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I thought about the need to add a personal touch this week.

A very close friend's partner's father is critically ill at the moment. As I hadn't heard from him I thought that I'd drop him a line to show interest/concern. I got a reply saying: "tahnk you for asking".

I have to say that this surprised me somewhat, but on reflection, I can't why?

I am reading a book on non-verbal communication which I will be reviewing for my next Newsletter. I have to say that I am finding it absolutely fascinating.

It explains touches like I have listed above and why they are considered so important by other people.

I am going to be returning to this subject increasingly over time in the next few weeks and will be reciting further examples.

Non-verbal communication is an area where I increasingly need to focus my learning.

I have had quite a good day.

I have a client who I am finding it not easy to deal with. Consequently, I am a) trying to put more effort into dealing with them and; b) today had a discussion with them about something that they are not entirely happy with.

Both went quite well; not least of all because I stood my ground and argued my point.

Much of this involved explaining my point of view and where I was coming from. It enabled them to udnerstand more of what is required.

Quite pleased with the outcome.

I have had a week full of Asperger "bits": small things that, in themselves are not very important, but which are very much Asperger-related.

First. I was with a colleague this week who is very assertive with customers. He's a very nice person, but sets "boundaries" with other people. If they play ball with him, he plays ball with; if they don't, he is very assertive in his response and makes sure that they know what he will - and will not - tolerate.

Very important and valuable insight for me to observe.

Secondly, I have been under a bit of pressure this week with workload. Not enough to put me under stress, but enough for me to focus on "ploughing my own furrow".

I barged past someone through a door this week when I should have let them pass first! I was thinking of myself and not other people. I have colleagues at work with different agendas and I need to remember this.

I have had a week full of Asperger "bits": small things that, in themselves are not very important, but which are very much Asperger-related.

First. I was with a colleague this week who is very assertive with customers. He's a very nice person, but sets "boundaries" with other people. If they play ball with him, he plays ball with; if they don't, he is very assertive in his response and makes sure that they know what he will - and will not - tolerate.

Very important and valuable insight for me to observe.

Secondly, I have been under a bit of pressure this week with workload. Not enough to put me under stress, but enough for me to focus on "ploughing my own furrow".

I barged past someone through a door this week when I should have let them pass first! I was thinking of myself and not other people. I have colleagues at work with different agendas and I need to remember this.

A thoroughly enjoyable day at work.

Nothing special: just got on well with everyone, got satisfaction out of the work I did and didn't feel under any undue pressure.

Marvellous!!

I have some good news and some disappointing news with my University Transitions Project over the last few weeks.

One University has said that they don't want to continue which was a real disappointment as it was my old one. They didn't say too much why other than it was slightly long, though they may not have been the real/whole reason.

I thought that this would men the others may decline, but apparently not. It was quite heartening because, overall, I thought that it all went quite well.

I certainly believe that there is still a demand/need for what we are doing.

I have had a very important lesson re-emphasised to me in my private life this weekend; one which is becoming increasingly apparent to me as a consequence of my Asperger!

I have been helping clear some overgrown foliage in some communal grounds where I live. The person I have been working with was very happy with what I was doing and assured me that other residents were also.

I learnt yesterday that the latter was not entirely the case!

It was not that they were angry, more that it was - apparently - not quite what they wanted. They didn't inform me that however and none of them - who have been talking about doing these sort of things for a while - have lifted a finger to contribute themselves.

I suspect that the issue may go somewhat deeper: that really its about them having their say/control. Because they are part owners of the ground they are perfectly entitled to do so of course, and I should have explicitly gained their consent directly.

I have got a very full and busy week ahead of me. It involves staying late two nights.

I started to think about what it would all involve yesterday [Sunday] which seemed a bit daunting.

Consequently, I put a mental break on things. I am going to take each day as it come and work - and think about - only one thing at a time.

If I would slowly through things I know that it will seem less onerous and the week will pass more comfortably.

I was complimented by a customer today. He just came over and said how interested he was in what I'd said and done!

It wa sextraordinarily nice and I wasn't expected. However, it was very welcome and it is always nice when someone does that.

I suppose that it is for everyone, but I find that, because of my AS, it is always a fillip!

I am very happy with the way I am working at the moment.

I have a lot on currently which normally could cause me quite a bit of internal stress and anxiety. What I find I normally do is think constantly about what I need to do next instead of focusing on what I am doing in the "here and now".

What I have started to do however, is work slowly and steadily through the topic that is the current priority. It is proving immensely effective and non-stressful.

Beginning by not thinking or worrying about what I have also got to do is a good starting point; I seek to ease myself in and begin to build up momentum and concentration.

Once I am in this [effective] mode of operation I find that I can work steadily and consistently. I am also finding that I am getting an awful lot done!