NEW BOOK: Drawing a Blink: Improving Comprehension for Readers on the Autism Spectrum

[Guest guest]

Hi there!

I am sending this out to people who I know that are working on reading and

comprehension skills---especially students with autism, but even other

students. Don't be offended by the term " autism " if it doesn't apply in your

case; however, since this looks to be a structured way of facilitating

reading/language comprehension, it might be worth looking at this new

resource.

I have talked with several of you about a new book that is coming out by the

sister ( Iland) of a friend of mine (Barbara Doyle). is the

mother of a young man (college age now) with Asperger Syndrome. His learning

challenges led to get additional education and now write a badly

needed book that deal with reading comprehension for those on the Autism

Spectrum. The book,

*Drawing a Blank: Improving Comprehension for Readers on the Autism Spectrum

*

should be valuable to all of us who have deal with these issues.

shared some information about the book, which is below. In addition,

there is a discount for pre-orders (with free shipping) that are ordered

before Feb. 11, 2011 through her website:

www.readingautism.com<http://www.facebook.com/l/fd7fdaRbp7j0SzxevzV6dzj_8gw;www.\

readingautism.com>

<http://www.facebook.com/l/fd7fdaRbp7j0SzxevzV6dzj_8gw;www.readingautism.com>I'm

looking forward to an autographed copy! See her message below for more

information.

Ann

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Iland <emilyiland@...>

Date: Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 12:24 AM

Subject: some text

Cc: Ann Osterling <aosterling@...>

*Drawing a Blank: Improving Comprehension for Readers on the Autism Spectrum

* by EMILY ILAND, M.A. is available for a discounted pre-order price and

will be ready for shipping in the next few weeks!

There is a pre-publication limited offer special flyer, 20% off and free

shipping, good until Feb 11, 2011.It should be posted on the

www.readingautism.com<http://www.facebook.com/l/fd7fdaRbp7j0SzxevzV6dzj_8gw;www.\

readingautism.com>

site

today/tomorrow.

Although they may be fluent readers - indeed, many have very precocious

reading skills - individuals with autism spectrum disorders often need

support for comprehension. Comprehension difficulties in readers with ASD

can be subtle, qualitative, and difficult to tease out. As a result, their

substantial level of risk for reading comprehension problems is often

overlooked or unaddressed, and many students struggle in silence. Further

aggravating the situation is the fact that otherwise competent educational

professionals is both general education and special education settings have

limited training and experience helping readers with ASD.

This is where *Drawing a Blank* comes in. Using a clearly stated and

well-organized approach, this practical resource provides educational

professionals and parents with the tools to improve comprehension for good

decoders who have reading comprehension difficulties, as well as readers who

struggle with both decoding and comprehension. Effective, direct instruction

is needed to help capable persons with ASD realize their potential! In

keeping with current standards, the book emphasizes the importance of using

evidence-based and promising practices based on thorough assessment of

student's needs.

Drawing a Blank offers key information about how the features of Autism or

Asperger Syndrome affect the five types of reading comprehension. Useful

ideas for identifying the reading difficulties help counter the masking

effect often seen in good decoders who don’t understand. Activities for

generalization and a wealth of resources are shared in six chapters:

Chapter 1: Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Task of Reading

Chapter 2: Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Comprehension Connection: How

the Features of ASD Affect Comprehension

Chapter 3: Masking and Unmasking: Identification and Assessment of

Comprehension Issues**

Chapter 4: Evidence-Based Practices to Improve Reading Comprehension in

Learners with ASD

Chapter 5: Building Vocabulary – Promising Practices to Improve

Comprehension

Chapter 6: Using Technology and Visual Tools to Improve Comprehension

Visit www.readingautism.com for a discount pre-order form.

Published by AAPC, see their bookstore at

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9056.htm

--

Ann Osterling, MA, CCC-SLP/L

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

Ann Osterling Therapy Associates

510 S. Staley Road, Suite A

Champaign, IL 61822

NEW Fax: 845-350-6457

aosterling@...