Fact vs Fiction
A middle school librarian asked for some ideas for appropriate reading material for individuals with autism. “I have a growing number of students with autism,” commented the librarian. “It seems to me that fiction is just confusing to some of the youngsters. It is as if they have some difficulty separating fact and fantasy.”
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Many of my friends with autism prefer reality over fantasy. I’ve not collected data to support this observation, but it seems to me that individuals with autism tend to select fact-based literature, movies, and television shows over fictional episodes. It may be that their literal interpretation of what they see and hear makes it difficult to sort out fact and fiction. Here are a few ideas to help meet the needs of students who prefer realistic literature.
Keep a stock in the library of non-fiction stories and books as well as historical fiction literature based on actual events. Have periodicals available for the pre-teens and young teenagers that focus on travel, history, culture, science, animals, cars, astronomy, the fine arts, and other realistic topics. Magazines are produced for youngsters of all ages by Smithsonian, National Geographic, Zoo Books, Time, Yahooligins, Discovery, Scholastic, Popular Science, and many other resources.
Introduce the concept of fiction through regular reading of stories, fables, books, and poems. Start with fictional literature that is set in real time and involves real people, then move to books based on pure fantasy. So, for example, read Burnford’s The Incredible Journey before introducing Tolkein’s The Hobbit. Encourage middle-school youngsters to read fiction books that feature real people in realistic circumstances include Julie of the Wolves, Harriet the Spy, Little House in the Big Woods, The Yearling, Tom Sawyer, Little Women, and the Hardy Boy mysteries, just to name a few. Then you can move more into the realm of fiction with books where animals talk and people find themselves in fantasy lands. Encourage the students to read books by authors such as Rudyard Kipling, C.S. Lewis, Beatrix Potter, and Hugh Lofting as well as fables, folktales, and fairy tales.
Keep the discussion about reality and fantasy open as your pre-teens and young teenagers explore the world of literature. Sometimes they just need someone to help them recognize the difference between fact and fiction.
We welcome your input about helping youngsters distinguish between fact and fiction. Send your comments and ideas to talk@FAQautism.com
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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