Aeolienne

Welcome Mia. What are you studying?

Did anyone else participate in this survey? FWIW, here is some of what I wrote: Is there anything not listed above that you’d like to do? Swimming (especially open-air), cycling, visiting eco-build architecture (e.g. Centre for Alternative Technology, The Crystal), white-water rafting, going to the cinema (art-house or open-air, not bog-standard multiplexes), practising foreign languages, “open studios” art trails, riding cable cars or using public transport in general Please tell us how you like spending your time on holiday: I haven’t had many holidays over the past seven years due to being out of work for most of this time. When I have done, they’ve generally been based around an outdoor activity (if in the countryside) or sightseeing (if in town), with visits to concerts or cinemas in the evening if available. If I’m going to a non-English-speaking country I always make some effort with the language, either by brushing up what I’ve already learnt (French, German, Italian and Swedish) or using a phrasebook. (I should stress that I do not subscribe to the belief that only holidays abroad are worth taking!) I have occasionally pursued my musical interests (I play recorder at Grade VIII+ level) by attending summer schools. These have been a mixed experience. I suspect that some residential courses have become used to attracting the same people who attend every year and as such are not good at explaining rules and procedures to newcomers. Either that or they are aimed more at trainee professionals than keen amateurs like me. Shopping (for artisan-produced crafts or designer bargains) can be of interest, although I wouldn’t want it to be the sole focus of the holiday. I find that some of my most productive shopping trips have been in the half-hour before closing! ​ Have you ever tried Mindfulness Meditation or any other kind of Meditation? If yes, did you enjoy it? Not sure if I’ve actually done Mindfulness Meditation, but I’ve taken part in other spiritual exercises. As far as I can recall, I enjoyed it but I wouldn’t want it to be the sole focus of the holiday. I’d be frustrated at wasting a beautiful sunny day on navel-gazing when there’s a Munro nearby waiting to be bagged (for instance). What would be the best outcome from your holiday? Is there anything you’d like to achieve? Best outcome of all would be a long-term relationship (well I can dream). Failing that something else life-changing: new friends, inspiration for a new career direction or other areas of my life. Also see my earlier remark about shopping. And finally, and most importantly, what makes you happy? Being close to nature (including green spaces in cities). Knowing what’s expected of me, and feeling understood and accepted. Whilst I don’t necessarily expect a holiday to have a rigid timetable, I would like the organisers to have done their homework in terms of having information about opening hours, public transport timetables etc. ready to hand. I would be very disappointed if we spent an entire morning discussing what to do and then ended up eating out at a fast-food joint because we couldn’t find anything else nearby. That has happened to me once.

I've been interviewed for local radio about my experience on 'Employable Me' - you can listen to me at 1 hr 33 min, and again at 1 hr 46 min: Link (available for 26 days)

I've been interviewed for local radio about my experience on 'Employable Me' - you can hear me at 1 hr 33 min, and again at 1 hr 46 min. Link (26 days left to listen)

In the event I never did see The Cabin in the Woods. This despite my getting into a relationship later on that year - but then my (now ex-) partner wasn't that much of a film buff. Tomorrow I'm going to give the Blair Witch Project another try, at an outdoor screening in a woodland setting courtesy of Leamington Underground Cinema.

And they've been short-listed in two categories at the Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards 2016: the Asda Environmental Leadership Award category and the Employment for Excluded Groups category.

Not only is Chris Packham "lovely", he's one of us!! Chris Packham reveals he has Asperger's

Both, I guess. They have been awarded the accolade "Responsible Business of the Year 2014".

Give credit where it's due... Asda manager introduces "quiet hour" to help autistic and disabled shoppers

I have recently moved to Leamington Spa in Warwickshire. So far I have not found a "local ASD centre" or help group, other than a support group in my workplace for parents of autistic children.

As mentioned elsewhere, I haven't driven since an accident which happened in 2012. Unfortunately this survey is only interested in accidents from the past year.

In fairness, I do recognise some extent of Ben's approach to jobhunting in myself. Certainly when I was straight out of university I did get accused of not making enough applications. I did get invited to a fair few interviews however (hope that doesn't sound boastful) which may have made me complacent. I suspect it's probably quite typical of Aspies to approach jobhunting (like so many other aspects of life) as how they would like the world to be rather than as it is, especially if they don't have close friends to exchange ideas with.

Having watched the main series on BBC2, I can understand why the producers might have thought that the other featured Aspies were more in need of a lucky break than me - in particular Ashley (the Victorian gentleman in episode 2) and Ben (the law graduate in episode 3). Regarding Ben, was I the only one thinking: "50 job applications in four years? You need to up your game!"

There were links to the news stories in the link Hester posted, but I reproduce them here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-35984747 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36052223 ​

Having watched all three episodes on BBC2, I can understand why the producers thought that the other Asperger participants were more in need of a lucky break than me - especially Ashley (the Victorian gentleman in ep 2) and Ben (the law graduate in ep 3). Regarding Ben, was I the only one thinking: "50 job applications in four years? You need to up your game!"

Have you ever visited the National Trust's head office, Heelis? Heelis central office circular walk

How about Leamington Spa or Warwick? Oops sorry, wrong River Avon.

Six days later than originally planned, my film is finally online: www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/tag/docs Any comments gratefully​ received!

Six days later than originally stated, my film is finally online: www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/tag/docs Any comments gratefully received!

What counts as "Eco"? Will you be seeking accreditation from Responsible Travel?

The series is in the can - first episode goes out on BBC2 tomorrow. Employable Me Although I did take part, my contribution has been reduced to a 10-minute film which will be available to view on BBC3 from 31 March. Not sure how long for, but the producers think probably more than the usual 30 days.​

The series is in the can - first episode goes out on BBC2 tomorrow. Employable Me Although I did take part, my contribution has been reduced to a 10-minute film which will be available to view on BBC3 from 31 March. Not sure how long for, but the producer thinks probably more than the usual 30 days.

Filming begins on The A Word, new six-part drama for BBC One Although the original announcement suggested a "late spring TX", according to today's Guardian the series may air as soon as this month.

I emailed Microsoft last April asking if they planned to extend the scheme to the UK; they finally replied today with: "While we don’t have any full-time openings that match your profile currently, we will retain your application for future consideration." I might mention here that although I have looked at vacancies with Microsoft UK, I have been unable to find any I felt I could apply for. Having graduated over 16 years ago I’m ineligible for graduate-entry positions, but on the other hand I do not have the technical skills required for experienced hire. Profile of one of the lucky few

Alan Rawsthorne (1905-71), String Quartet No.1 (Theme and Variations)