PLYMOUTH — Flanked by youngsters who live with autism, Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter Wednesday proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month throughout the city.

The youngsters — Sara Sturtevant, 12; Ricky Leffert, 8; Grant Ringenberg, 14, and Shelby Harrell, 12 — were there to put a face on autism spectrum disorders, and to help the mayor encourage residents to work together for early and accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment.

Parents and members of Autism Resources of Marshall County also were on hand to tell the community of the group’s special events to highlight Autism Awareness Month.

The Plymouth Public Library, 101 N. Center St., will host a Mini-Muffin Story Time from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5. Young people and parents are invited to enjoy muffins, crafts and special stories told by community leaders, including George Cook, Plymouth fire chief; Dennis Beville, director of Centier Bank, and others.

A Cookie Bake Sale will take place that same day Saturday, April 5 from 8 a.m. until noon in the lobby of First Federal Savings Bank, 2113 N. Michigan St.

A Teen Fun Night is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 11, at the Riverside School gym, featuring an evening of food and fun, with door prizes and sensory-friendly activities for teens and their families.

A second Cookie Bake Sale is slated from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 12, at Kroger, 2001 N. Michigan St.

The first Autism 5K Family Fun Walk begins with registration at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 26, on the Greenway Trail at Centennial Park. It’s a great way, supporters said, to show support for friends impacted with autism spectrum disorders. Runners, families and strollers are welcome at the event organizers hope will become an annual project.

All events are free, although donations are welcome, organizers said. If you have questions about autism, Autism Resources of Marshall County, or any of the events, contact Carrie Cadwell, chairman of ARMC, at (574) 936-3031, or e-mail her at cadwell.cadwellpsychologicalservices.com, or phone Wendy Kelley, vice chairman, at (574) 936-2627 or e-mail her at wkelley@niesc.k12.in.us.