Sensory Friendly Libraries: Creating an Environment for All Families. By Colleen Spano, M.S.Ed Sunshine Behavior Services, LLC

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1 Sensory Friendly Libraries: Creating an Environment for All Families By Colleen Spano, M.S.Ed Sunshine Behavior Services, LLC

2 Agenda Introductions Overview of Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder Creating a sensory friendly environment Creating a sensory sensitive story time Preparing for challenges Resources Contact information

3 What is autism? Neurological Disorder (not a mental health issue) Lifelong Disorder (not simply childhood) No known cause or cure Has to have these components: A. Deficits in Social Communication and Social Interaction B. Restricted repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities

4 What is autism? B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities as manifested by at least two of the following: 1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech 2. Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior 3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus 4. Hyper or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment

5 What is autism? B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities as manifested by at least two of the following: 1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech 2. Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior 3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus 4. Hyper or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment

6 What is Sensory Processing? * Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, 2014 Sensory Processing is a term that refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses.

7 What is Sensory Processing Disorder? Occurs when a person s brain does not organize sensory signals and he or she is unable to respond appropriately

8 Your Environment Neutral shared spaces Areas of interest

9 The Visual Environment Minimize clutter Utilize natural light and materials whenever possible Neutral paint and decorating colors Keep patterns and design to a minimum Allow room for children to make the space their own

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11 Your Auditory Environment Offer quiet spaces Confine loud activity areas Consider the intensity of sound and rhythm in the music you choose Be aware of background noise Utilize soft objects to absorb noise

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13 Your Olfactory Environment Often combines smell and taste Be aware of odors Consider using an ionizer or purifier

14 Your Tactile Environment Includes pressure, temperature, pain, and proprioceptive Opt for comfort over style Offer a variety of textures throughout your space Keep a consistent temperature Offer a variety of weights throughout your environment

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16 Your Vestibular Environment Provide stability in surfaces and furniture Provide safe active space

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18 Preparing for a Diverse Clientele Picture/ Visual Schedules Fidget bins Allow for plenty of personal space Allow repetitive movements (stimming) Use clear language

19 Visual Schedule

20 Fidgets

21 Designating Space

22 Example Sensory Story Time Room separate from main library area If no windows use table/floor lamps or at least lower overhead lights Have a picture schedule prepared Have a fidget box available Play music at a lower volume Allow for various levels of participation Do not take responses or behavior personally!!!

23 When a Challenging Behavior Occurs Offer quiet space for families to go during meltdowns Gently guide families to quiet space AS SOON AS behavior has de-escalated invite them back into story time

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25 Resources

26 Resources Yack, Ellen, Aquilla, Paula, Sutton, Shirley. Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration: Therapy for Children with Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Sensory Resources; Las Vegas, NV; Kranowitz, Carol. The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorders. Skylight Press; New York, NY; O Toole, Jennifer Cook. The Asperkid s Launchpad: Home Design to Empower Everyday Superheroes. Jessica Kingsley Publishers; Philadelphia, PA; 2013

27 Contact Information Colleen Spano, M.S.Ed Founder and CEO Sunshine Behavior Services, LLC Mishawaka, IN