Topic 5: Partnering with the Greater Community to Support Children and Adults with Autism

Introduction

There is an abundance of useful resources in the local community and beyond that are available to those working with people with autism. This Topic will introduce you to these community resources and guide you as you develop programming for your library. In addition to walking through the steps in a community needs assessment, this Topic will explain what is to be assessed and why the assessment is necessary before starting an initiative in your library. Throughout this process you will be introduced to a number of resources and learn how to connect with potential community partners to help fill gaps in your library's programs and services. This Topic concludes with an extensive list of resources that will help you begin the needs assessment process and learn more about the ASD community at large.

Learning Outcomes

After working through this Topic, learners will be able to:

• Understand what a community needs assessment is and what it entails;
• Collect data using a number of sources;
• Analyze and interpret data collected from the community needs assessment;
• Identify and define the stakeholders in their library;
• Identify community partners and create community partnerships;
• Access resources to increase understanding about community members with ASD;
• Use resources designed to assist community members with ASD; and
• Direct patrons to resources about ASD.