Minutes for April 1 meeting

Seven of us gathered last Sunday to share what we know and ask questions. 

First timers included Mary who is concerned for her adult nephew who she suspects is on the spectrum.  I gave her Dr. Karl Hill's information, as he is a clinical psychologist licensed in applying the ADOS diagnostic tests.

Also attending for the first time was a student from the NMU speech lab who is working with a youngster on the spectrum who seems to be experiencing a lot of sensory issues that interfere with his ability to focus.  She was particularly interested in learning what Kirsten Matthews, our special guest, had to say.

Barb Summersett drove over from L'Anse to hear Kirsten as well and to introduce herself.  Barb will be the guest speaker next month.  She is also an OT and will be talking about art as a sensory integration tool.

We spent the first part of the meeting talking about the changes that can take place when adolescence starts.  For many what was working, become more challenging. 

Kirsten then proceeded to introduce us to herself and her work.  She is an OT at Bell Teal Lake in Ishpeming, working primarily with children.  She is certified in sensory integration work.  She talked at length about the many ways Sensory Processing Disorder is manifested in children, covering the history of the field, and some of the assessment approaches.  Two books she recommended were Sensory Integration and the Child by A. Jean Ayres (the original pioneer of this field) and Sensational Kids by Lucy J. Miller. 

I also reminded attendees of some of the upcoming events this month at Peter White Public Library.  The Sensory Friendly presentation of the movie Charlotte's Web on Tuesday was well-attended-- over 50 people were there.  You won't want to miss Autism the Musical on Monday April 23 at 7:00 pm.  This documentary explores the experiences of five very different young people at play rehearsal and at home as they prepare a musical show.  Tell your all your friends who are interested in learning more about the autism spectrum.