Introduction

Procedures

Conclusion/FurtherImplications

Leah Craft, Holly Forst, Rebecca Schulz, Dr. Kristine Retherford, Ph.D. CCC-SLP Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders University of Wisconsin-

Eau Claire

Leah Craft, Holly Forst, Rebecca Schulz, Dr. Kristine Retherford, Ph.D. CCC-SLP Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders University of Wisconsin-

Eau Claire

1 in 100 children are diagnosed with autism and the incidence continues to rise (Randi, Newman & Grigorenko, 2010). Children with autism generally demonstrate well-developed word recognition skills; however, their reading comprehension may be substantially impaired (Nation, Clarke, Wright, and Williams, 2006).The use of specific reading strategies and technology has been shown to facilitate literacy comprehension in children with autism (Williams, Wright, Callaghan, and Coughlan, 2002).The purpose of this project was to identify instructional strategies used by general education teachers and to determine if instruction is specific to the needs of children identified with autism.A survey was constructed using Qualtrics online survey software. All school district administrators in Wisconsin were sent this survey link via email and asked to forward it to their K-2 general educators.  Educators were asked thirteen questions regarding:-What reading strategies and

instructional technologies they use specifically with the child diagnosed with autism. 

-If there were any positive, negative, or neutral change related to reading

that the child with autism experienced throughout the school year. -For any additional information regarding educator’s strategies and technologies used for children diagnosed with autism.

Instructional Strategies for Facilitating Literacy in Children Diagnosed with Autism

Results73 educators responded to the survey. The following results are based on the 18 educators who currently have a child diagnosed with autism in their general education classroom this school year.

Results of this survey indicated that a variety of instructional technologies and reading strategies are being implemented to benefit children diagnosed with autism. Strategies and technologies mentioned by the educators are also supported by previous research. Because of the high prevalence of autism, and many unanswered questions, more research is needed regarding the most beneficial literacy instruction of children with autism. Furthermore, the awareness of these strategies needs to be provided to educators in order to best serve children with autism.

We thank the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs for supporting this research (SCHULZRA1832012) and Learning & Technology Services for printing this poster. We also thank Dr. Retherford for mentoring us through this research process.

1-2 years 3-5 years 6-10 years 11-15 years 16-20 years 20+ years0

1

2

3

4

5

6Length of Time Teaching

Nu

mb

er

of

Ed

uca

tors

Visualization

Questioning

Evaluating

Inferring

Use of Prior Knowledge

Making Connections

Synthesizing

Summarizing

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

Reading Strategies Used in General Education Classroom

Number of Educators

Reading Strategies noted by three or more educators

Story Mapping

Use of pictures

iPad

Questioning

Repeating

Sound segmentation

Chunking

Prior Knowledge

One on one

Making connections

All strategies (previously mentioned)

Used Specifically with Children Diagnosed with Autism

Instructional Technologies noted

by three of more educators

iPad

Smart Board

Computer

80%

20%

Change in Reading Ability of Children with Autism This School Year

Yes, Postive Change Yes, Somewhat Positive Change

*No educators marked that they saw a negative change

“Slow down and be patient, success will come in time!”

“Lots of use of technology, repeat

readings, hands on.”

“Make everything visual, hands-on.”

SourcesNation, K., Clark, P., Wright, B. & Williams, C. (2006). Patterns of reading ability in children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 36(7), 911-919.Randi J., Newman T., Grigorenko .E.L. (2010). Teaching children with autism to read for meaning: Challenges and possibilities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 40(7), pp. 890-902.Williams, C., Wright, B., Callaghan, G., & Coughlan, B.(2002). Do children with autism learn to read more readily by computer assisted instruction or traditional book methods?: A pilot study. SAGE Publications and The National Autistic Society, 6(1), 71-9.