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Hi,
Our adoptive placement son is five and diagnosed with Autism. The transition is going really well. Though we have a question that hopefully someone will have some thoughts on. Whenever we ask V a question 95% of the time the answer is yes. He will say no but mostly is yes. Even if we know that he doesn't mean to say yes. Is there a certain way that you phrase your questions?
Any help would be appreciated. Certainly it isn't something urgent and terrible but I would like to be able to be more helpful to him.
Thanks in advance!
greenapplexsea
Hi,
Our adoptive placement son is five and diagnosed with Autism. The transition is going really well. Though we have a question that hopefully someone will have some thoughts on. Whenever we ask V a question 95% of the time the answer is yes. He will say no but mostly is yes. Even if we know that he doesn't mean to say yes. Is there a certain way that you phrase your questions?
Any help would be appreciated. Certainly it isn't something urgent and terrible but I would like to be able to be more helpful to him.
Thanks in advance!
I guess it depends on why he's answering yes. It could be echolalia...it could be that he's anxious in a new situation and just agreeing to appease....or he may not understand the questions.
If its a new placement, I'd hold off till you can tell why he says yes.
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I would avoid yes/no questions when possible. If he can comprehend it, I'd give him two options, and work up to three. For example: Where do you want to go first, the store or the park? Or Do you want to wear a green or a red shirt today? I try to incorporate things you're trying to teach, like colors, into the choices. I think I'd ask whether he usually answers with a yes in other settings since it could just be anxiety about the transition that will go away on its own.
RhondaBear is totally right. Is he receiving ABA? They can help you teach him the difference between yes and no. They will likely use visuals.
So we are about ten days away from him being home for a month and it has not been as difficult as the first couple of weeks. I think part of the always saying yes was still getting comfortable in his new environment. V says NO now with all seriousness. We are learning to make things more of an option then a yes or no statement. It has been a learning curve for all of us. He is not currently doing ABA but is on a waiting list to start.