Saturday, April 04, 2009

Autism April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is the term used to describe different forms of autism. These disorders can range from the milder Asperger's syndrome to the more profound Rett syndrome. ASDs are harmful changes that take place in the brain as it grows and develops. From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks and acts. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of autism. People with autism display symptoms in these 3 general areas: Communication - both verbal and non-verbal (such as pointing, eye contact, and smiling) Social - such as sharing emotions, understanding how others think and feel, and holding a conversation Routines or repetitive behaviors - such as repeating words or actions, obsessively following routines or schedules, and playing in repetitive ways If you notice problems in these areas, you should take your child to a doctor for a developmental exam. Watch for the following specific behaviors: does not respond to his or her name; does not point or wave "bye-bye;" had begun talking, but has lost the ability; does not know how to play with other children; "tunes out," seems to be deaf; has unusual sensory sensitivities to sound, to lights, or rough surfaces; behaves as if in his or her "own world;" becomes fixated on furniture arrangement, or on hard objects, not soft toys or blankets; becomes rigid about dressing in a particular order or schedule; exhibits frequent or prolonged temper tantrums. There are numerous federal resources addressing autism. To find them, use USA.gov search. Here are just a few resources that I have highlighted to get you started: Autism Information Center Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders) Resources for families page that has links to federal, state, financial support, and assistive technology resources FAQ page that answers many commonly asked questions. FCIC's Autism Spectrum Disorders Focus page There are also many non-government organizations that can help you learn more or find support groups to help cope with autism: AutismSpeaks.org National Autism Association Autism Society of America Autism Collaboration AutismCares Do you have any insights or experiences you wish to share about ASDs? - Ginger [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog] 10:35:51 AM     Upcoming Events at HPL Be a Book Illustrator Saturday, April 4 2 PM Be an artist just like illustrator Patricia Polacco, whose work is on display in Youth Services. Every Polacco drawing reveals character and yours will too! Cathy Mott from the Muskegon Museum of Art leads the program. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. Monday Storytime Monday, April 6 6:45 pm Stories and activities for ages 3-5. Registration is required. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. Toddler Storytime Monday, April 6 11:00 am Stories and activities aimed at 18 to 36 month olds. Toddlers and grownups attend together. Registration is required. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. Toddler Storytime Tuesday, April 7 6:45 pm Stories and activities aimed at 18 to 36 month olds. Toddlers and grownups attend together. Registration is required. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. Wonderful Worms in Your Garden Tuesday, April 7 2 PM Make and take home a free “Start Your Garden Kit.” Kids will make compost, get real worms to work the soil, and take home fast growing seeds. Community gardening activist Terrie Hampel, leads the program. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. Computer Class--Intro to Computers Wednesday, April 8 6:00 - 7:30 pm Introduction to computers will offer an introduction to what a computer is and how to use it. It is designed for beginners with little or no knowledge of computers. Topics covered will include an explanation of Windows and files, how to turn on a computer, and how to use the mouse. Class size is limited. Please call ahead to register (231-722-7276). Registration starts on January 2. The class will be held at Hackley Public Library. MS Support Group Wednesday, April 8 5:30 pm Torrent House. Yarnspinners Wednesday, April 8 7:00 pm Torrent House. Storytelling Group. Family History Workshop Saturday, April 11 9:30 - 11:30 am Learn how to do Genealogy research in the Local History Department. For more information call 231-722-7276 x 233. RAINBOW EASTER EGGS Saturday, April 11 2 PM to 4 PM - Bring 2 or more hardboiled eggs - Make amazing Easter Eggs, with multicolored swirls, dots and stripes. Eggs are dipped again and again to build up a rainbow of colors. Drop in anytime. during event hours. Families bring their own hardboiled eggs to take part. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. Monday Storytime Monday, April 13 6:45 pm Stories and activities for ages 3-5. Registration is required. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. Toddler Storytime Monday, April 13 11:00 am Stories and activities aimed at 18 to 36 month olds. Toddlers and grownups attend together. Registration is required. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. Square Foot Gardening Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 pm Start your own vegetable garden and save money! Richard Peters will be at the library to talk about Square Foot Gardening, a method of gardening that takes less space and requires less work than normal gardening. For more information or to register call HPL at 231-722-7276. Toddler Storytime Tuesday, April 14 6:45 pm Stories and activities aimed at 18 to 36 month olds. Toddlers and grownups attend together. Registration is required. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. Ulysses Group Tuesday, April 14 10:00 am Book Discussion Group. For more information call 231-722-7276. Saturday Storytime Saturday, April 18 2:00 pm Stories and activities for ages 3-5. Registration is required. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. 10:28:14 AM

© Copyright 2009 Jocelyn Shaw. Last update: 5/4/2009; 2:50:12 PM. Photo curtesy of Marjorie O'Brien