Parents want the best for their children, so when they see abnormal activity, such as their child doing little or no talking, it can cause deep concern.
Other signs include repetitive mannerisms like hand-flapping and twirling objects along with little or no eye contact and a lack of interest in peer relationships.
These, according to the Autism Society of America, are signs your child might have autism. ASA reports about 1.5 million Americans have autism spectrum disorder; lifetime costs of caring for an autistic child range from $3.5 million to $5 million.
To provide activities for autistic children and to raise awareness during April, National Autism Awareness Month, Oxford Township’s Seven Stars Achievement Center is working with local organizations to do various activities. Among them are:
n Lunch-Bunch/Story Time at Cottage Inn Pizza on Wednesdays. Manager Ryan Sharp will provide a boxed pizza lunch and prize while Seven Stars owner and operator Susan Morey will provide an interactive story.
n A Mom/Dad’s Walk at Seven Stars on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Morey said the walk isn’t a race but is designed to help parents connect with other parents with similar issues. ‘This is for parents of autistic children to realize they’re not alone,? she said.
n A special movie showing at the Oxford 7 Theater on Saturday, April 18 at 9:30 a.m. of the movie Monsters vs Aliens. It’ll be the same admission charge as always but will be reserved for viewers with autism or other special needs. The special showing will feature lowered volume with the lights brought up.
‘Children will not be required to remain in their seats but they will have to have a parent with them at all times,? Morey explained.
The movie showing is not only designed for entertainment, but also for social interaction. The children are encouraged to talk to their parents later regarding what the movie was about.
‘Some may act like they’re not watching the movie, but will still understand it and can talk about it later,? Morey added.
Also, the 30-minute walk can serve to help get experience and exercise should they choose to participate in any upcoming walks and/or runs for autism in the fall.
Later in the spring, Parks and Recreation will offer classes for autistic children, such as Beginner’s Ballet and Art Classes.
There will also be horseback riding at Banbury Cross.
For more information on autism, visit ASA’s website at www.autism-society.org.
Seven Stars Achievement Center is at 837 South Lapeer Road.
For more information please call 810-441-9450 or feel free to e-mail Morey at the7starsachievementcenter@gmail.com.