C's teacher pulled me aside at his class V Day party. She thinks he needs to be formally evaluated by the school therapists. A few things she mentioned:
1. He seems to be a sensory seeker. He is always going, has trouble sitting still and completing a task. She has started including him in the class "sensory breaks" like jumping on a trampoline and using a wiggle seat already. I have noticed this too--he is a total tornado, rarely sits still, will almost never play with a toy for more than 5 minutes at a time. His favorite activities are crashing into things, play falling over and over, and stuff like that.
2. His fine motor skills are not where they should be. Frankly, I think they're fine, I think he just doesn't want to sit still and concentrate enough to use a fork or trace letters.
3. He is unusually attached to the teachers in the class--not in a clingy way, but that he would rather chat with them than his peers.
4. He stopped napping at home and school. Apparently he is disruptive during nap and just wants to climb and jump all over his cot.
5. He's academically super advanced, very talkative and friendly. So that's good.
I gave the okay to get the ball rolling with an eval but fuck. I'm at my max with P already. I can't do this. She mentioned possible SPD and/or ADD/ADHD.
I was in such shock I forgot his bag of valentines at school too. MOTY.
I didn't mean to sound brash or dismissive. That would overwhelm me, too. I just don't think their reasons sounds very strong. I'm sorry this is added to your plate.
Post by jeaniebueller on Feb 12, 2016 18:37:52 GMT -5
I don't blame you for bring overwhelmed. You have dealt with so much. An evaluation never hurts and hopefully it will give you some more info. Hugs. Also, #4 was our life forever since DS dropped naps at 2. I wouldn't worry about that issue as being indicative of anything.
I get that a lot of this is normal 3yo stuff but she is an experienced special Ed teacher saying this. She says he's "above and beyond" what is normal for activity level.
This was my DS at 5, but we had some additional sensory signs and I was hesitant to have him diagnosed. I did have him evaluated at age 7 and he does had ADHD, we are trying to determine our path of treatment. At 5 those descriptions fit many kids it makes it very hard but if he does have some diagnosis in the future he is still just as amazing as he is currently!!! Hugs
@barefootbarista C reminds me of your DD from what you have said. He's super smart but an Energizer Bunny. It is exhausting and I feel like the energy plus being tired from not napping is a horrible combination.
Post by mainelyfoolish on Feb 12, 2016 19:02:22 GMT -5
My DD is your #1. Cannot sit still. Her preschool teacher gave her a wiggle seat and chewing gum to try to calm her down enough to do a few minutes of group time. She's also an extremely picky eater; always has been.
We've had her evaluated by a developmental pediatrician and an occupational therapist. No ASD, no SPD. She was diagnosed ADHD at five, but then she was un-diagnosed at seven. So basically, she can't sit still and she eats like 10 foods, and there is no diagnosis. She's in second grade and will be eight this May and her report card is great except for the "life skills" section where she doesn't display self-control, respect others, or work well in groups. When we eat a family meal at home, we constantly have to tell her to sit up, sit down, turn around, etc. It's beyond frustrating.
Anyway, I just wanted to chime in that you're not alone.
Post by cricketwife on Feb 12, 2016 19:07:33 GMT -5
I don't know anything about 3 yr olds, but I think you're wise for listening to the opinion of an experienced teacher. Hugs, you've been dealing with so much. Like others said, he will still be the same great kid no matter what.
Post by awkwardpenguin on Feb 12, 2016 19:08:11 GMT -5
3 is not necessarily too early for a diagnosis. AAP suggests evaluation beginning at 4, and kids diagnosed at 3 are usually kids with pretty clear symptoms. But there are studies evaluating treatment for kids as young as 3. (ETA: for ADHD)
I am sorry for you to have one more thing to worry about Brie, but I think an evaluation can't hurt and might help. Hugs to you.
That sounds overwhelming and hard to distinguish what is just 3 year old behavior. With his bday missing the cut off that will give him an extra year before K. That can definitely help give him more time to mature and sort some of this out if it's just a phase.
Post by undecidedowl on Feb 12, 2016 19:34:01 GMT -5
That does sound overwhelming. I can definitely see how the additional weight of a special ed teachers opinion could have you concerned. It's good you are open to an evaluation and you have been a wonderful advocate for your kids so far. You will handle this one day at a time, one step at a time and he will always be the same great kid no matter the outcome.