Autism in April at public libraries: Shifting from awareness to acceptance

Public libraries in the United States provide programs and services for their communities, including those focused on timely events, holidays, and public awareness campaigns. Formerly known as Autism Awareness Month, April is now recognized as Autism Acceptance Month and has been highlighted through presidential proclamations and campaigns from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This paper explores what services public libraries in the US are providing about autism in the month of April, and what language they use to describe it. Results indicate that while few public libraries hold special events to celebrate autism in April, those that do share potentially valuable information about autism with parents, caregivers, educators, and members of the community at large. Some also provide important opportunities for autistic patrons to gather. However, many event descriptions use language that is not in alignment with autistic individuals’ preferences, and opportunities for autistic patrons of all ages are limited. Results from this study highlight gaps in public library programing, with implications for providing better services around Autism Acceptance Month.