The “I don’t know” lens

Are you on the autism spectrum? Do you often answer questions with “I don’t know?”

Are you struggling to connect with someone on the autism spectrum who often responds to questions with “I don’t know?”

I don’t know is a very common response from someone living with autism. At Family Learning for Autism, learn how to change the conversation.

Reflect on the following statements.

My autistic daughter is not interested in participating in family activities. When I ask her what she wants to do today she always answers with “I don’t know”

CLICK THE GEARHEAD to see through the Autism LENS:

Parent point of view

When I became a dad, I was excited that we could bond over sports, but I am so frustrated. I enrolled my son in soccer, and I asked him if the cleats that I bought him would work. I told him, “Wearing this style of cleats will make you soar!” Now he refuses to wear them.

CLICK THE GEARHEAD to see through the Autism LENS:

Avoid Piling on the Instructions.

Scenario: This is a real scenario of a 16-year-old with autism during his G1 driving test without accommodation.

The driving test examiner and the teen were in the car, in the Drive Test Centre’s parking lot, ready for the first portion of the test. The teen was seated in the driver’s seat ready to go and the examiner was in the passenger’s seat. Let’s go….

Examiner point of view

The teen started driving forward, properly, and the examiner instructed: “Turn left at the pylon. The teen proceeded straight and drove past the pylon. The examiner asked the teen to stop the car. The teen failed.

CLICK THE GEARHEAD to see through the Autism LENS: