1. My Visit to the Library A social narrative prepared by Kathy Doody, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Exceptional Education at SUNY – Buffalo State and Jana Mertz, MBA, Program Coordinator, The Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Spectrum Disorder Center at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo in collaboration with the Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries. Adapted by Kathryn Galvin.

2. This is a Library.

3. Libraries have books,

4. music

5. and videos!

6. I can look at books at the library or bring them home.

7. Here are the librarians. Librarians can help me find books.

8. This is a circulation desk. I may ask questions or check out books at the circulation desk.

9. The library has rules. Friends are happy if I follow the rules.

10. I will try to use my quiet voice.

11. I will try to use my calm body.

12. I will try to use my walking feet.

13. I will try to use gentle hands with the books.

14. Friends at the library are happy when I follow the rules.

15. This is a library card.

16. I will use my card to check out books.

17. When I scan my card, the library knows which books I am borrowing.

18. When I borrow a book, I may bring it home to read.

19. I will try to use gentle hands with my books. People are happy when I use gentle hands with my books.

20. When I am done with my books, I will try to remember to return them to the library.

21. If the library is closed, I will put them in a return box.

22. It is fun to go to the library and read books!

23. ABOUT SOCIAL NARRATIVES This story was created to help children prepare for an upcoming visit to a library. It is part of the “Libraries for All” pilot program which is expanding library programming and making libraries more accessible for all people. A Powerpoint is available on the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s website for children who may find it easier to listen and watch than read. http://www.buffalolib.org. Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s http://www.buffalolib.org The program was developed as a collaboration among the Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries; the Exceptional Education Program at SUNY Buffalo State and The Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Spectrum Disorder Center at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo who have been working together to make the library experience more sensory-friendly and accessible to all children.Exceptional Education Program at SUNY Buffalo State The Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Spectrum Disorder Center at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 88 American children as on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 252 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States. For more information: http://www.autismspeaks.org.: http://www.autismspeaks.org Social Narratives – This story was modeled after Social Stories™ which were developed by Carol Gray in 1991. A Social Story™ describes a situation, skill, or concept in terms of relevant social cues, perspectives, and common responses in a specifically defined style and format. The goal of a Social Story™ is to share accurate social information in a patient and reassuring manner that is easily understood by its audience. Although the goal of a Story™ should never be to change the individual’s behavior, that individual’s improved understanding of events and expectations may lead to more effective responses. Although Social Stories™ were first developed for use with children with ASD, the approach has also been successful with children, adolescents, and adults with ASD and other social and communication delays and differences, as well as individuals developing normally. For more information: http://www.thegraycenter.org/social-stories/carol-grayhttp://www.thegraycenter.org/social-stories/carol-gray