Hello and thank you for writing to JustAsk!

Sometimes children don't answer questions back correctly because they are worded at an adult level or they get lost with the length of the question.

With a child who has some memory difficulties start by phrasing questions with two choices that are clearly stated and to the point.

For example, when asking the child if he prefers a flavor of ice cream for dessert simply state this way:

"Would you like the strawberry or chocolate chip ice cream for dessert? Which? Strawberry or Chocolate Chip?"

Try not to ask open ended questions such as...."Which flavor do you wish for dessert tonight? What kind of ice cream? Do you want ice cream for dessert and if so, which one?"

Use very recognizable question words such as WHO? WHERE? WHICH?  Questions such as HOW? will take more time to develop as this type of questions needs more vocabulary. Storytime is an excellent opportunity to ask basic questions or have him retell the story back to you.

If you continue to have concerns, please connect with your son's school and see if they notice the same within his classroom.

Best wishes,

Louise Sattler, Psychologist
Owner of SIGNING FAMILIES