In this volume, a diverse team of authors engage the essential intersections of museum and arts education, accessibility, special education therapy in public schools, and the field of school psychiatry. The book exemplifies a robust, user-centered grounding that ensures consideration of research and expertise about neurodiverse audiences, outreach and terminology, and those providers of complementary learning and social supports. The content illustrates how these key resources are realistically woven into planning and development, communications, staff and volunteer training, and operations and assessment of informal arts programming for neurodiverse audiences. While one might think that the geographic focus might limit the applicability of this rich case study, the text's depth of content, clear writing, scalable approaches, and lessons-learned offer an excellent resource for the public, students, graduate programs, researchers, funders, public schools, and service providers. This book elevates the role of cultural institutions in serving and welcoming neurodiverse audiences. While the content includes an emphasis on those audiences with autistic diagnoses, it is also encompasses audiences with other neurodiverse tendencies. Finally, the authors highlight the unique assets and limitations that are important for managers as they plan for and invest in such programming. Recommended. All readership levels.

Choice Reviews

Success on the Spectrum is full of wisdom, experience, and heart. By showing and telling, the authors embody the DIY spirit, passion, and scrappiness they encourage others to cultivate when creating experiences for neurodiverse publics. This book will inspire you to 'start your own band,' one that champions the idea that what is good for some benefits all.

Laura Evans, PhD; Distinguished Teaching Professor; Director of Art Museum Education Certificate; University of North Texas