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<p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;padding:0in"><span style="color:#1F497D">I received the following email from my colleague Kate McGann and am sharing it with her permission. I know many libraries in Oregon are working to better serve patrons on the Autism
spectrum so I thought you may appreciate her email too. She provides good, condensed information about Autism spectral disorders and links to useful resources if you want to learn more.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;padding:0in"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The United States along with many countries recognize April as Autism Awareness Month.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Autism spectral disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and by restricted,
repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior (Center for Disease Control [CDC]). ASD is a lifelong disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life. There has been a 78% increase in Autism over the past 5 years with 1 in 88 children
affected according to the latest CDC report. While causes are not completely mapped there is current research indicating that genetics and environment play important roles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As previously stated, individuals with Autism exhibit common issues with communication and social behavior. Many individuals exhibit restricted, repetitive
and stereotyped behavior patterns. Early intervention and therapy with children is important to develop social and coping skills. Special Education classes help teach such skills and assist in integrating some children into the regular classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">High functioning adults with autism are often able to find jobs that fit their skills, interest, and needs. In the right environment and at times with additional
support, many have the ability to become highly productive members of a workplace community. While there is a growing body of research and knowledge on helping children w/ ASD, there are also a growing number of organizations with a focus on assisting adults
in locating work that fits them and integrating them into their communities. <o:p>
</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After reviewing quite a bit of literature on ASD it appears that applying the basic values of tolerance, respect, and understanding go a long way in building
trust – an initial step in creating a safe and stable environment where individuals with these special needs can flourish. The benefit of course is that when we lend support and enable others it helps them to more effectively apply their skill sets and talents
and creates a richer, more joyous and productive workplace for everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">An individual with autism may display some or all of the following characteristics, which may represent challenges from a certain perspective, or strengths from another:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Difficulty understanding language, gestures, and/or social cues<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Literal or excessive speech, often with a concentration on a particular topic
<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Difficulty relating or participating in a back-and-forth conversation or interaction<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Social awkwardness<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Intense or odd interests<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Repetitive behaviors such as pacing or hand flapping or rocking<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">More or less sensitivity to light, sound, smell, taste or touch than usual<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Anxiety, abnormal fears and/or lack of appropriate fear of real dangers<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Difficulty managing transitions, changes in routine, stress, frustration<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Strong visual skills<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Good rote and long term memory (facts, statistics, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Adherence to rules, honesty<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Intense concentration or focus, especially on a preferred activity Understanding and retention of concrete concepts, patterns and rules<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Musical, mathematical, technological and/or artistic ability or interest
<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">(source: Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Below are a few resources and stories for those with an interest in learning more about ASD. Please be sure to view the link - second from bottom - about Hannah the artist who created the 2012
UN Autism Awareness Stamp.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kate McGann<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Resources and Stories<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> by Scotch Plains Public Library and Fanwood Memorial
Library </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D"><a href="http://www.thejointlibrary.org/autism/">http://www.thejointlibrary.org/autism/</a>
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">About Autism</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism
<a href="http://www.afaa-us.org/site/c.llIYIkNZJuE/b.5064067/k.9020/AboutnbspAutism.htm">
http://www.afaa-us.org/site/c.llIYIkNZJuE/b.5064067/k.9020/AboutnbspAutism.htm</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Autism: 5 ways to communicate</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Reverse Autism Now
<a href="http://reverseautismnow.org/autism-and-communication-5-ways-to-communicate.html">
http://reverseautismnow.org/autism-and-communication-5-ways-to-communicate.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Autism Now</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">(six part series w/ Robert MacNeil), PBS
<a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/news/autism/">http://www.pbs.org/newshour/news/autism/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Quality Employment Practices</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,
Institute of Community Inclusion, <a href="http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=266">
http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=266</a><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">U.N. selects Naples artist for 2012 Autism Awareness Stamp,
</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">[Artists story] , news-press
<i><a href="http://www.news-press.com/article/20120328/MOMS/120328024/U-N-selects-Naples-artist-2012-Autism-Awareness-Stamp-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home">http://www.news-press.com/article/20120328/MOMS/120328024/U-N-selects-Naples-artist-2012-Autism-Awareness-Stamp-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><![endif]><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Autism Data & Statistics</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, CDC
<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html">http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
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