scholarly journals Welcoming autistic students to academic libraries through innovative space utilization

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-100
Author(s):  
Kerry Walton ◽  
Rachel McMullin

“If the library can serve as a safe and welcoming place for these students, it will help contribute to their ultimate college success.” (Anderson, 2018). Certain characteristics of autism spectrum disorder can make it challenging for autistic college students to make use of academic libraries. High levels of sensory stimulation and the need to understand and comply with neurotypical social norms can make library spaces feel unwelcoming and difficult to use. West Chester University Libraries decided to develop a dedicated space for our growing cohort of autistic students to study. This article will discuss the reasons why autistic students may find academic libraries challenging as well as the considerations and process of developing a separate space for autistic students within a library.

Author(s):  
И.А. Конева ◽  
Н.В. Карпушкина ◽  
А.Н. Щербакова

В статье рассматривается актуальная проблема психологического сопровождения дошкольников с расстройствами аутистического спектра (РАС), в частности психокоррекция их игровой деятельности. Проведенное авторами психологическое исследование позволило констатировать, что основными особенностями игры дошкольников с РАС являются преобладание в ней предметно-манипулятивной деятельности, выраженный сенсорный раздражитель как основной мотив для игры; трудности в использовании предметов-заместителей, свойств игрушек, использование их не по назначению, стереотипность игровых действий. Сделанные выводы позволили разработать коррекционно-развивающую программу, направленную на развитие процессуальной игры дошкольников с РАС с целью формирования предпосылок развития у них навыков сюжетно-ролевой игры и оптимизации их общего психического развития. В статье раскрыты принципы такой коррекционно-развивающей работы; подробно описана структура коррекционно-развивающей программы, направленной на формирование процессуальной игры дошкольников с РАС, которая является базовой для развития игровой деятельности более высокого уровня, методика ее проведения и сформулированы психологические рекомендации по организации и содержанию коррекции игровой деятельности детей с РАС. После реализации программы и формирования у рассматриваемой категории детей навыков процессуальной игры возможен переход к разработке и реализации коррекционно-развивающих программ, направленных на формирование навыков игры с элементами сюжета, а в последующем — сюжетно-ролевой игры, что определяет перспективы дальнейшей работы и научных исследований. The article treats psychological support of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder and focuses on psycho-corrective play activities. The psychological research enables the authors to state that preschool children with autism spectrum disorder prefer play activities which allow manipulation of objects, demonstrate stereotypical behaviors, experience difficulties with substituting play objects, engage in playing activities when experiencing sensory stimulation. The outcomes of the research enable the authors to develop a correctional program aimed at the development of play activities in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder in order to prepare them for role-play activities and enhance their psychological development. The article describes the principles and the structure of correctional activities aimed at the development of play activities in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder in order to prepare them for more complicated role-play activities. The article provides a structure program for teaching children with autism spectrum disorder to play and underlines the correctional potential of play activities. When the program is implemented and autistic preschoolers know how to play, they can be taught to role-play, which can be treated as an issue requiring further research.


Autism ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 574-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L Accardo ◽  
S Jay Kuder ◽  
John Woodruff

This 2-year study investigated the accommodations and support services preferred by college students with autism spectrum disorder using sequential mixed methods non-experimental survey and semi-structured follow-up interviews. Students with autism spectrum disorder reported using both academic and non-academic supports with frequency (e.g. extended time on exams, transition program), using academic supports in line with other disability populations, and using non-academic supports connecting them one-to-one with a faculty member or coach as preferred (e.g. academic coach, counselor, faculty mentor). Findings suggest a need for university disability service centers, counseling services, and faculty to work together to develop systematic support systems for college students with autism spectrum disorder.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-61
Author(s):  
Teri A. Todd ◽  
Keely Ahrold ◽  
Danielle N. Jarvis ◽  
Melissa A. Mache

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically demonstrate deficits in gross motor skills such as the overhand throw. It has not been determined whether such deficits persist into adulthood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the kinematics and developmental level of overhand throws among young adults with and without ASD. Three-dimensional motion-capture data were collected during overhand throwing trials performed by 20 college students (10 students with ASD). Individuals with ASD demonstrated similar throw duration, stride length, and step width but a longer acceleration phase and slower ball velocity than individuals without ASD. Young adults with ASD also performed the overhand throw with less developmental proficiency than those without ASD. Specifically, individuals with ASD exhibited developmental deficits in the backswing and composite throwing score. Motor skill interventions for individuals with ASD should address throwing skills, with a particular focus on the preparatory phase of the overhand throw.


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