Drawing a Blank

Book excerpt: 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 Blank: 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.