Battle Of Wills

My son and I are currently engaged in a battle of wills against each other. He would like a ball python for a pet. I said a firm no. You'd think this would end the conversation. But, no! In fact, the topic is gaining momentum each day with him asking me about it first thing in the morning, at breakfast, during the drive to school, as he says goodbye to me at school, again first thing when I pick him up at school, during the drive back home, as I cook dinner, as we sat down to eat the dinner, as I did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen, as he got ready for bed and as his bedroom light goes out. The last one usually takes place between 8:30 to 9 p.m. But last night, it was at 10 p.m. Mind you, this has been ongoing for the last two weeks. My very mild-mannered, child follows me around to ask about it. I know all about reptiles, especially snakes, now. This is an obsession with a topic that children on the spectrum are often found to exhibit. I've been advised to ignore him after a certain number of times. I've tried that and it hurts his feelings. I can see it in his eyes. So I don't ignore him when he wants to talk about it. Instead I'd give him an interesting fact about snakes that he doesn't about yet. Other times, I'd tell him stories I've heard about snakes on Python Hunter show. I'd watch that show with him and he seems to enjoy it for half the show. I went to the library and got him a bunch of books on reptiles and show him the visuals. I'm willing to keep talking with him about snakes as long as I can keep his intention to bring one home at bay.
I'm just glad we are no longer on the topic of the sinking of the Titanic. Whew!!