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Module 6: Targeting Autism in Libraries
Welcome to Project ENABLE Training Initial Assessment Module 1: Disability Awareness Module 2: Disability Law & Policy Module 3: Creating an Accessible Library Module 4: Planning Inclusive Programs and Instruction Module 5: Assistive Technology in Libraries Module 6: Targeting Autism in Libraries Final Assessment Training Resources

Community Resources for Librarians

Community Resources for Librarians

Topic 5: Community Resources for Librarians

librarians training workshops

General Resources

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder bridges a vast range of cognitive and communication abilities. Use of adaptive/assistive communication devices allows children with either limited language skills or children who are nonspeaking to communicate with their families, peers, and teachers. Augmentative and alternative communication, (AAC) "systems provide an active means of communication, which tends to improve verbal speech. The process of learning the meaning of one word, then increasing their single word vocabulary, and then combining words together to make phrases and sentences helps children with autism reach the goal of independent, spontaneous communication." (The Center for AAC, 2018) Children do not need any training or skills prior to using adaptive communication devices. Modifications can be made to increase screen size, to limit available choices, and to highlight keys.

 

 

"Full interpersonal communication substantially enhances an individual's potential for education, employment, and independence. Therefore, it is imperative that the goal of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use be the most effective interactive communication possible. Anything less represents a compromise of the individual's human potential."

American Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA)

 

For more information on assistive technology, revisit Targeting Autism's Topic 3, offering further information regarding Apps related to Autism and assistive technology!

Activity: Now that you've seen some of the assistive technology available, what would you use in your library? What resources do you already have? How would you adjust your budget to purchase and include assistive technology in a program or service for children, teens, or adults on the autism spectrum?

Books

students with disabilities
  • Apps for Autism: A Must Have Resource for the Special Needs Community by Lois Jean Brady
  • Emergence: Labeled Autistic by Temple Grandin
  • In a Different Key by John Donvan and Caren Zucker (Click here for the All Things Considered - Interview with the authors)
  • NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman - "A groundbreaking book that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently" (Silberman, 2018). Click here for the Book review from the NY Times.
  • Temple Grandin: The Autistic Brain (Click here to view a great lecture by Temple Grandin.)
  • The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida (Click here for the NY Times Book Review). 
  • The Way I See It (4th edition) by Dr. Temple Grandin - "This is a comprehensive book for parents and teachers of young children. Includes short chapters indexed by subject - early intervention, classroom inclusion, medication, sensory issues, and even video games. This is my most comprehensive book for parents and teachers who work with young children."
  • Thinking in Pictures - (My Life with Autism) by Dr. Temple Grandin - This is an autobiography that describes visual thinking and includes a special section for those coping with anxiety.

 

Project ENABLE's Resource Database offers even more titles to explore. Check this out before completing Activity #9.

Activity #9: You are the youth services librarian and you are placing an order to increase the size of your collection for students with disabilities. Which 3-5 books, that feature main characters who have ASD, would you most want to add to your collection?

Sensory Friendly Events

Social Media

  • Blogs
  • Facebook - many groups and organizations to either join or follow
  • Instagram - #autism
  • Twitter - @autism or #autism

Activity #10: Join one of the two hashtag groups listed above. Describe one of the discussions you found in that group. How has social media created a powerful platform for people with ASD?

Videos

Professional Development for Librarians

 

 

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