Kaleidoscope Storytime: Adaptive Programming for Children on the Autism Spectrum

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

Since October 2012, staff at Fairfax County Public Library’s Chantilly Regional branch has offered a monthly storytime adapted to children on the autism spectrum and with other developmental challenges. The project arose from an increasing awareness of the numbers of children on the autism spectrum both nationally and in our local area, as well as inquiries from parents and a regional support group – Parents of Autistic Children. To develop the program, staff met with a librarian at a nearby system with a similar program; contacted behavior analysis coaches with Fairfax County Public Schools’ Office of Special Education and attended FCPS training, as well as observing special education classrooms. Staff also attended a meeting of the POAC parent group to invite comments and suggestions. The first Kaleidoscope Storytime in October attracted 37 participants and the monthly programs since then have been so successful, that a second program began in January 2013, Peaceful Paws, a certified therapy dog event designed for children with special needs. Response from parents in the community has been enthusiastic and several other FCPL branches have expressed interest in the project. One is already offering special storytimes to a learning center for children on the autistic spectrum in the community and another will begin offering Kaleidoscope Storytimes in April.