Positively Autistic - Jeanette's Autism Show

This is Jeanette Purkis's radio show where she and invited guests talk about all things Autism. Jeanette is an Autistic author, advocate and public speaker and is passionate about empowering people on the Autism spectrum to live fulfilled and positive lives.This week, Jeanette will be talking to Leith McMurray about a few things, including Leith;s work as co-founder of Aspiehelp Christchurch, considerations around internet dating and things that you really, really shouldn’t say to an Aspie and why.

Leith McMurray is 68  and was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome 10 years ago. Prior to that she had what she describes as ‘a fairly choppy passage through life, with the typical  high abilities and apparent great academic potential twinned with social difficulties and  the kind of personality which seemed to irritate many people’. Leith struggled with others’ lack of understanding of her sensory issues, especially sound. Leith’s diagnosis led to her meeting other diagnosed Aspies who had 'a much better understanding than I of what AS is all about'.

In 2010, Leith and fellow advocate Jan Broooking decided to start a peer-support organisation to fill a perceived giant gap in services for Aspies. The organisation, Aspiehelp Christchurch, has been going five years and is becoming more established, with its own office and two part-time staff. Apsiehelp provides information, counselling, advocacy and advice concerning education and employment, plus a wide range of social work services. Leith and Jan see the needs of Aspies particularly as practical issues with sensible solutions which so often are overlooked or avoided by other organisations.