I have a question about autism. I am a mother to five girls and two boys. The two boys are autistic. Joseph [11 yrs. old] has Down Syndrome, and is severely autistic, and is non-verbal. He will only answer to "yes and no" questions....he won't carry on a conversation with you at all.

Caleb [7 yrs old] is moderately autistic and also non-verbal. Joseph has the autism in many more severe ways than Caleb. Joseph isn't potty trained. We have tried that so many times, trying to get him on a schedule and he just doesn't seem to notice when he is wet or has messed his pants. He seems to not care at all. He won't tell us when he has gone...when he wants to go. And Caleb has been potty trained for about a year and a half now.

My question to you is this...How do I get my son Joseph to talk to me...in a conversation so he understands what I want and that I can understand him??? Do you understand what I am trying to say?

Thank you for your help....