273. Before You Ask Again: Give Them Time to Process

You ask your child a question. You wait a beat. Then you ask again, explain it differently, or add another direction.

But what if your child is still processing the first thing you said?

We’re back with brand-new episodes after our BEST OF Summer series! I’m sharing a quick update on my recovery from hand surgery and basal cell removal on my nose, then getting into a conversation that’s especially useful as school routines begin.

In this episode, we’re talking about slow processing and what happens between your question and your child’s response. As a fast processor raising Jordan, who needs more time, this is something I continue to practice myself.

You’ll hear about:

• Why getting your child’s attention and allowing processing time are different.

• How repeating questions can add more for your child to sort through.

• Making room for spoken responses, gestures, typing, and AAC.

• Practical ways to approach rushed mornings and school conversations.

• What you tell yourself while you’re waiting—and how that affects your response.

You’ll leave with one simple practice to try this week: before you ask again, leave a little room for the answer.

Looking for support beyond this weekly podcast? Join our webinar, Helping Your Autistic Child When Everything Feels Like Too Much—save your spot here. You can also visit NotYourAverageAutismMom.com to explore all the ways we can help. Whether you’re looking for practical guidance, help navigating a challenge, or connection with moms who understand, you deserve support for your part of this parenting journey, too. That’s what we’re here for, and we’d love to help.

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YOU, Mama, are doing AMAZING at this MOM thing.