Engaging Young Children With Autism in Caregiver-Implemented Shared Reading: A Review and Call for Research
Abstract
This comprehensive review examines the current state of research on caregiver-implemented shared reading interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Shared reading, a foundational literacy activity that involves caregivers and children jointly engaging with books, has shown promise as an intervention approach for promoting language development, social communication, and early literacy skills in young children with ASD.
Background
The Importance of Shared Reading
Shared reading experiences provide numerous benefits for typical development:
- Language development: Exposure to rich vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Social communication: Turn-taking, joint attention, and social reciprocity
- Cognitive development: Understanding of narrative structure and comprehension skills
- Emotional bonding: Positive caregiver-child interactions and attachment building
Challenges for Children with ASD
Children with autism spectrum disorder often face unique challenges during shared reading activities:
- Social communication difficulties: Challenges with joint attention and social engagement
- Sensory sensitivities: Difficulties with book textures, lighting, or positioning
- Restricted interests: Preference for specific topics or repetitive behaviors
- Communication barriers: Limited verbal communication or unconventional communication patterns
Review Methodology
This systematic review examined peer-reviewed research focusing on:
- Participants: Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ages 0-8)
- Intervention: Caregiver-implemented shared reading programs
- Outcomes: Language development, social communication, literacy skills, and caregiver-child interaction
- Study designs: Experimental, quasi-experimental, and single-case research designs
Key Findings
Intervention Components
Effective caregiver-implemented shared reading interventions typically include:
Caregiver Training Elements
- Interactive reading strategies: Techniques for engaging children during book reading
- Communication facilitation: Methods for promoting child communication and participation
- Behavioral support: Strategies for managing challenging behaviors during reading
- Environmental modifications: Adapting the physical and social reading environment
Book Selection and Adaptation
- High-interest topics: Books aligned with child preferences and interests
- Visual supports: Use of pictures, symbols, and visual cues to support comprehension
- Repetitive elements: Predictable text patterns and repeated phrases
- Interactive features: Tactile elements, flaps, and sensory components
Outcomes and Benefits
Research demonstrates significant improvements in:
Communication and Language
- Increased vocalizations: More frequent verbal and non-verbal communication attempts
- Expanded vocabulary: Growth in receptive and expressive vocabulary
- Improved pragmatics: Better use of communication for social purposes
- Enhanced comprehension: Increased understanding of story elements and concepts
Social Engagement
- Joint attention: Improved ability to share attention with caregivers during reading
- Social responsiveness: Increased responsiveness to caregiver initiations
- Turn-taking: Better participation in conversational exchanges
- Eye contact: More frequent and sustained eye contact during interactions
Literacy Development
- Print awareness: Understanding of book orientation and text direction
- Phonological awareness: Recognition of sounds and sound patterns
- Narrative understanding: Comprehension of story structure and sequence
- Reading motivation: Increased interest and engagement with books
Implementation Considerations
Caregiver Factors
- Training and support: Adequate preparation and ongoing coaching for caregivers
- Individual differences: Adapting interventions to family contexts and preferences
- Sustainability: Ensuring interventions can be maintained in natural environments
- Cultural considerations: Respecting diverse family values and practices
Child Characteristics
- Developmental level: Matching interventions to child’s cognitive and communication abilities
- Individual interests: Incorporating child preferences to maximize engagement
- Sensory needs: Addressing sensory sensitivities and preferences
- Communication style: Adapting to child’s unique communication patterns
Research Gaps and Future Directions
Current Limitations
- Limited diversity: Need for more diverse participant samples across cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Dosage questions: Insufficient research on optimal frequency and duration of interventions
- Long-term outcomes: Limited follow-up studies examining sustained effects
- Technology integration: Minimal research on digital books and technology-enhanced reading
Future Research Priorities
- Longitudinal studies: Examining long-term impacts on literacy development and academic outcomes
- Comparative effectiveness: Comparing different caregiver training models and intervention approaches
- Cultural adaptations: Developing culturally responsive shared reading interventions
- Technology integration: Exploring the role of digital books and assistive technologies
- Cost-effectiveness: Analyzing the economic benefits of caregiver-implemented interventions
Clinical Implications
For Practitioners
- Assessment protocols: Comprehensive evaluation of child and family reading contexts
- Individualized planning: Tailoring interventions to specific child and family needs
- Caregiver coaching: Providing effective training and ongoing support to caregivers
- Progress monitoring: Regular assessment of child progress and intervention fidelity
for Families
- Empowerment: Building caregiver confidence and competence in supporting their child’s development
- Natural integration: Embedding interventions into daily routines and family activities
- Positive interactions: Enhancing the quality of caregiver-child relationships through shared reading
- Advocacy skills: Helping families advocate for appropriate services and supports
Conclusion
Caregiver-implemented shared reading interventions represent a promising approach for supporting the communication, social, and literacy development of young children with autism spectrum disorder. While research demonstrates positive outcomes, continued investigation is needed to optimize intervention approaches, address implementation challenges, and ensure accessibility across diverse populations.
The integration of shared reading interventions into early intervention services has the potential to significantly impact developmental trajectories for children with ASD while simultaneously strengthening family capacity and caregiver-child relationships.
Published in: International Journal of Developmental Disabilities (2025)
Authors: Xiaoning Sun, L. Yi, C. Crowell, D. Tor
Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, shared reading, caregiver-implemented intervention, early intervention, literacy development, parent training, social communication