Starting this month, High Point Public Library will host a monthly “Sensory Story Time” filled with crafts, songs, stories, and other activities “designed to better support neurodiverse patrons.” Offers.
The Active Library, which takes pride in the numerous services, programs and special events it offers to people in the High Point area, announced in a press release Tuesday, January 10.
In 2022, the High Point Library Children’s Division will become an accredited autism center to better reach out to all members of the community.
This accreditation, awarded by the International Accreditation and Continuing Education Standards Board, provides staff with a training and certification program aimed at “better understanding and welcoming of guests with autism or hyperesthesia and their families.” Awarded to completed organizations.
Sarah Narrow, librarian for children’s services at High Point Libraries, said it made sense to add a new storytime program this week. It was a natural flow for better interaction.
“This program is very important because our mission is to provide quality materials and programs to everyone in our community,” she said. “By becoming an accredited autism center, we can create understanding and acceptance for our neurodiverse patrons.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 44 children are found to have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
