8 Ways Qatar National Library Advances Autism Support and Awareness

Raising a child with autism is a challenging task but with the proper guidance and support, parents can empower their children and bolster their social and communication skills.

As a leading learning center, Qatar National Library places a high priority on fostering an inclusive educational environment in Qatar, where one in every 87 children is diagnosed with autism. Since it opened, the Library?has organized many events to raise awareness about the condition and has designed its facilities to provide parents with the necessary knowledge and tools to boost their children’s cognitive and social development.

1.??? Sensory Room

The Sensory Room is a key addition to the Library, specifically designed to help individuals with learning difficulties, developmental disabilities, or sensory impairments engage their senses in a safe environment that inspires confidence.?The room combines a range of stimuli, including sensory devices and toys to create stunning visual effects that engage children.

2.??? Autism Book Collection

At the heart of QNL's educational resources is its collection of autism books, offering insights into the condition's intricacies and serving as a guide for practical treatment strategies.

Featuring works authored by or about notable individuals with autism, the collection not only provides a wealth of information on the condition but also inspires success, highlighting the achievements of those who have thrived within the autism community.

The Library has also developed enabling kits to make books and sensory materials easily accessible and entertaining for children to read.

3.??? Online Resources?

In addition to its physical book collection, the Library provides access to a wide range of ebooks and online resources to support people with autism and their caregivers.

4.??? Assistive Technology Center

The Library’s?Assistive Technology Center offers training programs and demonstrations of assistive technology for individuals with autism and special needs, and organizations working with them.

5.??? Empowering Parents of Children with Autism

Qatar National Library has collaborated with the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, Al Hidaya government school, Awsaj Academy, the Child Development Center at Rumaila Hospital and Qatar Foundation Learning Center to offer a series of lectures aimed at supporting parents of children with autism. The lectures, held over the course of three years, covered a wide range of topics, including tips on sensory integration at home, utilizing visuals for communication, understanding autism and developmental delays, and exploring occupational support for children with autism.

6.??? Autism Awareness and Guidance Events

The Library provides a safe space for people with autism and their caregivers, hosting events that raise awareness about the condition and cater for the community’s needs. These include workshops and programs ranging from effective sensory integration at home to the art of storytelling for children with learning difficulties.

Among the topics covered in these events are "World Autism Day: Opportunities for Social Inclusion in Libraries," "How to Spread Awareness About Autism?", "Assistive Technology Apps for Non-Verbal Children with Autism," "Visual Aids for Children with Autism," and "Accessible Apps for Parents of Children with Autism”.?

7.??? Volunteering Programs

The Library collaborated with Awsaj Academy and the CDC Center for Special Needs to offer school students the opportunity to give back to the community and gain hands-on experience as part of its volunteering and social responsibility programs.

8.??? Staff Training

The Library has teamed up with Renad Academy, Qatar Foundation’s autism school, to train library staff and secure certification as an autism-friendly environment. Under the partnership, the Library organized a social program where students from Renad Academy engaged in sensory activities during weekly visits to the Sensory Room over the course of two academic years.