Library Resources and Services for Patrons on the Autism Spectrum

January 2, 2023 - January 29, 2023

 Library Juice Academy Asynchronous eCourse

 

Course Description

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 59 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD impacts all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is a pervasive developmental disorder which is present across the lifespan. As such, a notable portion of patrons served by school, public, and academic libraries presents with ASD or is otherwise “on the spectrum”. Individuals with ASD may have different accessibility and communication challenges than their neurotypical peers. This course will provide librarians with a better understanding of ASD, effective means of communicating individuals with ASD, strategies for designing inviting and accessible library environments and programming, and suggestions for building relationships with community partners to better serve the needs of patrons with ASD.

The instructor has a unique background in being a second career librarian after having worked as a Licensed Psychological Associate for over 20 years and having extensive experiencing in performing psychological evaluations for ASD.

By the end of the course, students will:

• Develop a better understanding of ASD as it presents in children, adolescents, and adults. Improve communication skills with individuals with ASD including nonverbal communication and de-escalating/redirecting challenging behaviors and interactions.
• Design an autism friendly library environment which is welcoming, accessible, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Work with community partners to develop potential referral sources, training opportunities, mental health programming, and services to benefit patrons with ASD

 

Instructed by Dawn Behrend 

Dawn Behrend an Instruction and Outreach Librarian at Lenoir-Rhyne University, where she serves as the liaison for psychology, counseling, mathematics, computer science, and business and manages the library’s social media platforms. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Library Science. Ms. Behrend has worked for 20 years in North Carolina as a Licensed Psychological Associate and is a second career librarian. Ms. Behrend continues to work in private practice where she completes psychological evaluations in addition to her work as an academic librarian. 

 

This eCourse is provided by Library Juice Academy

Seats are limited

Registration Closes December 14, 2022

 

This project was funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Florida’s LSTA program is administered by the Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services. For FY2022-23, 74% of the total costs for the SEFLIN Continuing Education Program 2022-23 ($218,625) is supported by federal money. The total budget of the project is $296,692.