Back To School Short Stories with ‘Who’ Questions ABA and Autism Therapy

Autism Reading Comprehensions

Reading comprehension can be particularly challenging for children with autism. Many students on the autism spectrum have difficulty understanding abstract concepts, grasping social cues in stories, or making inferences based on context. This can impact their ability to engage with reading materials and reduce overall learning enjoyment. However, with the right tools and approach, improving reading comprehension is not only possible but also enjoyable.

As an experienced special educator, I understand the importance of breaking down reading tasks into manageable, focused components. That’s why I’m excited to introduce an educational resource specifically designed to address these challenges. This resource includes 10 short stories, each consisting of 3-4 simple sentences. Accompanying each story are three “who” questions, which encourage young readers to focus on identifying the key characters and details in the narrative. You can practice more Who Questions’ Short Stories here.

The stories and questions are ideal for beginner readers—children just learning how to process information from texts in a structured and supportive way. Let’s explore how this resource is tailored to the unique needs of children with autism and how it promotes essential reading skills.

Why This Resource Works for Autism Reading Comprehension

1. Simplicity and Structure: Children with autism often benefit from predictable structures and routines. The stories in this resource are short and easy to follow, helping students focus on the core message without feeling overwhelmed. By keeping the sentence structure simple, we provide clarity and reduce potential confusion.

2. Focused on “Who” Questions: Understanding the “who” in a story—who is involved and what their roles are—is an important foundation for reading comprehension. For children with autism, focusing on “who” questions can develop their ability to identify characters and follow the sequence of events. The questions in this resource are designed to engage children by prompting them to recall specific details, making it easier for them to understand what they’ve read.

3. Building Confidence: Reading can feel daunting, especially for children who face challenges with comprehension. This resource is designed to build confidence through small, achievable steps. As students read the stories and answer the questions, they experience success, which motivates them to continue exploring more texts.

This 10-story collection is perfect for use in classrooms, homeschooling, or individual reading practice. It encourages interaction, improves focus on key story elements, and promotes better reading habits. By introducing children with autism to stories in a manageable way, we help them develop stronger reading comprehension skills that will serve them in all areas of learning.

If you’re looking for a practical, engaging, and autism-friendly resource for beginner readers, this set of stories is a great tool. It creates an environment where children feel supported as they learn to process and comprehend text—a critical step toward lifelong reading success.