Creating an inclusive, sensory-friendly space is essential for supporting neurodivergent children. Photos: 123rf
Children often seem like they are always moving at top speed, but a relatively new programme at Jacksonville Public Library in Jacksonville, Florida, the United States recognises that some kids do better when the world around them slows down a bit.
“Everything included in our regular storytime is still there,” youth services librarian Courtney Langdon said of the library’s Sensory-Sensitive Storytime (SSS).
“We’re really just slowing the pace down to allow children to process their thoughts and emotions.”
SSS began in the fall as a once-a-month programme geared toward children who are neurodivergent or otherwise have sensory processing challenges.
“Neurodivergent” is a term that describes people whose brain works differently. That can lead to both strengths and challenges, according to the Cleveland Clinic website. They may be on the autism spectrum or have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
They also might have a better memory or be more capable of solving complex puzzles. Either way, they can be more sensitive to such things as crowds, noise, and surprises.
Headphones and cozy corners create a comfortable space for neurodivergent children.
“It’s become a common type of programme,” Langdon said of sensory-friendly events.
“We’ve noticed there were some families coming to the library who might enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. We wanted to make sure we had a storytime programme that was accessible to all the kids in the community, including neurodivergent children.”
Slowing things down means just that. As Langdon reads a story, she frequently stops to ask a question. While she allows a long moment for children to respond during the regular storytime, she typically allows an extra 10 to 15 seconds for the kids to gather their thoughts and respond during the SSS, she said.
“There’s a lot more space and time when we’re asking questions like that,” she said.
A white board also is used to create a visual schedule of storytime activities. It features both a picture of the activities on the schedule and printed words.
“It includes any books we might read, songs we might sing, scarves for movement, egg shakers,” Langdon said.
“If we want to play with Play-Doh. The children always know what’s coming ahead. Then we remove those activities (from the schedule) as we complete them.”
If a child still gets overwhelmed, a corner of the library meeting room – where storytimes are held – has additional assistance.
“We set out noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses and several different types of fidget toys,” Langdon said. “They’re in a little corner in the back of the room with some cosy blankets. If a child feels overwhelmed but still wants to participate, they can go hang out in the cosy corner.”
The story choices also may focus a bit more on social and emotional learning.
“It’s as important to acknowledge as reading and maths,” Langdon said, adding that it can help them understand that “all their emotions are welcome” and emotions can be “hard to understand, no matter who you are”.
The programme has had a bit of a slow start. After a few meetings in autumn, the December and January programmes were cancelled because of the holidays and because of repair work going on in that area of the library, Langdon said.
Still, those who have attended seem to enjoy it, she said.
“I do think they like it, from their verbal feedback,” she said. “There are a few families who haven’t been able to attend but repeatedly convey their interest, and I do think those who have been able to attend have benefited from it.”
SSS officially is geared towards children ages three to seven, though it’s open to children both older and younger, Langdon said. It’s hard to cater to a wide range of ages because of reading levels and learning levels,” she said.
“Those are the ages the stories and songs are going to be geared towards. (But) anyone’s welcome at any age.”
The goal, ultimately, is to be welcoming and to have fun, Langdon said.
“Honestly, it’s not fun when you’re expected to sit and be quiet an d can’t express your feelings about a story,” she said.
“Whatever way you want to be present, if you feel you’re enjoying it and want to be part of it, as long as you’re being respectful, that’s all we ask.” – Jacksonville Journal-Courier/Tribune News Service
