My ASD son has started asking me for things or "manding"

[Ghostoast]

My son is 2 years 9 months and has suspected ASD (still on the waiting list for assessment).
He has had loads of words since about 2 but only labels, knew all his numbers, can read a bit but never communicated with me, never asked me for juice or anything.
We started ABA 2 months ago, 2 weeks ago he asked me for "help". Today, he has asked me for "more juice" "hide and seek" "book" "mummy" "cake" and "dummy" I could actually cry. I didn't think we would be at this stage for ages if at all.
I am hoping he will "get" communication now and he can start to catch up a little.
If I tell anyone else about this is sounds so insignificant but I'm sure you will all get it!

That sounds brilliant Ghost! My DD was similar: not behind in vocabulary but never asked for things. It helps so much when they can see the point/benefit of communication and learn how to do it!

It’s so wonderful when they reach these milestones. Enjoy every bit

That's huge op! So happy for you and the little one! Long may it continue!
We waited till ds was 9.5 before he said his first words. The best feeling in the world!

OP, only mommies like us will understand that. That's an achievement, do celebrate. My son is still not asking for his need, he only takes us by hand to the place and pointed at it. Now the progress is he points and says the name of it. Like water or biscuits while pointing it out.
Kindly share what you did in ABA to make him ask for his need.

Wow, amazing! I'd also like to know what he did in ABA.

Thank you so much! So what we did was, I had a cookie broken into little pieces and I would hold it up and say "cookie" and wait a few seconds and say it again and then give it to him. Sort of waiting for him to say it.
Then next time I would hold it up and say "cook..." and wait. Don't give in straight away, if nothing then say "cookie" then give it to him.
Then eventually you are just going "c..." then this prompts then to do it. You are fading back the prompt. Then at some point you hold it up and they just say it.
The motivation is that when they say it they get the item quicker with no delay. Make sure it's something they really want.
My son got really mad a few times and flipped the chair up or would snatch the cookie but 2 months later he is doing it allllll day. He never stops now, it's amazing.
Hes never pointed in his life though!

Also I would do it about 5 times in a row minimum. It feels like they'll never get it and I used to cry but he did it! Now if only he could imitate.... Lol!

That's utterly amazing op! You must be bursting with pride!!! What a clever little boy you have.

My ds is starting assessment soon and is 2.5. He's completely non verbal but in the last 6 months has started a couple of basic communications. He will now wave and point at characters in books. These 'small' steps are utterly huge for us and them.