Talking to children with Autism

People with autism usually have an auditory processing disorder, in which it takes them a few more extra seconds to understand what was said to them. I observe so many miscommunication occur because that delay is ignored or disregarded. I watch parents give their children, non-stop commands hoping the child will understand what was said by the millionth time? Let me give an example.
Mom wants Johnny to put his plate in the sink. Johnny is sitting at the table watching the light move delicately across the table filtered in through the branches of the swaying trees. Mom impatiently says, "Johnny put your plate in the sink!" Johnny slightly snaps out of his dream but doesn't put his plate in the sink, mom continues, "Johnny, put your plate in the sink, put your plate in the sink, plate in sink, Johnny!, Johnny!" Sister jumps in, "Johnny, put your plate in the sink!" Dad jumps in "Get up and listen to your mother!" Johnny is hearing " JOHNNY! PLATE! MOTHER! HEATER VENT! TRUCK OUTSIDE! SINK! PUT! JOHNNY! and so on" Johnny starts screaming to block out all of this nonsense. After mom giving her directions many times, dad gets up and puts the plate in the sink and says sadly, "this boy doesn't understand a thing". Johnny learns to not pay attention to verbal cues and relies on the fact that eventually you will be quiet and figure it out yourself. A better way to handle communication is to first get Johnny's attention then give your direction Once "Johnny put your plate in the sink" wait. If he doesn't react touch his plate and point to the sink, when he follows your directive praise him for being a good helper or a good listener. Always go to non-verbal prompts after your first verbal directive. You want to teach your child to listen the first time.