Serving Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Library Media Center

The CDC estimates that 1 in 68 children have Autism Spectrum Disorders and the occurrence appears to be on the rise. An increasing number of students being served by school libraries have particular social, sensory, organizational, and developmental needs. The spectrum is a wide one, which necessitates a broad range of programs and strategies. Although many school librarians are conscious of serving this population, and are innovating in an attempt to adapt their programs to the needs of students with ASDs, their efforts are conducted largely in isolation with little guidance from professional organizations and with few empirical studies to rely on. A review of library literature focused on autism presents many initiatives, primarily at the district and building levels. Teacher librarians have demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness by drawing on several sources for inspiration, some outside the school library setting. Most literature on this subject takes the form of best practice papers published in trade journals. Researchers have conducted few traditional studies in school library settings. The most common types of programs include awareness promotion, assistive technology, sensory story times, environmental accommodations, and collection development. There is the potential to enhance what a school library program can do for students on the autism spectrum.