Breakout Session

Promoting Communication, Reading, and Writing Using Stories: Research and Applications with Autistic Children

3-3:50 p.m. BEST 135

Presented by: Ana King, MS, BCBA, University of Kansas; Alex Davidson, doctoral student, University of Kansas; Trina Spencer, director of Juniper Gardens Children's Project, professor in Department of Applied Behavioral Science

Interventions that promote both academic skills and social communication at the same time are in high demand. There are few tools that can meet multiple objectives with efficiency. However, recent research suggests that social communication and reading and writing can be enhanced through the strategic use of storytelling. 

In this session, the presenter will provide an introduction to stories as an intervention tool and outline key features of a program that leverages personally relevant stories for maximum impact. They will present recent research showing meaningful impacts on personal experience stories, reading comprehension, and writing. 

In addition, they will present multiple applications of stories for autistic children with various verbal abilities (such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication).