Supporting Literacy for Children with Autism Through a Comforting Reading Routine

Children with autism often feel more at ease with reading when it’s part of a predictable, supportive routine. By establishing regular reading habits and creating clear steps, we can make reading a calm, enjoyable experience that supports literacy development in a way that also feels safe and manageable.

Benefits of a Structured Reading Routine

• Builds Confidence: Familiar routines help children feel more in control, reducing anxiety and allowing them to focus on the joy of reading.

• Improves Comprehension: A consistent approach gives children the chance to better understand plot and sequence, making the story easier to follow and enjoy.

• Supports Focus: By setting aside a regular reading time, children can mentally prepare, making it easier to settle into the story without distraction.

• Encourages Skill-Building: Repetition helps reinforce skills, from recognizing words to understanding patterns, fostering steady progress.

• Reduces Resistance: When reading becomes part of a predictable flow, it feels natural. Less like a chore and more like a comforting part of the day.

Ideas for Building a Reading Routine that Works

• Choose a Consistent Time: Find a time that not only works best for your child but also fits well with your family and work routine. This will make sticking to it far easier. Predictable timing helps reading feel like a natural part of the day.

• Use a Visual Checklist: Simple visual cues can guide children through each step of reading time, such as Choose a book, Sit down, Turn pages, and Discuss. This checklist gives clear expectations and reduces uncertainty. It may also help to have images accompanying the written instructions.

• Create a Visual Schedule: A picture schedule of the day’s activities can include reading time, helping children know when it’s coming up and what to expect. This would be a daily storyboard that may also help with other elements of family life.

• Incorporate Mini-Breaks: Short breaks during reading can help prevent frustration. Even a quick stretch or a sip of water can make reading time feel more manageable.

• Celebrate Each Reading Session: End each session with a small reward, like a high-five or a sticker chart, to help children associate reading time with positive feelings and accomplishments.

Kids Carousel

Creating a Cosy Reading Routine Together

How do we make reading feel predictable, engaging, and enjoyable?

• Book of the Week: Focus on one story throughout the week. Familiarity with the same book allows children to deepen their understanding of the story and feel more connected to it.

• Pre-Reading Routine: Establish a calming pre-reading routine, like a gentle breathing exercise or holding a soft blanket. A small, sensory activity can signal that reading time is about to begin.

• Story Maps: Use simple story maps to outline the main events. Visualizing the storyline can help children anticipate what’s next and follow along with confidence.

• End-of-Week Reward: Celebrate reading achievements at the end of each week with a small treat or extra time on a favourite activity, reinforcing a positive association with reading.

Call to Action

This week’s call to action is to make a fun, visual reading checklist or schedule together with your child. Let them choose colours or pictures to personalise it and try using it during reading time to bring comfort, structure, and enjoyment to their routine.

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