Case Study: Offering an Academic Library Internship Opportunity for an Individual on the Autism Spectrum

[**2021 Russian State Library for Young Adults World Autism Awareness Day Seminar**]([https://rgub.ru/autism/en.php]) *Presentation Category: Special Cases in Working with Student Employees with ASD in an Academic Library Setting* This presentation will provide a real-world case study of one academic library’s experience in collaborating with a local social services organization to co-create an equitable and inclusive paid internship opportunity for a career-seeking teenager on the autism spectrum. University of Notre Dame Hesburgh Libraries team members worked with Job Development Specialists from the LOGAN Center’s Autism Services team to provide a paid internship for a recent high school graduate during the 2018-2019 academic year. The social service organization’s initial request sought a volunteer position in continuation of past stack management experiences; however, the academic library digital scholarship center was able to offer a paid internship opportunity in which work assignments were tailored to the individual’s unique interests and talents. The presenters will share the context and development of the internship, lessons learned, and reflections on supporting neurodiversity in academic libraries.