Ds is 3.5 and has been at preschool 3 afternoons a week since just before his 3rd birthday. The preschool have recently raised 'nothing to worry about' concerns about his social development. We have a meeting next week to discuss it.
Now we have always known ds was shy, perhaps introverted but very happy in his own company. I feel he is a bit behind in physical skills but speech and understanding seem fine for his age.
He:
- doesn't concentrate well if people are speaking to him and he isnt engaged e.g. people asking questions about his day. If he doesn't want to answer he will look away, sometimes start monologing something he is playing in his head if that makes sense. If I touch his arm I can get him to focus better and he will answer if we are insistent, so his understanding is fine.
- he can't ride a balance bike or scooter and is very reluctant to try/may shuffle a few steps. He doesn't alternate feet when climbing stairs. He was actually early walking though.
- he also doesn't always use both hands when it would make things easier e.g. holding something steady. But will do it fine if reminded but can get frustrated easily if he can't immediately do stuff.
- he doesn't like to draw or colour. I think he doesn't want to 'get it wrong' even though we have only ever praised efforts.
- he doesn't really play or chat with other children but will sometimes run around with them. He will play with me and dh. He does talk about seeing his friends and tries to say hello to some children at the park etc. but doesn't go further than that
-he doesn't sing or seem to enjoy music
He does:
-follow instructions (once listening)
- is funny and has a great imagination
- remembers facts and things you say, can recall list orders of things he is interested in.
- he can be quite obsessive over things he likes and only want to talk about and play out those things but not to an extent that worries me.
Just wondering what to expect from the meeting or if anyone has a similar child who eventually caught up. Just feeling guilty like its something I have done or not done that has given him difficulties. But he really is a happy boy with only the usual amount of tantrums and whining.