Wednesday 29 January 2014

Quick Tips On Selecting Books For Autistic Children

By Serena Price


Books for autistic children are a phenomenal learning tool that may bridge the communication gap between them and their caregiver. Books can strengthen language development, assist with the understanding of social skills, and enhance a childs response to sensory output. While there is a large variety of literature to choose from, there are a few key points to keep in mind that will ensure the book selected meets the childs needs.

Resist picking volumes that have a recommended age range. Physical age and autism do not go hand in hand. Choosing something that exceeds the kids current developmental ability will lead to a sense of frustration and failure. Do focus on areas the child needs to work on, but make sure the book reflects his or her current developmental level.

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.

Autistic children exhibit a heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Loud noises, crowds, and even strange smells can be overwhelming. This can be countered with storybooks that incorporate the five senses. Look for ones that allow the child to explore his or her area of interest. Scratch and sniff, tactile pages, and pop ups are all good choices.

Autistic kids tend to respond well to soothing motions and gentle sounds. Take note of what puts the child at ease. When reading together utilizing these comforting elements will create a calm atmosphere that allows for the child and caregiver to develop a deeper bond.

Utilizing the internet allows parents, teachers, and caregivers to customize their search for learning material from the comfort of their own home. The web had many lists of books geared towards autistic kids. Reading reviews allows adults to find topics and categories children will respond to. During this search it is helpful to create a short list of interests, favorite colors or animals, habits, or attention grabbers to use as a reference guide.

Do not forget to take the childs learning style into account. Bright colors and shapes intrigue many autistic kids, however there are some who respond better to auditory learning, or respond to movement. Find out what works best and then select literature that parallels the kids learning style.

Virtual storybooks are gaining popularity with teachers, parents, and caregivers. Autistic individuals respond well to the combination of sound and imagery the software produces. These programs frequently utilize interactive games that assist with strengthening language development, social skills, and other lessons such as fine motor 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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