Instructions

1

Take a good inventory of how the child learns and what makes the child overwhelmed. Many children with autism spectrum disorders can be overwhelmed by their senses, whether it's from bright colors, strong smells or even noise. You must know the child's favorite things; this can be the key to teaching the child to read. Remember, if it is not fun, the child will lose interest and not learn what you are trying to teach.
2

Make flash cards. This is where knowing the child is so important. Search the Internet for clip art images that interest your child. Add a text box on top of the hoto and start with small words, or words that are associated within the child's area of interest. For example, if your child loves trains, then words like "tracks," "whistle" and "car" would probably be more interesting than "flower," "cat" or "dog."
3

Jump to readers and books. When moving on to readers and books, it is important to remember that most autistic children have a hard time with creativity and fantasy. Books and readers that show animals that can talk or inanimate objects with human characteristics are likely to upset or even scare the child. Pick books where animals are animals and do no more than they can in reality.
4

Move to music. Many autistic children are gifted musically; when possible, set a book to music or a rhythm that keeps their minds working. Adding this dimension to a book can make reading seem a lot more fun and entertaining. If reading is really difficult, try setting it to an old blues melody. For example: "I woke up this morning/na na na na na/and put on my clothes/na na na na na."
5

Let the child pick the book. If your autistic child still is not getting reading, let him choose the book. Even if the words are too big for him, read it to him and point out the words that you want him to learn. Just don't be surprised if he remembers the book verbatim. Even reading books by memory is a step in the right direction.