Rachel M. McMullin and Kerry R. Walton. Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Guide for Academic Libraries. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2019. 144p. Paper, $52.00 (ISBN 978-1-4408-6396-7). LC 2018-59561.

Abstract

Academic librarians may have noticed an increasing number of students with autism or ASD (autism spectrum disorder) on their campuses in recent years. In fact, the rate of diagnosis of ASD in the U.S. population grew from 1 in 150 in the year 2000 to 1 in 88 in 2008 (see “Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Centers for Disease Control web page: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html), and many of those persons with autism who were diagnosed in 2008 are now of college age. Academic libraries serve diverse student populations, and students with neurodiversity (a classification term that includes students with autism) represent a group that could benefit from an intentional approach to support. While a sizable literature related to autism and ASD exists, including some research concerning academic libraries, authors Rachel M. McMullin and Kerry R. Walton identified a need for academic librarians to have access to practical information and advice for supporting students with autism.