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As the calender flips to April, Tonja Updike of Soldotna is hoping people will take time to learn about autism -- a brain development disorder typically characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive behavior.

"Some families with autistics feel like they don't belong, and we want to break that and show this community cares about them," said Updike, the mother of three children, one of whom was diagnosed roughly three years ago as having autism.

To accomplish this, Updike and others have planned numerous events over the next 30 days.

"April is Autism Awareness Month, and we're kicking it off on the Kenai Peninsula by celebrating World Autism Day, (Thursday), at River City Books in Soldotna," she said.

The event at River City Books, which will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will largely be about autism education, and determining the level of interest on the subject in the area.

"We'll be handing out information on autism and the different autism organizations in the state -- who they are and what they do. Informational brochures will be available on autism, Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC), as well as sign-up information on the Alaska Chapter of Autism Society of America. We'd also like to see if there is enough interest in the area to support our own chapter," Updike said.

Book store shoppers will also be able to donate their "book bucks" during the event to help fund autism activities in the community, such as swim nights at local pools for autistics and their families, Updike added.

On April 16, the autism activities continue when Dr. Charles Cowan, a clinical professor of pediatrics at from the Seattle Children's Hospital will be in Soldotna to give a general public presentation on Autism.

"We're pretty excited to have him up," Updike said.

This event, sponsored by the AARC, will be at 5:30 p.m. in the Denali Room at Central Peninsula Hospital. Dinner is available to purchase for $10 if requested, otherwise the cost of the lecture is free.

Toward the end of the month, a final autism-related activity will take place at Skyview High School.

"The first ever Autism Awareness Walk is scheduled for April 26th at Skyview High School from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the commons," Updike said.

Children with autism and other special needs are invited to attend with their families, but anyone is welcome to come and take part in learning about autism. Cost for an individual is $5 or $10 for families, and donations outside the entry fee are always graciously accepted.

"These fees go toward the cost of community activities for autistics and their families, as well as professional and family autism trainings," Updike said.

Goodie bags will be offered for those who pre-register for this event.

Informational booths will also be set up in the commons representing local services and support available to families and individuals with autism, as well as interested parties.

"We're hoping to get special education teachers, agencies, school district people, anybody that has information on helping people with autism," Updike said.

For more information on these events, contact Tonja Updike by phone at 260-6933 or by e-mail at tonja@acsalaska.net.

Joseph Robertia can be reached at joseph.robertia@peninsulaclarion.com.