April is Autism Awareness Month

Autism is a developmental learning disability that affects how a person thinks, learns, senses, moves their body, communicates, and relates to people and the world. Autistic people have different abilities, needs, interests, and personalities.

I have had the gift of working with, and caring for people with Autism for the last 12 years. First working in a private school for 2 years, and then starting and running  for a non-profit residential home for young adults with Autism for the last 10. I can say that it has been rewarding, challenging, and life-changing. 

If you are a parent, sister, brother, or caretaker of someone with Autism my heart goes out to you for all your hard work, patience, and love. If you are someone with Autism my heart goes out to you, I know first-hand how special you are and how you fill the hearts of others with joy. There are a lot of parents and caretakers home right now (myself being one), taking care of someone with Autism comes with many unique challenges and being home-bound makes it even more difficult. Right now more than ever, the library is an excellent resource for you with books, movies, classes & activities.

(We have many eBooks and audiobooks on Overdrive, on your computer, or on most devices with the Libby app. You just need a CLAMS card! We also have some movies available on our Hoopla platform, with any Falmouth-issued library card.  Go here to access our online resources.  Give us a call, or email us, if you need help getting started!)

Here are some great titles about Autism (eBook links when possible, but also are also available from us as print books!):

The Autism Playbook for Teens by Carol Moog (CLAMS eBook link)

Be Different by John Elder Robison: Adventures of a free-range Aspergian with practical advice for Aspergians, misfits, families & teachers (CLAMS print book link)

A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey  (eBook link)

The Reason I Jumpthe inner voice of a thirteen-year-old boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida, translated by KA Yoshida and David Mitchell (eBook link)

In a Different Key: the story of Autism by John Donvan (eBook link)

A Mile in His Shoes (film), produced by Jack Nasser ; written by Jason Koornick ; directed by William Dear (CLAMS DVD link)

By Tracy, from the North Falmouth Library.