Autism friendly library

Abstract

The poster will present an educational program "Sensory readings" developed in Šiauliai county Povilas Višinskis Library, Lithuania from June 2018. Programme aims to reduce the social and cultural exclusion of children with language and communication difficulties and give them the opportunity to socialize. During these educational sessions, using sensory tools, games, various tasks, children are involved in story, enrich their vocabulary, learn to be with other children and promote their creativity. The essence of "Sensory readings" is to tell a story by using the senses (vision, hearing, touch, smell or taste) in way the child can understand it. Educations lead to special courses for those who have heard and specifically for this activity. Parents of children are involved. We hope that the information provided on the poster and the experience of our library will interest and encourage other libraries to undertake similar activities. In addition, "Sensory readings" can be an effective reading promoter not only for children with ASD but also for other minors of the library, as visualization of reading books and practical tasks encourages the interest of children and increases the motivation to read books.