The narrative structure: what is the most suitable for children with AS?

According to Barbara Dynes ( 2014), the narrative structure is the skeleton underlying the order and manner in which a sequence of events is presented to the audience. The same story can be told in too many ways. Some of the most common forms are linear, nonlinear and interactive narration and narratives.

Whereas linear narratives are largely portrayed in a chronological order, nonlinear narratives don´t follow a direct causality pattern; which might cause confusion in the rigid, routine and logical-thinking of children with Asperger. ( Atwood, 2015)

On the other hand, Interactive forms involve the user´s participation. They imply task completion or game resolution to approach a new chapter, which brings a new challenge, increasing the interest of the reader.

Meanwhile, the interactive narration drives a linear story in which the reader should work to gain the next piece of the narrative; in the interactive narrative, a single starting point may lead to multiple developments and outcomes, as a result of the user´s choices. ( Dynes, Greenford; 2014, 2013)

Whilst these forms might seem attractive; they should be carefully developed and guided given the vulnerability of children with Asperger to be distracted. As research indicates, multi-tracking task is one of the lowest performances in IQ (intelligence quotient) Asperger´s profiles. They have relative difficulties in sequential reasoning to arrange pictures in the correct order drawing up a story. ( Atwood, 2015)

Therefore, this type of Stories might require the presence of guidelines or guardians able to address and correct the possible miscellaneous responses the child may elicit. With regards, the plot, Andrea Shawick (2011) mentions in his book “ How to write a Picture Book for Children”, the seven basic plots defined by Christopher Booker, and worldly recognized.

Although every book fits in one of these categories some of these archetypical plots are more suitable for children. Whereas overcoming the monster, Rag to Riches, The Quest and Voyage and return seem quite successful tragedy is avoided given its sad ending.