Literature Opens Doors for All Children

Phi Delta Kappa International. 408 North Union Street, P.O. Box 789, Bloomington, IN 47402. Tel: 800-766-1156; Fax: 812-339-0018; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.pdkintl.org/publications/pubshome.htm

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Autism; Communication Skills; Empathy; Interpersonal Competence; Consciousness Raising; Educational Environment; Literature; Peer Relationship; Reading Material Selection; Childrens Literature; Adolescent Literature

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Problems with language and communication are among the most basic characteristics of children with autism. Oddly, literature may hold one of the keys to helping children build their language and communication skills as well as help the child with autism and those without autism to develop social connections with each other. Authors have responded with stories told through the perspective of characters who are differently able. These perspectives broaden horizons for all readers and help create classrooms where all children are accepted. When selecting inclusion literature, teachers and librarians might consider a variety of questions before deciding if a book promotes empathy and depicts acceptance. Books also should describe the disability or person with disabilities or illness as realistic and help readers gain an accurate understanding of the disability or illness.

As Provided

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2013

EJ1003736