Raymond Dawson

My family migrated from Borneo / Malaysia to Australia in 1969. I completed my HSC & thereafter moved onto completing my trade certificate in engineering following my Dad’s footsteps. Despite being warned by him that my temperament being creative, stubborn and free spirited wasn’t suitable for that career pathway. My high school English teacher recommended I chase a career in writing and my drama teacher suggested acting. Years later, I eventually managed to combined all three and pursued a career as a lecturer in retailing also covering general business and commerce. My past and current career pathways are to build successful businesses in the creative and innovative fields, such as writing and inventing products and services to help humanity. Challenges I’ve only recently discovered that I have Asperger’s Syndrome. I’ve always knew I was different since I was a boy but couldn’t quite understand why. What most people take for granted with regards to their social skills and etiquette expectations, I struggle with. I’m blessed with tremendous determination and the tenacity to overcome all challenges and obstacles I’m faced with. Before identifying my Asperger’s condition, I instinctively knew the only way to overcome the pitfalls of my affliction was to practice and memorise the required social skill set needed until it felt natural. I’ve pursued a career pathway in the past and present, which involves a high level of social interaction despite my condition because I feel it’s my destiny and I will overcome any obstacles that lies ahead, no excuses. Hobbies I was never a natural at any sports due to my condition, which effected my coordination and a sense of balance. Through my determination and through the patience of gifted friends I overcame my disability and excelled at baseball and table tennis. At present I enjoy extreme mountain bike riding, motorcycle observe trials, off-road motorcycle enduros and fast road bikes. All requiring high levels of concentration, coordination and balance. I enjoy family time, gardening, art, fishing and hunting. I also enjoy the solitude of some of my recreational activities and inventing purposeful devices.