In this video, speech-language pathologist Carrie Clark will show you what to do with a child with autism who is able to speak but tends to not respond to questions that are asked of him.
Show Notes:
- Start with simple yes/no questions about his favorite topic. Use “is this ___” for favorite characters, objects, etc. For example, show him a picture of a car and say “Is this a car?” or “Is this a snowman?”. If the child responds verbally, repeat his answer and then praise him for his verbal response (“I like how you said ‘yes’”). If the child does not respond verbally, prompt him with “Use your words” or “You can say ‘yes’”. If the child doesn’t respond after that, offer some sort of tangible reinforcement for his verbal response (“If you want the cookie, you need to answer my question. Say ‘yes’”). Fade back the use of tangible reinforcements as soon as possible.
- Once the child can answer basic yes/no questions verbally, move to basic “what” questions like “What’s this” and “What is he doing?” Again, use highly motivating pictures or objects at first to peak his interest. Use the same method of prompting for verbal responses as above.
- Keep moving through new question forms in this way. Practice each new question form in therapy during structured activities and then encourage the parents to require a verbal response to those types of questions at home, as well. Make sure that everyone has consistent expectations for the child to speak in response to those questions that you have worked on in therapy. I would suggest working on questions in this order: yes/no, what, who, where, why, when, how.
More Resources for Speech-Language Pathologists:
Looking for more therapy ideas and resources to help you provide the BEST services to your clients? Join us in The SLP Solution, our membership program for speech-language professionals! Inside the membership, you’ll find:
- Step-By-Step Guides for teaching a variety of speech/language/communication skills
- Pre-Made Worksheets and Therapy Activities for hundreds of different topics
- Training Videos for dealing with difficult disorders or problems
- Answers to Your Questions in our exclusive SLP community
- Tools and Resources to help you with your paperwork and admin tasks
- Continuing Education through our monthly webinars and webinar recordings
To join us in the full SLP Solution, or to snag a free membership, click on the button below!
Please teach …how to teach ‘wh’ questions
Hi, Ash-
You can try reviewing this links to help teach the “wh” questions: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/?s=wh+questions.
Thanks a ton Carrie!! I am from India and my son is 7 years old with mild autism. I am trying to teach him questions and came across your site. You have very very nicely explained how to work on kids in detail and the information provided is very helpful in teaching him without any fuss and frustration. God bless you always!!!
Thanks,
Khushboo
Hello khusboo,plz send some video s of your son ,how to teach him with the help of pecs.
What do you think is best to work on after accomplishing wh-questions? What is a good continuum to follow?
Hello, Amy!
Thank you so much for reaching out. Unfortunately, we get a ton of questions every day about how to solve specific speech/language problems. Since we have such a small staff, we aren’t able to answer every question that comes through on the website, social media, or via email. If you are a parent, we suggest you reach out to a local speech-language pathologist who can work with your child directly and answer your question.
If you are another speech-language professional, we have created a membership where we pay a full staff to answer questions like this on a regular basis. We would be more than happy to answer your question inside the membership program. We’re able to answer more questions in here because we have a full library of questions that we’ve already answered so our staff can either link you to the answer if it exists, or write you a custom response if needed. We’d love to see you inside the membership!
Click Here to Become a Member: https://www.slpsolution.com/pediatric-signup/.
Well my child don’t answer even though i’m using what’s been suggested in this video. At a loss on what to do. My child understands not to go into cupboards and eat the food. This isn’t what i want for my child. My child has told me the reasons why i am upset. My child doesn’t do this at mother’s home. So i ask why does my child do it at my home. My child understands, but still doesn’t give me an answer. I am the father. Why does my child not do the same in my home?
Hello, Alexander!
Thank you so much for reaching out. Unfortunately, we get a ton of questions every day about how to solve specific speech/language problems. Since we have such a small staff, we aren’t able to answer every question that comes through on the website, social media, or via email. If you are a parent, we suggest you reach out to a local speech-language pathologist who can work with your child directly and answer your question.
If you are another speech-language professional, we have created a membership where we pay a full staff to answer questions like this on a regular basis. We would be more than happy to answer your question inside the membership program. We’re able to answer more questions in here because we have a full library of questions that we’ve already answered so our staff can either link you to the answer if it exists, or write you a custom response if needed. We’d love to see you inside the membership!
Click Here to Become a Member: https://www.slpsolution.com/pediatric-signup/