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Children with autism experience many challenges and barriers to reading daily. Fortunately, the creation of new modern technologies and apps has greatly improved the lives of these children, their parents, and their support personnel. These are some of the reading challenges and barriers that children with autism face.

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Comprehension Difficulties

Students with autism may face reading challenges, understanding text that uses abstract concepts, figurative language, or social cues, which are often interpreted literally.

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Difficulties with Figurative Language

Students with autism facing reading challenges might take words literally, which could cause miscommunications and make it harder to use idioms, metaphors, and other figurative language.

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Social Language Challenges

Some students with autism may have trouble understanding social interactions and social language cues in a text, which can affect their comprehension of the content of the story.

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Visualizing Text

Students with autism may have trouble picturing places and characters, which can make it difficult for them to understand stories.

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Sensory Sensitivities

Students with autism may have sensory overload in the classroom (lights, noises), which can be disruptive and affect their ability to focus on reading.

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Difficulty with non-verbal communication

Students with autism may struggle to interpret non-verbal cues like facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, which can make it difficult for them to fully grasp the meaning of characters and situations within a text.

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Phonemic awareness

The ability to recognize and manipulate the individual sounds (phonemes) within spoken words. It involves activities like blending sounds to form words, segmenting words into individual sounds, and manipulating sounds by adding, deleting, or substituting them. This skill is crucial for developing reading and spelling abilities.

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Common reading challenges/barriers for students with autism learning phonemic awareness

Children with autism often face significant challenges with phonemic awareness, a foundational skill for reading, including difficulties with sound blending, isolating sounds, and manipulating sounds to create new words.

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Phonics

A method of teaching reading and spelling where the focus is on the relationship between letters and sounds, or the sounds of the language (phonemes) and the written symbols (graphemes). It helps children understand how sounds in words are represented by letters and how to blend those sounds to read.

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Common reading challenges/barriers for students with autism learning phonics

Children with autism may encounter significant challenges with phonics instruction due to variations in their cognitive, auditory, and social processing abilities.

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RoboKind Phonics

https://phonics.robokind.com/

This app offers numerous benefits for phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, including a focus on fun and engaging learning, multisensory instruction, and the use of robots and avatars for personalized support and feedback. It also incorporates assessment tools to track student progress and tailor instruction.

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RoboKind Phonics uses multi-sensory Interactive, Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic Techniques (I-VAKT™) to support diverse learning styles-visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile. These techniques strengthens neural connections, enhances skill retention, and engages students with videos and sound clips to improve learning.

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RoboKind Phonics is a fun and easy way for kids to learn to read. It uses games and clear steps to help young learners build strong reading skills. Based on the Science of Reading, our program makes learning phonics exciting and simple!

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Proloquo2Go

https://www.assistiveware.com

Proloquo2Go can be a valuable tool for teaching phonemic awareness and phonics to children with autism, especially those who may be non-verbal or minimally verbal. This app will assist them with connecting sounds to letters, word building and spelling, and visual supports.

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Gestalt Language Processing is getting a lot of buzz in the field of AAC. AssistiveWare Support Team member and part-time AAC user Lily Konyn dives deeper into what it means and, most importantly, how it might influence our AAC tools and supports.

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We build AAC apps and share best practices to help you communicate with the world.

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Starfall for Phonemic and Phonics

https://www.starfall.com/

Starfall can be a helpful tool for teaching phonemic awareness and phonics to children with autism due to its engaging, interactive, and visually supported approach. With phonics, it helps teach letter sounds and blending skills in a structured manner. Phonemic awareness teaches children to recognize and manipulate individual sounds in words.

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Starfall Education: Kids Games, Movies, Books & Music for K-5 and above

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At Starfall, children have fun while they learn - specializing in reading, phonics & math - educational games, movies, books, songs, and more for children K-5 and above.

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Vocabulary is the knowledge of words, their meanings, and their usage in spoken and written forms. It encompasses the words a reader recognizes and understands when reading, and the words they can use to communicate effectively in writing. Vocabulary is crucial for reading comprehension.  It's the foundation for comprehending text and involves understanding word meanings, pronunciation, and how words relate.

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The GoTalk 20+ device is a valuable tool for vocabulary instruction, particularly for individuals with limited verbal abilities or those needing support in language development. It allows users to record and store vocalizations, phrases, and even full sentences, enabling them to practice and reinforce new vocabulary in a meaningful context.

It enables the user to create a personalized vocabulary bank for various situations and topics.

It allows for a multi-modal approach to vocabulary learning, incorporating visual and auditory cues.

It has at least five levels that allow for a tiered approach to vocabulary instruction.

It can repeat and re-record messages, allowing for ample practice and reinforcement of new vocabulary.

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An AAC device with 5x extra touch sensitivity and 105 message capability

Product Features:

Records and stores up to 100 messages in five levels

Twenty programmable buttons allow the user to personalize each level with pictures and vocal recordings

Includes five additional core buttons for frequently used words or phrases across levels

Offers sequential recording for quick set-up and re-recording

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Product Features: Records and stores up to 100 messages in five levels Twenty programmable buttons allow the user to personalize each level with pictures and vocal recordings Includes five additional core buttons for frequently used words or phrases across levels Offers sequential recording for quick set-up and re-recording

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https://www.autismeye.com/announcement/tobii-dynavox-speech-tablet/

Tobii Dynavox devices and specifically the TD Snap software, are well-suited for supporting vocabulary development. They incorporate core words, which form the foundation of daily language, and offer expandable grids and organized vocabulary lists to help users communicate more precisely.

This software is very effective for supporting vocabulary development in autistic students.

It allows for easy expansion of vocabulary as a student's communication skills grow, including adding new symbols or words.

It is highly customizable, allowing teachers and therapists to tailor the vocabulary to the individual needs of each student.

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Speech tablet from Tobii Dynavox is world first all-in-one model for non-verbal communicators, including those with autism

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Tobii Dynavox just announced the launch of Indi™, the world’s first all-in-one speech tablet for non-verbal communicators, including those with autism.

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This YouTube video demonstrates a child with autism using the Tobii Dynavox device with his parents.

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Meet Hunter and his power to express himself - Tobii Dynavox Indi™

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https://www.readingrockets.org/resources/literacy-apps/sortegories

Sortegories is a web-based literacy practice tool designed to enhance reading skills, particularly for students struggling with phonics, vocabulary, and syntax.

This app helps students with autism target word meaning, a key aspect of vocabulary development

Its interactive format and game-like activities make learning vocabulary engaging and motivating for students with autism

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Sortegories features nine activities that target essential literacy skills and concepts in a web-based practice setting. Multiple layers of word knowledge — phonemic, phonological, semantic, morphological, and syntactic — are woven together to give kids the chance to apply reading practice. Sortegories is for kids who need practice with phonics, vocabulary (word meaning), and syntax (phrase and sentence meaning) to become fluent readers and comprehenders. A variety of subscription plans are available.

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This Starfall video demonstrates how students can make new words by adding or deleting letters. This app is a great resource for students with autism. They can repeatedly use it independently as many times as needed, and they are games embedded to entertain them.

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Three Letter Blending A | Short Vowels,Beginning Readers, Pre-Readers Phonics Lesson

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Text comprehension with students on the autism spectrum (ASD) refers to the ability to understand the meaning of written words, sentences, and passages. It involves not only decoding words (reading) but also interpreting the underlying meaning, making inferences, and relating the text to one's prior knowledge. Students with ASD may face unique challenges in this area, particularly with the social-emotional aspects of language and understanding abstract concepts.

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https://www.voicedream.com/

Voice Dream Reader is a text-to-speech app that reads aloud documents, books, and other text-based content, offering natural-sounding voices with different accents and dialects. It allows users to listen to text instead of reading it, enhancing comprehension and accessibility, particularly for individuals with dyslexia or other reading difficulties.

With students with autism, it offers a multi-sensory approach to reading, which can be beneficial for those who may find traditional reading methods challenging.

It provides text-to-speech functionality, customizable voices and reading speeds, and synchronized word highlighting, all of which can enhance comprehension and engagement with students of autism.

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Voice Dream Reader lets you listen to PDFs, Web pages, and books using text-to-speech. Featured by Apple as Best New App and App of the Day in 81 countries. Download now to start your free trial today!

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https://www.commonlit.org/

CommonLit is a digital literacy platform providing a free and comprehensive library of texts and lessons for English Language Arts education, primarily for grades 6-12. It offers a variety of resources, including reading passages, interactive lessons, and assessment tools, all designed to enhance student comprehension and literacy skills.

CommonLit can be a valuable tool for supporting students with autism through its various accessibility features and customizable options. Key features include text-to-speech, translation, annotation tools, and guided reading mode.

Text-to-speech: Students can pause, restart, and slow down the voice for better comprehension.

Translation: It offers translation into over 25 languages, supporting students who are learning English or need support with specific vocabulary.

Annotation tools: Allow students to annotate and highlight texts, also allowing them to engage with the material and develop their reading comprehension skills.

It provides scaffolded comprehension questions, prompting students to pause and reflect on their understanding of the text.

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World-class content

Access thousands of reading lessons and our comprehensive ELA curriculum, CommonLit 360.

Accessible for all learners

Tailor instruction to students' needs with text-to-speech, translation, and digital note-taking.

Actionable data

Track students' reading performance, set goals, and plan instructional next steps.

CommonLit
Digital Library

Discover thousands of free, supplemental lessons and quizzes in English and Spanish - all featuring great authors.

CommonLit
Assessment Series

Measure growth in reading comprehension with three benchmark assessments when you unlock our premium packages.

CommonLit 360 &
Professional Development

Support a successful rollout of our research-backed ELA curriculum with personalized webinars and on-demand trainings.

"

CommonLit has made a tremendously positive impact on my teaching practice. I'm very proud to teach CommonLit!

Jennifer Lane ELA Teacher

"

CommonLit definitely keeps me organized. It's easy for me to grade and it's easy for me to see students' reading growth increase throughout the year.

"

The CommonLit assessment questions are aligned to our ELA standards, which is extremely helpful when prepping for the state exam.

Teachers trust CommonLit to foster students' reading comprehension

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CommonLit | Free Online Reading Passages and Literacy Resources

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CommonLit is a comprehensive literacy program with thousands of reading lessons, full-year ELA curriculum, benchmark assessments, and standards-based data for teachers.

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https://learningally.org/

Learning Ally is a non-profit organization that provides free, accessible audiobooks to individuals with reading disabilities, such as dyslexia, visual impairments, or physical disabilities. They offer a wide range of textbooks and other reading materials in audio format to help these individuals access education and continue learning.

Learning Ally primarily supports students with autism by offering accessible audiobooks and other digital resources designed to enhance reading comprehension and engagement for struggling readers, including those with autism.

This software provides access to a vast library of human-read audiobooks, including textbooks and literature, which can help students who struggle with traditional print-based reading.

Educators can use the platform to monitor student progress and communicate with them directly, facilitating differentiated instruction and personalized support.

Students can set their own reading pace and navigate through the material efficiently, promoting independent learning and self-directed study habits.

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Audiobooks for Dyslexia & Learning Disabilities | Learning Ally

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Learning Ally solutions help struggling readers through audiobooks & support services for educators, parents, and students dealing with dyslexia. Reading accommodations

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Jamey Peavler on Interleaved Practice: Sortegories Vocabulary

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Learning Ally Audiobook Solution In Class: Elementary

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Reading fluency encompasses the ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with appropriate expression, ultimately supporting comprehension. Fluent readers recognize words automatically and can focus on understanding the text rather than decoding individual words. It involves a combination of accuracy, rate, and prosody (expression).

For students with autism, reading fluency involves reading accurately, smoothly, and with expression, while also demonstrating an understanding of the text. It can be a significant challenge, requiring targeted instruction and support.

Students with autism struggle with social-pragmatic language, which can impact their ability to understand the nuances of written language.

They may struggle to interpret figurative language or understand the implied meaning of text.

Sensory sensitivities may make it difficult for some students with autism to concentrate on reading, especially when reading aloud.

Challenges with executive functions like planning and monitoring comprehension can hinder fluency.

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https://www.bookshare.org/bookshare-reader

Bookshare books can be read on a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and assistive technology devices. This includes using the Bookshare Reader app for web, iOS, Android, and Alexa-enabled devices, as well as partner apps and devices. Bookshare Reader is a free app that allows users to access the Bookshare library, read books, and customize their reading experience.

Bookshare devices, particularly those with text-to-speech and highlighted text features, can significantly enhance fluency for students with autism by making reading more accessible and engaging.

It allows students to hear the text read aloud, which can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with decoding or have difficulty processing written words.

It provides visual cues that synchronize with the audio, helping students track their reading progress and improve their reading speed and accuracy.

Students with autism can use Bookshare devices to read independently at their own pace, which can help them develop their fluency skills in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Students with autism can repeatedly listen to and read the same passage, which can help them practice their reading skills and improve their fluency.

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Various readers using Bookshare reader at their own pace. They have access to multiple features that the app provides, like text-to-speech, highlighter, and many more.

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Bookshare Reader - Read What You Want, Where You Want

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https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pictello-visual-stories/id397858008

Pictello Visual Stories is an app that helps users create and share interactive visual stories by combining images, text, and audio. It's particularly useful for those who may benefit from visual support and can be used for a variety of purposes like social stories, visual schedules, and personal recounts. The app offers features like text-to-speech, word-by-word highlighting, and the ability to record your own voice, making it a versatile tool for storytelling and communication.

Pictello Visual Stories helps students with autism develop reading fluency by providing a multi-sensory and engaging approach to learning. It uses visuals, text, and audio to create stories, making them more accessible and reinforcing language concepts.

Enhanced Comprehension: Visuals and text-to-speech options clarify complex concepts, making stories easier to understand, which is crucial for students who may have difficulty with abstract language.

Repetition and Practice: Students can repeat and practice reading stories multiple times, reinforcing vocabulary and sentence structures.

Word-by-Word Highlighted Text: This feature helps students track their reading and improve accuracy and speed.

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‎Everyone loves to tell fun, engaging, and imaginative stories. Go ahead and make a social story or visual schedule for a child with autism or a slide show of holiday pictures for your friends - Pictello makes it a breeze to create and share! Whether you use the included natural-sounding Text to Spee...

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This YouTube video shows an example of how to use the Pictello visual stories app to create a book.

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https://lightsailed.com/reading-at-home/reading/

LightSail is an e-reading literacy platform to support independent reading. Students can use LightSail to check out texts from their schools’ digital libraries and read the books directly on their devices. As students’ progress through a book, questions appear to gauge their comprehension. Kids can earn badges and a Lexile measure.

LightSail assists students with autism in developing reading fluency through its adaptive e-reading platform, personalized reader module, and a variety of tools and features designed to support struggling readers. These tools help students with autism navigate reading, build fluency, and improve comprehension.

LightSail uses the Lexile Framework to provide students with reading materials at their appropriate level, ensuring they are neither overwhelmed nor discouraged.

It allows teachers to customize the e-reader for each student's needs, addressing the diverse needs of students with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, visual impairments, and other learning challenges.

It provides opportunities for students to practice oral reading fluency, build confidence, and develop reading skills.

LightSail incorporates elements of gamification to make learning fun and engaging, with badges and rewards to motivate students and track their progress.

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Improve your Child’s Reading | LightSail for Reading at Home

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See how reading with LightSail opens worlds of possibilities that no physical book or static e-reader can. Get access to tools and monitor your child’s reading level.