QUESTION: How do I learn more about autism?

RESPONSE: April is designated Autism Awareness month. According to current statistics, 1 in 68 children are on the autism spectrum. The brain of an individual on the autism spectrum has developed differently than the typically developed brain. There is low connectivity between the right (creative) and left (literal) sides of the autistic brain. The individual with autism thinks in pictures; words/images stay in the left side of the brain. Therefore, the person with autism thinks very concretely, very literally.

Our community has a wonderful, enjoyable opportunity this week to gain insights into the world of individuals on the autistic spectrum. The Parenting Resource Center and Peer Power Partners, a student program matching clusters of typically developing students with non-typically developing students, is sponsoring a free performance of “Theory of Mind” at the Hormel Historic Home 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26.

“Theory of Mind” is a play about a college-bound 17 year old, equipped with academic brilliance but low emotional intelligence, a keen self-awareness, yet an inability to read social cues, a charming directness and a tendency to take everything he hears literally. His outing with a young woman becomes a memorable, insightful look at the tugs, shifts and about-faces found on the autism spectrum. As the 17 year old says, “I always try to act normal, but my normal isn’t normal.”

The actors performing “Theory of Mind” are touring from the Minneapolis Mixed Blood Theatre, a professional, multi-racial theatre company that promotes cultural pluralism and individual equality through artistic excellence. The play is recommended for pre-adolescents, teenagers, and adults of all ages. It is an exceptional opportunity for increasing our collective understanding and sensitivity about living with Asperger’s Syndrome/Autism.

To talk with a parenting specialist about the challenges in child-raising, call the toll-free Parent WarmLine at 1-888-584-2204/Línea de Apoyo at 1-877-434-9528. For free emergency child care call Crisis Nursery at 1-877-434-9599. Check out the resources at the PRC Specialty Library (105 First Street SE, Austin) and the website www.familiesandcommunities.org.