Analyzing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children’s Picture Books

Through picture books, non-disabled children can indirectly encounter, understand, and empathize with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to analyze the diagnostic characteristics of children with ASD and their interactions with significant others as depicted in picture books. Research subjects were 32 domestic and international picture books dealing with ASD. Content analysis and central theme analysis were used as research methods. Results of this study are as follows. First, diagnostic characteristics of children with ASD frequently expressed in picture books include deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input, and unusual interests. Second, interactions between children with ASD and significant others in picture books were divided into negative categories of acting out in anger, complaining, and ostracizing and positive categories of understanding, participating, and being together. The significance of this study is that picture books are a highly effective medium for understanding children with ASD.