April 23, 2008
Watching C’s humor develop has been, well, humorous. I remember the first time he really belly laughed as a baby, and it was very, very delayed, so we were waiting for it. He was a happy baby, but he just didn’t laugh. I still revel in the moments when he does laugh with all he’s worth. He’s definitely learned that he’s supposed to laugh when other people do, as evidenced by him cackling in response to adults laughing in another room - as if he was part of the conversation. Which, of course, prompts another laugh by those adults.
Lately, he’s been testing out his own jokes. “Knock knock” jokes are beyond him, and plays on words are most definitely not understood. But he’s trying out silly names for people to see if they get any response. They are generally spontaneous sayings created from whatever he happens to be seeing at the time. ”You’re a water slide, Mommy.” “You’re a kitchen sink…a color catalogue…a toilet paper…a bouncy ball.” And then he waits. To see if anything sticks. If we laugh, we can guarantee the name will be repeated at least a zillion times.
And that’s how I became a green tree.
Entry Filed under: autism. Tags: autism, high functioning autism, hyperlexia, special needs, funny sayings, developmental delay, humor.
1.
babs | April 23, 2008 at 6:41 pm
it’s funny that you mention knock-knock jokes…these were one of the first ways that Little Miss learned how conversation worked–one person asks, another answers, and so on. We are now inundated with jokes from all three at the dinner table each night (oy) but she’s right in the middle of it, asking and answering…so it’s worth it.
I keep trying the knock knock jokes, thinking they’d be an easy way to start, but they just don’t seem to register. I can see how they would be good conversation practice as well, so I’ll have to keep it up! Your dinners must be entertaining to say the least!
2.
lookingforlifeshumor | April 23, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Green Tree, you rock! Rock On!