ABOUT PALS
Whether you knew it at the time or not, you have likely interacted with or assisted a library user with autism, as it is the fastest growing disability according to Autism Speaks, a national Autism advocacy organization. This course, designed by experts in both the library and autism fields, is a series of four independent, self-paced instructional modules that are intended for librarians and library staff to learn how to better serve their users on the autism spectrum.
PALS is funded by a Laura Bush Professional Development grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
MODULES
Research-based checklists, examples of materials, tip sheets, lists, templates, and additional resources are included throughout the course to assist you to implement best practices in your unique library setting.
- Module One: About Autism in the Library
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Identify at least five observable characteristics that individuals with ASD might exhibit in a library setting.
- Define autism and three recent facts in the identification and prevalence of the disorder.
- Recommend three current resources that would support individuals with autism and their families in being successful patrons in the library.
- Describe at least 3 situations in which the library can increase community involvement for individuals with ASD.
- Module Two: Arranging the Library Environment
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Make recommendations for potential improvements to areas or activities in the library to better meet the needs of individuals with ASD.
- Construct visual supports to encourage communication and independence in the library of ASD patrons.
- Develop environmental alternatives to increase participation of individuals with ASD.
- Module Three: Communicating with Individuals with Autism
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Develop opportunities for social interaction and communication between staff and patrons with ASD in the library.
- List strategies to promote communication and prevent or decrease disruptive or challenging behaviors of individuals with ASD.
- Identify how to use augmentative/alternative communication strategies to support independence and participation in the library for patrons with ASD.
- Module Four: Interacting with Technology
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Describe situations in which the library can provide services to parents or caregivers related to technology.
- List strategies that the library can use to enhance the experience and independent utilization of technology and social media for individuals with ASD.
- Describe situations in which the library can facilitate appropriate technology training for individuals with ASD.
Whether you knew it at the time or not, you have likely interacted with or assisted a library user with autism, as it is the fastest growing disability according to Autism Speaks, a national Autism advocacy organization. This course, designed by experts in both the library and autism fields, is a series of four independent, self-paced instructional modules that are intended for librarians and library staff to learn how to better serve their users on the autism spectrum.
PALS is funded by a Laura Bush Professional Development grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
