Classes on autism offered for Reading Together program
Friday, January 7, 2007
Gazette Staff Reports
The First United Methodist Church is launching a series of classes
about the issue of autism in relation to the Kalamazoo Public
Library's 2007 Reading Together selection ``The Curious Incident of
the Dog in the Night-Time.''

The book, by Mark Haddon, follows the journey of a 15-year-old
autistic boy as he investigates the murder of a neighbor's dog.

Reading Together is a library program that asks community members to
read the same book at the same time. The book is used to organize
community discussions about social issues.

First United Methodist's ``Academy Class Series'' this winter will
look at topics related to the book Jan. 7-Feb. 11.

The series begins Jan. 7 with Croyden School Principal Angela Telfer
discussing, ``A Different Way of Knowing: What Is Autism and How Does
It Affect One's Reality?''

On Jan. 14, Bruce Mills, a Kalamazoo College professor and the father
of a son with autism, will talk about ``Family Stress and Family
Joys: Parenting a Child with Autism.''

Julie Wilson, a teacher consultant on autism, will discuss,
``Challenges and Rewards in Meeting the Educational and Social Needs
of Children with Autism,'' on Jan. 21.

On Jan. 28, Adam Parmeter, of the blog Aspie's Inc., will look at
``Learning How to Create Our Visions and Our Stories: Hearing the
Voices of People with Autism.''

On Feb. 4, Vicki Stewart, a Western Michigan University adjunct
instructor in English, will talk about ``The Book as Literature.''

The series concludes Feb. 11 with a talk on ``Welcoming People with
Disabilities into the Life of Our Church and Community,'' by Jerry
Albertson of the Disability Resource Center of Southwest Michigan.

The classes are free and open to the public and run 9:30 to 10:30
a.m. at the church, 212 Park. St. For more information, call 381-6340.