Adapting an Evidence-Based Reading Comprehension Strategy for Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Reading is a critical skill for student success in school and postschool opportunities. Although a number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will develop the decoding skills necessary to read text, many will continue to struggle with reading comprehension. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) mandated that all children receive evidence-based reading instruction consistent with the National Reading Panel (NRP) recommendations. Beginning evidence suggests that children with ASD can benefit from instruction consistent with the NRP recommendations. This article illustrates how to implement question-and-answer relationships (QAR), a specific NRP-advocated strategy, using research-based instructional supports found responsive in meeting the learning needs of students with ASD.