Drawing a Blank: Improving Comprehension for Readers on the Autism Spectrum

by Emily Lland, AAPC Publishing (Editor)

Students with autism should not have struggle with reading comprehension! Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder may be fluent word callers; indeed, many have advanced ability to recognize words. However, many people with autism spectrum disorder need support when it comes to reading comprehension. Comprehension difficulties in readers with ASD can be subtle and difficult to tease out. As a result, their substantial level of risk for reading comprehension problems is often overlooked or unaddressed, and many students struggle in silence. This is where Drawing a Improving Comprehension for Readers on the Autism Spectrum is helpful. This practical and well-researched resource provides educational professionals and parents with the tools needed to improve comprehension for good decoders who have reading comprehension difficulties, as well as readers who struggle with both decoding and comprehension. In keeping with current standards, the book emphasizes the importance of using evidence-based and promising practices, based on thorough assessment of students with autism spectrum. This resource helps those with autism spectrum disorder learn how they can become better and more effective readers. Foreword by Brenda Smith Myles, PhD.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Professional Development

266 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2011

Reviews

[Lisa Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explained my son's reading comprehension trouble perfectly and provided lots of helpful strategies that I'm looking forward to trying out. Highly recommended for parents and teachers.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had this book when I was homeschooling! Chapters 4, 5 and 6 contain teaching ideas and strategies. There is an emphasis on researched based strategies and a pointed request for more research in this area. Since I gave it 5 stars, you can tell that I won't throw the baby out with the bath water but here a some caveats: 1) Person-first language 2) Discussion of Theory of Mind (I'll leave it there...) 3) A white boy with a sad expression on the cover (stereotype...) If you want to help an Autistic student with reading comprehension though, I suggest getting past those points to the meat of the book. Now it's time to try some of these ideas and see where they take us!

[Katie Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! I learned several new strategies I can use when I work with my students who have Autism/Asperger’s and other disabilities as a Speech Language Pathologist and received a refresher on some strategies I already knew. I recommend it to all educators, parents of all children as several strategies can be beneficial for all, students, and Speech Language Pathologists.