Autism library offers more than just books
Matthew Clark finishes a bumpy ride down a new toy at the Mosaic Learning Centre’s lending library. The library rents special toys, equipment and books to families who have children with autism.
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Updated: August 26, 2009 4:52 PM
For children living with autism, toys are not just toys.
For most kids, a ball is just a plaything. But for an autistic child, a ball can mean coping with an inability to sit still or a distraction from sensory overload.
While a ball might not be hard to come by, other equipment for children with autism can be expensive, said Laurel Duruisseau, co-director of the Victoria Society for Children with Autism.
The society recently opened its lending library, which allows parents of autistic children to borrow specialized toys and equipment, at the Mosaic Learning Centre.
“Kids are very individualized so you don’t know what’s going to work until you try it and those things cost in the hundreds (of dollars) to buy,” said Duruisseau.
The collection includes tandem bikes, weighted jackets and blankets, books, communication devices and sensory equipment. Parents and children will be on hand at the opening to demonstrate how to use the equipment.
The volunteer-run society received $30,000 from Ronald McDonald House Charities to open the library.
The Mosaic Learning Centre is located at 500 Admirals Rd. For more information, call Duruisseau at 250-818-4662.
ecardone@vicnews.com
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