Accepting autism
Language matters. This April, autism rights groups are asking us to focus on the inclusion and acceptance of those with different neurologies. This starts with the small, but significant, change from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance.
The word “acceptance” asks that we see autism not as a disease, but as a natural difference in neurology.
In our libraries you can discover books on autism, from nonfiction narratives from the perspective of those with autism to romance and other fiction featuring characters on the spectrum.
Unmasking autism : the power of embracing our hidden neurodiversity, by Devon Price,
is described as a deep dive into the spectrum of the autistic experience and the phenomenon of masked Autism, giving individuals the tools to safely uncover their true selves while broadening society’s narrow understanding of neurodiversity.
I am autistic : an interactive and informative guide to autism (by someone diagnosed with it) written and illustrated by Chanelle Moriah, is a tool for both diagnosed and undiagnosed people with autism to explain or make sense of their experiences.
One of the most famous fiction books available is The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Marc Haddon. Haddon wrote on his blog that
“The Curious Incident is not a book about Asperger’s . . . if anything it’s a novel about difference. . .”.
As well as material we can provide sensory bags with noise cancelling headsets, fidget toys and book recommendations which may help children to enjoy their library experience.
If you do have any suggestions please email, pamelac@horowhenua.govt. nz
■ ExhibitionsShosholoza, by Shona Paris, April 3-28, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ Gallery Space.
Shosholoza — An African term meaning “moving forward”. It was the name given to Shona’s first exhibition at The Square Edge in Palmerston North for her 70th birthday.
What’s On Heritage room:
Volunteers staff the Heritage rooms at Te Takeretanga o
Kura-hau-po¯ : Tuesday, 10am12.30pm Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10am-12.30pm and 1.00pm3.00pm, Saturday 10am12.30pm
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom Heritage Room has the research librarian available all day every Friday.
Friday, April 14:
Jam Sesh, YouthSpace, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 10am-4pm
Shadow Puppet Making, School Holidays Workshop, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 10.30-11.30am Friday Concert, Performance, Main Space, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 12-1pm Cribbage Group, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 1-3.30pm
SeniorNet, Get help with your tablets, phones and laptops Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 10am-12pm
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 2-4pm
Wild Things — School Holiday Programme,
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 10am-12pm
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 10.30am-12pm Shannon Library, 1-5pm
Sunday, April 16:
Wha¯ nau Fun Time, The Youth Space, Te Takeretanga o Kurahau-po¯ , 1-4pm
Jazz Jam, Main Space, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 2pm
Monday, April 17:
Meet Street, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 10-11am H.U.G Horowhenua Ukulele Group, Main Space, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 11am-12pm
Digital drop-ins, Shannon Library, 1.30-3.30pm
Wild Things — School Holiday Programme,
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 10am-12pm
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 10.30am-12pm Shannon Library, 1-5pm Manga MADNESS, YouthSpace, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 1-5pm
Tuesday, April 18:
Justice of the Peace, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 11.30am-1.30pm
Wild Things — School Holiday Programme,
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 10am-12pm
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 10.30am — 12pm Shannon Library, 1-5pm Futsal 4v4, YouthSpace, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 12-4pm
Wednesday, April 19:
Crochet & Coffee Club, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 10.30am
Quiz Night, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 7-9pm, $5 Wild Things — School Holiday Programme,
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 10am-12pm
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 10.30am-12pm Shannon Library, 1-5pm SPACETAG, YouthSpace, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 1-4pm, 14 years+ — 7-9pm Thursday 20 April:
Digital drop-ins, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 1.30-3.30pm Wild Things — School Holiday Programme,
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 10am-12pm
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 10.30am-12pm Shannon Library, 1- 5pm
The Joy of Painting, YouthSpace, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 1-4pm
Wild Things — School Holiday Programme
Our wildlife holiday programme features crafts, activities and shows. Plus we’ve got two fantastic entertainers: Safari Kids and String Bean puppetmaking workshops:
At Shadow Puppet Workshop, join Anna Bailey, renowned puppeteer from String Bean Puppets for this imaginative and environmentally minded workshop. You’ll learn how to create magical, and beautiful shadow puppet animals using natural materials you can find in your garden as well as build your own up cycled shadow box to take home. No registrations required. Ages 5 -10 Looking for a thrilling and funfilled way to spend your school holiday? Look no further than the Youth Space! Enjoy a variety of activities, from an Easter Egg Hunt to Laser Tag! We guarantee there will be something for everyone.