"All Done"

[playfelt]

I would reply but not acknowledge anything she said - ie not comment on the all done part . Just make a positive statement like "lunch isn't done until everyone has finished eating. Hopefully that also encourages her to eat more of what is in front of her she hasn't finished eating.

A agree that saying nothing is likely to encourage the repetition but pick a stock phrase to say back and hope she tires of the "game" too.

[Lee-Bee]

I would reply but not acknowledge anything she said - ie not comment on the all done part . Just make a positive statement like "lunch isn't done until everyone has finished eating. Hopefully that also encourages her to eat more of what is in front of her she hasn't finished eating.

A agree that saying nothing is likely to encourage the repetition but pick a stock phrase to say back and hope she tires of the "game" too.

I hadn't thought of responding but not responding to her exact words. Good idea.
She actually ends up eating a decent meal these days when she has nothing else to do but wait. She starts the "all done" immediately when the food served isn't what she wants (crackers) but by the end of the meal she will typically have tried everything and eaten a good amount of some of it. She is catered too at home but has learned (after well over a year) that crackers won't magically appear if she chooses not to eat. I've actually stopped serving crackers all together now, and only served homemade bread and muffins. She's started eating a more varied diet since the crackers completely disappeared, perhaps she realized there is no point in holding out till snack time!

I just don't get the feeling she is on the spectrum, despite having some characteristics. She is very socially aware, she is the over sensitive child. If my daughter is the slightest upset she will run to comfort her. I think she is just a tad slow on things and I think home is doing things "weird" so she is showing unusual characteristics. I could be wrong, but I have worked with children on the spectrum and this just doesn't feel right. Not that I have that much experience...that's why I asked my friend who has a lot of experience with autism and the spectrum. Time will tell I suppose.