Autism Soccer: They Love Books More Than You Think

They're better at processing visual-related contents, use that to your advantage.

Kids love fantasy stories, we know that. Everyone remembers what was like to see Pinocchio’s adventures or Peter Pan flying around with his friends. The fantasy movies have magic in them that no kid can resist. The same magic is on the books, and they have a stronger effect on children. Most of the adults that used to read or being read as kids, developed better social capabilities, strong brains and a positive attitude towards reading.

It won’t be easy to make grow your special kid into the habit of reading, but once he does, you will notice the difference in the future. Let me give you some tips on how to make him fall more in love with you (and books):

It’s never too early to learn: Children with autism develop literacy skills at the same time as other children. Encourage them to learn by playing visual and verbal games, associate words with images, let him watch and process the information he’s receiving.
Don’t wait until he starts talking: They can hear you perfectly. The main reason a child starts talking is because he is listening, so communicate with him, read him stories, show him how to read by pointing the letters of the book and saying them, slowly, syllable by syllable.
Daily lessons: Make the routine a lesson. Put labels in things he usually sees, name them for him: The TV, the table next to his bed, most of his toys. He will associate them little by little.
Common books or magazines: Don’t stay in the typical genre of books, ask him what he likes, read him books about trains or streets or even history, as long as they’re illustrated and predictable.

Books are the best way to help your children grow while also bonding together. Reading a book to your child will never be a loss, but hey, don’t forget to let him go out and see the world, and exercise with the professionals of Autism Soccer, which I’m sure will help your children to be ready for what’s out there.