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4138 Drawing a Blank: Improving Reading Comprehension [ASHA Session]

Thursday, July 23, 2009: 3:15 PM-4:30 PM

Broadway Ballroom B (Pheasant Run Resort and Conference Center)

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The core features of autism may also impact reading comprehension, affecting learning at every level. Few intervention strategies are tailor-made especially for readers with autism spectrum disorders who are good decoders with poor understanding, but intervention in this area is a key to progress, particularly from about 4th grade on. This session will demonstrate how the features of ASD affect literacy and comprehension and offer specific, practical strategies to improve reading comprehension for those with ASD. The most effective interventions for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder will be tailored to their strengths while addressing their needs. The unique profile of needs in reading seen in readers with ASD is closely linked to the core features of the disorder. An indepth exploration of the language and literacy link will help parents and professionals have an informed approach to the student's reading difficulties.
Many strategies that are effective for students with learning disabilities are not productive for students with ASD. In reading comprehension, for example, activation of prior knowledge backfired, but anaphoric cuing (attaching pronouns to the antecedent nouns while reading) was effective. Educational professionals and parents need to know that many recommended educational techniques have not included students with AS in the research. Research-based best practices will be highlighted based on the limited research findings available.

The presentation will highlight specific skills that need to be taught explicitly. Promising strategies for intervention are described in detail. Ideas to expand language and literacy include vocabulary development, captions, highlighting, and personalizing. Finally, a litmus test to guide educational professionals and parents in selecting strategies will be offered.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the link between the features of autism spectrum disorders and problems in reading comprehension
Learn which researched-based interventions may improve comprehension
Identify and use promising practices to improve comprehension

Content Area: Education

Presenter:

Emily D. Iland, M.A.
Author, Advocate, Consultant, Past president, ASLA

Emily Iland, M.A., is an award-winning author, advocate, researcher and leader in the autism field, and the mother of a young man with ASD. Emily is the past president of the Autism Society of Los Angeles and is an adjunct professor of Special Education at California State University, Northridge.

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