Conversation between ASD child and ASD Dad
October 19th, 2009 — autisticandhealthySon, “If I work really hard on my homework can I go out and play with Mary(sister). ”
Father “Yes, for 30 minutes.”
Non ASD Mother clarifies terms of their agreement-Son you can go out to play with Mary, if she wants to play with you, I won’t force her AND you must not only work very hard for 1 hour, but also productively, that means you must finsih AT LEAST 3 full assignments, every question in the format that the teacher requested, and they must be the next three assignments in one class AND if must be a continuous hour, no breaks for snacks, or petting the cat. The time starts when you actually answer the first question of homework, not now. The 30 minutes of playing outside much be used right after you finsih your hour of work, they do not carry over to another time today or tomorrow or anytime. If you work for an hour and do not have three assignments done, then you need to speak to me and only me about your progress and fullment of this agreement. If I determine you have worked hard continueouly then you can go out side with Mary if she wants, if I think you need to finsih more work, then you can go outside if you do not argue with me, and disrespect me, when the additional work is completed. If you go to your Dad for any help or clarification of this agreement, then there is no agreement. Please repeat back to me.
Son repeats back the redefined terms to Mom acceptably.
Mom said thanks, “I love you.”
Son said,”I should have asked when Mom was at church and only Dad was home. Oops sorry Mom was that disrespectful?”
The end of the story–Son could not complete the hour of homework on the computer without breaks for snacks, breaks for petting cats, breaks for fighting with sisters, breaks for drinks, breaks for bathroom. Mom went to 5pm mass with three youngest girls and left the ASD boys at home to work another deal.
