what do you make of this?

[knat]

My dd is 3.5 and has been going to preschool since September last year. She often has violent outbursts at home with hitting and screaming and when she was younger she would headbang when angry.

School flagged up some concerns regarding her behaviour and that having tried different tactics to try and manage the tantrums theywould like some more opinions. Consequently SENCO are involved and dd is nw on a one to one program whereby her keyworker can shadow her and be there to help her in her difficult times. After a review meeting with SENCO this week we are referring dd to speech therapy. Although her language is good there is a general feeling that she has difficulties in processing language and maybe this is where she's getting frustrated. Often her answers to a question are no, or its not and sometimes these are followed by a yes or its a... whatever - so once she has had some thinking time. Although often she just repeats no and its not even though she does know the answer to what she's been asked.

She doesn't interact in an appropriate manner at school ie the hitting of adults (never children) and on the other scale her eagerness to cuddle and kiss the other children to the extent that they becomeuncomfortable with it. Her eye contact isn't brilliant but i think that she's just got so much goin gon in her head that she's constantly distracted. She often doesnt like certain things with no rationale behind them (ie getting dressed) She never asks to go to the toilet or takes herself off there. Doesn't always like people singing or dancing (although she likes it herself). SENCO have said that she is unaware of other's feelings. Although if i get upset and cry she will empathise with that on most occasions others she will say i'm not sad or upset etc.

She's very bright and is already reading books for 5-7 yrolds. Can count well and recognise how many of an item without physically counting each item. She also has a good memory.

I just wonder whether she's a strong willed child with a mental overload at times or whether we might have a child with some form of autism ie aspergers etc? Any opinions or experiences welcome. Thanks

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

If you haven't already got such a person on board I would start getting a developmental paediatrician involved (with regards to her ongoing assessment of her needs and getting a diagnosis). Your GP would be able to refer you to such a person.

I would also now start looking into applying for a Statement of Special needs for her from your LEA (local education authority); she is going to need extra support when she starts school. Do not leave this till she starts there.

Have no direct experience of such behaviours but would think from reading that ASD and/or ADHD need to be investigated further.

The NAS (National Autistic Society) would be a good organisation to contact as well.

Hopefully others can offer you more help and advice too.

[susie40]

Hi there, sounds a lot like my son who is also 3.5 and an early, largely self taught reader. He is seeing a SALT as well. He has a very large vocabulary of single words but had great difficulties with sentences (getting better at it now though). Wondered whether you had ever heard of hyperlexia? Look here .

[knat]

susie thanks - loked at it and very interesting. Also got explosive child book which has been quite useful too. Although i dont know how successful im going to be with the plan they suggest but ill give anything a go. This shoudl help with her outbursts and help her learn the skills to think through rather than frustrate. Here's hoping.