Serving Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide for Libraries

(Paperback)

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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.

Reviews

Recommended for all public libraries as an essential guide to provide support for an underserved community. * Library Journal, Starred Review *
An exceedingly thorough starting place for understanding how libraries may better serve and support patrons who are on the spectrum. * School Library Journal *
A no-nonsense, timely guide that belongs in most library professional development collections. * Booklist Online *

Author Bio

Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, MLIS, MPA, is founder of Digital Respons-Ability and has worked in libraries for more than a decade.