Library offers safe place for autistic children

Published 6:45 am Sunday, March 4, 2018

Tucked away in a cool, soothing room in the north wing of the Athens-Limestone Public Library, the director of youth services, Amanda Coleman reads aloud from “All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism.”

Meanwhile, 8-year-old Alaric Wolfe sits in his mother’s lap, seemingly lost in his iPad.

Coleman continues to tell the story of a zebra who has many stripes, including an autism stripe. She reads each page in measured tones, pausing to hold the vibrantly colored book open, hoping to catch Alaric’s attention, even if for a moment.

The Wolfe family and another child, 12-year-old Bethany Ables, are taking part in Sensory Storytime, one of the only activities in this area designed specifically for autistic children.

Bethany’s mother explained that most of the time, they have to travel to Huntsville to find activities appropriate for her daughter.

Having something close to home has given Bethany a safe place where she feels like she fits in.

Rifling through her sensory box, Coleman pulled out an envelope filled with felt animal figures. Alaric glances up as she begins to tell the story of the five swaying monkeys and their unfortunate encounter with a hungry alligator.

Alaric fidgets in his bean bag, repeating a phrase over and over, while his sister, Alice, sits next to him, patting him on the arm. Alice, a third-grader at Athens Elementary, does not have autism. Alaric also attends AES, where he has regular access to their sensory room.

“The best thing about sensory story hour (at the library) is that it allows families to come together and it’s okay if he starts scripting (repeating phrases) or has a meltdown,” Wolfe said. “That might disturb other patrons, but this is a safe place.”

Coleman moves on to the next activity, the “Popcorn Song” — a favorite of librarians.

Passing out colorful scarves to everyone in the room, she begins to sing the “Popcorn Song,” using the scarves to mimic the lyrics. Alaric brightens up, joining in with the motions.

“Most of the time, it seems like he’s not paying attention, but he is,” Wolfe said.

She tells how Alaric will pass out paper towels to family members when he wants to sing the popcorn song at home.

“When I heard that Alaric was doing that at home, it made my heart melt,” Coleman said. “It confirms to me that even though my friends in sensory-room storytime may be talking or singing while I’m reading I know that, on the inside, they are listening and learning.”

Coleman, who has a background in early childhood education, said a grant from the Library Services and Technology Act helped the library convert sensory-room storytime from a summer program to a monthly one. Using money from the grant, Coleman purchased puppets, books, bean bags and sensory toys that help keep fidgeting hands busy during the hour-long program.

Aware of research that suggests brightly colored walls, clutter and noisy toys can overwhelm children on the autism spectrum, Coleman commandeers the library’s community room on the first Thursday of every month for sensory story time. Neutral walls, dimmed lighting and a sparse setting all make for a distraction-free zone conducive to learning.

“My personal goal is to give all children a love for learning and reading,” Coleman said. “Sensory- room storytime helps me reach a group of children who would not feel comfortable in regular storytime.”

The free, autism-friendly program takes place from 4–5 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at 603 S. Jefferson St. For more information, contact Coleman at 256-232-1233. The library offers a collection of additional resources on the spectrum of disorders for individuals, families and physicians.