By Lara Hemingway, former trustee of the Library Board and current Board President for the Northwest Autism Center
When my kids were little, we frequently went to Storytime at Spokane Public Library, where there were always plenty of songs and movement breaks to get the wiggles out between stories. This created a foundation for literacy and library love for our family.
For caregivers of neurodivergent kids, they might wonder if the library is a safe and welcoming place for them as well—and it’s a resounding “yes!” Add a chair for a defined space to sit plus a couple of fidgets, and Storytime can be an enriching experience for many neurodivergent kids. Library playspaces also offer an opportunity for free play between reading activities, and families should know that it is just fine to be a bit noisy in these areas. Libraries are no longer places for shushing, but places for exploration, literacy, and joy.
However, focus and continued engagement can be challenging for those who are neurodivergent, have sensory needs, and/or autism spectrum disorder. Some tips that can facilitate focus and limit anxiety include:
- Plan for frequent breaks from activities that require a lot of focus. This can help an individual to re-engage when it is time to focus again on reading.
- Consider alternative seating, such as a cube chair, which offers a hard back and sides providing a defined space for a child to sit. This way their arms and legs are supported in a way not provided by sitting on the floor. This defined space can help an individual focus more on the storytelling.
- Provide fidget toys. Some children can relieve their anxiety by playing with fidget items and you can bring one to the library for reading time. Note that just because a child is playing with a fidget doesn’t mean they aren’t hearing the story—they are still focused on the skill of listening. No need to sit still with your hands in your lap to absorb a story!
- Talk about what to expect ahead of time. New social situations can create anxiety for neurodivergent kids, so consider describing the schedule and setting for the event ahead of time.
When considering reading materials for neurodivergent readers, Dawn Sidell, Executive Director of Northwest Autism Center, suggests selecting “books that are both interactive and durable” because they continue “providing avenues for engaging the child while being available for reading again and again.” She also noted that following along with the words while it is read aloud, listening through headphones, or watching the book read on screen can be easier for neurodivergent individuals to absorb.
Spokane Public Library has many inclusive options for reading in the collection, including interactive books with a built-in audio player and Tumblebooks, a children’s eBook and eAudiobook platform, which offers read-along options.
Graphic novels and comics are great options for neurodivergent teen and adult readers because the combination of visual and text storytelling is highly accessible. Try ComicsPlus for unlimited checkouts for both adult and youth titles! Readers can check out audiobooks on CD or eAudiobooks on Overdrive/Libby.
