This two-part webinar series, presented by Drs. Christi Carnahan and Pamela Williamson, is designed as an introduction into reading comprehension for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In part 1, participants will learn about the cognitive profiles common in autism and the influence of these on reading comprehension. Participants will also learn about the reading comprehension process, and the intersection of reading and cognition in ASD.
The second webinar in this series will provide a framework for developing quality literacy instruction for individuals with ASD. We will define what it means to balance holistic and explicit instruction, and briefly describe literacy approaches for individuals emerging, developing, and using conventional literacy skills. While this session does not provide detailed instructional practices, participants will gain a framework for quality literacy instruction applicable to their individual learners, and link this to the reading profiles previously discussed.