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I have a question
| Sat, 03-22-2008 - 9:08am |
I am an owner of a daycare center and I have a staff member who has a child in my center and his behaviors seem like they could possibly be Autism or maybe Asbergers and I myself have never worked with a child who has either of these disorders.

Welcome to our board!
First off we are NOT doctors nor professional in anyway. It's hard to make assumptions but from what you posted I personally see some questionable things that I would take notice to. Obession with certain objects/shows/movies are HUGE amoung kids like our BUT I also know NT kids who do that too. Tha attention issue could be ADHD or AS.....it's just hard to call out. Not responding to name is what brings a flag to me. At 5, this should not be a issue.
My great niece has "issues" I finally brought to her mom's attention. She has alot of ODD/ADHD flags and just to be on the safe side, getting her tested.
How to mention this to the childs mother is a delicate subject. Heck I fought with my spouse when he harped about our son's issues. I was a protective mother who basically didn't want to hear it....get what I'm saying.
I suggest that knowledge is power. Good luck to you.
-Nora
mom to Adam age 4 PDD-NOS
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At the very least the boy need a speech/language evaluation. His mom can access one at this age through his local school district.
As the previous poster said, we aren't doctors so we can't diagnose, however, we are moms adn I am also a teacher of preschoolers with autism. His pattern of language that you discuss is a big red flag for me. He cannot carry on a conversation unless it is in his specific area of interest and he is leading it. Yes this is typical of kids with ASD. In particular I am concerned when you ask him a question he answers with something completely off topic. There is a disconnect and lack of "joint attention" that you would expect to see with a much younger child.
It is worth bringing up to his mom. You may want to not use the big autism word. IT is a scary one and may make her pull back plus we just don't know without evaluations. What I would say is that you are concerned with his language and social abilities and think she should consider taking him to the schools to be evaluated. Then he can either gain access to the help he needs or at least have a good idea where he is at.
I will tell you this, in kindergarten they will say something most likely. Public schools have a "Child Find" mandate and they have to go through certain processes for children who have difficulties when getting to school. they have to have processes in place to find and service children with special needs. I have no doubt by the first grading period the teacher will be talking about having a "student study team" meeting (or whatever they call it in your state where it is the first step in the process).
Renee
hello Linda and welcome.
I know the other side of this. I have had two daycares raise concerns with me about my son and I was kind of defensive about it at the time. I was VERY grateful later on, but defensive at the time...
I agree that it is a bad idea to mention specific disabilities even if you suspect them. Raise areas of concern, such as speech and language, fine motor or self-help skills -things that will hold him back in school. Mention that the school district will evaluate them for free, and if you have the number for Mom to call the district, I don't think that would be inappropriate.
The other option is to ask her to speak to her doctor about these areas of concern.
If she resists, then you have tried.
There is another possible scenario going on here, too: Maybe the kid has been diagnosed and identified and you guys were not told? It's unlikely, but not impossible.
I hope this helps
-Paula
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com