The value of reading fiction for people with Asperger Syndrome is that reading this genre offers them the opportunity to improve non-verbal skills, in spite of the fact that some people with Asperger Syndrome do not enjoy reading fictional books. However, they may find comfort and interest in reading about characters with the same personality traits and facing similar challenges. Reading fiction requires some of the same non-verbal skills needed to successfully navigate social situtations, the ability to read non-verbal cues. In spite of the problems that may exist for the Aspie’s population, reading fiction has value. Helping people with Asperger syndrome learn to make connections and read non-verbal cues, even in written work, is important and can help them improve their non-verbal language skills.
In addition, to finding commonality in characters with Asperger like symptoms reading fiction is also a great way to help kids and adults with Asperger Syndrome understand their own challenges. As a parent, reading fiction with your child is a great way to initiate a conversation about social situations or to illict their perspective on their social challenges. Like or not reading fiction has value for people with Asperger syndrome.
Fiction with Aspie-like characters:
–The London Eye Mystery by, Siobhan Dowd
–The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by, Kathy Hoopmann
–Blue Bottle Mystery by, Kochka
–The Boy Who Ate Stars by, Caroline Lawrence
–The Charioteer of Delphi by, Celia Rees
-Truth or Dare by, Rick Riordan
-Dragon’s Rock by, Geraldine McCaughrean
-The White Darkness, by Siobhan Parkinson
–Blue Like Friday by, Kate Thompson
–End of Summer by Michael Potts
–Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
–Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
–Delightfully Different by D.S. Walker
–Remember Dippy by Shirley Reva Vernick
References
Giles, A. (2007, July 6). The best Aspie fiction. Retrieved April 27, 2015, from http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2007/jul/06/thebestaspiefiction
Stuff Asperger People Like. (2008, July 28). Retrieved April 27, 2015, from http://stuffaspergerpeoplelike.com/2008/07/28/11-non-fiction-and-the-hatred-of-fiction/
D’Entremont, Lorna. “Five Young Adults Fiction Books Featuring Characters with Autism.” Friendship Circle Special Needs Blog. N.p., June-July 2014. Web. 29 Apr. 2015. http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2014/06/02/five-ya-fiction-books-featuring-characters-with-autism/
“Score.” Autism in Fiction (116 Books). N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2015. https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/886.Autism_in_Fiction