ERIC Number: EJ1194155
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2332-8584
EISSN: N/A
Understanding the Puzzle behind the Pictures: A Content Analysis of Children's Picture Books about Autism
Azano, Amy Price; Tackett, Mary; Sigmon, Miranda
AERA Open, v3 n2 Apr-Jun 2017
The growing visibility of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the trend toward inclusive classroom practices present teachers with the unique responsibility of providing an inclusive learning environment for all students. This study sought to explore how teachers may use children's picture books about autism to provide nondisabled students with experiences aimed at increasing student understandings toward autism. Researchers compiled 35 children's books for content analysis and identified significant themes presented as five assertions. Findings indicate children's picture books about autism may (a) teach readers about the core characteristics of ASD, (b) illustrate how individuals with autism may be "at risk," (c) expand on ways neurotypical children are similar and different to individuals with autism, (d) emphasize the importance of influential language, and (e) present insights about autism through the use of multiple perspectives. Findings with exemplar texts representative of each theme are presented, and practical classroom applications are discussed.
Descriptors: Content Analysis, Picture Books, Autism, Children, Childrens Literature, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Inclusion, At Risk Students, Reading
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A