March is National Reading Month, a time to celebrate the joy and importance of reading! For autistic children, developing literacy skills can sometimes be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, reading can become an enjoyable and meaningful part of their lives.

At Gateway Pediatric Therapy, we believe that every child deserves access to literacy, and we are dedicated to helping families incorporate reading into their child’s daily routine in a way that is engaging and beneficial.

Why Reading is Important for Autistic Children

Reading is more than just learning words—it helps children:

• Build language and communication skills.
• Improve focus and attention.
• Develop social and emotional understanding through stories.
• Strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

For autistic children, structured and visual-based reading strategies can make a significant difference in their ability to engage with books and improve their literacy skills.

Tips for Encouraging Reading in Autistic Children

1. Choose Books That Match Your Child’s Interests

Children are more engaged when books feature topics they love! If your child enjoys animals, trains, or space, find books that include these themes to spark their interest.

2. Use Visual Supports

Many autistic children learn best through visuals. Try:

• Books with pictures and simple text.
• Interactive books (lift-the-flap, textured books).
• Picture schedules to outline story events.

3. Read Aloud & Use Repetitive Phrases

Repetition helps children learn new words and understand patterns in language. Choose books with rhyming words, repeated phrases, or predictable storylines to support learning.

4. Encourage Participation

Let your child turn the pages, point to pictures, or finish sentences in familiar books. Giving them a role makes reading more interactive and fun!

5. Connect Stories to Real Life

After reading a book about making friends, talk about how your child can say “hi” to a classmate. Relating books to daily life reinforces learning and social skills.

6. Use Multi-Sensory Approaches

Some children may benefit from touching objects related to the story, acting out scenes, or listening to an audiobook while following along. This engages different senses and supports learning.

Join the National Reading Month Challenge!

• Read for 15 minutes a day with your child.
• Try a new book each week that matches their interests.
• Make reading a fun experience with interactive and sensory-friendly books.

Let’s celebrate National Reading Month by fostering a love for books and helping grow literacy skills—one page at a time!