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To preface, my 6 year old son, "Ghosty Boo" (GB), is semi-verbal. He can ask for things and make short comments on something being "fun" or "yummy." He answers questions with obvious multiple choices ("do you want goldfish or pretzels?"), but won't answer more open-ended ones ("what do you want to eat?").
I am also certain he understands nearly everything I say to him, and his ability to talk also fluctuates with his state - the more disregulated he is, the more he can't/won't talk.
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Why Autism Defiance Happens
Sensory Overload: Loud noises, bright lights, or physical discomfort can overwhelm an autistic person, making non-compliance a quick way to seek control or safety.
Cognitive Rigidity: Autistic individuals rely heavily on predictability. Sudden changes or unexpected transitions can cause deep distress that looks like stubborn refusal.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): Some view this as an autism profile where extreme avoidance of everyday demands is actually triggered by an intense underlying panic or anxiety about losing autonomy.
Autism vs. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)Autism-related resistance stems from anxiety, overwhelm, or a breakdown in communication.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a distinct behavioral condition marked by a persistent pattern of anger, vindictiveness, and arguments specifically aimed at authority figures, completely separate from sensory or autistic processing differences.
Helpful StrategiesOffer Choices: Give limited, empowering options (like "Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt?") to reduce the pressure of a direct command.Reduce Environmental Stress: Lower sensory triggers in the room before introducing difficult tasks or transitions.Use Visuals: Provide visual schedules or countdown timers to make changes in routine predictable.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder as a Clinical Phenotype ... - PMC
National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › articles › PMC3784313
This sounds like impulsive decision making. Could be OCD related. If you want to know for sure I would take him to the Dr who diagnosed him and tell them what you're experiencing.
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