Autism and Libraries: Building Communities and Changing Lives

Abstract

Once synonymous with books, libraries now provide a growing number of community services. Simultaneously, autism rates have increased worldwide. Improved diagnostic criteria have given us a clearer view of autism’s ­prevalence. Once thought to primarily affect nonverbal Caucasian males, we now know that autism crosses racial and gender lines. As the diagnosis rate of autism grows, so too does the importance of ­libraries. Libraries are a vital community space – a place to safely interact with ­others and observe social norms. Libraries also house books and stories, which are critical to language and social development. As autistic adults age out of school-based programs, libraries provide access to technology and a sense of structure. Sensory-friendly libraries, with elements of Universal Design, are also benefiting the greater community – making libraries better spaces for all patrons. As the number of autistic adults grows, so too does the number of autistic librarians. Generations of adults who grew up in the library are understandably being drawn to the profession. They are comfortable in the workplace and ­especially skilled for the job. Their input in the field should be encouraged. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the importance of libraries to the autistic community and identifies libraries as a significant place that can help communities to better serve the autistic individuals in their area. Strategies and ideas for libraries will be shared. Libraries can also serve as a potential workplace for autistic adults, and more outreach should be undertaken to encourage autistic librarians.

Citation

White, A. (2021), "Autism and Libraries: Building Communities and Changing Lives", Hill, R.F. (Ed.) Hope and a Future: Perspectives on the Impact that Librarians and Libraries Have on Our World (Advances in Librarianship, Vol. 48), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 101-110. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0065-283020210000048011