Need help with over-generalized what is it?

[Guest guest]

Yesterday, we had another in a series of IEP meetings.

Our son loves learning and loves the word " what " . He has over-

generalized the question " What is it? " He says " what is it " when he

means " where is it? " or " what is it, can I see it? "

He spontaneously generalized this behavior after an " AHA " moment while

he was doing a table session. It was fun and exciting at first.

He doesn't clarify what he means when he's asking " what is it? " He

looks off in the distance at something and says " what is it? "

Sometimes the listener will say, " What is what? " to which he

says " what is what? " We would prefer him to say something like " what

is that pink thing? " etc. or point.

Rather than shaping the behavior to become more descriptive, the SLP

thinks we should all carry flags. We are to wave the flags to signify

communication breakdown. My son is meant to arrive at a " deeper level

of understanding " via the flag because it's visual. I explained that

the clerk at Mc's might not have a flag available.

I need a flag.

I would appreciate any advice on getting the all-purpose " what is it "

under control.

Thanks