New here... Asperger's or just shy?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-12-2003
New here... Asperger's or just shy?
4
Sat, 02-02-2008 - 10:52am

I've often wondered if my 3.5 year old DS has Asperger's due to some traits/characteristics he has (sensory issues, speech delay, etc.). However, he seems to have overcome these traits since starting preschool. He has never been around many other people because DH and I work different shifts and never needed daycare for him and our family doesn't live nearby.


However, I recently found out from his teacher that he doesn't communicate at school, he points and grunts, and doesn't play with the other kids. He talks quite well at home (now) and plays well with his sister at home too. Of course, the teacher mentioned autism/Asperger's. How do I know that he isn't just shy around other people since he's always been home with DH and I? He's been going to this school 2 days a week for about 6 months now. Could it just be shyness?


Any help/advice you can give would be appreciated!


TIA, Sue

Avatar for betz67
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 02-02-2008 - 12:23pm

Welcome!

If the teacher is expressing concern, and you've had concerns in the past it would be a great idea to have him screened. The teachers should be able to give you a number to call in your area for the appropriate school district personnel or child find (or whatever it's called in your area). Your pediatrician should have information for private sources as well. Early detection and intervention is great and often children on the high end of the spectrum can learn to adapt and do very well in school with the best therapy and help.

Betsy

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sat, 02-02-2008 - 3:32pm

Well, the only way you will know for sure is to have him evaluated.

                                

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 02-02-2008 - 3:40pm

first, I always tell folks if you have any concerns get an evaluation. You can either get your mind put at ease or get an earlier start. More information does not hurt.

On a good note, my youngest (not ASD) was like this in preschool. It took a couple years before he was able to be confident enough in school to talk. Now (2nd grade) his teacher has the opposite problem ;-0.

In fact my sons first preschool teacher asked me to have him evaluated because they thought he was unable to talk at all. He was quite a chatter box at home at that point. However, Dave did have a bit of a speech impediment and that may have affected his confidence in talking in school.

In fact, Dave had many many more trials in preschool that were of concern but with a lot of patience and creativity he developed very well and is now considered quite gifted in his class. He is very hyper but one of the most able kids in his class and does not require an IEP, etc.

renee

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Registered: 06-25-2003
Sat, 02-02-2008 - 8:52pm

I agree that if the preschool teacher raised concerns, it would be wise to get them checked out. She probably sees a lot of kids, and is unlikely to have said anything unless she had a real concern. It coudl be nothing, but better to be sure than sorry.

-Paula

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