concerns over 5 yr old

[worriedmam]

my daughter is 5 and just about to start year one i have noticed things that i feel are different to my nieces that are the same age she is very clumsy, walks on her tip toes all the time, talks babyish some times, her talking is coming along with speach therapy, she is very good at puzzles, can not grasp reading even just small words, if she has toast she places the crust around the plate to make a circle once she has eaten a piece, she struggles to play with childern and just plays along side them at school even though this is improving, poor concentration for long periods, poor eye contact with adults, she is down as specific development need in school and is behind has anyone got any idea about these concerns of mine they would be greatfully appreciated apart from this she is the most loving kind natured child very well behaved could not ask for a better child to be honest

Ahh your dd sounds lovely , especially what she does with her toast (Ive seen lots if children do that) but if you have concerns, I would either speak to your school nurse who can assess her and refer if necessary or ask the school to have an educational assessment carried out.

You should have had her reception report and so can see which level she is at and I assume the teacher at parents evening explained where she is with regard to levels?

But in the main, try not to worry because children all develop at different rates but getting some help in assessing your dd can help you provide her with the right support early on in her schooling/home life if she needs.

Thanks we are waiting for appointment to come through school says she is behind and she gets extra help from support teacher fingers crossed I can get to the route cause of what is going on and then I will be able to understand her needs and how to teach her

When everyone gets up you will get lots of people trying to diagnose over the Internet and drawing similarities to their own children

None of us can see her or assess her though

The first thing you have done is acknowledge that there is something going on with your dd which is a big step for many parents

School will have processes in place to be able to refer / diagnose but sometimes you need to push for these

You can also speak to her GP or SALT

Diagnosis is important because as you rightly point out, your dd will get support and different coping strategies

Good luck op and keep working with the school until you get the answer that's right for your dd

I had concerns about my ds earlier in the year and spoke to my gp. It was the best thing because I now have a diagnosis for him and I now understand him a whole lot better and know how to support him. If you have concerns it is worth speaking to someone about them. Good luck xx

Our dd has Multiple problems which she will have for life unfortunately., due too her problems another problem was over looked. This was too do
with her eye's . Our optician detected the problem as Rugby ball eyes , new glasses corrected the problem simple but very effective., Headache's and sickness went away, eye contact improved as did concentration at school. We felt awful we missed it and she suffered all them years.

Our dd has Multiple problems which she will have for life unfortunately., due too her problems another problem was over looked. This was too do
with her eye's . Our optician detected the problem as Rugby ball eyes , new glasses corrected the problem simple but very effective., Headache's and sickness went away, eye contact improved as did concentration at school. We felt awful we missed it and she suffered all them years.

The only suggestion I can make is to maybe get a GP referral to see a Developmental Paediatrician - if only to put your mind at rest. They are qualified to spot things, whilst the child just plays and together with your input on how she is at home, can help them put together a clearer picture.

It can't hurt! Good luck