Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum
by Rachel M. McMullin, Kerry R. Walton
This book will be invaluable for those in the academic library who want to understand how best to serve students on the autism spectrum and how those students can contribute to the library.
As a large number of students on the autism spectrum come of age and enter college, increased awareness of autism spectrum disorder is necessary among those who work in academic libraries so that they can respond to and meet the unique needs of these students.
This book fills a scholarship gap while serving as a practical resource for working with the neurodivergent student population in academic libraries. McMullin and Walton explain issues that are likely to arise when interacting with students on the autism spectrum and offer practical solutions for handling them. They discuss how to work with neurodiverse students in different contexts, including at service points, in the classroom, as employees, and through outreach programs. They highlight possible concerns about the physical environment of the library and demonstrate ways that the library can be an especially positive place for students with ASD. Personal anecdotes from students with autism as well as library faculty and staff round out this valuable work.
Paperback
English
Brand New
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
ONE Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Librarians and Staff Need to Know
Cognitive Traits and Characteristics
Social Skills and Communication Styles
Motor Skills and Repetitive Behaviors
Needs When Transitioning to College
Student Success
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Libraries?
TWO Sensory Issues, Physical Environment, and Library Spaces
How Students with ASD Use the Library
Students with ASD and the Physical Library
Universal Design in Higher Education: Physical Spaces
Providing Spaces to Meet the Needs of Students with ASD
Strategies and Ideas
Conclusion
THREE Research Help (and Beyond)
Social Aspects of Research Assistance
Beyond the Reference Desk
Executive Functioning
Specific Strategies
Conclusion
FOUR Library Instruction
Academic Strengths and Weaknesses of Students with ASD
Universal Design for Instruction
One-Shot Instruction
Full/Credit-Bearing Courses
Teaching Online
Conclusion
FIVE Student Employees with ASD in the Library
Job Outlook for Individuals with ASD
Students with ASD as Employees
Supporting Student Workers with ASD
Strategies for Supervisors
Conclusion
SIX Outreach, Support, and Staff Training: Working across Campus to Support Students with ASD
The Need for ASD Awareness
Academic Accommodations and Supports for Students with ASD
Nonacademic Supports for Students with ASD
The Role of the Academic Library in Academic and Nonacademic Supports
Conclusion
Appendix A Handout for Library Employees
Appendix B Handout to Help Students Navigate the Library
References
Index
Review
Required reading for all librarians, particularly those in K–12 and academic libraries, and a solid choice for all educational professionals. * Library Journal, Starred Review *
All academic librarians and administrators would benefit from reading and implementing the recommendations in this book. * C&RL News *
Promotional
This book will be invaluable for those in the academic library who want to understand how best to serve students on the autism spectrum and how those students can contribute to the library.
Long Description
As a large number of students on the autism spectrum come of age and enter college, increased awareness of autism spectrum disorder is necessary among those who work in academic libraries so that they can respond to and meet the unique needs of these students. This book fills a scholarship gap while serving as a practical resource for working with the neurodivergent student population in academic libraries. McMullin and Walton explain issues that are likely to arise when interacting with students on the autism spectrum and offer practical solutions for handling them. They discuss how to work with neurodiverse students in different contexts, including at service points, in the classroom, as employees, and through outreach programs. They highlight possible concerns about the physical environment of the library and demonstrate ways that the library can be an especially positive place for students with ASD. Personal anecdotes from students with autism as well as library faculty and staff round out this valuable work.
Review Quote
"Required reading for all librarians, particularly those in K-12 and academic libraries, and a solid choice for all educational professionals." - Library Journal, Starred Review
Details
