Topic 4: Programming for Teens

Teenagers can be a challenging audience to attract and engage in library programs, but ensuring that you are offering programs for teens of all abilities will help expand your user base and reach a segment of the population that may otherwise not be coming through the doors.

Some examples of teen programs for patrons with ASD include:

Gaming Clubs

Video games can help level the playing field for individuals with ASD by providing an environment where their real-world ability level does not define them. Teens with autism are no exception and often find the autonomy of video gaming along with the role play a favored activity. Libraries have been discovering ways to provide adaptive gaming programs to great success. This 2015 article on adaptive gaming gives examples of successful programs, and discusses the necessary tech and knowledge needed to make those programs a success.

For more information, you may view this video from Accessibility NYC, which is a presentation entitled "Accessible Gaming for Teens and Young Adults with Disabilities" (40 min).

Sensory Movies

Sensory movie programs provide opportunities for individuals with ASD to watch movies they enjoy in an environment that accommodates their needs. Some movie theaters offer sensory-friendly movie show times, which help create an environment that is accommodating to individuals with sensory processing difficulties or ASD. An article from Autism Society entitled "Sensory Friendly Films" explains the history of sensory friendly film screenings, and the accommodations that are made, including keeping the lights on (but dim), lowering the volume, permitting attendees to bring their own snacks, and encouraging attendees to get up and walk around if they feel the need.

State and local Chapters of the Autism Society may hold sensory friendly film events. Find an affiliate here. Autism Speaks has also partnered with AMC Theaters to hold sensory friendly film events throughout the nation: https://www.autismspeaks.org/news/news-item/amc-theatres-sensory-friendly-film-program-expands-their-schedule.

Book Clubs

More information on the Next Chapter Book Club, which is a book club program for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can be found here, and is discussed in the next topic, Programming for Adults.

Think about the teen programs your library offers. In what ways might they be adapted to meet the needs of a wider range of users? Jot down some ideas in the box below.

References

Autism Society. (n.d.). Sensory friendly films. Retrieved from http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/other-ways-to-get-involved/sensory-friendly-films/.

Banks, C. (2015, December 23). Adaptive gaming: Leveling the playing field. Retrieved from http://ascla.ala.org/interface/2015/12/adaptive-gaming-leveling-the-playing-field/.

Huth, J. [Accessibility NYC]. (2016, April 21). Accessible gaming for teens and young adults with disabilities [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Kc-7sVONWC8.

Image: By Tronnic photos (RTX 2013) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons