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How Shared Reading Builds Comprehension in Children with Autism—One Storybook at a Time



shared reading to daughter

Reading is more than just decoding words; it’s about making sense of stories and connecting with the world. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developing reading comprehension skills can be particularly challenging, often due to a mismatch between decoding abilities and understanding the meaning behind the text. But research has shown that shared reading—where an adult and child read together—can make all the difference.


A 2021 study titled "Building Comprehension Skills of Young Children With Autism One Storybook at a Time" provides a comprehensive look at how shared reading activities can enhance both language development and social communication for children with ASD. This study aligns with the mission of Kids Celebrate Inc., where we incorporate research-based strategies into our storybooks to help children with autism grow both cognitively and socially.

Key Findings from the Study

  1. Decoding vs. Comprehension: The study found that many children with autism possess strong decoding skills—they can read the words on the page—but often struggle with comprehension. This gap between recognizing words and understanding them can appear as early as preschool.

  2. Shared Reading as a Solution: The researchers advocate for shared reading interventions as a way to improve comprehension. These activities encourage children to engage not just with the text but with the reader, fostering richer communication and social interaction.

  3. Practical Strategies for Parents: The study highlights specific evidence-based strategies that can be used during shared reading to support comprehension and language skills. Techniques like asking open-ended questions, pausing for discussion, and relating stories to the child’s life are proven to support comprehension and social communication development.


kids celebrate inc scientist writing a book

How This Informs Our Books at Kids Celebrate


At Kids Celebrate, we believe in integrating these research-backed strategies into our books. Here’s how we apply the science:

  • Engaging Narratives: We create stories that prompt interaction between the reader and the child. Our books are designed to encourage questions, discussions, and engagement with the plot, which helps children connect emotionally and cognitively with the story.

  • Visual Supports: Many of our stories include bold visuals and easy-to-follow illustrations, helping to bridge the gap between word decoding and comprehension. Visual aids support children who may struggle with abstract thinking by providing clear, relatable imagery.

  • Building Social Communication: Much like the research suggests, our stories are crafted to promote social engagement. We use characters and scenarios that help children practice identifying emotions and interacting with the world around them.

Why Reading Together Matters

The 2021 study concludes that shared book reading is a powerful way to promote language and literacy development in children with autism. By reading together and implementing the right strategies, parents can help their children develop vocabulary, comprehension skills, and better social communication—all skills that are critical for future academic success.

Takeaway: At Kids Celebrate Inc., we’re dedicated to applying the latest research to our storybooks, ensuring that children with autism not only enjoy reading but also grow through it. Check out our upcoming book series—available on our website and Amazon on November 12th—to discover stories that nurture both the mind and the heart.



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