Reviews - Drawing a Blank

Reviews of Drawing a Blank

Reviews of Drawing a Blank Improving Comprehension for Autistic Readers Second Edition (2026)

Temple Grandin, Ph.D.

Author of Thinking in Pictures and The Way I See It series

A lot of kids with autism have problems with reading comprehension. This book provides practical, easy-to-teach methods for improving both vocabulary and comprehension. Some of the tools include teaching synonyms, looking up pictures on the internet to teach nouns, and using lists of words with different shades of emotional meaning such as naughty, bad, and evil. I highly recommend this book for use with all individuals who have problems with reading comprehension

Timothy Shanahan, Ph.D

Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois at Chicago

In Drawing a Blank Emily Iland makes the case that children on the autism spectrum are particularly likely to be hyperlexic and then proceeds to provide a rich collection of research-based instructional recommendations to guide the teaching of these very special children. A must read for any parent or teacher responsible for these kids.

Marcy Dann, Ed.D.

Retired board certified educational therapist (BCET)

This book is accessible and spot on! The author unpacks the link between hyperlexia and autism, drawing on her journey as a mother, educator, and researcher. What began as a passion project has become an invaluable resource for all educators who want to better understand and effectively teach hyperlexic learners of any age. Packed with practical tools, case studies, and evidence-based strategies, this book offers explicit and comprehensive guidance for boosting reading comprehension and lifelong learning.

Rachel Ford

Parent of two autistic teens, and educational advocate at Special Support Services, NYC

Drawing a Blank remains the essential guide to uncovering and addressing the hidden comprehension challenges of autistic students who can read fluently, but struggle to understand. You know the students who decode like a 12th grader but comprehend like a 4th grader? Blending decades of research, professional expertise and lived experience, Emily Iland empowers teachers and parents to recognize unseen learning needs and demand meaningful supports to help autistic readers move beyond decoding to true comprehension. A must for any advocate’s bookshelf!

A joyful group of diverse colleagues high-fiving each other in an office, symbolizing teamwork and collaboration.

Christina R. Carnahan, Ed

Professor of Special Education and Director of the IDD Center at the University of Cincinnati

Drawing a Blank by Emily Iland is an insightful and practical resource for helping individuals on the autism spectrum improve reading comprehension. The book illuminates why individuals often struggle to grasp meaning, especially when language is abstract or socially complex, and offers practical strategies to help readers make sense of what they read. The tools and examples are easy to implement in classrooms or at home, supporting comprehension instruction that is structured and effective.

Reader Feedback about Drawing a Blank

Reviews of Drawing a Blank Improving Comprehension for Autistic Readers Second Edition (2026)

I am on page 18 of this book, and I know that my instincts were right; this book is what we need as we begin this journey to help provide our grandson with the tools he needs so that he can comprehend what he is reading. I have already found some answers, and I have read some of my inner thoughts. Thank you so much for preparing this book for us. My husband and I are grandparents raising a grandchild on the spectrum and as a second grader, he has hit the comprehension wall. Thank you so very much,

Renée R.

Thank you so much for all this information…I am hopeful that with the right strategies my niece will start to better understand what she is reading.

Nadia T.

I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of your training session in Houston Region IV. I am fairly new to working with children with ASD and I have yet to receive such wonderful training and loads of information. Throughout the training, there were so many AHA! moments. Things were starting to make sense to me about the students that I work with. You have really done a great job with your research of the research! Thank you so much!!

B.C.

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.

Just a note to thank you on your presentation. It was very informative and challenging. We as teachers must always do more to help all students! Alberto D.

It was great meeting you. The training was just what our district need. Cathy W.

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

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