Libraries Serving Children with Autism

Autism Workshops

There are some upcoming workshops at the Nevins Library in Methuen. I posted the dates and times on my library’s ASD blog. For that information check out http://pmlautismguide.blogspot.com/

Add comment March 15th, 2010 Molly Hancock

Anything but Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin Visit

Nora Raleigh Baskin who wrote “Anything But Typical” is coming the Newburyport Literary Festival. I’m not sure what day she will be here but the festival is from April 23 – 24 (usually the children’s authors are on Saturday). The website is www.newburportliteraryfestival.org.

Add comment March 10th, 2010 Kim Butler

February 11 Asperger’s Syndrome training

Jean Stern of the AANE (Asperger’s Association of New England) described what it is like to have Asperger’s at a workshop in Tewksbury. Although she had a powerpoint she followed, it is the stories she related of people of all ages with Asperger’s that moved participants. As she described Asperger’s and what that looks like, participants were nodding their heads. Yes, they have encountered that strange individual and could not understand why he or she behaved that way. Now there is understanding that people with Asperger’s are literally wired differently. Their coping mechanisms are totally different from neurotypical folks.

Understanding this allows us to make some changes in how we provide services and programs. We don’t have to make huge accomodations and nothing to make that individual stand out. There are strategies we can use for both children with Asperger’s as well as their neurotypical counterparts! Everyone will benefit.

The AANE web site has a wealth of information: videos, literature, links.

Add comment February 12th, 2010 Susan Babb

Libraries and Autism Training

Dan Weiss, Director of the Fanwood Memorial Library, N.J., and Meg Kolaya, Director of the Scotch Plains Public Library, N.J., presented Libraries and Autism, based upon their web site. The background of the project, an overview of autism, and their video were included in their presentation. They showed some YouTube clips: one from a teen demonstrating what sensory overload is for him; another relating the story of a young girl with severe autism who found her voice at age 11.

Dan and Meg walked the participants through the many many resources available on their web site: the video, how to download a customizable book “This is My Library” and a communication tool with library-related picture symbols, many resources and links, graphics and promotional articles, and current articles and research.

Through it all, they stressed that basic and empathetic customer service is the key. And it really is the key to providing your community with the best. They shared some communication tips such as addressing the individual by name first, speaking directly and at normal volume, avoiding broad open-ended questions, and having a communications tool near by to aid in non-verbal communication.

if the behavior is not bothering or hurting anyone, let it go. However, if there is a danger to the individual or someone else, act. Fairly commonsense and something library staff should already be practicing!

Being open, welcoming, and willing to accomodate when you can can really make the difference to having a warm and inclusive atmosphere at your library. And if you post a decal on your front door, your patrons will notice and start communicating with you! (To receive a free “Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected” Decal
for your library, please contact us at autism@thejointlibrary.org and be sure to include your mailing address.)

Add comment January 29th, 2010 Susan Babb

Upcoming training – January 2010

Libraries and Autism

Thursday January 28, 2010
10:00 AM until 2:30 PM

Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected

The Scotch Plains Public Library and the Fanwood Memorial Library in New Jersey produced a customer service training video primarily for library staff to help them serve individuals with autism and their families more effectively. The video focuses on what you need to know about autism and will empower you with specific techniques to offer more inclusive service to this growing and underserved population.

Presenters are Dan Weiss, Director of the Fanwood Memorial Library, and Meg Kolaya, Director of the Scotch Plains Public Library.

This workshop will cover the following:
*Background on the project;
*Overview of autism and problems with providing customer service, both general and autism-specific;
*Discussion of how we made the film and a viewing of it;
*Look through our website and ideas & discussion on how to make maximum use of the resources we provide there;
*Outgrowths of the project which include implementing the strategies and tips we’ve presented, changes in staff attitudes, and specifics about ideas for library-based programming for the autism community.

These workshops are made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Location: Reading Public Library
Register

Add comment November 11th, 2009 Susan Babb

Upcoming training – November

Serving Children with Special Needs – Children with Autism

Thursday November 5, 2009
10:00 AM until 2:30 PM

Participants will engage in hands-on experiential exercises designed to prompt individual reflection on negative attitudes, bias, and stereotyping on disabilities. Participants will be led in guided discussion following exercises to identify and address attitudinal barriers that inhibit full library participation of children with disabilities and their families. Participants will explore how attitudes impact the environment and identify key elements in creating a welcoming environment that promotes acceptance of children with disabilities. Participants will brainstorm action plans for creating an accepting library environment for children with disabilities, recognizing disabilities as diversity. Participants will receive resource material to support efforts on best practice on disabilities diversity.

There will be a focus on children with autism in this workshop. Wrap-Up time for this workshop will include addressing individual librarian and library considerations based on action plans created.

Donna Richard. from The Cromwell Center in Portland, Maine, will be facilitating this workshop.

These workshops are made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Directions to Georgetown

Location: Georgetown Peabody Library

Add comment August 7th, 2009 Susan Babb