. NEWS photo Mike EYNNMOUR COMMUNITY School students got into the Christmas spirit by making Christmas crackers for the Salvation Army. The children put aside come of their Halloween candy so it could be in- claded in the crackers. The Christmas crackers will be distributed with the Asmy’s Christmas hampers. Pictured are (foreground) Eric Baker, | (eackground, left) Faizal Kara and Rahim Lakhani. Players produce Christmas classic Oliver. The cast also features about 30 children, most of whom are ap- pearing in a theatre production for their first time. Cheer the hero, boo the villain and laugh at the antics of the “Dame.’’ Proceeds from the show, which opens Dec. 2, go to a local charity. To reserve call 980-3473. CHARLES DICKENS’ classic Oliver Twist comes to Hendry Hall this Christmzs in a special adapta- tion of the popular musical. Called “Oliver,’’ the mini- musical is performed by the North Shore Community Players. The production features well- known characters Fagin, the Artful Dodger, Bill Sykes and his moll Nancy, Mr. Bumble and of course, 983-2633 or Make the coffee-lovers on your gift list happy with one of Starbucks most pop- ular cotfee/cappuccino makers, the Rowenta ES-01, featuring: @ Excellent steaming capability w Deen dish tray and dishwasher-sate paris for easy cleaning w Emergency steam release valve and safety catch so the tank lid can't . come off under pressure Stop by Starbucks for the perfect gift- giving solutions. And don't forget to pick up a pound of Starbucks exclusive Christmas Blend coftee, available only through the holidays at Starbucks. ROWENTA ES-01 Coffee/Cappuccino Muker $99 Caulfeild Village, 922-4955 Seabus Terminal, 685-3758 1116 Denman Street, 685-9332 811 Hornby Street, 685-3685 1100 Robson Street, 688-5125 35 - Friday, December 2, 1988 — North Shore News © © ~ = = © 5 Q. © 2. ne C a | 2. ” © aweareness of autism AUTISM AWARENESS Week, Dec. 5 to 11, is in- tended to increase public awareness of a little understood neurological disorder — a disorder affec- ting an estimated 1,500 British Columbians. Autism is characterized by a number of symptoms which appear in differerit combinations and to varying degrees in each individual. It occurs in approximately five of every 10,000 births and is present in every racial, ethnic and socioeconomic group. Autism is a lifelong disorder which is four to five times more common in males than in females, and for which there is no known cure. The greatest difficulties faced by nearly all autistic people are in understanding language and social behavior. Many who develop language do not use it for meaningful communication, but may repéat what others say to them or develop a rigid set of rote responses instead of spontaneously creating state- ments of their own. Autistic people may appear withdrawn or aloof in social situations, and many develop ritualistic behaviors such as rocking or spinning objects for long periods of time instead of interacting with other peo- ple. They may become confused by changes in their en- vironment or daily routines, and often resist anything which threatens to disrupt the order they have come to understand and respect. About 70 per cent of autistic people have some degree of mental retardation, and nearly all require special educational services due to the serious learning problems posed’by their disability. In British Columbia, assistance for autistic children and adults is provided through the Pacific Association for Autistic Citizens (PAAC) based in Vancouver. “Our organization is an outgrowth of parental need and concern,”’ explained the PAA.C’s newly appointed executive director, Ken Derby. ‘‘We provide a variety of services, from summer activity programs to weekend camps; we are also invoived in research and other professional activities under the guidance of our Professional Advisory Board.’’ While the PAAC’s activities are centered mainly in Vancouver, the association offers its services pro- vince-wide. ‘‘Many families with autistic children are probably still unaware that an organization like ours exists,’ Derby said. ‘‘That’s why efforts like Autism Awareness Week are so important ... to spread the word that we’re here. to provide advice and support to the autistic individual, as well as the family.” The most significant recent development within the PAAC has been the Life Services Project, coordinated by Natalia Bouvier. This project was established to provide assistance to parents throughout the province in planning for each stage of their child’s life. Because autism is a relatively low-incidence disorder, many autistic people are isolated in smaller communities and do not manage to obtain appropriate services close to hom?. Through the Life Services Project, the PAAC will be better able to coordinate services and to ad- vocate for the development of new services on behalf of all autistic citizens. Derby noted that the PAAC also serves as an in- formation resource centre for professionals, students and others interested in this field of study. It’s all part of an expanding range of services, aimed at shedding new light on the mysteries of autism. : REDRESS FOR JAPANESE | REDRESS for. Japanese Canadians NAME: ADDRESS: CITy: PROVINCE: PHONE: ( ) Ottawa, Canada K1A OMS L Gouvernemant du Canada Secrétarlat du redressement pour jes Canadiens Japonais ho | Government of Canada Japanese Canadian Redress Secretariat Mail to: The Japanese Canadian Redress Secretariat CANADIANS The Government of Canada has reached a redress agreement with the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC), which offers symbolic redress for Japanese Canadians affected by the government's actions of relocation, internment, property seizure and deportation during and after World War IL. Terms of the Agreement relating to individuals include: * the payment of 521,000 to those affected who are still living; * the granting of citizenship to persons of Japanese ancestry who were expelled from Canada or had their citizenship revoked; ¢ clearing the names of persons of Japanese ancestry who were convicted under the War Measures Act, the National Emergency Transitional Powers Act, or other related transitional legislation. For application forms and .: free information brochure, which includes the eligibility requir~ments, simply complete and mail the attached Request Form, or cal? toll free 1-800-567-9602. UAMOUABLHVET. Please send me the following: Language preferred: O English O French Japanese Information Brochure _ oO Application for Individual Redress Payment oO Application for Canadian Citizenship im Application for Pardon _____. POSTAL CODE: __— COUNTRY: or call toll free 1-300-567-9602 gen Canas G. PARTIOPATTION Re ne einen