all schools, across Australia throughout 2005.
At jesse.kaª we believe that we are only ever limited by the words ÔI can not achieve.Õ Throughout the generations many of the most dedicated individuals contributing to society, have presented with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. In order for society to continue to benefit from the brilliance of such individuals we need to provide the crucial foundation-intervention for successful inclusion.
At present, current services are over burdened and community awareness is still surprisingly low so letÕs unite schools across Australia and get the Nation asking the question ÒWhat is Autism?Ó
Concurrent Presentation
Tracy Bester Ð Boundaties of self/Spatial awareness
There exists the child who walks into the wall rather than through the door. His legs are bruised, there has been the occasional break, and if he belongs to you, you wonder when the Department of Child Welfare is going to knock on your door.
You know that part of this problem lies in the visual processing. However visual processing should not impact upon the individualÕs ability to feel pain. Or should it? YouÕve had him independently assessed for hearing difficulties. You felt sure it would reveal a hearing problem, but he passed with flying colours. However, he still does not answer when you call, rather he looks right through you. And after staring blankly, asks what it was you just said. You know part of this is related to his, inability to multi process information. For years you have watched him sit. Marvelling in amazed at his own hands, waving and twisting these in front of his face; hours go by and after a number of years youÕve begun to wonder. You know this is due, in part, to visual processing. Or is it?
You have seen that intense look upon is face, as if he is trying to decipher some cryptic clue buried deep in the mire of his inner most conscious. You have bandaged the burns that were self inflicted and wrapped up the cuts that were made with a broken piece of glass. And you cried tears of fear. Could it be psychosis?
All the while he was more intent on removing the bandage, to examine the wound. Pressing his fingers into his torn flesh with Òthat lookÓ upon his face. The look which conveys intense thought and intellect; not madness or a perverted pleasure, and none of this added up.
This may not sound familiar or then again it might. It is a state that affects many individuals with autism and other associated disorders.
An issue close to my heart, as I have always experienced significant difficulties with spatial awareness. Often a significant cause for confusion in myself and often in those around me. Think of this in terms of the very young baby. He waves his hands around in front of his face a look of mystique and wonder he is truly intrigued. Genuinely convinced, this special stranger has stopped by to say hello completely unaware that his sub conscious mind is causing his arm to move.
Much like the little baby many individuals presenting with autism never realize that they move and act on a subconscious level. A hand waves and if they are aware of this at all often it is considered to be the action of another entity.
The hand in turn must exist in its own right; must have a mind of its own. It is a simple confusion of knowing where you begin and where you end, if of course you can call it a simple confusion.
A person lacking in spatial awareness is unaware of things such as body language, therefore knowing such things as, when to use the toilet is very difficult. You see that is a sensation that may belong to another person.
Of course many parents have trouble understanding how one could not understand such a ÒseeminglyÓ basic concept and feel their child is simply displaying disobedience when the child denies committing a particular offence that mum swears she saw him commit.
ÔThe tree is pushed back wards and forwards not of its own accord but as a result that pushes it about in its attempt to dictate the tree. When a storm causes the tree to fall upon and crush some poor mans car the world considered this an act of God; I am like the tree yet he doesnÕt take responsibility when I break thingsÉ..Õ
This results in many altercations everything from walking across a busy road without even knowing it to, cutting the circulation from your legs for hours, until someone freaks. It results in personal injury and the failure to recognise the full extent of a personal impact upon another. In many cases these individuals do not learn ownership of actions, yet how can they if there is no one to teach them?
ÒSimple things knowing where your tongue is so as to make speech come out correctly making them work effectively for us.Ó
This discourse will present this issue, along with indicators of spatial awareness difficulties and practical solutions for assisting an individual in gaining awareness of self.
About the Presenter:
This page offers a little insight as to who I am and what I am about for all those who would like to know where I came from. The important information is that I am a mother of four children, a wife and an "Aspie". However there is some speculation that I am a high-functioning Autistic as opposed to an individual with Aspergers Disorder. It is true that I am also paraplegic and dyslexic.
I do not see myself as disabled rather as diverse and successful. I see my courageous daughter as a shining example of inspiration and hope, and I see my husband as loyal and very forgiving. (You'd want to be, married to an Aspie!)
For those of you who prefer credentials to emotions see the following for a little insight:
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Objective |
To continue growing in knowledge and understanding of the neurological processes of brain development. To develop and maintain the worldÕs first sensory integration centre, providing training facilities, respite and expert intervention programs. To further advance the skills and unique talents of those presenting with autism spectrum disorders. To provide an increased awareness of Autism and related disorders throughout Australia and to see the opening of a research centre for Autism in Australia. |
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Experience |
10 years experience working alongside profound Autism. Successes in assisting severely affected children and adults achieve speech, effective communication and successful independent integration into society. Working in city and rural areas, training parents and professionals including Teachers, Doctors, Developmental Specialists, Speech, Occupational and Physiotherapists, Nursing Staff, Child Care Workers, among others.
Motivational and Educational speaker Educating Disability Services, Department of Family Services, FECS, Centre Care, Government Departments, Education, State and Private, AspergerÕs Syndrome Support Network, Autism Associations throughout Australia, QASSP (Queensland Association of State School Principals), and many Private, Special and State School functions Key note speaker: Queensland Behaviour Management in ADD/ADHD disorders 2003 Key Note speaker: Brisbane Autism Conference 2003 Speaker for QASSP Queensland Association of State School Principals Key note speaker for all QASSP conferences 2004 Townsville TCLC Specs May 2003-11-12 Inaugural World Autism Conference Victoria 2002 Multiple speaking positions Mecure Inn, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney (for a fuller list please refer to events calendar) Committee member Brisbane Autism Conference 2004 Brisbane Technology Park Key note address, and Plenary speaker or National Autism Awareness Week 2004 Director for National Autism Awareness Week, Brisbane EXPO 2004 CEO Autism Australia
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Published Author Of the highly successful Learning Curve series available in nine countries and four languages designed for and used by Teachers, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists and Parents.
Articles published in BrisbaneÕs Child, SydneyÕs Child and MelbourneÕs Child Magazine, Mother and Baby magazine, Women and Child, The Australian, The Herald Sun and the Age Newspapers.
Educational resources in all major libraries, available through specialty book stores including Ô-Book in Hand-Ômajor distributor of Autistic literature, currently under contract for translation into: Danish, French and Portuguese, available through S.D.S. Government Department of Works selling directly to schools and Government Departments, among other Speciality Book Sellers. Training videos compiled by Education department Qld Publications currently being developed into Software programs by independent university group. |
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Autism Consultant ¤ Recognized by JETT Training a division of Centre Link. ¤ DSQ Disability Services Queensland recognized ¤ Child and Youth Mental Health. ¤ Working in individual case management and group consultations. ¤ Case worker for the Department of Family services. ¤ Committee member for National Autism Awareness Week 2004. |
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Founder and CEO Autism Australiaª Director: jesse.ka Foundationª owner and Managing Director of Learning Curve understanding ASD and other social disorders. ABN 70 126 571 010 Developed jesse.ka from a new business (Learning Curve) to an established International Trademark recognized by leading specialists in within four months operation. Recently launched the first Signature Campaignª throughout Queensland Australia after securing a number of corporate sponsorships. The campaign is the first of its kind designed for raising awareness of autism throughout Australia. It is the single biggest awareness campaign in AustraliaÕs history. Campaign to be launched nation wide 2005 all rights reserved December 2003 launch of Autism Australia all rights owned by Tracy Bester
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Recent Media attention |
Currently under negotiation with for a BBC documentary. |
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Notable distinctions
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2002 recipient of the prestigious Temple Grandin Award for outstanding achievement in Autism The endorsement of leading world authority in Autism Spectrum Disorders; Dr Tony Attwood PhD. Publication of four special needs programs by the Psychological society High distinction in Psychology
Published childrenÕs picture book author and illustrator, published poet, published song writer and lyricist, logo design, dress making and costume design, Ancient cultural history, ÔLooking for JessÕ. |
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Professional memberships
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Para Quad Association Queensland, AspergerÕs Syndrome Support network Inc., The AspergerÕs coalition of the U.S. Inc, Transverse Myelitis Association of America, Autism Australia Inc., and various Autistic Associations throughout Australia,
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