Could she be Autistic?

[bumpyboo]

The school have booked us an appt with the school SENCO and her teacher next week. This was their suggestion not ours and I am now worried as to what to expect. Three weeks ago I had no worries about her at all, now I am very worried.
She is 4 3/4 has great speech and is doing well academically at school we are told. They say she won't make eye contact and that and other issues ( as yet unknown to us) is why they have called the meeting. The teacher has said she is "not normal" teachers words not mine!
I can see that she is different to others, however we thought that was normal in our family, myself, my husband and quite a few other family members, kids included, are what we would call eccentric and imaginative but we are all fairly succesful and lead "normal" lives..
Has anyone else had this experience?

Yes I have
That teacher sounds a touch errrr insensitive !
I hope the meeting is helpful for you... I remember how stressful those school visits were. Might be helpful to make a list of anything you want to say... And have someone writing down what they say/ any plans of action.
Good luck

When you get told there is something different about your child and there are some issues of concern it worries the hell out of you first time round. It did me and I denied anything and everything for weeks because at home I didnt notice anything out of our social norm.

Your best bet is to go to school open minded as it is great that they are looking after your dds welfare and have noticed some red flags.

I cant say if your dd is autistic only a proffessional can do that. It could just be settling in for a start. You would need to have the whole picture first before deciding the next course of action.

If they have concerns ask them to put it to you in writing and then go and see your GP for a referral to a developmental pead in the first instance :)

I think the teacher is a touch insensitive saying that. However its really great that they've flagged this up. I've had experience of totally crap schools who couldn't care less so its good they obviously want to help

Thanks all, I will definitely write everything down at the meeting.

I will try to go with an open mind, its quite hard though esp after the not normal comment. Also my DH was told he was "retarded" at school ( 1970 's) turned out his IQ was aroung 165.

Yes I can understand its hard when you have a teacher with the tact of a brick.....

To say her behaviour in class is not the norm we would expect for her age is a tactful way to put it. However some teachers always put their foot in it.

If he/she says the comment again pull the teacher up on it and say that you find the statement offensive. Tell them that you understand you are here to discuss your dds current issues but to say she is not normal is insulting.

Go in concentrating on the fact that they have been quick to notice some things that need investigation and you have been given an advantage to sort things out when she is young as to her education. A lot of children slip through net and get ignored so its a good thing. Ask if they have made any decisions on how best to approach each issue.

Then decide your next steps :)

I agree with the others, that it is great that the school want to help and have noticed that your Dd is struggling in some areas. Many schools dont even notice unless the child is lying under the table screaming or throwing tables!!

I would tell the teacher in the meeting that her using the words "not normal" had upset you and made you very worried.

There are quite a few of us on here who have dc's who are very capable academically but struggle in lots of other areas.

Hope you meeting goes ok, good luck and welcome to the board.

Sorry xposted with zzzzz

I'd definitely say that it is great that they have brought this up early with you if they have noticed any issues. Cross for you that they have said "not normal". Definitely flag it with them