Giving Processing Time

Your child seems to ignore you or takes a long time to respond to questions

Steps

After asking a question, wait at least 10 seconds before repeating it
Count silently in your head. 10 seconds feels longer than you think
Simplify your language: use shorter sentences with fewer words
Avoid asking multiple questions in a row
Use visuals alongside verbal instructions to give their brain two routes to understand

What you need

Patience, simplified language, visual supports

Why it works

Autistic and ADHD brains often process language more slowly, not because of lower intelligence but because the brain is doing more work — filtering sensory input, interpreting tone, and constructing a response simultaneously. Waiting 10 seconds and simplifying language gives the processing system the time it needs.

Age guidance

Essential at all ages. The processing gap often becomes more noticeable in noisy or stressful environments.

Real-world example

A parent timed themselves and discovered they were repeating questions after 3 seconds. When they forced themselves to wait a full 10 seconds, their child started answering on their own. The child wasn't ignoring them — they just needed more time.

Troubleshooting

They're not ignoring you. Their brain is processing. Wait
Avoid repeating the question with DIFFERENT words. It restarts the processing
Background noise makes processing harder. Reduce it when communicating something important