What does the library have in common with the Panama Canal, Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, and thousands of other landmarks worldwide?  All have been lit up with blue lights to promote autism awareness in April, Autism Awareness Month.  To read more, click here.

The National Institute of Mental Health defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as “…the name for a group of developmental disorders. ASD includes a wide range, ‘a spectrum,’ of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability.”  ASD affects people of all ages worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in the United States, “About 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.  ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.”

Books for children and adults about ASD range from picture books for the youngest readers to memoirs, explanations of treatment and life strategies, histories of autism and fiction featuring autistic characters.   In April, there is a display of books in the lobby about ASD. Year round, librarians in the Adult Services department are glad to help you find information about ASD.  The Youth Services department has a social story and a great selection of links for those with special needs, available here .