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Reading and Autism
Research studies have shown that although
individuals with Autism have varying learning
styles (visual, auditory and tactile) there are
common areas of need that prevail with regard to
education.
According to Gary Mesibov, Ph.D., Director of
Division TEACCH at the University of North Carolina,
the following
learning characteristics have been identified in
students with Autism: difficulty with organization,
a strong need for routine and systematic habits,
difficulty with sequencing, understanding
generalizations and overall distractibility.
The eReadingPro system for teaching reading
addresses all of the aforementioned issues! Our
program 'For Individuals who Learn Differently'
offers parents and educators an organized plan for
teaching an individual (or groups of up to five
children) to read in a systematic, repetitive,
sequential manner. Each learning session lasts from
approximately 2 seconds to 15 seconds and is
therefore ideal for children with a short
attention span. In fact the
total time required throughout the day is no more
than 10 minutes!
The vocabulary that is introduced in Level 1 of
eReadingPro contains names,
foods, actions, colors, opposites, belongings,
animals and environment words. Words are introduced
first as single words, then as couplets, phrases and
sentences. This gradual progression ensures that the
individual is locking in comprehension as they move
forward. A full 14-month presentation schedule is
provided to ensure that no steps are missed! Fun
games are incorporated in addition to the flashing
of the word cards. Children love it! In fact, they
are having so much fun they do not even realize they
are learning!
Suggested Learning Strategies for individuals
with Autism (Based on the Ministry of Education of
Ontario recommendations):
- Use short, clear phrases;
- Model correct language format;
- Use Visual cues to support understanding;
- Use Visual supports to reinforce concepts;
- Divide instruction into small, sequential
steps;
- Color code materials;
- Divide instruction into small, sequential
steps;
- Present new concepts in a concrete manner;
- Use rote learning methods.
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