Ming argues parents of autistic and developmentally delayed children often treat them like pets, calling them over for instant gratification and creating feelings of betrayal. Instead, he says respond with praise, correct gently, and physically guide them when they ignore instructions so learning actually happens.
Do not repeat yourself so many times. Think about how to interact with a kid. Treat them as a human, don't treat them as a pet. It instantly elevates your mood whenever you call them and they're smiling at you. It's so easy. And that's why it's like an instant gratification for a lot of parents to call them to tell them to do something. But then when you don't get it, you feel betrayed and you're like, I feed you. I give you so much stuff, and you don't listen to me because you feel like they are taking you for granted, and therefore you also take them for granted. That's a pretty toxic relationship in my books. Don't let that happen, because if your child is already delayed, you don't want that relationship to be here because you want to teach them stuff. You need to be someone who cares and really regard them as a human being. And therefore always respond with praises and tell them when they're wrong. Be firm. You don't need to be strict. You need to be firm and know when you say something that means directly that when they ignore it, you will go there and hold their hand and do it for them.
