Brightening the lives of people with autism.

Reading books is a special way of spending time with your child. It is also a great way to teach new vocabulary and concepts. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when you’re enjoying the closeness of story time with your child:

1. Get face to face. This will help your child to see your expressions and will allow for turn-taking. Story time should be interactive, not just a time for your child to sit and listen. You can sit your child on a chair facing you, sit side by side, or cradle your child in front of you between your legs.

2. Try to get your child actively involved with the story. This can be by turning the pages, by pointing to pictures, by filling in words or by answering questions or commenting about the pictures.

3. Spend more time on the pages your child is interested in. This will help to keep him interested.

4. Simplify the book if needed. You don’t have to read the words as written. You can make up your own words or just talk about the pictures.

5. Make the book into a song and add rhythm by rocking or tapping. Music and rhythm can help your child learn to predict the words in the book and have fun at the same time. You can use a familiar tune from a song your child knows or make up your own tune.

6. Repeat! Kids like to hear the same books over and over. Repetition will be good for teaching vocabulary.

We hope these tips will help you to enjoy a close connection while teaching your child new words and ideas!

Happy New Year!

The Communication Department