Please or to access all these features

SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Is this normal or something to worry about (AS?)?

10 replies

mrsbaffled · 12/01/2012 13:17

My lovely DS (7.5) has fairly recently seen a paed to do with suspected dyspraxia. He has some motor planning difficulties but not so bad as to warrant a dx. She asked about empathy in the appt and we said he shows it "sometimes" (with my tone of voice speaking volumes). She quickly skipped on, discounting ASD from that answer (and the fact that we mostly cope with his bahaviouor at home - but only because we are good at finding solutions that work).

(We have been referred on to OT and a specialist teacher has observed him in school as he really struggles to get what's in his head down on paper, hence suspected dyslexia, yet is brilliant at reading, he is very bright indeed).

However, something happened yesterday which made me quite worried.....I think I have broken my toe. It kills! DS accidentally pulled it and I burst into tears with the pain. I wasn't cross with him as it was an accident.... His younger brother clocked something wasn't right immediately and put down the DS and came over to give me a hug as I was sobbing on the floor. DS, on the otherhand, took advantage of the DS being put down and went and started to play with it. He only wondered what was happening when DH cam in from the other room after a few minutes.

Do NT children do this, or is this a red flag??

OP posts:
mrsbaffled · 12/01/2012 13:23

he also had sensory issues and eyetracking problems (plus retained reflexes) so are doing VT

OP posts:
EllenJaneisnotmyname · 12/01/2012 14:14

Sounds like a flag to me. Even my 'quirky' DS3 would have picked up on that. But dyspraxia has so many crossovers with ASD, who can say if it's one or the other when they are so HF? Does he have no DX at all? More importantly, does he get appropriate support in school?

mrsbaffled · 12/01/2012 14:18

No dx...Not bad enough to be dyspraxia. We were told that 'there's nothing wrong with him' re the sensory issues, and that we should just adjust the way we treat him and our expectations.

School are being supportive. I have a big meeting with the SENCO next week looking at how to implement the OT pack (for fine motor and sensory issues). Yet to hear what the specialist teacher had to suggest. Talking about putting him on SA+.

OP posts:
AttilaTheMeerkat · 12/01/2012 14:22

Hi mrs b

He should already be on SA plus if outside agenciees like the paed have already seen him.

Do you think his needs are being fully met by school?. For some children the frustrations of the school day are taken out on the nearest and dearest at home because home is safe - at school they need to conform. Lashing out too at home can also happen because their needs at school are not being met.

mrsbaffled · 12/01/2012 14:28

Needs are not being met yet - no. But I am hopeful things will be put into place after the meeting next week.

He is really quiet and well behaved at school. Yes, it all comes out at home(!) School don't believe me how fidgety and loud he is at home....

OP posts:
EllenJaneisnotmyname · 12/01/2012 14:32

Agree he should be on SA+, the OT involvement alone should mean that. A DX can be useful to argue the case for support but it's the correct support that's the key. If school are being helpful, that is good. Are you happy with how they implement the ideas and programmes suggested by the professionals or is it a bit early to tell?

EllenJaneisnotmyname · 12/01/2012 14:32

Ooops, crossed!

mrsbaffled · 12/01/2012 14:38

Can't tell yet, Ellen....TBH from early chats with SENCO I don't think they will implement any sensory strategies (for noise anyway - just impossible to provide in our busy school).

OP posts:
EllenJaneisnotmyname · 12/01/2012 14:50

I work as a TA in a busy school, so I know how it can be! Um, would he feel singled out if they could seat him slightly separately, etc? We have a table in the classroom that faces the wall and can be used by DC who are finding it hard to concentrate. It's not used as a punishment, they can ask to sit there because others on their table are distracting them. It doesn't get used much, TBH, but I think it's a good idea as it can be used by anyone. Also, a quiet space in a corridor or corner if things get too much, isn't hard to implement.

mrsbaffled · 12/01/2012 14:56

There is a shared area outside the classrooms which the SENCO said might be available sometimes, but she said they don't have enough staff to let him go out often. We hardly have any TAs due to no money (over half were let go about 18 months ago) :( I am thinking of volunteering as a parent helper now younger DS is at preschool for longer sessions. They desperately need more help!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page