ROSEBANK School in Barnton is to unveil a much-needed Autism Hub and Library on Wednesday, Novermber 25.

The Autism Library is aimed at parents and professionals involved with children and adults on the autistic spectrum, and will be housed at The Bungalow in the school grounds.

It is being opened by the Cheshire West and Chester branch of the National Autistic Society.

The library will boast books, DVDs, CDs, visual aids, sensory toys and other useful tools to support anyone caring for someone with autism, Asperger’s or other learning or sensory difficulty.

For several years the Autism Team and the Cheshire West and Chester branch of the National Autistic Society has amassed a collection of books, and The Autism Service has donated the library for use by the branch.

The collection will grow from grants in place to buy more books and resources over the coming months.

They cover subjects from social skills to emotional understanding, employment and support services to children’s mental health, language development and parental/sibling support.

Magazines, journals, DVDs and CDs are also available to browse on site or take home.

The library will be run by Karen McGuiness from Winsford and Amanda Newall from Chester.

Karen, who is studying Autism (Children) at Birmingham University, said: “We want the resource to evolve into a centre for autism support and learning in Cheshire.

“We want to increase understanding of how people with autism view the world differently, and would like to offer seminars to help support parents and professionals alike.”

The library offers the facility to borrow or try out on site. This includes sensory toys, weighted clothing, visual aids, ear defenders and timing tools, and many more in the future.

Karen said this would prove invaluable for families with children or adults on the spectrum or with related conditions, to help them find items that will provide support in everyday life without having to spend a large amount from the outset.

The library will be staffed by volunteers and will open every Wednesday from 10am to 6pm, and is available by appointment on other days of the working week.

For details email autismlibrary@rosebank.cheshire.sch.uk or contact The National Autistic Society Cheshire West branch at cheshirewest@nas.org.uk.