Borrow, connect and #ShineBlueNS

Public libraries, big or small, play an important role when connecting others to what they need when they need it the most.

With April designated by Autism Nova Scotia as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, our role as a library varies – from being a space where children who are living with autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) come to play and have fun in a way that is enjoyable for them, to a spot where parents and caregivers can borrow items and connect with others parents while their children enjoy various aspects of the library.

Whether it’s to borrow an item or make a connection, public libraries are there to help by providing a supportive space to learn and grow.

What is Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism (Autism Speaks Canada — https://www. autismspeaks.ca).

Stories to share, resources to borrow

We have a wide variety of books written by (and for) those living with autism, with part of the collection generously donated by Autism Pictou County. Some, like The Reason I Jump: The inner voice of a thirteen-year-old boy with autism and Fall Down 7 Times get up 8: a young man’s voice from the silence of autism (Alfred A Knopf, 2013) are both written by Naoki Higashida who is autistic. Amsterdambased Corinne Duyvis, author of young adult novels that include Otherbound (Amulet Books, 2014) and On the Edge of Gone (Amulet Books, 2016) was also diagnosed with autism at the age of 14 and incorporates autism into the plotline of some of her sci-fi and fantasy novels.

We also have reading material written from the perspective of the caregiver. One available to borrow is The Spark: A mother’s story of nurturing genius (Random House Canada, 2013), written by Kristine Barnett. This book is a memoir of mother and son. Relying on the insights she developed at the daycare center she runs out of the garage in her home, Kristine resolved to follow Jacob’s “spark” after being diagnosed with autism at the age of two by focusing on his passionate interests.

As far as picture books are concerned, one that the family can read together is My Brother Sammy is Special (Sky Pony Press, 2011), written by Becky Edwards and illustrated by David Armitage. I

n this story, a boy describes some of the feelings he has about his brother Sammy who is autistic. Since We’re Friends (Skyhorse Publishing, 2012), written by Celeste Shally and illustrated by David Harrington is another picture book that describes a special friendship that kids might be able to relate with.

Upcoming Sensory Storytimes

Along with LEGO and block play on a drop-in basis helping all ages and abilities with their social and fine motor skills, and alternative reading formats — we will be offering a series of inclusive Sensory Storytimes at some of our libraries in the coming months thanks to funding from our Community Health Boards in Pictou County, Antigonish County and on the North Shore with the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Sensory storytimes are similar to typical library storytimes but have special emphasis on sensory play, movement and motor skills exploration, and incorporate a visual schedule so that children with autism and their families can take part in a library program that is sensitive to their needs.

For more information on upcoming library programs, special events and services, please drop by your local library branch, follow us on Twitter, find us on Facebook, or visit us online at www. parl.ns.ca.