County Celebrates Autism and Neurodiversity with Library Events and Resources
Leon County Government celebrates autism and neurodiversity during National Autism Acceptance Month with art exhibits, sensory story times, a resource fair, and sensory STEAM adventure bags for all ages and abilities from the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System. Topical book lists and movie watchlists give citizens the opportunity to learn more about neurodiversity and the experience of living on the spectrum.
In addition to these in-person and digital resources, citizens are encouraged to attend the County’s upcoming events throughout National Autism Acceptance Month. Events are open to all community members and accessible to neurodiverse children, teens, and adults.
- Artists & Autism: Celebrating Neurodiversity First Friday Kickoff, Friday, April 1 from 6 – 9 p.m., Railroad Square Art Park – In partnership with Able Artists Gallery and Obsessions Gift Shop, this kickoff event features artwork by local artists and a performance by Pyramid Studios’ rock band, The Electric People. The exhibits at Able Artists Gallery and Obsessions Gift Shop will be on display until April 30.
- Artists & Autism: Celebrating Neurodiversity Exhibit Opening, Saturday, April 2 from 2 – 4 p.m., downtown Main Library – Enjoy artwork from local artists during this exhibit opening featuring physical and digital works. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit will be on display until April 30.
- Mystery Book Club, Thursday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m., Northeast Branch Library – Come together with other book lovers to discuss titles featuring differently-abled detectives.
- Resource Fair, Saturday, April 30 from 12 – 3 p.m., downtown Main Library – Families can connect with organizations that provide services and resources to neurodiverse individuals.
- Sensory Story Time, every Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., downtown Main Library – Children and their caregivers can enjoy songs, stories, and fun in this inclusive and interactive story time.
Free sensory STEAM adventure bags with two different take and make activities are available at all Library locations during April on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting April 1, the first adventure bag includes instructions and a set of dice used to create an infinity fidget cube. Then on April 15, a second adventure bag will be available with items to create your own wind chime.
See a complete list of resources and events at LeonCountyFL.gov/Celebration. Throughout the month and all year long, Leon County Government is proud to celebrate and support the needs of all Leon County residents by increasing inclusion, understanding, and support of people who are neurodivergent.
National Autism Acceptance Month is recognized every April to spread awareness, promote acceptance, and ignite change.
For more information, contact Sally Mason, Learning & Workforce Services Manager, at (850) 606-2617 / MasonSa@LeonCountyFL.gov or Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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