Require a response. Never ask a person with autism to do anything! Always tell them. And never tell a person with autism to do something that you cannot make happen with your hands-on assistance.

When you tell a person with autism to do something, give them a little more time to respond (about ten seconds). Many persons with autism have difficulty processing auditory information and/or visual cues and may need more time to decode what you have said and to decide upon a response. If after ten seconds, the person does not respond, prompt the answer. For example, if you have asked, "Kayla, are you happy today?" And got no response, prompt Kayla by saying, "I am ______." She may fill in the blank. If still no response, prompt again with "I am h_____." (assuming she looks happy). If still no response, prompt a "Yes" or "No" verbal or gestural response. Whatever response comes (even if you have to shake her head up and down for her) make sure you praise her for "Good answering" or "Good talking."

Never allow a question to remain unanswered or an instruction to remain uncompleted. Do not drop it and move on to the next child. If you do this, the child with autism will learn that no response is ever required of them and that what they may have to say is unimportant. Make sure you get a response. Say what you mean, and mean what you say.