Subtle Signs of Autism 0-7 years old: VIDEO

In honour of World Autism Awareness Day, here is a video I found called:

'Sublte (sic) Signs of Autism 0-7 years old'. 

People often ask me these questions about my son (Rafael, age 7):
- How did you first know your son had autism?
- What were the signs? How did he act which told you he had autism?- At what age was he diagnosed?
- How has he progressed over time?
- How is he doing at school now? (my son is in year 2)

While every child 'on the spectrum' is different, this video gives some good insight into the profession a child with autism can make.

Says the video description:

"This video shows the subtle signs of autism from one child as he ages and his tremendous growth from years of therapy."

Watch and tell me what you think (and light it up blue today for our beautiful kids with autism and Aspergers:

'A Different Brilliant': Aspect Autism - VIDEO

(As appeared on sister blog page 'Josie's Juice'). If this post had a 'like' button, I'd hit it a million times over. If only just for the fantastically brilliant header just above.

Aspect has released a positive awareness campaign on its Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages called, 'a different brilliant.' The campaign includes a centrepiece film and microsite (www.adifferentbrilliant.org.au), which celebrates our differences by introducing viewers to seven quirky real-life characters on the autism spectrum in a beautifull shot, positive and inspiring montage. 

Seven real-life ASD heroes tell the story

The captivating short film captures the stories of seven unique individuals as told by them, their friends, families and communities:

CALLUM THE PUZZLE WHIZ. 14 year-old Callum is enthusiastic about puzzles and completes them in record time without looking at the finished image on the box. He represents the unique talent for sorting and visual problem solving some people on the spectrum possess.

CHELSEA THE DRESS-UP SUPERHERO. Like many girls her age, four year-old Chelsea loves pink, dressing-up, and playing with Barbies™. But thanks to her unique way of expressing herself, rather than dressing up as a fairy like all the other little girls going to a birthday party, she arrives in a self-designed superhero outfit. Those with highly sensitive nerve endings as part of their ASD often delight in specific fabrics and textures that are gentle and familiar to their touch.

SUPERMARKET SURVIVAL, NATHAN. For an ASD child with super-hearing powers, like seven year-old Nathan, supermarkets are a deafening cacophony of disharmonious sounds: buzzing fridges, in-store announcements, checkout noises and errant trolleys. A two-year old is shown sitting in a trolley with ear defenders as an example of how many children on the spectrum with auditory sensitivities, like Nathan, bravely tackle the experience.

SCHOOL BOYS AT HEART, BEN. We see 10 year-old Ben () at the school gates as other children come and go around him. Both he and his brother, Nathan (7) attended Aspect schools and have now successfully transitioned to the mainstream education system. The scene reminds us that people with autism don’t look any different – they could be any school friend or classmate; but take the time, and you’ll discover a different brilliant.

ALEXANDRA, THE DREAMER. Sometimes people on the autism spectrum have trouble with communication, social interaction and sensory overload. The story of 29 year-old Alexandra is told in a café scene. She gazes out the window while conversations happen around her, brilliantly finding a “safe place” in her own mind to block out the overwhelming nature of her surroundings, but eagerly joining in the conversation when a friend asks her a direct question.

ROBBIE, THE VISUAL ARTIST. Passionate photographer and business owner Robbie is in his early 20s. His story is told creatively via a class field trip montage. As others take similar shots to each other, Robbie sees the world through a different brilliant lens.

CAMERON THE WORKER. Cameron is in his 40s and an active member of the workforce. Aspect supports both Cameron and his employer via the Aspect Capable specialist employment service, which offers person-centred employment training and support to jobseekers with ASD, and their employers through coaching, mentoring, job preparation and training.

“So often wonderfully talented, brilliant people with autism spectrum disorder are overlooked by society as being odd, or quirky, or obsessive. With our a different brilliant campaign, we hope to inspire a wider understanding and respect for how people on the autism spectrum are just like you and me, in many ways, but with their own uniquely brilliant take on the world,” says Adrian Ford, CEO of Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect).

The 'a different brilliant' short film was released to the public via social media today, on Thursday 13 November on the Aspect Facebook page facebook.com/AutismSpectrumAustralia, as well as via Twitter and LinkedIn.

The public is encouraged to ‘like’ and ‘share’ the 'a different brilliant' short film with the hashtag #adifferentbrilliant and include links to the a different brilliant microsite in any social media posts: www.adifferentbrilliant.org.au/

And so, I am doing my part, to honour my beautiful son Rafael, who is six, and (to borrow a line from one of the best films on the planet, and one of my fave flicks ever, 'Temple Grandin') "different, not less", here is this exceptional video:

Australian Story: 'I am Jack' - ABC TV

Screening as part of ABC 'Mental As' – a week of distinctive programming on TV, radio and online for Mental Health Week - comes this ep of 'Australian Story.'

It's the story of radio and TV personality Ian ‘Dano’ Rogerson and his wife Nicole, who gave up their home, careers and an exciting lifestyle for the love of their son, Jack.

Ian Rogerson is a successful national broadcaster and media star who in the 1980s was best known for his professional partnership with Jonathan Coleman. As ‘Jono & Dano’, the pair had a 10-year run with top-rating radio shows and a string of national television programs. 

While Jono Coleman went on to forge a successful career in Britain, Ian Rogerson all but disappeared from the entertainment scene for more than a decade.

Five years ago Australian Story filled in the missing years.  Ian Rogerson had thrown in his career – “career suicide”, according to many in the industry – to care for Jack.

Diagnosed with autism as a toddler, Jack Rogerson was hyperactive, could barely speak and was unable to express ordinary affection. Like many parents of autistic children, the Rogersons soon discovered there was little help available. But they were determined to do whatever they could to enable their son to lead a mainstream lifestyle.

The turning point came when they met Elizabeth Watson, a therapist pioneering a treatment called Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). 

When we first visited the Rogersons, Jack had just completed his primary school education.  Now, five years on, the family’s determination is being richly rewarded.

At 18, Jack has recently graduated from a mainstream high school and is looking forward to a career in the hospitality industry.

In this program, the Rogersons candidly discuss the highs and lows of Jack’s life and explain how he has been able to reach his full potential. 

"Jack’s progress shows what is possible," says Nicole Rogerson, who is now CEO of Autism Awareness Australia and also runs an early behavioural intervention centre in Sydney to help other children with autism.

"We know that kids in Australia, one in a hundred of them, have Autism Spectrum Disorder. The reality is the vast majority are not getting anywhere near best practice guidelines for treatment of Autism. So unless the government makes a genuine investment in this area, so many children are not going to reach their best outcome and I think that’s a tragedy." 

  

Also featured are the Rogersons’ younger son, Tom, high school director of students Adam Lewis, and family friends Angela Catterns and Jonathan Coleman, together with therapist Elizabeth Watson.

'Australian Story – I am Jack' will screen on Monday October 6, at 8pm on ABC.

UPDATED: if you missed the episode tonight, you can watch the whole ep right here.

Note from ABC: This episode was broadcast at 8:00pm on Monday 6 October 2014. It was published 59 minutes ago and is available until 9:01pm on 20 October 2014. File size approx. 144 MB

 

Study: People with autism do not lack empathy

A new study has found that individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome don’t lack empathy – in fact if anything they empathise too much.

Yes. This ground-breaking study suggests people with autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger’s do not lack empathy – rather, they feel others’ emotions too intensely to cope.

This article says:

"People with Asperger's syndrome, a high functioning form of autism, are often stereotyped as distant loners or robotic geeks. But what if what looks like coldness to the outside world is a response to being overwhelmed by emotion – an excess of empathy, not a lack of it?

This idea resonates with many people suffering from autism-spectrum disorders and their families. It also jibes with the “intense world” theory, a new way of thinking about the nature of autism.

As posited by Henry and Kamila Markram of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne the theory suggests that the fundamental problem in autism-spectrum disorders is not a social deficiency but, rather, a hypersensitivity to experience, which includes an overwhelming fear response.

“I can walk into a room and feel what everyone is feeling,” Kamila Markram says. “The problem is that it all comes in faster than I can process it. There are those who say autistic people don’t feel enough. We’re saying exactly the opposite: They feel too much.”"

To read more of this article, click here.

This study confirms what I know about my son. He is often too emotional, too aware, too conscious of other peoples' feelings, always wanting to connect, even kissing and hugging fellow school pick-up parents at his school who he has never met. After (even before) they get over their initial shock and I explain it all, every single parent embraces and loves it.

As do I... as do I. And I wouldn't change that for anything.

'The Real Housewives of New Jersey': Jacqueline Laurita's son says "I love you"

Okay, yeah.

I like reality TV.

I am, I will admit, maybe a little over it of late. Like, say, 18% less satisfied than usual.

And that defintely goes for my affection for 'The Real Housewives' franchise.

However! Sometimes, a clip from the show may surprise me with an actual message beyond demonstrating privileged lives and/or living beyond your means.

Like this beautiful clip from the current season of 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey', which features cast member Jacqueline Laurita's young son - and the first time he says 'I love you' to his mother in a very long time (he has regressed - he has said those precious words in the past).

It is touching and sweet and reminds parents of neurotypical kids why parents of kids with autism rejoice SO much in the little things. It tears me up every single time.

Watch the clip here.

What has your child with autism done recently that makes you jump for joy?

Autism from a father's perspective: Tuks and Levi's story. "He's my little hero and my son."

I saw this photo on my friend's Facebook page and loved it. For many reasons...

Firstly, I know this man. His name is Tuks, and he is the father of one of the kids who attended the Learning Links special needs playgroup alongside my son Rafael, which I attended each week for three years with both my kids in tow. I barely missed a week.

Tuks would come each week also, with his two gorgeous sons. Sometimes, his wife Kelly [a teacher] would come along too, and later, they brought along their newborn baby girl Ruby.

The couples' son Levi was diagnosed with autism, language delay and global development delay. He is now five years old.

They also raise Kelly's young boy Joel, 14, and their brood Noah, 3, and Ruby, 18 months [with another little one on the way!]

Here is what Tuks said about being dad to a son with autism:

"Levi has been diagnosed with autism and global development delay. The only word that can sum up the way I felt after receiving that diagnosis is "relieved". This was because it answered so many questions as to why he behaved the way he did and why his 'quirky' little habits were not him being 'weird'. Although the diagnosis answered a lot of our questions and explained so much, I didn't realise that this was just the beginning of a very long and difficult road.

I have participated in so many of Levi's therapies and have learnt so much in so little time. I took him to structured special needs playgroup every week [Learning Links] where I was usually the only male parent and listened in as some mothers broke down and were emotional because of the sheer stress of having a child with autism and special needs. Also I participated in occupational therapy, speech therapy, and went to many workshops for parents where sometimes things went right over my head, but asking countless questions did help, and as time went on I feel like I became the autism expert, ha!

I think fathers would benefit a lot from being involved. It's not about just doing it for the sake of doing it, but doing it for our child. If my wife Kelly and I don't help Levi to be the best he can be, who will? It's our job as his parents, his voice, his guide to get him to live a happy life.

The progress to date for Levi is very good and he surprises us everyday. Looking back at where he was two and a half years ago... he's scream when we went to visit family and friends, screamed when we walked into a shopping centre, screamed at breakfast, lunch and dinner time, and was pretty much being so miserable and stressed and anxious.

Today, he answers when he's asked a question, gets excited when I tell him we're going to visit family or to the shopping centre.(his favourite store would have to be Target, but Aldi comes a close second).

I only see positive improvements with my son Levi, and I will continue to love and support him forever.

He's my little hero and my son."

Bless you, Tuks. You are no doubt his hero, too.

Do you know dads who partcipate in their son's therapy? Please share some stories.

Joshua and Sarah Littman: "Q&A" from StoryCorps

My friend showed me this recently...

This is what I love about being open about your child's autism diagnosis... friends are always on the lookout for links and news and articles. It's wonderful.

Watch and be moved by this actual conversation between a mother and her son, who has an Asperger's diagnosis.

Joshua Littman, a 12-year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome, interviews his mother, Sarah. Joshua's unique questions and Sarah's beautiful, unguarded answers demonstrate a beautiful relationship - and makes you so happy to be a parent of a special needs child, or otherwise.

Wasn't that wonderful to watch?

Oh, and if you're wondering about the different accents between mother and son, here's why:

"Hi - this is Josh's Mom. The reason is that he was born in the UK and I'm American. Even though he moved here, he kept his accent. It is apparently more common with children with Aspergers. These days (he's now 19) people think he is Canadian or sometimes Australian, which he finds really amusing."

What kind of conversations do you have with your child with autism?

Unexpected surprises: this is autism

The most unusual thing happened today.

And yet, it seemed like the most natural thing in the world.

I was at a chemist, getting my mother's medication, my mum in law in tow. That's not the unusual part - that's totally normal these days.

No, what was confronting and strangely exhilarating was walking into the chemist, spotting a cute looking 8 year old-ish boy, hearing him speak no more than five words... and knowing immediately in my bones he was autistic.

I'd never seen this boy before, never met his dad who was now in the process of using the counting-before-you-get-in-big-trouble approach ["Ezra! Okay, that's one, two...] and yet I was so drawn to them I just couldn't explain it.

"Oh, so you use the counting approach, eh?" I asked cautiously, as I slowly sidled up behind him.

His kind face swung around. "Yes, I have to. Sometimes... it works!"

"Yes, I understand," I nodded. 

I asked Ezra's father - Anthony, I soon learned - how old his son was. Eight. Guess number one: spot on. Ezra soon surfaced from behind the shelves of myriad toothpastes, incontinence pads, and strange slimming teas and showed me his gorgeous, freckle-speckled face, and tufts of beautiful red hair peeking under his kiddie-sized fishing hat.

"Hello Ezra! Nice to meet you!"

"Hello! Nice to meet you too!"

We spoke just enough for a few exchanged pleasantries - with both Ezra and Anthony - until I couldn't contain myself another minute.

"I hope you don't mind I ask you this question," I started gingerly to Anthony, in a lowered tone, "But... is your son... autistic?"

He paused for one second, enough to read my face, and replied: "He's actually getting a diagnosis to confirm his autism tomorrow!"

His face was a mixture of 'how did you know?' and a distinct wash of relief.

He continued: "He's actually been diagnosed with ADHD for many years, medication to treat it, everything. But now he has a new paediatrician [lined up by Aspect Australia, he told me, excitedly adding that he somehow got in after a few months wait, not the usual two years] and we are finally getting the diagnosis I always had a feeling about. I mean, they can diagnose autism at age four now, you know!"

I nodded. "Yes, my son was diagnosed at age two - and I just knew at age one and a half."

Funnily, not once did Anthony ask me how I knew about Ezra, or why I was even asking. Not at any point did he tell me to mind my own business.

And I in turn felt a wave of relief for a man I had just met. I mean, imagine: the wrong diagnosis all this time... and now this. Finally.

And as I said my goodbyes and good lucks with it all [in another strange-for-me move I asked for his number, as I'd like to check in with him in a few days] I left on a unusual high. To feel a connection like that with a stranger - and to have him excitedly tell me how very talented his young son is ["in kindergarten, he was the only kid in his class who could count to 500!"] - was so special.

I recounted the whole story to my mum in law [who had been - rather hilariously - using one of those weigh-yourself-and-get-your-BMI machines] and she didn't bat an eye. She knows me too well.

Later, I thought to myself: gosh, what are the chances of something like this happening?

Well, I have learned that the chances of anything like this happening are high, if you: ask, interact, be nosy, and cultivate curiosity. In every situation.

And the biggest, best surprises of all always blossom right before your very eyes.

In fact, unexpected surprises are at the very heart of autism... in every possible way.

Ten Things I Hate About Autism

Ten things I hate about autism.

Yep, I hate them.

Because they rule my life, can make our lives hell, limit our options, cancel our plans. Of course I love my son - desperately, and with all my heart - but this thing called autism is something that has a laugh at our expense, thumbs its nose at social etiquette, and generally can make a scene in public. Those who don't know me or my son may mistake a display of autism as bad parenting and a spoilt child. To those people I say a very simple, very polite fuck you [hey, this is my blog and I can say what I like, dammit].

- Travel is impossible
I have tried to 'not let autism win', but this one is proving to be hard work. Holidays mean routines are broken which is enemy number one to autism. I have just come to the realisation that cancelling that overseas holiday earlier this year is now something we probably can't do for, oh, another decade.

- Fussy eating is taken to a whole new level
It's all about textures. Sloppy and messy is out. Crunchy and neat is in. Think rissoles with pureed veggies. Trying new foods is hard, hard work. And then there is the exception to the rule - he now loves custard [potentially a messy, and definitely a sloppy food]. And Maccas soft serve cones. I know, not healthy. But in our world, it's an eating triumph as it's a sloppy kinda food. My husband and I can watch him, fascinated, that he has mastered this skill all by himself without spilling a drop of soft, soft serve.

- Change in routine is murder
This includes going away of course, but even a change in route, or a change in direction when we are walking somewhere. This can trigger a temper tantrum. And once one of those starts: yeah, good luck with that sister.

- Language skills are hard work
This is an obvious one, but it really makes an impact when he is trying to express himself but can't. But his language capacity has increased, oh, about 1000-fold. This time last year he knew two words. Now I have lost count of the words and full phrases he rattles off, in context.

- Toilet training is a nightmare
We are still working on this one. Yep. It's so close, I know it. And yet, not quite there yet.

- Ownership
Everything he sees he now claims as his own: "My tunnel! My row boat! My phone!" Which means if we see a tunnel, he wants me to go under it [I don't - he needs to learn Mummy can't always change route for him]. If he sees my phone, he wants it now. And so on. This one is a new one. Hellllooo, autism - it's nice to meet more of your personalities!

- Sharing
We have worked long and hard on this one this year. This is crucial, because he MUST understand the concept of sharing with his sister, with his classmates, with society. We have made exceptional inroads here, but we have a long way to go.

- Socialising is a learned skill
He will play alongside others, sometimes include them, but mostly not. But this is a vast improvement on his old self, when he'd be oblivious to anyone around him.

- Eating out = limited options
I am appalled to say that after the healthiest start to life [hello, homemade concoctions like pureed liver and veggies], it's now Maccas only when we eat out. And only chicken bite thingys. Oh wait, he did have chicken schnitzel recently at a party at a restaurant. But it wasn't on the pre-ordered menu and I carved it up just so. And had to hand feed him as I could feel a food-refusal coming on. Health food gurus, please don't bother: we are talking food-as-pacifier at a whole different level here. And let's not even start on not being able to sit still in a chair for long periods of time at a semi-swank place. Impossible.

[At home is a whole different story, though - I rule the kitchen here and it's pureed zucchini and broccoli hidden in minced chicken breast, for example. It gives me so much satisfaction I could honestly cry].

- Haircuts can be hell
I can happily report this one has changed. But it has taken three years. It was only the very last haircut [husb has claimed haircuts as his domain, so full kudos to him] that involved no tears, and no tools to divert attention [phone, Nintendo DS, etc]. This was a MAJOR triumph - you see, sensory overload means scissors can feel like razor blades on his head. So you understand why this is cause for elation.

Autism is a curious beast, and I often feel at its mercy. And yet, other times I am utterly fascinated at how it manifests in the every day: untold affection, a brain that ticks in a different way, an outlook on the world which marches to its own drum.

So, you see it's not my son I dislike, it's autism. But 99% of the time it's hard to separate the two. But we are slowly learning to be friends, autism and I. We have to be. We have a long way to go and are bedfellows whether we like it or not. So yeah, hi autism. Welcome. Just don't steal all the blankets, okay?

My son - if you read this as an adult, please know I love you SO much...

'Temple Grandin': closing scene. Tears - and hope.

I have been 'dying' to post this clip, from the movie 'Temple Grandin'.

I have been waiting for the right time. When my son graduates from pre-school? Or kindy, or... I don't know Year 6... or perhaps high school or university?

Turns out there is no right time. It's now.

Because with each and every Occupational Therapy session [every fortnight], and every weekly playgroup at Learning Links, and several hour-long meetings each month about setting new goals for Rafael, I realise we are inching closer to a day when Raf will stand up and declare himself like this. I don't know how he will do it, I don't know what it'll look like, but I do know one thing: I will be as moved as Julia Ormond [playing Temple Grandin's mother] is:

Watch the clip and you will see why it moves me - no, makes me shed floods of tears - each and every time.

CLICK ON THIS LINK HERE TO WATCH THE ENTIRE CLOSING SCENE.

'Australian Autism Handbook' - and the heading that changed my life

Benison O'Reilly is the co-author of the 'Australian Autism Handbook' - it's one of the first books I bought when I received my son's autism diagnosis. In fact, I vividly recall flicking through the book at my local Dymock's bookstore. There I was, during Thursday late night shopping, twenty minutes before closing time. I'd put the kids to bed and told my husband I had to go "TONIGHT!" to get some books on autism. I had to understand what was going, what I could do to help my precious boy. And internet research just wasn't going to cut it. I needed: a book. Several of them.

And so, after asking the bookstore assistant I'd called prior to make sure she had "lots of books on autism" I turned up and she showed me to the right section. I picked the book which begged to be picked up -  'Australian Autism Handbook' - and scoured it. My eyes came to the part on page 31 where it says under a heading in caps: "ASDs [Autism Spectrum Disorders] ARE NOT CAUSED BY BAD PARENTING". It continued: "We've already discussed this. The myth of the 'refrigerator mother' has well and truly been debunked."

I burst into tears, right there in the bookstore. The bookstore assistant soon came by to ask if I needed assistance and noticed tears streaming down my face. I explained. She nodded, and told me some words of reassurance I now can't remember. I was just relieved. Autism wasn't about something I'd done. It wasn't my fault. I felt understood, and ready for the journey ahead.

I bought the book.

That's co-author Benison. I asked her to write a series of pieces on autism. I will be posting them in the coming weeks. What she's got to say is powerful and important. And she should know: her son Joe was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder just after his third birthday.

This is autism: by Leah Bradley

The first guest post comes from Leah, mum of two, about autism:

"Imagine for a minute you have a shocking headache or even a migraine and need to get the weekly shopping done. Everything seems brighter, louder, every one of your senses are heightened to the point of screeching pain.

This utter confusion and inability to be able to disseminate noises, sound, touch – everything being jumbled together… this is autism – total sensory overload.

Now imagine for a minute having to take your child with autism out to the shops because you have no-one to leave your child with, to give your child a break from the extreme pain of shopping. 

Remembering that every sense is heightened, these “kids” can’t break down and make sense of it all. So to cope they flap their hands, walk on their toes, hum, hold their hands over their ears, walk in circles, or even screech. 

As the parent you need to concentrate on your shopping list, whilst keeping an eye on your child, and very acutely aware of the staring of others, the comments of “give the child a smack for God’s sake”… you get the idea. 

You might have even witnessed such a scenario and said the same things...

I challenge you instead to walk a mile, or even a step in my shoes. 

Instead, offer to assist that very overloaded parent with their shopping. 

Or even a genuine smile.

Just don’t judge!"

Leah Bradley is mum to 11 year old Nicholas, who has a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism, and Emily age 12. She writes a blog called 'Leah's Soapbox': http://leahssoapbox.blogspot.com.au/?m=1

Our Autism Adventures: why I started this blog

Living with a child with autism is one big adventure [though not always the fun, exciting kind].

And so, there was no better name than that for my new blog: Autism Adventures.

The site address is http://ourautismadventures.blogspot.com - and the adventures are indeed ours to share.

Rafael was diagnosed with autism at age two, although I suspected something was different about my son at age 1.

As a mum... you just know.

Plus, because he has a twin sister, I had the best barometer possible for gauging milestones. In the beginning, they seemed very much on par. In fact, Raf uttered "mamma" before Estella did.

But then... nothing.

There was no point being in denial - although initially, it was like a knife to the heart, and I gave myself a little time to grieve the loss of 'the perfect child'. You know there is no such thing as 'perfect', but - especially when you're a first-time mum - you have grand hopes and dreams for your little baby. Who will they be? What will they do? I of course still have these dreams for my precious boy... just different ones.

And so, I got to work to help my child: speech therapy, occupational therapy, a special playgroup, daycare with an aid teacher, all of which still happens today.

Next year is school - and there'll be many more adventures awaiting with that journey.

And so, here we are: a blog on thoughts and experiences and stories... 

They won't always be mine - I will have guest bloggers here all the time [if you'd like to tell your story, either under your name or anonymously, please drop me a line at josiegags@optusnet.com.au]. 

After all, I have found that the more we share about raising children with autism, the more real our stories become, and the more the stigma, the misconceptions, the misinformation is broken down. And that sense of commonality - about the struggles and triumphs, about the journey, the adventure! - can do nothing but good.

Pic: Life Stories Photography [http://www.lifestoriesphotography.com.au/]