Programming through Partnership for Adults with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
According to the CDC, one in 68 children has autism, and numbers are rising. As these kids turn 21, all of the supports and services they have been receiving under the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will no longer be available to them.
Kate Niehoff, Program & Outreach Coordinator, Schaumburg Township District Library (STDL), and Targeting Autism Forum participant, will be part of a dynamic panel discussion focusing on a series of programs at STDL targeted on its adult patrons with ASD.
Representatives from STDL’s community partners, including the local school district, community college, autism resource center, and an involved parent of an adult son with autism will talk about the specific needs of the ASD community and how public libraries across the state can help fill some of the current gaps in service.
This event will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM (CST), Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 South Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL.
targetingautismlibs.com 
October 21, 2015 at 10:20 am
My thanks to Kate Niehoff and STDL for addressing library service to patrons on the autism spectrum. I appreciate the attention paid by STDL to a frequently-overlooked population.
As a library professional who is on the autism spectrum, I wish to offer two points for consideration. First, I noted among stakeholders participating in the panel discussion, there’s no identification of an autistic self-advocate. While the people you cite can provide valuable insights, those people who are actually on the spectrum are too-frequently frequently left out of discussions.
I recommend an essay by John Elder Robison in which he explains, “Parents, family members, guardians, and professionals have a place at the table, but let’s recognize that it’s the autistic people’s table, and parents, friends and helpers are the guests, counselors, and advisers, not the leaders.” (Direct link at http://jerobison.blogspot.com/2014/07/autism-whose-table-is-it-who-gets-seat.html)
My second point addresses the headline’s reference to “high-functioning” autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Be aware that use of “functioning” labels is controversial in the autism community.
I recommend reading Bec Oakley’s essay at SnaggleBox.com, “The Problem With Functioning Labels,” to understand the issues for concern. (Direct link at http://www.snagglebox.com/article/autism-functioning)
Thank you for considering my opinion as you move forward with this discussion and as you continue to develop programs and services for patrons with ASDs.
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February 26, 2016 at 10:02 am
I would just like to say I agree with what Cynthia Parkhill is saying. Adults on the autism spectrum are the first experts who should be considered (rather than an afterthought) when deciding who should be at the table when autism issues are discussed.
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