Month: December 2016
Targeting 2017 as an auspicious year for all!!!
If 2016 has been challenging, the New Year always brings us the promise of starting afresh. We take time to reflect, evaluate priorities and set new goals. Make one of your resolutions for the New Year to become more active in the discussions about autism and inclusive communities. Join our discussion list and share your insights. Add your personal experiences to the rich dialogue. Each of us has a responsibility to engage with our communities. Embracing diversity demands open dialogue. Even the smallest attempt to engage can spark positive change in our world. In 2017, let’s make a commitment to break down the barriers that divide us. We can begin with a conversation.
Taking Care of Yourself During the Holiday Season
Many people are unaware that sensory overload affects adults with autism as well as children. Adults can still experience anxiety, panic, even meltdowns when sensory stimuli becomes just too much. The holidays can be extremely difficult for children and adults with heightened sensitivities because the environment is so charged with sensory stimuli – malls are crowded, traffic is backed up, lights are twinkling, stores are noisy. The social anxiety that often accompanies autism can also make holiday office parties and family gatherings even more stressful.
Here’s how to cope:
Know Thyself:
First, know yourself and your limitations. Being aware of your sensory triggers will help you to avoid or minimize them in many situations. It’s also important to think about what soothes you. What makes you feel safe? What helps calm you? Where is your favorite “feel-good” place? These calming mechanisms can be used as a tool when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Managing crowds:
If you have shopping to do, go at non-peak times – early in the morning or very late at night. Most stores have extended hours throughout the holiday season that makes this possible. Consider using Uber or public transportation to avoid the hassles of bumper-to-bumper traffic. If music calms you, listen to your own tracks through headphones or earbuds while you shop.
Think about where you’re going ahead of time. Is there a quiet bookstore or coffee shop nearby to offer a less stimulating environment if you get stressed? Eat before you leave or bring snacks with you. Everyone gets more stressed-out when they’re hungry! Plan for breaks and know when enough is enough. When you start to feel overwhelmed – STOP. Go home or to your soothing spot to reset.
Handling anxiety:
If you need to self-soothe – do it! Wear a chewable necklace, bring a fidget in your pocket. Being able to calm yourself is more important than any perceptions that others might have of you.
Social situations:
Plan ahead – if you know the physical layout, identify a quiet room that you can go to when you get overstimulated. Be open with family and friends about how social situations make you feel. Is there a trusted sibling or friend that can be your “sensory coach” if things get overwhelming? Can you develop a cue or code for a break? If possible, take a walk outside when it gets to be too much. Set a time limit for the office party and try to stick to it. If you feel yourself shutting down or getting overwhelmed, take a break, go to a quiet spot or leave if you need to.
Let’s face it, we all get overwhelmed sometimes. Sensory overload happens to all of us – times when we feel we feel like we’re going to implode, explode or just need to shut down. During the holiday season, we all need to take a step back, be sensitive, take care of ourselves and take extra care of our loved ones and friends, especially those who have heightened sensitivities.
Follow our blog and join the discussion list for more tips and help.
Illinois State Library Receives Demco Innovation Award for Targeting Autism Forum!
Suzanne Schriar is pictured with Angie Schoeneck (r) to accept the Demco Library Innovation Award on behalf of the Illinois State Library, in recognition of the Targeting Autism Forum. “This award recognizes a library, library consortium, or library system’s achievement in planning and implementing an innovative or creative program or service, which has had measurable impact on its users.”
Heartfelt appreciation goes to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and to everyone who contributed to the enormous success of the forums.
Targeting Autism is now in Phase Two of IMLS funding. We look forward to inspiring and educating autism stakeholders at the 2017 Targeting Autism Forum, Springfield, IL, on May 11-12.
Targeting Autism Loses a Great Mentor and Pioneer in Autism Advocacy
Meg Kolaya served the community as Director of Scotch Plains Public Library, from 2002 until her retirement in 2015. Meg was a pioneer for what has become a national movement towards inclusion of all community members through her pioneering efforts with Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected . Under her leadership, Scotch Plains Public Library became the first library in New Jersey to host “Next Chapter Book Club” for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Using funding from their regional library cooperative, Meg and Dan Weiss, Director, Fanwood Public Library, NJ developed a website, a training video and embarked on a nation-wide training program, often speaking at library conferences. In 2009 Meg was presented with a national award by the American Library Association for her Libraries and Autism project.
The Targeting Autism Project would not have developed without the direction and co-leadership of Meg Kolaya and Dan Weiss and their highly esteemed program Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected. Between 2013-2014, I talked with Meg, via long phone calls and Skype sessions on numerous occasions. She helped expand my understanding of all that libraries could do to be more collaborative, welcoming and a valuable resource to the autism community. Regretfully, Meg’s illness precluded any opportunity for an in-person meeting, yet I will always be grateful for her inspiration and for all the energy she gave to make libraries and the world a better place.
Meg’s legacy continues through an annual $5,000 grant sponsored by Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected. The first-year grant winners were present at the 2016 Targeting Autism Forum first-year grant winners were present at the 2016 Targeting Autism Forum to receive their awards.
targetingautismlibs.com 