Pima County, Arizona (KGUN) — CDC snapshot research The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program found that 1 in 40, or 2.5%, of 8-year-old boys in the Arizona area has ASD. autism spectrum disorder.

Friends of the Kirk-Bear Canyon Public Library, Hughes Federal Credit Union, Southern Arizona Autism Society Librarians unveil new sensory programs tailored to the needs of neurodiverse and autistic children.

“It can be really isolating just because not all places accept or accept it. Kate Elliott, executive director of the Disability Society, said.

This is the first program of its kind within the Pima County Public Library System.

The library’s new sensory program is for toddlers and children up to age 5 and features stations such as balance beams, sand and basins, playground equipment, and a variety of experiences that really train brain development. .

Since 2018, Kirk-Bear Canyon Public Library has received over $117,000 from the Hughes Federal Credit Union to get such programs up and running.

The sensory program is only once a month and has a limited capacity. Our next session is Tuesday, January 17th at 10:30am and 11:15am. Sign up and visit their website.

Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected to reflect the correct spelling and title of Kate Elliott.