Some individuals who have Autism struggle with writing. This makes sense, since writing is in an extension of speaking. Putting words on paper and forming sentences and then paragraphs can be daunting. Often times, the ideas are there when a child attempts to write, but expressing them is the challenge.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Many individuals with Autism gravitate toward visual stimuli, such as computer games or a graphic novel. The trick with writing is to convert this imagery into words—words that will be read by other people.

Writing something to be read by others or creating something for the benefit of others requires being able to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Individuals with Autism often have a deficit in this area; seeing the world from their own viewpoint is relatively easy. Seeing the world as someone else sees it is hard.

Kerry Magro, a best-selling author and public speaker who happens to have Autism, said during an interview with the Autism News Network that he recommends writing every day in order to develop writing skills. Just writing about anything. He also recommends speaking in front of a mirror in order to develop public speaking skills. This makes so much sense. Because if you can learn more about how the world perceives you, then you can be a more effective communicator—while writing or speaking.

-Dr. Gwynette

@DrGwynette