Nikolas is still in the process of learning how to communicate choices. Tough for a nonverbal little guy with lots to say. It’s not a precise science; more of an inexact, interpretive art which we practice every chance we get.
A typical encounter usually goes something like this:
Me: Nik, do you want to watch Mary Poppins? Can you tell Mommy yes or no?
Nik: (No response.)
Me: How about Signing Time? Can you tell Mommy yes or no?
Nik: (No response.)
Me: (Holding out the cases for the respective DVDs) Nikolas, can you show Mommy which one you want?
Nik: (Takes one of the cases from my hand.)
Me: Oh, you want Signing Time? Okay.
Nik: (Throws Signing Time to the floor and takes Mary Poppins from my hand.)
Me: Oh, okay, you want Mary Poppins instead?
I put Mary Poppins in the player; as the opening credits begin, Nik wails in frustration and flings the case to the floor.
Me: (sighing) Nik, do you want Signing Time instead? Can you use your words to show me, please?
Nik: Pats his chest to say “Yes, please.”
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Today…
Today…
Me: Nik, do you want to watch Mary Poppins? Can you tell Mommy yes or no?
Nik: (No response.)
Me: How about Signing Time? Can you tell Mommy yes or no?
Nik: (No response.)
Me: (Holding out the cases for the respective DVDs) Nikolas, can you show Mommy which one you want?
Nik: (Takes one of the cases and very deliberately presses it against his lips in a kiss.)
Nik: (No response.)
Me: How about Signing Time? Can you tell Mommy yes or no?
Nik: (No response.)
Me: (Holding out the cases for the respective DVDs) Nikolas, can you show Mommy which one you want?
Nik: (Takes one of the cases and very deliberately presses it against his lips in a kiss.)
Me: (Startled) Oh! You want Signing Time?
Nik: (Points his right index finger into the palm of his left hand —sign language for “show”— then pats his chest to say “please.” As soon as Rachel appears on-screen, Nik begins to clap wildly.)
You could have knocked me over with Yankee Doodle’s feather!
Happy Independence Day, indeed!
Totally awesome! Way to go, Nik!
Yeah, Nik!!! Sending up some fireworks in your honor!
Nik is so awesome! Goooooo Nik! Way to use those words, little dude! Here are some extra exclamation points to use as you see fit: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAAAAY Nik!!!!!
That is wonderful. I love that he kissed it. Signing is really opening up a whole new world for him…and you!
Way too cool! He’s got it!
Horray for you! We still struggle with ‘choice’ and pile on the prompts.
Cheers
Oh, hooray Nik, that’s such a wonderful story! You’re totally doing it right, just keep asking him, and he’ll just keep blowing you out of the water!!!
Too too exciting! And what better way to express “independence”!
That’s awesome!
Thanks for checking in … I’m still here. We’ve been having some really challenging times with SB … impulsivity overload … unsafe “choices” etc. etc. We’re considering medication to supplement his current medication.
Oh my–that is fantastic! Nik continues to amaze me. Hope you’re having a great long weekend!
Thats really awesome! I love reading all the success you are having with signing time.
Honestly though my NT and verbal 3 year old still has trouble making a choice and sticking with it. We’ve encountered many a screaming fit due to a choic he clearly made and has now changed his mind about.
Its all about the freedom to make a choice and then change your mind
Rachel rocks. Happy Fourth!
Congratulations! That’s really wonderfully exciting!
That’s exactly how I choose my DVDs, too…
Way to go, Nik!!!
Yes he is learning his independence.
I also think it is sweet how he kissed the movie.
Smiles!!!