Across the Board: Autism support for families, a Leeds library project which helps local families whose children have autism has won the CILIP Libraries Change Lives Award 2009.
Children with autism have difficulty with social communication and interaction. This can result in unpredictable behaviour and means that parents of autistic children may not see libraries as a natural venue where they can come for information, advice or guidance. Leeds libraries and their partners are changing this perception, and in doing so demonstrating the increasing value of library services to local communities.
The original idea for the project came after a parent requested Boardmaker software, which is a picture communication tool that can enable parents and autistic children to communicate with each other.
Since then, autism and associated communication and behavioural issues are now much more widely understood by library staff. Library staff are supportive and offer practical help and run autism/asperger monthly advice sessions in partnership with specialist teaching staff and health professionals.
Families can now access Boardmaker software in libraries across Leeds and no longer have to buy books to find out more about their child’s condition.
More at: http://www.cilip.org.uk/aboutcilip/newsandpressreleases/news090715.htm
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