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Help with 2.6 yo

9 replies

19876 · 18/03/2012 20:49

I'm a little worried about a 2.6yo girl I spend a lot of time with.

She is lovely and quite sociable, able to play on her own well and with others to a certain extent. She is excellent at getting herself dressed and will try and be helpful around the house putting things away and tidying up- almost obsessively so, loves drawing and painting and dressing up.

On the other hand, I have noticed over the last couple of months; I cannot stop her playing with doors. Open, closed, open, closed all the time.
She spends a lot of time lining up the bath ducks, and some little princess figurines until they are perfectly aligned, facing forward, paralell with the wall. These are the only two sets of toys she does that with.
She has periods of what I can only describe as absolutely manic over excitement, which last for about ten-fifteen minutes. This has only started in the last couple of weeks, and it is so manic and energetic she has to have a lie down after; she'll go and get on the sofa herself. During these phases, she is like a stunt girl.

She has also got delayed speech; the speech therapist gave us a list of 100 words, and I've ticked off about 20. These are words that I understand, not that a stranger would be able to decipher.

To be honest, she has not had the best start in life, but even taking that into account, do I need to be thinking about speaking to someone about these behaviours?

I know next to nothing about toddlers with special needs, and I don't want to fail her if there is something that needs addressing, because I guess the sooner we know the better, but then again, I don't want to be making a fuss over nothing.

The upshot of it is, do I need to speak to someone, or shall I leave it for a bit?

OP posts:
StarlightDicKenzie · 18/03/2012 20:53

You need to speak to someone. Back in a mo.

StarlightDicKenzie · 18/03/2012 21:02

Hiya,

No-one can really say what is going on here but the fact youbarecposting is really enough to suggest further investigation.

I don't know how much influence you have in this child's life or how well you know her, although I suspect it must be quite a bit if you are around for bath times.

If you are able, you should go to the GP for a referral to a developmental paediatrician. Look up symptoms and signs for developmental disorders or hidden disabilities such as autism, dyspraxia,, ADHD etc. The chat questionnaire and the National autistic society etc. and write down every one that you think 'might' fit, putting a real life example next to each one.

Consider borrowing/purchasing the Hanen More Than Words book as a good start with helping s&l issues.

Hth

19876 · 18/03/2012 21:07

Thanks, Starlight, I really appreciate it.

OP posts:
StarlightDicKenzie · 18/03/2012 21:13

You're welcome. I'm guessing the situation is a little tricky from not disclosing the relationship but I do hope you can get what you need. I am in no position to diagnose anything but one or two of the things you mention are red flags for ASD.

Sociability and dressing up don't discount it, especially in girls.

I do hope you manage to get her what she needs.

19876 · 18/03/2012 21:21

It is a bit tricky, and thank you for working round my caginess! I just didn't want to leave her if she needs help, but once I say something like this to anyone, I can't unsay it.

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EllenJaneisnotmyname · 18/03/2012 21:48

You've had great advice already. Just to agree with Star, from how you describe this girl, I would be concerned and would want a professional to be involved. If there is anything going on such as ASD, early intervention is important. If it turns out to be something else, or nothing to worry about, an assessment won't hurt.

Triggles · 19/03/2012 12:30

I don't know what your relationship is with the girl, but if you're going to speak to the parents, do NOT mention that you've discussed this online at all. I would NOT be best pleased to have someone tell me they'd discussed my child online with strangers, especially over a possible medical issue.

Chundle · 19/03/2012 13:58

Hi there I have a dd who is 2.6 so thought I would reply. My dd did have delayed speech but has caught up reasonably well now. She lines up her Thomas trains all facing forward and also lines up fridge magnets and crayons. She doesn't socialise well with other children though and is very quiet and withdrawn around her peers. Her pead sees her regularly and has mentioned assessing for ASD. She likes opening and ahutting doors and gates and is also very over active and hardly sleeps. Worth talking to the parents as they may have concerns also

19876 · 19/03/2012 17:22

Thanks for your replies, Triggles don't worry, I've got it covered, but thanks for your concern :) sometimes I do miss things like that!

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