Autism Through My Eyes(Real Talk From A Dad Who Lives It Every Day)

5 QUESTIONS THAT WORK (AUTISM)

Craig Young Season 2 Episode 11

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As a father, I had to learn this the hard way…

I used to ask my child, “how was your day?” and most of the time, I got one-word answers… or nothing at all.

It wasn’t that they didn’t want to talk.
I just wasn’t asking the right questions.

If you’re raising a child on the spectrum, sometimes small changes in how we communicate can make a big difference.

Here are 5 simple questions that helped me better understand my child’s world and helped them open up in their own way.

If this helps you, share it with another parent who might need it.

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SPEAKER_00

Have you ever asked your child how their day was and got nothing back? As a father, I had to learn this the hard way. Because I used to ask that question all the time. How was your day? And what I would get back was good, fine, or nothing at all. And I used to think they just didn't want to talk. But that wasn't it. I just wasn't asking the right questions. See, for some kids, especially kids on the spectrum, a big open-ended question like that is overwhelming. They don't know where to start. They don't know what you're really asking. So they shut down or they give you the easiest answers possible. So I had to change how I communicate. Here's five questions that changed everything for me. Number one, what made you smile today? This helps them focus on one moment, one feeling, and it opens the door without pressure. Number two, was anything hard for you today? Now you're giving them permission to talk about something uncomfortable, without feeling like they're doing something wrong. Number three, did anything surprise you today? This one right here, you'd be surprised what comes out of this, because now they're thinking about something specific, not everything at once. Number four, who did you talk to today? This builds social awareness and helps you understand their environment without interrogating them. Number five, what do you wish I knew about your day? This one is powerful. Because now you're giving them control to share what matters to them. And let me say this, every child is different. What works for mine might not work for yours, but the lesson is still the same. Sometimes our kids are talking, we just have to learn how to listen differently. Slow down, be patient, and meet them where they are. If this helped, share it with the parent who needs it and follow me. I'm speaking from real life over here.