I had a lot of time to observe people trying to interact with Will over the holidays. We had many get togethers with family, friends, and even some strangers. Across the board, I noticed one common issue: most people don't know how to initiate a conversation with Will. And I also noticed that if adults don't make it a point to seek him out to have a chat, he very well might go an entire gathering without talking to anyone besides our immediate family.
There are a handful of people who we are close with who really "get" Will and know how to engage him... but for the rest, I decided to compile a list of tips to consider when striking up a conversation with my little man (and other darlings whose brains are wired the same way as his):
1) Say his name first. Then wait for him to turn his attention to you. If he doesn't respond: go to him, get down on his eye level, maybe even put your arm around him, then say his name again and he will surely turn his attention to you. Please pursue him. He has plenty to share with you if you are persistent and show interest.
2) Once you have his attention, then start your conversation.
3) Ask questions. "How" questions can still be tricky for him. If he seems to not understand your question, rephrase it.
4) Allow him enough wait time before responding to you. Often times he is quick to respond. Other times, his brain requires more processing time. Be patient. He is thinking hard.
5) Don't demand he looks you in the eyes. He will do this once he's comfortable with you. Badgering him about it won't help him feel comfortable with you and is thus counterproductive.
6) If he comes up to you to say something, stop what you are doing and listen. I know this bucks the "teach your children not to interrupt adults" rule, but we encourage communication at all times. Trust that I am teaching him good manners... but when he only sees you once every six months and he wants to talk to you, please listen.
7) Offer positive reinforcement once your conversation is over. A hug or squeeze and a simple "Thanks, buddy! I really like it when we get to talk!" (Or something to that tune) goes a long way.
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