PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KGUN) — The CDC says a snapshot study by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program revealed 1-in-40, or 2.5%, of 8-year-old boys in one area of Arizona had ASD, or autism spectrum disorder.
Members of the Friends of the Kirk-Bear Canyon Public Library, Hughes Federal Credit Union, the Autism Society of Southern Arizona and librarians unveil a new sensory program geared to the needs of neurodiverse and autistic children.
“It can be really isolating just because not every place is accommodating or accepting. It just provides an outlet and a space that’s welcoming and understanding," said Kate Elliott, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Southern Arizona.
This is the first of its kind program within the Pima County Public Library system.
The library’s new sensory program is for infants and children up to five-years-old and has stations like a balance beam, sand and water table, play-doh and lots of other experiences to really exercise brain development.
Kirk-Bear Canyon Public Library has received more than $117,000 from Hughes Federal Credit Union since 2018 to help get programs like this get up and running.
The sensory program is only once a month with limited capacity. To sign up visit their website.
Editorial note: This story was modified to reflect the correct spelling and title for Kate Elliott.
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Brooke Chau is a reporter for KGUN 9. She was a part of Fresno State's newscast, Fresno State Focus and interned at KFSN-ABC30 in Fresno, CA before coming to KGUN 9. Share your story ideas and important issues with Brooke by emailing brooke.chau@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
