Book Lovers Study Club learns about autism
She Says
GFWC Alabama President Becky Vansant’s chosen project is mental health. In support of that, the local chapter’s GFWC Book Lovers Study Club President Gayle McAlister’s chosen project is autism.
In the March meeting, the Book Lovers Study Club held a silent auction to raise money for autism. Carly Hellums, a special education teacher at West Elementary School spoke about autism. Her specialty is autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
The National Institute of Mental Health (a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) website describesautismspectrum disorder as “a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave,” noting although it can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.
In an article on the Mayo Clinic website, ASD is described as “a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication,” adding it also includes “limited and repetitive patterns of behavior.” The article states the term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.
Hellums said ASD is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States, more common than childhood cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. ASD is a developmental disability that often presents challenges before the age of three and lasts throughout a person’s life. It affects 1 in 36 children.
She explained there is currently no medical detection, blood test or cure for autism spectrum disorder. Parents do not and cannot cause it; however, there is a genetic component. Studies show heritability is estimated to be around 83%.
Individuals with ASD may be very creative and find a passion and talent for music, theater, art, dance and singing quite easily.
“About 50,000 individuals with autism spectrum disorder will exit high school each year in the United States,” Hellums said. “Many services required by law end abruptly after high school, leaving young adults under-supported.”
Hellums said people with ASD are successfully living and working and contributing to the wellbeing of others in their local communities, noting this is most likely to happen when appropriate services are delivered during a child’s education years, emphasizing that early intervention is key.
She said having the right support system in place can “completely change the trajectory of their lives.”
In other business, the club discussed: Final plans for the Book Lovers Downtown Art Crawl. The crawl takes place through April 6.
Nine members of Book Lovers Study Club attended the Franklin County Partnerships Awards Banquet. Club member Cheri McCain received the Volunteer of the Year Award.
The GFWC Alabama 130th annual convention will be held at the Marriott Prattville Hotel and Conference Center April 24-26. President McAlister reported that Book Lovers will be responsible for the Friday luncheon decorations and door prizes. Members were encouraged to attend and assist.
Other club projects for March included volunteers reading at schools and making a donation to the Russellville Public Library.
Hostesses for March included Patricia Cox and Donna Trapp. To commemorate St. Patrick’s Day, delicious Irishthemed refreshments were served.
