should i be worried...

[Mummygoesohh]

DS is 3 at christmas.
He can talk for England, plays imginary games (poor teddy goes on the naughty step a fair bit. And has to say sorry- to them be told be a good boy now), and reached all those milestones at the times he should... He is loud, funny and loveable BUT.....

He is very clumsy, tends to go through objects instead of round them, can't dress/ undress himself (though that could be because we have allways done it for him), doesn't allways hear what i say and recent attempts at potty training have been total disaster (apart for the makers of 1001 carpet cleaner. They have done rather well out of it).

His childminder says he does not see danger and crashes about unlike other kids of his age. She is a good childminder- he loves it there, but she has only been childminding a few years. He starts pre school next month and the SENCO there thinks he should have a hearing test (i'm arranging one- can't hurt and might be of use) but says his language and things are fine.

I have spoken to our HV and GP and they are of the opinion that there is nothing wrong.

So, i'm at a bit of a loss- if he has problems then i want to get help early (DP is dyslexic,wasn't diagnosed till 30 and as a result his schooling after 13 was non existant). However, i'm not sure there is a problem (there is a history of dyslexia in my family too). My Mum says that i was exactly the same at is age, and i turned out fine!!!!!!

What would others do? Sorry, that turned into a bit of a long one.....

[labyrinthine]

could it be a mild dyspraxia maybe? ~don't know that much about it but have seen it descibed on the SN board so you could ask on there.

[posieparkerinChina]

I have a nephew who is very bright but a little whirlwind, he is just that.... a whirlwind, very happy, nothing wrong, no diagnosis and apparently just like his, now very quiet, father was.

[ICANDOTHAT]

I would say it's a bit young to really worry about this. I have known and have had my own 3yo boys like this. I think I would worry if it started to affect his time at school/learning or relationship with peers.

[msrisotto]

Dyspraxia is the adult form of Developmental Coordination Disorder (used to be known as clumsy child syndrome but that's not very PC!) if you want to google it, you are describing some symptoms. This is something that is often grown out of, sometimes not. The SENCO would probably have some resources for you if you are interested.

[PinkTulips]

Sounds like my ds1... i'm fairly certain he's mildly dyspraxic. (I am dyspraxic so recognise the oddities)

I made it through life with no diagnoses/statement though and i have no intention of bringing ds1 to be 'assessed' as i can't see what purpose it would serve.

Certainly at this age i wouldn't panic... if his schooling is affected in years to come (school was always my biggest obsacle but i did cope and even do middling well at times) then it might be an idea to seek help but at 2 and a half i wouldn't bother, he may simply grow out of these behaviours but it's far too early for any diagnoses at this age even if there is an underlying issue.

[PinkTulips]

*obstacle.... typing appears to be another

[msrisotto]

Sorry, it's not the adult form, this describes the difference:
Developmental coordination difficulties are thought to affect between 5-10% of school-aged children, with 2% being severely affected. In the UK these difficulties are often referred to as dyspraxia, although in other countries the term developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is more commonly used. The term DCD describes a more generalised motor co-ordination difficulty which shows a marked difference between the levels of skills that would be expected for age or level of intelligence and significantly interferes with academic or activities of daily living. This is not caused by another medical condition (for example cerebral palsy) and is not part of a pattern of general learning difficulties. The term dyspraxia describes an immaturity in the development of the organisation and sequencing of movements. It can also affect speech, perception and thought. Not all people with DCD have dyspraxia, but often the words are used interchangeably. Difficulties associated with both DCD and dyspraxia have an impact on living and learning in all areas of a child?s life, at home, school and at play.

[bumpybecky]

I wouldn't worry.

At his age lack nappies are perfectly acceptable, I've had two dds who were still in nappies full time until after they were 3, it's just not an issue.

The inability to dress himself isn't unusual either. If you've always done it then he won't have much skill. I know dd3 could remove her clothes at a younger age, but it was a nightmare, she'd take them off as soon as your back was turned, normally when we were trying to leave the house to go on the school run! I know another family where the 3rd child (ds in yr1) was dressed each morning by his younger sister!

The clumsy / lack of danger also seems typical of a lively 2yo, personality type rather than a problem.

Having said all of that, I'd take up the offer of a hearning test. My dd2 could talk, speak and read etc perfectly well but had considerable hearing loss due to glue ear. It was caught quite late (at 6) because she'd been so able she was compensating. A hearing test isn't invasive so nothing to lose really

[Mummygoesohh]

Thanks for all the replies, they really have helped and i feel a lot better! Being his Mummy is the most important thing i have ever done- i just really want to egt it right!