Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Insider’s Perspective in Public and Academic Libraries

Abstract

This paper's purpose is to bring to light the social issue of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how public and academic libraries are making strides to better serve this branch of the population. Definitions will be provided to better explain what challenges ASD patrons face. In turn, librarians across America, specifically in Illinois and Ohio in recent years, have come together to discuss in both literature and national forums what they are continually doing to better serve, educate, and support their patrons and train their librarians. ASD is a complex social issue faced by millions; one widely covered and not easily solved alone, but through strategic planning and partnerships, libraries are formulating some creative solutions to meet these challenges. Also touched on will be the perspectives of librarians with ASD; the challenges they face each day, and where they see the future for people with ASD working in a library setting. Let us discover how libraries are rising above these challenges and becoming better informed to equip one another to serve all their patrons