Autism Speaks

Teaching Autistic Children Reading

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By Kate Miller-Wilson (click here to read full article)

Learning to read can be challenging for some children on the autism spectrum; however, the right teaching approach can make all the difference. If parents and teachers capitalize on the child's interests and learning strengths, it will be much easier to reach this important educational milestone.

Use That Special Interest

Special areas of intense interest, such as trains, timetables, math facts, or trading cards, can be a great source of joy for individuals on the autism spectrum. These special interests are also an excellent opportunity to capture a child's attention.
Try these ideas for capitalizing on that intense interest as you work on reading:

• For new readers, gather up several objects related to the area of interest. For each object, write the first letter of its name on a card and tape the card to the toy. Each time the child wants the object, ask him or her what letter it starts with. From there, move on to labeling the object with the entire word.
• Write a short, informational story about the child's special interest. Include a few facts the child may not already know, as well as many reassuringly familiar details. Work with the child to read this story.
• Choose books that focus on the child's interest. For instance, if the child loves weather, use books on storms or cloud types to work on reading.
• Reward progress with objects or information related to the special interest. For instance, once the child has learned ten sight words, he or she may pick a new trading card.

Regulate Sensory Input

The following ideas can help a child regulate his or her sensory system and focus on reading:

• Work on reading in a quiet, sensory-neutral space. Choose a dimly lit room with no posters or artwork on the walls. Sit on the floor together to work, and speak in a quiet voice.
• Try to identify whether the child is dealing with over-stimulation, under-stimulation, or a combination of both. An occupational therapist can suggest tools, such as weighted vests, vibrating pencil grips, chewies, and other products to help the child focus on learning.
• Many children learn better when they are moving. If it's available, try working with the child as he or she sits on a platform swing. Another great option is a rocking chair. The movement may help the child attend to the reading.
• Take frequent breaks to provide the sensory stimulation the child craves. For instance, work on reading for ten minutes and then have a five-minute sensory break. Although it may seem counter-intuitive to interrupt work time so often, you may find that the child makes much better progress this way.

Choose the Right Materials

Standard reading textbooks and curriculum may be great for typical learners, but children on the autism spectrum may not learn in the typical way.  If you're uncertain about where the child's strengths lie, you can try several different alternative learning products.
These companies specialize in learning materials for children with autism:

• Reading Mastery, a product of the textbook company McGraw-Hill, has a devoted following in the education profession.
• PCI Education offers reading materials for verbal and non-verbal students with autism.
• Special Reads is a program designed for children with Down's Syndrome, but the manufacturer says it is also very effective for children with autism.

Incorporate Technology

Many parents and special education teachers find that computer programs can also be effective in teaching reading to children with autism. A study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders also reported that children with autism also seemed to get more enjoyment out of computer-based instruction in reading.
Consider one of the following reading programs for the computer:

• Kidspiration is a visual learning game focused on developing vocabulary and reading comprehension.
• Click N' Read Phonics is a fun visual game that helps kids learn how the parts of words fit together.
• Computhera is specially designed to teach reading to children with autism.

Every Child Is Different

Because autism is a spectrum of disorders, every child with an autism diagnosis learns in a unique way. This means that what works for one child may not work for another. The most successful reading programs and educators work to capitalize on a child's individual strengths and overcome that child's personal challenges. Focus on the child's learning strengths, and try several methods for teaching reading to find the one that's right for your student.