About Dimblehouse
The Dimblehouse Clear Language Approach
Great stories. Clearer communication. A world of imagination open to everyone.
At Dimblehouse, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful story, regardless of how they process language or experience the world.
That belief is at the heart of our Clear Language Approach.
We recognise that some children, including many autistic readers, can find certain aspects of written language challenging, even when they are confident, capable and enthusiastic readers. In particular, expressions that rely on implied meanings, idioms, sarcasm, wordplay or figurative language can sometimes make following a story unnecessarily difficult.
A phrase such as “a storm in a teacup”, for example, might be familiar to many readers, but its intended meaning is not immediately obvious to someone who interprets language literally. Similarly, a character who says one thing but means another, or a description that relies on the reader reading between the lines, can introduce confusion rather than enjoyment.
For some children, the challenge is not reading the words. It is understanding what the words are intended to mean.
We believe this is something children’s publishers can do more to address.
Our approach
Writing without unnecessary barriers
The Dimblehouse Clear Language Approach is our commitment to thinking carefully about how stories are written, so that more children can enjoy them independently and with confidence.
It is not about making books simplistic, removing interesting vocabulary or reducing the imagination and creativity that make children’s literature so special.
Instead, it is about making considered choices.
We aim to:
- Use clear, natural language. Write in a way that communicates what is happening without making readers work unnecessarily hard to interpret the author’s meaning.
- Consider figurative expressions. Be mindful of idioms, sayings, metaphors and expressions that may be confusing when interpreted literally.
- Make meaning clear through context. Where unusual expressions or figurative language are used, provide enough surrounding information for readers to understand their intended meaning.
- Avoid unnecessary ambiguity. Ensure that important events, instructions, character intentions and changes in the story are communicated clearly.
- Keep storytelling engaging. Preserve humour, excitement, descriptive writing, interesting characters and imaginative adventures.
We do not believe that accessibility and good writing are opposing ideas. In fact, we believe that writing thoughtfully can make a story more enjoyable for a much wider audience.
Who is it for?
Our books are for everyone
Our approach has been developed with particular consideration for autistic children who may interpret language literally or find implied meanings and expressions difficult to understand.
Autism is a spectrum, and every autistic child is different. Some children may need considerable support with communication and reading, while others may have advanced vocabulary, excellent reading skills and a sophisticated understanding of complex subjects, yet still find certain forms of figurative or implied language challenging.
We are particularly conscious of children whose reading ability and intellectual capabilities are not necessarily reflected in how easily they interpret the subtleties of everyday language.
However, the benefits of clear communication are not exclusive to autistic readers. Children with language-processing differences, those learning English as an additional language, and younger readers developing their understanding of written expression may also appreciate stories that communicate their meaning clearly.
Our books are for everyone. We simply want to make sure that more children can enjoy them.
For parents, carers and teachers
Helping parents and carers choose
We understand that choosing an appropriate book can sometimes be difficult for parents, carers and teachers.
A child may be perfectly capable of reading a book independently but struggle with the way its language is used. Knowing whether a story relies heavily on sarcasm, idioms, implied meanings or subtle social cues can make a real difference when deciding whether it is likely to be an enjoyable reading experience.
That is why we intend to identify books that have been developed with our Clear Language Approach.
Through discreet accessibility information on our books and website, adults will be able to identify titles that have been written with particular consideration for clear and direct communication.
This is not a reading-age classification or a guarantee that every autistic child will find a book suitable. Every child has their own preferences, strengths and individual needs.
It is simply another way of helping families make informed choices.
Our commitment
Our commitment
The Dimblehouse Clear Language Approach reflects something we believe passionately: no child should be excluded from the enjoyment of a great story because of unnecessary barriers in the way it is written.
We want to publish books that inspire curiosity, encourage imagination, create a love of reading and take children on extraordinary adventures.
And we want as many children as possible to be able to enjoy those adventures in their own way.
Because every child deserves a story they can understand, enjoy and make their own.
Dimblehouse. Stories worth discovering.