Street Beat: Supporting Children With Special Needs

It's Michigan's largest used book and media sale and it begins on Sunday.  This week on Street Beat, host Lisa Germani gets the details on Bookstock. Over 300,000 books, DVD's, vinyl records, and more are available for drastically reduced prices at the week-long fundraiser.

Neal Shine, columnist for the Detroit News and long-time co-chair of Bookstock, shares info about the event and what you'll find there.  Proceeds from the sale benefit literacy programs throughout the metro Detroit area.

"If you've met one child with autism, you've met one child with autism," said Lisa Radtke, Manager of Field Development for Michigan and Indiana chapters of Autism Speaks.  Radtke and April Ceno, Autism Speaks Michigan Walk Co-Chair, explain how autism impacts each child differently and affects their social skills and daily living skills.  The women also discuss the upcoming event held every year during April's Autism Awareness month.

Sarah Schectman, the Family Manager for Friendship Circle, explains the programs they offer to help individuals with mental and physical challenges.  One program features a 5000 square foot cityscape where students learn basic life skills that promote independence and responsibility.

Finally, Dr. Terrill Bravender Jr. from C.S. Mott Children's Hospital explains ADHD and how it affects children.  He answers questions about behavioral differences between girls and boys with ADHD, the use of medications, and how kids with ADHD are very good about thinking outside the box.