DD is the youngest in year 3. She still enjoys Peppa Pig, bed time stories (Julia Donaldson type with lots of pictures), playing with baby dolls, her play kitchen and similar wooden toys. She still believes in Father Christmas and fairies (I’m not too concerned about this), however a lot of children in her class do not and tell her they’re not real and seem to judge her it.
She used to love reading the Biff and Chip books, but since moving into year 3 we are STRUGGLING to get her to read chapter books if they don’t have a lot of pictures. She’s not finished one chapter book for the entire school year. I admit this is partly my fault because I need to push her and support her more in doing so. But she kicks up such a fuss and is so tired after school and dinner that getting her to actually read a few pages ends in tears and frustration. She can read fine, however she just doesn’t enjoy it anymore.
Other children in her class have finished reading the first few Harry Potter books, have seen the films, and seem to enjoy more advanced books and films. She has no interest in watching Harry Potter, Wicked or other popular live action films. They laugh and make fun of her for liking Peppa Pig so she has become quite self conscious about it and gets upset.
This year I have really noticed a difference in the children (especially the girls) where most seem more mature than her. She’s struggling to make friends and is often teary at bedtime saying no one likes her and that her friends run away from her at play time. I feel awful for her and so helpless.
I’ve not spent much time around girls her age as we’ve not had many play dates due to busy schedules so I’m not sure what is ‘normal’ at age 7-8yrs.
My gut feeling is that she is probably neurodiverse. ADHD, possibly AuADHD.
I’ve mentioned my concerns to DH about her seeming ‘young’ compared to children her age, but he insists she’s perfectly normal.
AIBU to feel a bit concerned, or is she just being a typical 7yr old?