"This edition reflects the new knowledge that has been learned about autism since the publication of the first edition, amplifies the voices of autistic self-advocates, and provides new, easy-to-replicate programming ideas for successfully serving autistic children and teens"--

Klipper's complete programming guide is ideal for audiences ranging from preschool through school-age children, teens, and families. Her deep knowledge and experience on the subject makes her guidance on serving these library users and their families invaluable.

Farmer offers librarians in or outside a school environment all the information they need to build a library literacy program geared towards children with autism spectrum disorders.

Understand the unique needs of teens and adults with autism and how to adapt existing library programs to be more inclusive. Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, but programs and services are mostly for children. As this population ages and the number of adults receiving autism diagnoses grows, are public libraries serving this group? Serving Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum offers practical strategies for delivering better service to individuals with autism, from library programming to technology, collections, library volunteers, and the information desk. Relying on feedback and help from the autism community in her area, Carrie Rogers-Whitehead created programs for children, teens, and young adults on the autism spectrum. In this book, she shares advice on developing programs that focus on teamwork, transitions, and social skills. She explains best practices for reference interviews and teaches readers how their libraries can partner with nonprofit and government entities to develop workforce skills and connect adults with autism to jobs. Ready-made program activities for teens and adults with autism make it easy for libraries to better serve this often misunderstood group.

Working with at-risk teens, including those who are homeless, incarcerated, or in foster care, is a rewarding but often challenging endeavor, especially with a growing number of at-risk teens in both urban and rural areas of the country. Based on best practices and personal experiences from many leaders in the field today, including authors Angela Craig and Chantell L. McDowell, this book shows how libraries and communities can work together to find new ways to serve this population. Packed with accessible and affordable programming ideas, ready-to-use templates, and techniques, this addition to the Teens @ the Library series Demonstrates why serving at-risk teens is important, and offers advice for gaining institutional support for outreach services Shows how to understand the needs of at-risk teens, including a discussion of the factors that place teens at risk Examines diversity within the at-risk population Suggests ways to partner with youth facilities, with real-world examples of working with non-library personnel and caregivers Provides guidance for collection and resource development Gives examples of technology-based programs to promote literacy and connectedness

Following the practical programs laid out here, young adult librarians in public libraries, school librarians, and adult and young adult services staff can easily explore many diverse cultures.

Foreword by Barbara Klipper Since the first edition of this landmark guide was published, there has been increased interest in services for library patrons on the autism spectrum; indeed, more people of all ages now self-identify as autistic. Those who understand the unique characteristics of autistic young people know that ordinary library programming guides are not up to the task of effectively serving these library users. Well qualified to speak to this need, Anderson is an educator, library researcher, and former public librarian who has helped to develop two IMLS funded initiatives that train library workers to better understand and serve autistic patrons. Here, she offers librarians who work with children and teens in both public library and K-12 educational settings an updated, comprehensive resource that includes an updated introduction to the basics of autism, including language, symbolism, and best practices in the library rooted in the principles of Universal Design; step-by-step programs from librarians across the country, adaptable for both public and school library settings, that are cost-effective and easy to replicate; contributions from autistic self-advocates throughout the text, demonstrating that the program ideas included are truly designed with their preferences in mind; suggestions for securing funding and establishing partnerships with community organizations; and many helpful appendices, with handy resources for training and education, building a collection, storytimes, sensory integration activities, and a “Tips for a Successful Library Visit” template.