LibGuides Home: Children's and YA Services: Library Programming for Neurodivergent Youth

Birth to Three and the Transition to Preschool

The Birth to Three System contracts with early intervention programs across the state of Connecticut that support families with children who have delays or disabilities.

Birth to Three offers supports to families with children who are under age 3 and have either a

Significant developmental delay based on a standardized test or
Medical condition (diagnosed by a doctor) that’s likely to result in a developmental delay

Transition from Birth to Three to Public School

Resources

ALSC- Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder Resources
Welcome to our Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder Resources Toolkit! Below you will find a wealth of resources, examples, and information to help you navigate working with this particular community.
ALSC Blog- Special Need Awareness Category
ASRC- Autism Services & Resources Connecticut
Autism-Ready Librariaes Toolkit
Our toolkit website contains free online training modules and resources for youth-serving librarians and library staff in public libraries who would like to better serve families with autistic children.
Birth to Three- Early Intervention, can search by town
CPAC- Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center
Project Enable
(1) raise the level of librarians' understanding of and sensitivity for the library and information needs of students with disabilities and
(2) foster their ability to develop programs and services, provide adequate facilities, and select appropriate resources and technologies to meet those needs.
State DSS- List of approved providers

Webinars

Let’s Get Together! Book Clubs for Neurodivergent Adults
Just as storytimes are integral to children’s programming, book clubs are a staple of library programming for adults. Yet while building storytimes that are inclusive of everyone’s needs are a routine part of our training, there seems to be less information available on creating book clubs that are welcoming and beneficial to neurodivergent adults.
Library Service for All: Current Trends in Library Programs and Services for Autistic Children and Teens
In this webinar we will discuss what autism is through the lens of neurodiversity, and how characteristics of autism may manifest in the library environment.
Neurodiversity: A Primer for Libraries (Niche Acdemy)
Neurodiversity is a contract to medical and pathology models of neurological differences in the brain. It’s a more nuanced perspective of what exactly is “normal” or “appropriate” in people. This webinar will explain the basics of neurodiversity, the growing movement, and how librarians can better create programs and advocate for people who are neurodiverse. In addition, the webinar will cover:

-People first vs. Identity first language
-Broadening the scope of ADA-compliance
-Controversies of neurodiversity
Programming for Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Why and How
Often residential and day programs for people with developmental disabilities bring clients to their local public library to visit, however, these groups don't really engage with the library's many services or programs. Adults with developmental disabilities also come to the library on their own. Many times, individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are directed to youth services and not the adult departments which are more appropriate.

Articles

Autism, Literacy, and Libraries
The 3Rs= Routine, Repetition, and Redundancy

Credits

This project is funded by the State of Connecticut and the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library.

Children's and YA Services

Books from MLSC

Library Programming for Autistic Children and Teens

Programming for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder

Social-emotional learning for autistic kids : fun activities to manage big feelings and make friends

Birth to Three and the Transition to Preschool

Resources

Webinars

Articles

Credits