Theories on how non-verbal dc think?

[MannyMoeAndJack]

I was pondering this today. My ds is 100% non-verbal and shows zero likelihood of ever developing speech. It doesn't seem to worry him! Instead, he communicates by taking people to where he wants to go, by using a few basic photo cards (when promted, rarely spontaneously) and via his body language (to include whingeing, stomping about, yelling, etc). He understands some language, for example, those words/sentences that he has heard countless times over the years and which apply directly to the situation at hand. I think he picks up on certain nouns to cue him in.

So...given a child such as my ds, just how does he think because I seem to think using words! Are my ds's thoughts likely to be a series of images, film-reel style?

My ds clearly calculates things 'on the hoof', for example, if he sees an opportunity (e.g. an exposed tap just begging to be turned on), then he will quickly check over his shoulder to see how likely it is that his fun will be interrupted or hindered in some way, then he will make a swift and determined dash towards the desired object.

He also thinks/plans mischief things in a more leisurely manner too. Then, when he thinks I'm napping, he will seize his moment.

Any theories about what is going through his head???

ovenchips, that sounds like a good product...but my ds does like his blind up during the daytime so that he can watch any rain or snow falling, see the trees/leaves moving, etc and to also see the daylight! But it's great that you found a low-cost solution cos those metal shutters are not particularly cheap!!

in case anybody is interested in similar products, here is another non-permanent solution for eliminating unwanted rays:

www.gro.co.uk/gro_anywhere_blind.aspx

oh that's good.

Our problem at the moment is that when ds1 stirs he suddenly thinks 'streetlamps' and hops out of bed to take a look. By which time he's awake. I think if he couldn't see them at the moment he would just run up to the roof terrace door and look there, or our window. I am hoping it will pass and then we could investigate things like shutters.