Characterization of Mental Retardation and Autism in Children's Books by Tina Taylor Dyches, Mary Anne Prater, and Sharon F. Cramer

Characterization of Mental Retardation and Autism in Children's Books. Tina Taylor Dyches, Mary Anne Prater, Sharon F. Cramer. Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 2001, 36 (3), 230-243.

This article focuses on children's literature and how authors have identified guidelines in the evaluation and selection if children's literature. However, the authors of this article, wanted to take a different approach to creating guidelines dealing with the portrayal of individuals with disabilities .

Dyches, Prater, and Cramer first discuss how literature is "full of stereotypical portrayals of individuals with disabilities." They go on to say that there are two main reasons why authors include characters with disabilities which include using disabilities to "represent the character's inner traits" as well as using them as "catalysts for another character's change."

Dyches and Prater's guidelines include the fact that characters should be represented in a positive and realistic manner. According to the authors of this article, these positive portrayals are those which:
a) envision high expectations for the character with the disability
b) enhance positive contributions
c) build on strengths
d) show the person acting on choices
e) depict expanding reciprocal relationships with others
f) ensure the character with disabilities is afforded the same citizenship rights as others

Overall, I found this article extremely helpful and interesting. It made me realize that I had, for the most part, chosen positive books for my collection that follow much of Dyches and Prater's guidelines. The author's in depth analysis of children's literature and mental retardation and autism offers insight into choosing authentic books and novels to use in the classroom and in one's everyday lives.