7 Gentle Tips for Improving Reading Skills in Autistic Children

Reading is a valuable skill that brings both learning and joy. But for autistic children, learning to read can come with unique challenges related to sensory processing, attention, communication, or comprehension.

The good news? With patience, understanding, and the right strategies, you can help your autistic child develop strong reading skills in a way that feels safe, engaging, and pressure-free.

Here are 7 gentle and effective tips for supporting reading development in autistic children:

1.Create a calm, comfortable space

Children with autism often do best in environments where they feel safe and relaxed. A quiet reading corner with soft lighting and a cozy chair or blanket can make a big difference.

Try this:

• Reduce background noise and distractions
• Use soft lighting and a comfy chair or bean bag
• Offer noise-cancelling headphones if your child is sound-sensitive

When children feel calm, they’re more open to engaging with books and focusing on stories.

2. Let their interests guide book choices

One of the best ways to encourage reading is to choose books that match your child’s interests. Whether it's animals, space, trains, or superheroes - there’s something out there for everyone. 

When children are interested in the topic, they’re naturally more motivated to read. This can also support autism and reading comprehension, because the content is more engaging and meaningful to them.

3. Choose books at the right reading level

It's important to find books that are within your child’s reading ability, where the book is not too easy but not too hard. If the text is too hard, it can lead to frustration. If it’s too easy, they might get bored.

Try to find that sweet spot where your child can enjoy the story while still being challenged just enough to grow their skills. Graphic novels or books with simple sentences and pictures can be especially helpful.

Try this:

• Look for books with clear, simple language
• Use visual aids or picture-supported books
• Read together and model fluency

4. Keep it fun, not forced

Pressure-free reading is key. If reading becomes a chore or source of stress, it’s harder to build a lasting love for books.

Instead of setting rigid rules or time limits, try:

• Letting your child choose when and what to read
• Taking turns reading pages
• Acting out scenes together

If your child needs a break — that’s okay. The goal is to build positive associations with reading.

5. Consider fidget toys or movement breaks

Some autistic children concentrate better with sensory input such as having something to do with their hands. A small fidget toy might actually help them focus while reading. Others may benefit from short movement breaks between pages or chapters. Watch your child’s cues and see what works best for them.

6. Read together, side by side

Reading doesn’t always have to be out loud or face-to-face. Side-by-side reading is often more comfortable for autistic children, as it removes social pressure.

You can also try:

• Echo reading (you read a sentence, they repeat it)
• Paired reading (read aloud together at the same time)
• Audiobooks with text for visual support

These shared experiences build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, while making reading a connected activity.

7. Celebrate small wins

Every step forward is worth celebrating. Whether your child read a whole sentence, remembered part of the story, or simply sat and looked at a book calmly, that’s a win! Encouragement goes a long way in building confidence and a love for reading.