Sen co observing son

[sparkle5555]

I’ve been told by the nursery teacher that she has concerns about my 4 year old son. We spoke about them briefly a few weeks ago and I asked outright was she hinting at autism. The answer was yes but it was too soon to say apparently and she also can’t diagnose. She mentioned his inability to share, transition from 1 activity to another, twang in his accent, covering his ears a lot, wants everything his own way etc. They haven’t elaborated on this. They want him observed by sen co and then she’s going to also sit in on our ‘meeting’ with the teacher to discuss. I never had any concerns at home. He has his quirks and is an only child. Very affectionate, sociable, friendly. I just don’t know what to think. I’m not dismissing them as being wrong but I don’t see it as very obvious if there is something. He’s not even been attending 2 full months yet. Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, my first son showed autistic traits at nursery and we didn't see it for what it was, but they referred him and he is autistic. Do you see traits outside of nursery?

In any event, if he is showing those difficulties at school than that is something to consider carefully. I assume this is a nursery linked to a school and they will likely be thinking about EHCPS and so on. If your son does have significant needs, then it would be worth reading up about the SEN support system now in order that you can get in place whatever support might be required in Reception

If there is Sen there the earlier identification the better so great nursery are one the ball. Remember they are only observing at this stage. If asd is a consideration your dc would be seen by qualified professionals over a long time before a diagnosis is made. I'd do some reading up on asd and listen to schools concerns.

What makes it hard as parents is we haven't many other children to compare to. Then we also instinctively adapt our parenting to the child in front of us.
The teacher and the SENCO will have seen hundreds of children, and will have classrooms set up that work for most children.
They are seeing something unusual and will investigate. it may be something, it may be nothing, but it is better they check than ignore.

It’s also not uncommon for DC to present differently in different settings.