Topic 3: Special Programming

Your library should also provide equitable opportunities for people with autism through its programming. There are a variety of programs you can offer or ways you can adapt your library's existing programs. One particularly recommended resource for library programming is Barbara Klipper's book, Programming for Children and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2014).

An easy program to offer for people with autism is sensory storytime. Sensory storytimes are similar to typical storytimes - they both have read aloud stories, and often songs and activities. Sensory storytimes incorporate visual schedules, lots of repetition, and activities that give children the sensory input they need. You can learn more about developing sensory storytime programs in Topic 4 of this module.

When people with autism become teenagers and adults, they will need different programs to remain engaged in their communities. Some examples are special interest events like the "Medieval Sensory Faire" (See "Aging out of sensory storytime" for more information). The Next Chapter Book Club is another program aimed at including teens and adults with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities in community programs. Neurodiversity clubs, which are springing up at universities across the country, can be one of the programs offered to autism patrons who have aged out of child services as well. You will find many more examples of these programs in Topic 4, including book clubs, programs using technology, and social clubs.

Libraries can also offer autism-friendly film screenings for patrons with autism and their families. In a sensory-friendly movie screening, dim lights are left on, the volume is slightly turned down, and guests are free to make noise or walk around as they need to. Learn more about sensory-friendly movie screenings in Topic 4.

Some librarians are discovering that teens and adults with autism can be excellent library volunteers or employees. Acute attention to detail, honesty, dependability and loyalty are just a few of the traits common among individuals with autism, making them good candidates for work in libraries. You can learn more about Employment and Autism in Topic 6.

Libraries are also beginning to schedule accessible browsing periods for people with autism. The Iowa City Public Library hosts an Autism Accessible Browsing Hour where the library opens an hour early on a Saturday every other month for people with ASD and their families. For the first program, the library brought in two therapy dogs and a shadow puppet show. They purposefully picked a time when there would be a lot of natural light coming into the building through its windows so that fluorescent lights could be turned off. You can read about the Iowa City program in this article from Library Journal and this article on WebJunction. You can find even more programming ideas for people with autism of all ages in Topic 4.