The Leamona FCE (Homemaker Unit) met on July 9.
President Janis Reinhardt called the meeting to order.
Roll call was taken by providing a rule for flying the American flag.
The members discussed the program they will be doing Monday, July 21, at the Neosho County Fair in Erie at the Event Center following judging of the 4-H entries.
Debbie Goodner is in charge of setting up the table, posters and giving the program on “From the Field to the Plate.”
Members chose breads and cookies to use for sample handouts. We also discussed who was interested in attending Kansas FCE State Conference Oct. 9-11, in Dodge City.
The lesson for the afternoon was presented by Sharon Carpenter on ”Autism.” She started the lesson with members helping with a skit about women shopping, a mother shopping with an autistic child.
The mother was having trouble controlling the child and the other shoppers were thinking that the mother was not correcting the child. However, the child was upset with all the different noises, flashing lights and the surroundings in general. Members learned that the child was feeling uncomfortable and was trying to show his anxiety. Members decided they should not judge so quickly. Some well-known famous people have autism and have had important lives, according to Carpenter. “So we know with love, understanding and education that many children can lead very normal lives,” Carpenter said.
She noted that Albert Einstein, Elon Musk, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Gates and Bobby Fischer all were autistic.
There is no one known cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and more research needs to be done, Carpenter said. Autism is more likely to be seen in boys than girls.
Signs and symptoms of ASD can include: not keeping eye contact, not responding to their name by 9 months old , not showing facial expressions by 9 months, not playing interactive games by 12 months, upset by minor changes, flaps hands, rocks body or spins, odd eating habits and unusual sleeping habits.
The best way to help a doctor is for family, friends or caregivers to make notes and compare odd actions. If a child is under 3, parents should check with an early intervention group or doctor.
If 3 or older, the school system could help. The Chanute Autism group had a playground built near Katy Park.
However is known that when autistic children are around they can be agitated with other children making loud screams and noises.
One of the members has an autistic child living with them and shared many things they had to cope with. It was mentioned that hours could be posted at the park so it might be more comfortable for the autistic children. The members said their unit would love to help find ways for the community to be aware of these children.
Those interested in joining the Leamona FCE Unit can call Sharon Carpenter at 620431-8532.
