Library programs focus on autism
The statistics are staggering. One in every 150 children born today will be diagnosed with some form of autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Recent statistics, as well as noticing an increase in the number of children affected by autism prompted Des Plaines Public Library officials to act.
On Monday, a special program will kick off a series of programs and new services at the library, 1501 Ellinwood Ave., for children and families affected by autism. It's all made possible by a $13,517 grant library officials received from the Illinois State Library.
"We see these children and teens at least on a weekly basis and probably serve some who are so high functioning that we are not even aware of their autism," Veronica Schwartz, head of the library's youth services department.
The grant, which library officials applied for recently, will help offset costs of the programs and new services.
Linda Hoeck, autism coordinator for the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, will speak at 7 p.m. Monday on "The Many Faces of Autism." Hoeck will discuss the various aspects of the autism spectrum and answer questions. There is no charge, but registration is required at (847) 376-2787 or www.dppl.org.
Sally Martin-Ranft of the Awakening Holistic Healing Center of Des Plaines will speak March 25 on "Autism and the Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diet." Registration is required.
In April, the library will host four "Family Times" when therapy dogs from the Rainbow Animal-Assisted Therapy program, along with qualified caregivers, will work with autistic children in the library's story room in order to give parents an hour to themselves in the library.
Those times and dates are: 11 a.m. to noon April 5; and from 7 to 8 p.m. April 14, 21 and 28. Registration is required.
On April 21 Schwartz hopes that the parents will choose to attend a program they have scheduled to coincide with the dog therapy.
Newbery Honor Award author Cynthia Lord will speak at 7 p.m. about her book, "Rules," which features an autistic character. Lord also happens to be the mother of an autistic child, Schwartz said.
Also, library officials are planning to buy computer keyboards with large, 1-inch square keys which will make them easier for autistic children to use, as well as books and other materials on autism for parents and teachers to use as reference.
In addition, Schwartz said Hoeck is developing task strips to be posted throughout the youth department of the library. They will use words and pictures to explain step-by-step what the child should do in each area.
"So far we have had nothing but positive reactions from the parents of our autistic patrons," Schwartz said.
The grant ends in June, but Schwartz said library officials hope to continue the special services.