The Airdrie Public Library has developed a unique six-week program that is designed for children with autism and other developmental differences and their caregivers.

Sensory Storytime was developed when the library saw a need for it, according to Children's and Youth Services Manager Lindsey Skeen.  

"Our programs at the library are designed for, what is referred to as a neuro-typical child for the most part.  Children who are able to sit, to engage, and that's not the easiest thing for children who are on the spectrum (autism spectrum) or have other developmental differences.  We wanted to create a program that addressed those differences in programming style."

Part of the differences in Sensory Storytime is having a regular routine says Skeen.  "We have little cards that we put up that shows this is the welcome song, and this is now the sitting and listening to the storytime, and this is the time that we try out a sensory item, so they get the same routine with every program and they can anticipate what's coming."

The program uses many sensory items that children with autism find easier to deal with such as soft lighting instead of harsh, fluorescent lighting, soothing music and bins containing other sensory stimuli.

Skeen says another reason the program was developed was so families dealing with autism and other developmental difficulties wouldn't feel so isolated and alone.

"We wanted to be sure that they felt the library was a place for them.  We are open to everybody but children on the spectrum often have very special needs that go along with visiting a public place and we wanted to make sure we were addressing that."

The third, six-week program the library has held starts tomorrow (January 8).  Skeen says they've had positive feedback from caregivers on the previous two.

"Caregivers at various Rocky View schools who have discovered the program and have come with their classes for six weeks, they have had fabulous things to say.  One caregiver said that their child they look after in the curse of a day typically doesn't engage in the story, they go somewhere else or don't participate, but they've seen an improvement over the six week period where that child has really started to focus in and participate in what's going on.  We've also had great comments about how the atmosphere's so relaxed and enjoyable that the kids that have been participating have been making connections with each other which hasn't been happening in the classrooms so much."

Skeen says there are some spots still available in the Sensory Storytime program that begins tomorrow.  To register go to the Airdrie Public Library website. 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com