Library services for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Farmer, L. S. (2013). The Perspectives of a Public Library. Library services for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (pp. 191-205). Chicago: ALA.

In this chapter, the author describes how public libraries can alter their collection to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The author advises having materials on social skills within the collection and easily available to individuals with ASD. This chapter describes the experience of Lancaster Public library as it opens an Autism Resource Center in its library. The author explains that the librarians found themselves without the resources or knowledge to provide accurate information for the high volume of ASD-related questions. They Lancaster Public library created the center to assist families and individuals with ASD find information. They expanded their collection to include many journals and books on ASD. They also added materials to collections to assist individuals with ASD cope such as noise canceling headphones, weighted toys, and manipulatives. A professor at California State University Long Beach wrote this book. She is an experienced librarian, professor, teacher, and have worked in schools, public libraries, and academic libraries. This book is a well-researched detailed overview of the methods and approaches libraries can implement to assist individuals with ASD in their libraries. As the rate of ASD increases across the countries, across racial, and socioeconomic divides the importance of meeting the needs of this community has never more apparent.