Fair to offer autism resources

Parents with autistic children can learn about helpful tools at a resource fair.

Ten to 15 vendors will be at the fair from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Library, 301 S. University Ave.

“The goals for (Central Michigan Autism Society of America) is to educate, support and advocate for individuals,” said Julie Lorenzen, secretary for the group.

At this fair, parents can educate themselves on what is available in the community and get support knowing there is a group of parents with autistic children out there, she said.

The hope is that this event would show resources in the area that people might not be able to find on their own and get them at a reasonable rate, said Penny Bearden, vice president of Autism Society of Michigan and treasurer for Central Michigan Autism Society of America.

“Our goal is to bring some quality stuff that people could access up here,” she said. “Half the battle is not knowing that (resources) exist.”

Vendors include recreational and educational resources, community providers, state agencies, advocacy groups, therapists, adult resources, camps, schools, transitional programs, consultants and food including allergen free.

A taste of what’s there

They will have options from books to children’s toys, Bearden said.

Nana’s Sweeties, a home-based business that makes sensory therapy items, will be showing its products at the fair.

Kathleen Lewis, creator of Nana’s Sweeties, works from her home in Clarkston making weighted vests, lap buddies, neck buddies and blankets to help calm children.

She said she discovered she could make the vests on her own, improving cost and individuality.

“When (my daughters) started looking on Web sites, (the vests) were very expensive and very ugly,” Lewis said. “It was like hanging a sign on a kid’s back that said ‘I have disabilities.’”

The representative will help advocate for the parents and help them better understand the process, Lorenzen said.

There will also be a rummage sale to benefit Central Michigan Autism Society of America and a books and resource sale to benefit the Autism Society of Michigan during the event.

The fair is free and open to the public.

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