Things in the library 8 Nov...

Things about autism...
The inaugural lecture of Professor Elizabeth Milne:   Sensory Issues and Variability in the Autism Spectrum  Friday 28 February 2020, 5.30-8pm Firth Hall, The University of Sheffield This is a free ticketed event. You can register to attend at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inaugural-lecture-sensory-issues-and-variability-in-the-autism-spectrum-tickets-75831342587
Professor Milne started her academic career in 2000 studying perceptual processes in autism. At this time, there was very little data regarding perception in autism despite numerous personal reports from autistic people describing differences in the perception of sensory stimuli. Over the next few years, working with colleagues in Sheffield, London, Germany and the United States, she directed a systematic program of research investigating vision in autism spectrum conditions. This body of work provided evidence that autism is associated with differences in perceiving visual stimuli, as well as differences in the neural architecture that supports perception. In light of this and other work, the term 'unusual responses to sensory input' was included in the revised DSM diagnostic criteria for autism in 2013, reflecting growing awareness and understanding of the fact that sensory issues are a key feature of the condition.

Things for next year...
The Reading group met this week and discussed "The 7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" which most people really enjoyed. Our next meeting is on 4th December where we will be enjoying some seasonal fare and choosing our reading for the next year. If you want to join in the fun do come along to the library at 17:15 to help to choose our next reads.


Things about detention...
The Joint Committee on Human Rights has published its report 'The detention of young people with learning disabilities and/or autism'. 
This report condemns the “horrific reality” of conditions and treatment under which many young people with learning disabilities and autism are detained in mental health hospitals, “inflicting terrible suffering on those detained and causing anguish to their distraught families”. It calls for an overhaul of inspections and changes to Mental Health Act to protect those detained and the establishment of a Number 10 unit with Cabinet level leadership to urgently drive forward reform.

Things about co-sleeping...
Co-sleeping is a complex familial phenomenon that has yet to be well understood by Western scientists. This paper provides an interdisciplinary review of research from anthropology, nursing, pediatrics, sociology, social work, public health, family studies, and psychology to focus on the role of physical touch in the context of co-sleeping, and how close physical contact in this context affects infants and their caregivers. Including an anthropological, evolutionary view of co-sleeping with other perspectives highlights it as an experience-expectant proximal context for infant growth and development. From this view, the importance of physical contact and touch in the nighttime caretaking microenvironment of co-sleeping becomes a central question, rather than an artifactual byproduct of "unhealthy" sleep arrangements. Rather than trying to eliminate co-sleeping, public health messages for parents would likely benefit from a more culturally-sensitive approach that focuses on advising how to co-sleep safely for families choosing it.

Things about Critical Appraisal...
A few spaces still left on our excellent 'An Introduction to Critical Appraisal Course' next Friday 13:00 to 16:30. Sign up on the Intranet Course Bookings. No prior knowledge necessary.

Things about time...
A new exhibition at the Millenium Gallery 'The Time is now' is on until January.

Our whole lives are defined by the time it takes to live them. It’s in the past that we remember and the future that we imagine together, the centuries of change and the here and now.
This immersive new exhibition looks at how contemporary artists have approached our complicated relationship with time. Lose yourself in artworks that question how time affects everything we do – including Katie Paterson’s mesmerising giant mirror ball reflecting 10,000 images of solar eclipses, and Andrew Hunt’s huge paintings exploring the fleeting moment between youth and old age.

Things for the young and the old...
Across the road at Weston Park Gallery they have a Friday session for Under 5s Colouring, splashing, or glorious gloop – what will be in store when you join them for a morning of hands-on, creative fun? Get Stuck In is a chance for their very youngest visitors to explore their senses, get creative and sometimes make a little bit of a mess (don’t worry, you can leave the cleaning up to them).

Dementia-Friendly Museum Cafés are for people living with dementia and their families and carers. The cafés are free, informal drop-in sessions where you can come along, enjoy a cuppa, meet new people and take part in hands-on activities.
Join Museums Sheffield and their partners, Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust, for their upcoming sessions:
Tue 12 Nov - Weston Park
Tue 10 Dec - Kelham Island Museum


Reminder we are closed during the day next Wednesday for training but we are open 5pm-7pm.

Things for comfort...

A vegan Mushroom & ale pie this week as we all need something comforting after all that rain.