Reading and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
2-Day Virtual Super Workshop
February 12 & 13, 2026 9:00am-3:00pm (Pacific Time)
Learning to read and becoming an engaged reader is an essential life skill that can lead to higher success in life. Reading instruction can be especially challenging for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). How do I teach reading if my student is not interested? How can I support reading comprehension development? What if my student is minimally verbal? These are some of the questions that will be explored in this 2-day introductory workshop. By the end of the workshop, you will have strategies to plan and implement a comprehensive reading program to students with ASD.
OBJECTIVES:
Participants will:
Define reading and discuss reasons we read and learn to read.
Explain how the two core areas of deficit of ASD: social communication and restricted repetitive behaviours and interests can affect a student with ASD’s ability to learn to read.
Apply the general teaching process of assessment, goal selection, teaching, and evaluation to reading instruction.
Understand how motivation influences reading ability.
Compare and contrast the mechanics of reading with the value of reading.
Discuss strategies to teach the value of reading.
Describe strategies to increase motivation to learn to read.
Identify the key components of a successful evidenced-based reading program.
Examine skills needed before learning to read.
Describe the main areas of reading instruction as outlined by the National Reading Panel (NRP) report: phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension.
Generate adaptations for each area of reading for students with ASD.
Compare and contrast strategies for each area of reading for different populations including, typical learners and students with ASD who are minimally verbal.
Design a plan for teaching reading.
Audience: This training is directed toward employees of BC school districts and independent schools. This includes teachers, paraprofessionals, and other educational staff supporting students with ASD at any grade level (K-12) in developing their social, academic, and adaptive skills.
When February 12 - 13, 2026 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP
This workshop will be presented virtually via Zoom
Participants will need a reliable internet connection and a device equipped with a webcam and microphone (laptop / computer are recommended; tablets and mobile phones may be used, but smaller screens may make viewing challenging)
The Zoom link and workshop materials will be e-mailed to participants a few days prior to the workshop
Participants are expected to attend both days of the workshop (certificate will only be issued if both days have been attended)
Registration closes at 9am on Feb 9, 2026
FEES, CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Workshop Fee: $25, payable upon registration
Cancellations: Email training_lib@autismoutreach.ca if you need to cancel
Refunds: Refund will be provided if written notice of cancellation (to training_lib@autismoutreach.ca) is received at least 3 weeks prior to workshop
Registration is non-transferable
POPARD's ENGLISH LANGUAGE POLICY
Proficiency in English language is required for POPARD training. You must be able to speak/comprehendand read/write English at a Grade 10 high school level or higher. View all of our training policies and terms here.
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