started to fill in DLA form for DD (3) but I don't know what a NT 3 year old is like

[chocjunkie]

just started filling in the DLA form for DD1 (3, s&l delay maybe asd - will see paed this week for the first time). quite a reality check writing down all her difficulties :(

I already downloaded the cerebra guide which is really helpful. only problem I have is outlining as to what extend DD1 is different from a NT child. DD1 is my eldest (DD2 only a couple of month old) so I don't have really anything to compare against... some things are really obvious with her (because of her s&l delay) but with some other points (such as un/dressing, sleeping through, toilet training where DD has problems) I am not so sure. apart from that - at 3 they are all so different anyways so where do you draw the line IYSWIM???

how do you work around this?

thanks - good idea. have two good friends with children around DD's age so will have a word with them.

DD will only start nursery next week. will have a look at your link. thanks!

DD will only start nursery next week. will have a look at your link. thanks!

Main differences I found with NT 3 yr old ( 4 now but not so long ago) were that he was fully toilet trained, could communicate verbally all his wishes and could answer questions without repetition or prompting . He could play on his own and could occupy his time without constant supervision and encouragement. He was not a great sleeper and although could dress himself usually chose not to (lazy boy gene) . He could use cutlery without prompting and could cut his own food. The non sleeping thing though could be resolved a little more easily than with SN child as he could get stickers/rewards for not disturbing people in the night and we could talk through issues like whether there really are monsters in the garden etc - actually ds1 did not have sleep issues but if he did, we would not be able to use any of those techniques. Also NT children can access sports/arts and crafts classes that are run locally whereas most don't really provide for SN children unfortunately so you need DLA money to pay for a private session if you want anything like that - anyway all very depressing but that's what DLA forms are like !

chockjunkie, i have same issues as u, my ds is 4.7 and starts mainstream school in sept. My ds will not feed himself and still wets the bed each night, we are going thru process of ASD DX, and have been told about DLA, but same as you is this this mormal for a child of his age? I know the eating thing isnt normal, but have been told children wet the bed up to being 7 yrs old. My ds will only walk for bout 10 mins and then wants to be carried, it is a bit embarrasing carrying him to nursery every morning and will be even worse when he starts school in sept, i would like some more advice on this matter to :)

lisa, I am just going through this NHS book, birth to five, you get from the HVs after the birth. they also talk about milestones there so will see where my DD stands. will also have a word with friends with 3 year olds (NT). but if I am in doubt if normal or not, then I rather put it down. haven't claimed DLA before so really no experience but would assume it is also the accumulation of things where DD needs help. for example, I have a friend whose NT 3.5 year old boy can't dress himself - but otherwise no issues. also have a cousin whose 4 year old DD (NT) is still in nappies - again, that is the only issue with her. but with my DD it is the dressing AND the toileting AND the nightwaking AND... AND... IYSWIM.

CHOCKJUNKIE yes i have looked at milestones to, my son shud def be feeding himself by now, i do know that!! :) he starts school in sept luckily he can come home every day for his dinner cos we live next door to the school, if we didnt i am damn sure nobody would feed him at the school, i am worried bout him :(

Is this any help?

www.mumsnet.com/devcal/three-years

TOOMANYPUFFLESINMYIGLOO thanx will have a look :)