Having Asperger myself and having watched alot of parents I'd like to share a thought.
To me the biggest problem seems to be connecting to the outside world. I've also observed children having trouble with this, as it seems they weren't able to filter relevant stimuli to react on: "Do they speak to me? I don't know.. So I'll continue to wait."
This is a pattern I'm using as well.
However, things I do understand are people reaching out to me very directly with very clear emotions.
Difficult and wrong as it may be, I'd suggest including your daughter directly in conversation as often as possible. She may not understand words, but quite possibly she does understand emotion.
This may at least ease the disconnection she's already observing.
Thanks for sharing your experience, and our experience is similar regarding being direct and clear when we need to communicate something important. This includes removing any distractions from the environment. She does seem to understand emotion sometimes, but inappropriate reactions make it hard to tell.
As for examples, she consistently laughs when babies cry, and often when we scold her for any 'dangerous' type behaviors she also laughs. There are times when she will respond appropriately.
We are adjusting to include her more in conversation, asking her to indicate preferences, etc.
Thank you for kind words. I'm not so sure how I can answer your response. I certainly can't interpret your daughters behavior. I'm in no position to do so.
Still, your post has deeply moved me and I feel like I can relate to what you're writing.
So I'll again share my feelings: I often respond similar when being scolded. It really is exciting to feel such a strong emotion. Or I'm simply happy that I made a connection to the outside. People get very irritated by that.
Thanks. I have no expectation that anyone will be able to fully explain what her specific behaviors mean (other than for her to tell me, hopefully, at some point). I can appreciate how someone might be happy to connect or get a reaction, even if the reaction is negative.
To me the biggest problem seems to be connecting to the outside world. I've also observed children having trouble with this, as it seems they weren't able to filter relevant stimuli to react on: "Do they speak to me? I don't know.. So I'll continue to wait."
This is a pattern I'm using as well.
However, things I do understand are people reaching out to me very directly with very clear emotions.
Difficult and wrong as it may be, I'd suggest including your daughter directly in conversation as often as possible. She may not understand words, but quite possibly she does understand emotion.
This may at least ease the disconnection she's already observing.