Empowering Autistic Readers By IMPROVING Comprehension

Announcing the release of
Drawing A Blank: Improving Comprehension for Autistic Readers
(Future Horizons, February 2026).

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eBook Available

Drawing A Blank is available as an eBook via Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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Reading. Autism.

Although they may appear to be excellent readers, autistic individuals often need support for comprehension. Comprehension difficulties are subtle, qualitative, and difficult to tease out.

As a result, reading comprehension problems are often overlooked or unaddressed. Many autistic readers struggle in silence, starting around fourth grade.

The much-anticipated update of Emily Iland’s 2011 best-selling book answers these two key questions using the most current information available:

1. Why do many autistic readers struggle to understand what they read?

AND

2. How can we help?

The learning profile and needs of autistic readers are different compared to other readers.

Understanding the causes of comprehension breakdown is the key to addressing it effectively.

Drawing a Blank clearly explains why comprehension failure can occur for autistic readers, identifies more than 40 areas of breakdown, and offers guidance for a thorough assessment of individual needs.

Then, Drawing A Blank offers insights along with evidence-based and promising strategies to improve reading comprehension for autistic individuals who can decode words well yet do not truly grasp the meaning of the material.

– Drawing a Blank provides educational professionals and parents with the tools to improve comprehension for good readers with comprehension difficulties.

– The information can also be helpful for readers who struggle with both decoding and comprehension.

Emily Iland, MA

Author, Drawing a Blank

Drawing A Blank explores these topics in detail:

01.

Understanding Autism and Hyperlexia

The discussion includes a new and perhaps surprising definition of hyperlexia as poor comprehension in good decoders with autism. The connection between autism and hyperlexia helps explain the unique learning needs of many autistic individuals.

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02.

Social-Communication, Behavioral and Sensory Features

DaB explores how social-communication and behavioral traits of autism affect reading comprehension. The book highlights traits associated with autism (such as attention and organizational skills) that can impact understanding.

03.

Specific Reading Comprehension Challenges

At least 40 types of comprehension breakdown have been identified in research literature. Autistic readers may face difficulties including literal interpretation of language, limited vocabulary, and challenges with higher-order thinking skills (including inference, summarization, and understanding narratives). It’s essential to identify specific obstacles to address them effectively.

04.

Assessment and Identification

DaB provides guidance to identify and assess comprehension issues in autistic readers,
including formal and informal methods. The information can be used to tailor interventions to address specific needs.

05.

Evidence-Based and Promising Practices for Improving Comprehension

DaB discusses a variety of interventions and teaching strategies. These include direct explicit instruction, reciprocal teaching, graphic organizers, metacognitive strategies, and computer-assisted instruction to support reading comprehension in autistic readers.

Two children reading a book together in cozy animal costumes, indoors.

06.

Vocabulary Development

DaB provides practical strategies for teaching vocabulary, including using synonyms, electronic dictionaries, visual aids, and teaching word elements like prefixes and suffixes.

07.

Innovative Teaching Methods

DaB offers creative approaches to teaching comprehension skills, such as using films, scripts, audio books, hands-on activities, and visualization techniques.

A teacher helps a student with reading in a library environment.

What Our Readers Say

I always recommend your book to my teacher friends! I used many of the strategies you mentioned in your book with my own students! They made so much more progress! It really helped me understand better how to address their reading comprehension difficulties. You really changed me as a teacher!

Trish M.Autism Specialist

I have a 9 year old awesome little ASD boy who is learning to read. I have been reading your book thoroughly and I am currently in the thick of chapter 5. I have been taking notes from your book. Emily your ideas are brilliant! I am drawing with my son. He just started typing words on the computer. We read and draw text, and I have just started a visual dictionary for him, and God knows what else I will do as I keep reading your book!! The best part is he is loving it and I am loving that!

Humera S.Parent