In her new article titled Best Practices and Library Program Ideas for Autistic Children and Teens, Assistant Professor Dr. Amelia Anderson continues the conversation on how libraries can create more inclusive spaces. Adapted from her book, Library Programming for Autistic Children and Teens, she draws on years of research and experience to present 12 best practices that libraries can implement to better support young autistic patrons. These best practices provide practical, low-cost or no-cost solutions that can be easily integrated into libraries of all sizes.
Dr. Anderson calls attention to the importance of designing library programs that are both structured and flexible to meet the varied needs of autistic patrons. She addresses the significance of preparing participants for what to expect during programs while creating an environment that minimizes sensory overload. In addition to the 12 best practices, the article includes programming ideas specifically tailored for children and teens that can be modified to fit existing programs.
This article is highly relevant for librarians, administrators, and educators alike seeking to meet the needs of this often-underrepresented group. By integrating these best practices, librarians can help empower autistic individuals to fully engage in library activities.
A direct link to Dr. Anderson’s latest article can be found here. For readers interested in exploring Dr. Anderson’s work further, the full book citation for Library Programming for Autistic Children and Teens is provided below. Her book is also available at the USF library.
Dr. Anderson was the winner of the 2024 ALISE Connie Van Fleet Award for Research Excellence in Public Library Services to Adults and a recipient of a 2024 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant (RE-256685-OLS-24).
Book citation: Anderson, A. (2021). Library programming for autistic children and teens (Second edition.). ALA Editions.