Full Description
Understand the unique needs of teens and adults with autism and how to adapt existing library programs to be more inclusive.
Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, but programs and services are mostly for children. As this population ages and the number of adults receiving autism diagnoses grows, are public libraries serving this group? Serving Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum offers practical strategies for delivering better service to individuals with autism, from library programming to technology, collections, library volunteers, and the information desk.
Relying on feedback and help from the autism community in her area, Carrie Rogers-Whitehead created programs for children, teens, and young adults on the autism spectrum. In this book, she shares advice on developing programs that focus on teamwork, transitions, and social skills. She explains best practices for reference interviews and teaches readers how their libraries can partner with nonprofit and government entities to develop workforce skills and connect adults with autism to jobs. Ready-made program activities for teens and adults with autism make it easy for libraries to better serve this often misunderstood group.
Contents
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1. What Is Autism?
Chapter 2. The Needs and Challenges of Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Chapter 3. Serving Our Patrons with Autism
Chapter 4. Library Programs and Services for Teens with Autism
Chapter 5. Workplace Opportunities and Challenges
Chapter 6. Library Programs for Adults with Autism
Chapter 7. Beyond Programming: Volunteering and More
Chapter 8. Technology, Autism, and Libraries
Chapter 9. Library Collections and Resources
Appendix: Programs to Use in Your Library
Index
