Have your autistic twins struggled to get into reading? For some children, particularly those who are autistic, connecting with reading might be tricky. Traditional reading can sometimes present hurdles, making it harder for them to connect with stories in the same way. That’s where the power of audiobooks comes in. They can be a new way to connect with reading, offering a unique and often incredibly effective way for autistic children to experience the joy and benefits of reading.
Autism and reading
Reading can be challenging for your autistic twins. For example, sensory sensitivities can significantly interfere with the process. Visual processing differences might cause text to appear blurry, distorted, or overwhelming, making it difficult to track lines and maintain focus. The contrast between black text and white paper can be jarring, and the glare from certain types of paper or lighting can create visual discomfort.
Auditory sensitivities might make it challenging for your autistic twins to filter out background noise, hindering concentration and comprehension. They might also struggle with proprioceptive or vestibular sensitivities, which can lead to restlessness or difficulty maintaining a comfortable reading posture, further impacting focus. These sensory challenges can create a barrier to reading, even before considering the complexities of language itself.
Your autistic triplets may struggle with understanding abstract concepts, figurative language, and implied meanings, which are often common in written text. Difficulty with sequencing information can make it challenging to follow the narrative flow of a story or the logical progression of an argument. Executive function challenges can also impact working memory, making it difficult to retain information from previous sentences or paragraphs.
The need for predictability and structure can clash with the variability of language, leading to frustration and difficulty with comprehension. Additionally, social communication challenges can make it difficult to interpret the author’s intent or understand the nuances of character interactions or emotions.
How audiobooks can help
What’s so great about audiobooks? They offer a different to engage with books, a way to unlock the world of stories in a way that often works well for autistic children. Instead of focusing on decoding written words, your twins are listening, which can make a big difference. Many autistic children are naturally strong auditory learners, meaning they process information best through listening. So, instead of struggling with the visual aspect of reading, they can lean into their strength.
Audiobooks also bring the story to life via the narration. Narrators use their voice to create different characters, add emotion, and build suspense, which can help your autistic twins understand the story on a deeper level. They can hear the difference between a happy voice and a sad voice, a scared voice and a brave voice. This can be especially helpful for autistic children who might struggle with picking up on those differences in written text or social interactions.
Another benefit to audiobooks is the ability to listen while doing something else, such as drawing, building with blocks, or even just fidgeting with a sensory toy. This multi-sensory engagement can actually enhance their comprehension. They’re not just passively listening; they’re actively processing the information in a way that works for them. This also helps with focus – your autistic twins can pause and go back whenever they need to, they can increase or decrease the speed, and can control the pace of the story. This sense of control is huge! It allows them to engage with the story at their own speed, in their own way, making the whole experience much more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
Reading is supposed to be enjoyable. Audiobooks can make reading fun again for kids who might have previously struggled. They can access stories that they might have otherwise missed out on, opening up a whole new world of adventure, knowledge, and imagination. When children enjoy something, they’re more likely to stick with it, which means they’re also developing crucial language and literacy skills without even realizing it. They’re expanding their vocabulary, improving their phonological awareness (that’s the ability to recognize and play with the sounds in language – a key skill for reading and spelling), and learning about narrative structure – all while being entertained!
But the benefits go beyond just academics. Stories are powerful tools for social and emotional development. They expose kids to different perspectives, different emotions, and different social situations. And when a story is brought to life by a skilled narrator, those emotions become even more tangible. Your autistic twins can hear the characters’ feelings in the narrator’s voice, which can help them develop empathy and a better understanding of social dynamics. They can learn about friendship, conflict, and resolution in a safe and engaging way.
Choosing an audiobook
So, how do you choose the right audiobooks for your autistic twins? What are their interests? What kind of stories do they gravitate towards? Age-appropriateness is important, of course, but so is making sure the story resonates with them. And pay attention to the narrator. A good narrator can make or break an audiobook experience. Look for someone with a clear, expressive voice who can really bring the story to life. The pacing should be comfortable and clear, and if there are sound effects or music, consider whether those might be helpful or distracting for your child. Every child is different, so what works for one twin might not work for the other.
It doesn’t have to be expensive either! Your local library may offer audiobooks, as well as finding options on YouTube or Spotify. You can subscribe to audiobook services such as Audible or Kobo, and many offer a discount or free trial period for new subscribers. If you are in the UK, charity Calibre Audio offers a free audiobook subscription if you have a disability.
When you are ready to start listening, create a cozy listening environment. A quiet space where your child can relax and focus is ideal. Let your child draw, play, or fidget while they listen. And talk about the stories afterwards! Ask questions about the characters, the plot, and the themes. Make it a shared experience. Listen to audiobooks together as a family. It’s a great way to connect and create lasting memories.
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