serving library patrons with autism spectrum disorders and their families

Slide 1

Serving Library Patrons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Families

Five Autism Spectrum Disorders

In May of 2013, the American Psychological Association will have only Autism Spectrum Disorder with a three-tiered level of severity. The current disorders will be subsumed under that diagnostic category or be removed as a psychological disorder (Retts Syndrome.)2What Causes Autism?Nobody knows for sure.

Some theories are:VaccinesCytokine LevelsIntra-amniotic InfectionThe EnvironmentMercury in Fillings, Fish or from Coal PlantsBirth ComplicationsToo Low CholesterolPrenatal UltrasoundsGenetic Lack of Brain Response to Facial ExpressionsClosely Spaced PregnanciesBottle FeedingHeavy Metal ExposureAnti-depressant Use in PregnancyWatching Television

More information can be found on the Montana Autism Education Project Causes http://opi.mt.gov/users/dougdoty/?tag=causes4Much evidence suggests that autism is a genetic disorderPerhaps with an environmental trigger.

Twin Studies

4:1 Male to Female RatioWhat cures autism? Applied Behavior AnalysisAspergers DisorderAspergers is currently a subtype of autism, but is typically not diagnosed until ~age eight. Aspergers is primarily considered a disorder of social functioning. There is less research focus on the cause of Aspergers. Aspergers DisorderPeople with Aspergers:Have normal or above-normal intelligence;Have good language skills;May have difficulty with communication:Robotic speech or loud talkingFocus on specific topicsDifficulty with abstract concepts idioms.

Aspergers DisorderPeople with Aspergers:May seem socially awkward;May have difficulty with rules that dont make sense,;May have difficulty with others breaking rules why does no one tell the baby to stop crying?

Aspergers DisorderPeople with Aspergers:May make limited eye contact;

May not understand non-verbal social cues (lack of interest by others, body language, etc.)

Autistic DisorderClassic Autism includes cognitive delay/mental retardation and severe deficits in basic communication and life skills

Autistic DisorderPeople with autism:May have a low IQ (as measured by our tests) but still be smart;

May engage in repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping, body rocking.

May make loud noises as a means of stimulation or from joy.

Autistic DisorderPeople with autism:May have limited verbal language.

May use an device (iPad or other) to communicate.

May have someone communicate for them.

The Montana educational criteria forautism has: changed three times since 1994;

Included students with Aspergers only since 2000;

been expanded to include 3-5 year-olds in the total count. Link to CEC Presentation for full PowerPoint14Why the National Increase in Autism?Expanded definition of autism - Aspergers didnt become part of autism until 1994.

Better awareness.

More prevalent opportunities for diagnosis. Children with autism are less than 1% of the Montana school- age population.

(823/ 142,349) This percentage has increased as the number of students with autism increased and the total number of sped students has decreased. In 2002 there were 2,504 additional students with disabilities (19,265). 91 to 98-99 = Criteria 199-00 = Criteria 22000 2011 = Criteria 3GenderDistribution by educational training region.

Where are the students with autism?

What Would You Do?

This is a hyperlink to a video. 22

How do you know if a patron has an autism spectrum disorder?

You may not know. And it may not matter.


A patron with Aspergers may seem socially shy or may want to talk about his/her specific interest, assuming that because you work at the library you share an enthusiasm with weaponry used in 16th century Slavic wars.


We all have passions that may not be of interest to others.


A person with an autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty reading non-verbal cues (body positioning, facial expression).

They may not realize that your or another patrons body positioning means that you wish to leave a conversation or are uncomfortable.


If you need to end a conversation, explain why: Excuse me, but I need to do (activity) now.


One parent described her son as, . . . sometimes its like Mr. 6 has a Library of Congress in his head with no retrieval system to find the right information at the right time.


Be patient. It may take a bit of, Um, er . . . processing before the person comes out with what they need to say.


He or she may be very welcoming and friendly. Almost assuming right off that you are a friend.


She or he may interrupt your conversation with others. This can be part of having difficulty understanding social behavior.


Use direct language avoid metaphors. People with Asperger's sometimes have a literal interpretation of language.


Bad metaphor Lets go find that in the Back 40.

Better language That book is in the very back of the library by the Childrens section.


Avoid open-ended questions. Ask a multiple-choice question instead.


Open ended: What type of materials are you looking for?

Multiple choice: Are you looking for a book or website?


Dont be offended if someone avoids direct eye contact some people with autism spectrum disorders find direct eye contact intrusive/uncomfortable.


Avoid touching the person they may have a heightened sensitivity to touch or a strong sense of personal space.

Classic Autism Children or adults with classic autism may engage in hand-flapping, rocking or spinning behaviors. If the behavior isnt bothering somebody, ignore it.Classic AutismTalk to the person, not the caregiver.

If you know his or her name, use it to begin a question, Sarah, do you like books about Thomas the Train Engine?Classic Autism The person with classic autism may have a communication system such as a picture exchange system (icons) or an iPad.

Sometimes, the caregiver will prompt or assist them to use this system. Be patient. Classic Autism Give the person ample time to respond before you repeat instructions or a question. Classic Autism Show the person how to do something, rather than just telling them. Open the book and point to pictures, lead a child to the childrens section, walk them through how to use the self-check machine, etc.

Behaviors that should not be ignored are destructive activities, continued shouting or loud noises.

Assist the caregiver quietly, they may already be embarrassed. Welcome to Your LibraryConsider hosting an open house specifically for youth with developmental disorders and their parents.

Choose the slowest evening of the week or during the summer.Welcome to Your Library Could do at the beginning of the school year and at the start of summer.

Spread the word through:Montana Autism Education ProjectEaster SealsPLUK Special Education PTAsOnce you get to know them, people with autism are no weirder than the rest of us.

Resources for: Parents of children newly diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder

1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Aspergers - by Ellen Notbohm, Veronica Zysk and Temple Grandin Autism & Aspergers Syndrome in Laymans Terms Raymond LeBlancMotivate to Communicate! 300 Games and Activities For Your Child With Autism- Griffin & SandlerNo More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-Of-Control Behavior by Jed Baker Ph.D.Early Intervention Games: Fun, Joyful Ways to Develop Social and Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum or Sensory Processing Disorders by Barbara SherAdvocating for Your Child With Autism: Complete Answers by Merryn AffleckBrains, Trains & Video Games (Living the Autism Life) by Alicia HartThe First Year: Autism Spectrum Disorders By Nancy D. Wiseman, with Robert L. Rich


Autism Every Day: Over 150 Strategies Lived and Learned by a Professional Autism Consultant with 3 Sons on the Spectrum. Alyson Beytien. Autism Solutions. How to Create a Healthy and Meaningful Life for Your Child. Ricki Robinson, M.D., M.P.H. Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism 2010-2011. Ken Siri and Tony Lyons. Early Intervention and Autism: Real-Life Questions and Real-Life Answers. Dr. James Ball. The First Year: Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Child. Nancy D. Wiseman.From Emotions to Advocacy. The Special Education Survival Guide. 2nd Edition. Peter W.D. Wright & Pamela Darr Wright.


More Than Words A Parents Guide to Building Interaction and Language Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties. Second Edition Fern Sussman..Sharing Information About Your Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder What Do Respite or Alternative Caregivers Need to Know? Beverly Vicker, M.S. Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families (Topics in Autism). Sandra L. Harris. Steps to Independence. Teaching Everyday Skills to Children with Special Needs. 4th Edition. Bruce L. Baker, Alan J. Brightman. Thinking Persons Guide to Autism. Shannon Des Roches Rosa, Jennifer Byde Myers, Liz Ditz, Emily Willingham, Carol Greenburg.

Resources for: Parents of Teenagers and Young Adults

The Funny Side of Autism by Lisa MastersThe Thursday Surprise: A Story about Kids and Autism by Ryan R EnnisThe New Social Story Book, Revised and Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition: Over 150 Social Stories that Teach Everyday Social Skills to Children with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, and their Peers by Carol GreyLook Me in The Eye: My Life with Aspergers John Elder RobisonThe Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony AttwoodAdults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest: Achieving Supported Independence By Nancy PerrySpecial Needs Planning Guide: How To Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child's Life By John W. Nadworny and Cynthia R. Haddad


Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parents Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Chantal Sicile-Kira. Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum. Ruth Elaine Joyner Hane, Kassiane Sibley, Stephen M. Shore, Roger N. Meyer, Phil Schwarz, Liane Holliday Willey. Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success. Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., and Diane Adreon. The Aspie Teens Survival Guide: Candid Advice for Teens, Tweens, and Parents, from a Young Man with Aspergers Syndrome. J.D. Kraus. Autism Every Day: Over 150 Strategies Lived and Learned by a Professional Autism Consultant with 3 Sons on the Spectrum. Alyson Beytien


Born on a Blue Day. Daniel Tammet. The Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome. Tony Attwood. Freaks, Geeks, & Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence. Luke Jackson. Jessica Kingsley Pub., 2002.Growing Up on the Spectrum: A Guide to Life, Love, and Learning for Teens and Young Adults with Autism and Aspergers. Claire LaZebnik, Lynn Kern Koegel. Thinking Persons Guide to Autism. Shannon Des Roches Rosa, Jennifer Byde Myers, Liz Ditz, Emily Willingham, Carol Greenburg. Resources for: Adults with AspergersThinking About You, Thinking About Me by Michelle Garcia WinnerSocial Skills Picture Book for High School and Beyond by Jed BakerPreparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome by Jed BakerAsperger's on the Job: Must-have Advice for People with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism, and their Employers, Educators, and Advocates by Rudy SimoneAspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome by Rudy SimonePretending to Be Normal: Living With Asperger's Syndrome by Liane Holliday WilleyBe Different: My Adventures with Asperger's and My Advice for Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, Families, and Teachers by John Elder RobisonThe Aspie Teen's Survival Guide by D. Kraus

Resources for: Adults with Aspergers22 Things a Woman with Aspergers Syndrome Wants Her Partner to Know. Rudy Simone. Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum. Ruth Elaine Joyner Hane, Kassiane Sibley, Stephen M. Shore, Roger N. Meyer, Phil Schwarz, Liane Holliday Willey. Aspergers on the Job: Must-have Advice for People with Aspergers or High Functioning Autism, and their Employers, Educators, and Advocates. Rudy Simone. Aspergirls : Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome. Rudy Simone. Jessica Be Different: My Adventures with Aspergers and My Advice for Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, Families, and Teachers. John Elder Robison. The Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome. Tony Attwood. A Full Life with Autism: From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence. Chantal Sicile-Kira, Jeremy Sicile-Kira.

Resources for: Siblings My Brother is Different: A Siblings Guide to Coping With Autism- MorvayMy Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson PeeteAutism, the Invisible Cord: A Siblings Diary by Barbara S. CainEverybody Is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters With Autism by Fiona BleachThe Autism Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone With Autism by Ellen SabinAutism through a Sister's Eyes by Eve B Band PH.D.All About My Brother by Sarah Peralta

Resources for: SiblingsAutism and Me: Sibling Stories. Ouisie Shapiro. Autism, the Invisible Cord: A Siblings Diary. Barbara S. CainBrotherly Feelings: Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Aspergers Syndrome. Sam Frender, Robin Schiffmiller. French Fries. [Kindle Edition]. Lilli Mayerson. ShiresPress, My Autistic Brothers. [Kindle Edition]. Jake Smith, Ellie Smith, and Melyssa Smith. My Brother is Artistic: A Brothers View of Autism. Jane Webb. Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families (Topics in Autism). Sandra L. Harris and Beth A. Glasberg. Siblings: The Autism Spectrum Through Our Eyes. Jane Johnson, Anne Van Rensselaer. Sometimes My Brother: Helping Kids Understand Autism Through a Siblings Eyes. Angie Healy. Whats Up With Ben?: Medikidz Explain Autism. Kim Chilman-Blair.

Resources: BiographiesEthans Story; My Life with Autism Ethan RiceThinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition; My Life with Autism Temple GrandinThe Way I See It Temple GrandinAutism By Hand by Lorca DamonAll I Can Handle: I'm No Mother Teresa: A Life Raising Three Daughters with Autism by Kim StaglianoA Girl Called Barney: Loving an autistic child is so easy... and so hard by Christopher Stevens A Friend Like Henry by Nuala Gardner

Resources: BiographiesBeyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Second Edition. Stephen M. Shore. Carlys Voice: Breaking Through Autism. Arthur Fleischmann and Carly Fleischmann. Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes. Marc Thomas. Episodes: My Life as I See It. Blaze Ginsberg. How Can I Talk If My Lips Dont Move? Inside my autistic mind. Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay. Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Aspergers. John Elder Robison. Nobody Nowhere: The Remarkable Autobiography of an Autistic Girl. Donna Williams.Thinking in Pictures: and Other Reports from My Life with Autism. Temple Grandin.

Resources: Books which feature characters with ASDMurder at Pudden Hill Farm by Elizabeth BrownHaze by Kathy HoopmannBanishing Verona by Margot LiveseyA Rock and a Hard Place by Anne SutcliffeAl Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer CholdenkoIntent to Kill by James GrippandoThe Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon

Resources: Books which feature characters with ASDAl Capone Does My Shirts. Gennifer Choldenko. Ages 10 and up.Anything But Typical. Nora Raleigh Baskin. Ages 10 and up.The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. Mark Haddon. Rules. Cynthia Lord. Ages 8 and up.Kristy and the Secret of Susan (Baby-Sitters Club). Ann Matthews Martin. Marcelo in the Real World. Francisco Stork. Ages 12 and up.Mockingbird. Kathryn Erskine. Ages 10 and up.The Reinvention of Edison Thomas. Jacqueline Houtman Ages 8 and up.Unlocked. Karen Kingsbury. Ages 18 and up.

Resources: MoviesThe Black BalloonTemple GrandinUnderstanding Autism: A Resource for Families, Pediatricians, and CaregiversThe Red Kite Project - Autism Documentary ~ Kerry Shaw BrownAutism: The Musical ~ Elaine HallAdam Mozart & The WhaleAbout A BoyFly AwayThe Horse BoyLoving Lampposts: Living AutisticMary and Max

Resources: Graphic NovelsWith the Light: Raising an Autistic Child, Vol. 1 by Keiko Tobe (There are over 7 volumes of this story)Dude, Im An Aspie! By Matt FriedmanOn Subbing: The First Four Years by Dave RocheSuperflex Takes on Rock Brain and the Team of Unthinkables by Stephanie MadrigalSuperflex Takes on Glassman and the Team of Unthinkables by Stephanie MadrigalChameleon Kid - Controlling Meltdown Before He Controls You by Elaine Marie LarsonThe Big M: From Mustard to Mayhem (Zombie Aliens Attack) by Kristen Brown

Resources: Childrens Books to Explain ASDMy Friend Has Autism (Friends With Disabilities) by Amanda Doering TourvilleThe Autism Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone With Autism by Ellen SabinMy Friend with Autism: Enhanced Edition with FREE CD of Coloring Pages! by Beverly BishopTaking Autism to School by Andreanna EdwardsWhen My Worries Get Too Big! A Relaxation Book for Children Who Live with Anxiety by Kari Dunn BuronDifferent Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes by Jennifer ElderTacos Anyone? An Autism Story by Marvie EllisAll Cats Have Asperger Syndrome. Kathy Hoopmann.

Resources: Childrens Books to Explain ASDEthans Story: My Life with Autism. Ethan RiceHow to Talk to an Autistic Kid. Daniel Stefanski. Ians Walk. A Story about AutismIn Jesses Shoes. Appreciating Kids with Special Needs. Beverly Lewis. Looking after Louis. Lesley Ely. My Brother Charlie. Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth PeeteMy Brother, Matthew. Mary Thompson.Zack the Prairie Dog. S. Charles Decker.Andy and His Yellow Frisbee. Mary Thompson. Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome?: A Guide for Friends and Family. Jude Welton.

Resources for: Teaching Students with AutismJoin In and Play by Cheri J. Meiners, M.EdAnswers to Questions Teachers Ask About Sensory Integration by Carol Stock Kranowitz and Stacey Szklut, et al.Autism in Your Classroom: A General Educators Guide to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Deborah Fein, Ph.D. and Michelle A. Dunn, Ph.D.Early Start for Young Children with Autism/PDD: Practical Interventions by Kathleen McConnell and Gail R. Ryser. Illustrations by Jenny LoehrA QUEST for Social Skills for Students with Autism or Aspergers By JoEllen Cumpata and Susan FellAsperkids- An Insiders Guide to Loving, Understanding and Teaching Children with Asperger Syndrome by Jennifer Cook O'TooleActivity Schedules for Children with Autism: Teaching Independent Behavior by Lynn E. McClannahan, Ph.D. and Patricia Krantz, Ph.D.

Resources for: Teaching Students with Autism1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Ellen Notbohm and Veronica Zysk. Autism and the Edges of the Known World. Sensitivities, Language and Constructed Reality. Olga Bogdashina Autism Life Skills. From Communication and Safety to Self-Esteem and More 10 Essential Abilities Every Child Needs and Deserves to Learn. Chantal Sicile-Kira. The Autism Spectrum in the 21st Century. Exploring Psychology, Biology, and Practice. Ilona Roth. Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism A Manual for Parents and Professionals. Edited by Catherine Maurice, Coedited by Gina Green & Stephen C. Luce. Building Social Relationships: A Systematic Approach to Teaching Social Interaction Skills to Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Social Difficulties. Scott Bellini.

Resources for: Young Adult FictionLisa and the Lacemaker: An Asperger Adventure by Kathy HoopmannOf Mice and Aliens: An Asperger Adventure (Asperger Adventures) by Kathy HoopmannBlue Bottle Mystery: An Asperger Adventure (Asperger Adventures) by Kathy HoopmannIans Walk: A Story about Autism by Laurie LearsThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark HaddonRules by Cynthia LordWild Orchid by Beverley BrennaHouse Rules: A Novel. Jodi Picoult. The Legend of Mickey Tussler. Frank Nappi. The Speed of Dark. Elizabeth Moon. Sophomore Campaign (Mickey Tussler). Frank Nappi.

Montana AutismEducation Project

Doug Doty, Statewide Coordinator

[email protected]

444-0907

serving library patrons with autism spectrum disorders and their families

Documents