Sunday, February 2, 2014

How To Pick The Best Books For Autistic Children

By Serena Price


Parents of children with autism often feel frustrated with their inability to communicate with their child. Fortunately, there is a growing number of learning aids and tools that are helping bridge this gap. Books for autistic children are one such example. Although there is a wide selection of products to choose not all storybooks are created equal.

An autistic child develops differently from that of the average school aged kid. He or she may need to work on areas such as communication abilities or social skills. For this reason, when selecting books it is crucial to go by developmental stages instead of physical age. Choose volumes that focus on their current learning level to eliminate frustration.

Every child has a topic or area of interest that drives him or her wild. When the subject arises their interest is piqued. Selecting books that complement favorite themes helps kids maintain their focus during a reading session. It becomes entertaining for both the caregiver and the child. Adding other elements such as music, textured items, flashcards, and song can augment the experience.

Heightened sensitivity to external stimuli is a common trait in autism. Something as simple as a barking dog, strong odor, or group of loud relatives can make a child feel distressed. For this reason there is a growing amount of authors who are creating books that utilize all five senses. Pop ups, scratch and sniff, music, and hardbacks with tactile pages are wonderful options that will assist with sensory development.

Soothing sounds and comforting movements such as vibrations may be added to a reading session. Doing so will create a relaxing atmosphere which allows the child to retain more information from the lesson. Observing what the individual responds to will eliminate distractions that may interrupt focus or create anxiety.

The internet is a beneficial tool to incorporate when searching for appropriate books. Parents and teachers will post opinions and reviews that can help pinpoint literature for each childs needs. It helps to have a list on hand of current interests, favorite colors, routines, or other habits that child has. This quick reference guide will make the selection process more effective.

Each child has his or her own unique learning style. This is important to keep in mind when choosing a storybook. Auditory learners may be overwhelmed by bold, vibrant colors while visual learners will lose focus if the volume does not capture their attention. For a successful reading session it is crucial to match the childs learning style to the book.

Technology has created another learning resource for autistic individuals. Interactive computer games in the form of a storybook are growing in popularity with parents and caregivers as this resource combines reading with games that incorporate four of the five senses, encourage language development, and promote social skills.

By keeping these simple tips in mind parents and caregivers will find that choosing books for autistic children is not as daunting as once thought. The internet is an excellent research tool that when combined with reviews can help pinpoint beneficial volumes for the child. Many will find storybooks to be a rewarding learning tool that assists in strengthening social skills, overcoming language barriers, and improving life skills.




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