Anyone have any experience of 'play friends'?

[leighsand]

My DS1 started playgroup in August.

The other day the leader informed us that although he concentrates well for the first hour or so they find it difficult to get his attention after snack. They can't get eye contact with him and he annoys the other children. They say it might be some sort of food intolerance but since its only grapes and toast and things that they get for snack with milk I think this is unlikely.

They have recommended that a playfriend might be beneficial for him. We would have to go to our health visitor and have an assessment to get one. I'm not sure what this is - I've never heard of this before and am not sure how worried I should be.

They say its nothing to worry about but naturally I am. We don't have any problems with him at home and I'm wondering whats causing this.

How old is he?

I agree, how old is he? sounds like pretty normal behaviour to me: when did he start playgroup/ What is he like when he socialises outside the group?

He'll be 3 next month and started playgroup in August.

My DS1 was on the verge of being assessed for a Playfriend a couple of years back. He had a language delay that was being investigated prior to him starting playgroup, the HV referred him to a paediatrician who then put us in touch with the Pre-school Education Service (or something like that), they sent out a really nice lady who had been a nursery teacher for years and she saw various children/parents and among other things assessed the children's needs for preschool. At first she thought my DS1 would need a playfriend, IIRC she explained that this would be someone who has been trained to work with children who have difficulties on a one to one basis, he/she would be there to take the pressure off the playgroup/nursery staff and help my DS1 cope with the demands of playgroup and help him socially. However as the weeks went on and teh Preschool lady kept visiting she felt my DS1 was doing fine and had only had a little developmental delay and felt that a Playfriend would actually hinder him as they would be a barrier between him and the other children.

When she first suggested the Playfriend I was upset but then realised it would be someone to help him and felt it was better to have the help with any problems as early as possible.

Speak to your HV and see how she feels, there is no harm in being referred if anything it may put your mind at rest.

"on the verge of being assessed", I've just re-read my post and actually I suppose he was assessed.