Monthly gatherings at a local library are reimagining what inclusion looks like for neurodivergent youth and their families. Since 2023, Empire State University’s Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES) has collaborated with the Saratoga Springs Public Library (SSPL) to host self-directed, activity-based events for children and teens to foster inclusion. Three years since the partnership’s inception, CAARES remains responsive to the interests and preferences of event attendees, making sure programming is relevant and facilitating community connections.

Assistant Director of CAARES Lauren Allen was at the library when she spotted a poster calling for community program ideas. “Libraries are hubs of access in communities—and who doesn’t love libraries?” says Allen. She shortly after connected with Children’s Librarian Kate Lambert, who facilitated the library’s contributions to the partnership. Recently, the collaboration has expanded to include programming for adults, and professional development for library staff is forthcoming, according to Allen.

The Neurodiversity Club, which Allen describes as “a monthly program that aims to bring together children and teens of all neurotypes,” was the initial launch of the partnership. In 2023, the Southern Adirondack Library System named it Program of the Year. Allen explains that CAARES set out “to create inclusive spaces that foster a sense of belonging, ensuring attendees can be their authentic selves.”

Authenticity and autonomy are pillars of the CAARES philosophy, and the foundation upon which they designed the programming now delivered at SSPL. “Attendees are able to self-direct what, how, and with whom they want to engage during the program,” explains Allen. Though CAARES is an autism and neurodiversity-focused center, the programming delivered in collaboration with the public library is inclusive of all neurotypes, echoing both the center’s and SUNY Empire’s deep commitment to universal design.

To ensure events are accessible, each one’s descriptive online blurb contains sensory information, a list of available supports, and what participation might look like, so attendees can know what to expect. Some of the accommodations provided include noise-cancelling headphones and fidgets. Blurbs clearly express that movement and stimming are welcome, and additionally, anyone can choose to observe rather than participate, join after the event has started, or leave the event early to make attendance feel as low-pressure as possible.

“We try to cultivate welcoming spaces by valuing all forms of communication, supporting sensory experiences, celebrating areas of interest and passion, and welcoming movement and stimming,” says Allen.

This collaboration has yielded outcomes like adopting inclusive program descriptions across all library programming—not just CAARES-sponsored events. “Although we love the opportunity to collaborate on specific programs, CAARES’ values strongly align with this initiative by ensuring that the inclusivity of all programs is enhanced,” Allen explains. She offers a preview of what is on the horizon: new adult-focused offerings and neurodivergent author talks are in the works and set to launch in the fall.  

Originally designed to create spaces that welcome all, the partnership has benefited individuals, families, and the Saratoga Springs community at large. “As a parent, I know how meaningful it is to know that my children are welcomed and wanted in a place, and that their perspectives and ways of being will be valued and celebrated,” shares Allen. The Neurodiversity Club has given attendees a window to form genuine connections and has sent the message “that in this community, neurodivergent people are welcomed and valued,” says Allen.

The next Neurodiversity Club event featuring bubble painting will be hosted at SSPL on Tuesday, May 12, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. To receive more information regarding upcoming CAARES events, sign up for the center’s monthly mailing list.

About Empire State University 

Founded in 1971 as the innovative campus of the State University of New York, Empire State University is New York's only online public university and empowers learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. We have decades of experience providing access to high-quality, affordable education through online teaching and learning, individualized instruction, mentoring, and credit for prior learning. We build on our students’ experiences to promote their growth and drive upward mobility and economic development in New York state and beyond. SUNY Empire's 100,000 alumni are teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their communities and their fields. For many of the 2.1 million New Yorkers who have some college credit, but no degree, we are New York's leading completion institution.