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Really need some advice re DD1 - Aged 9

12 replies

WorriedMumof3 · 07/03/2013 12:37

Namechange as I know lots of people on here. I know no one can diagnose, but I would really appreciate some advice from those who have been in a similar situation. I am really worried and don't know what to do for the best.

DD1 is 9. I have 2 other children as well - one older and one younger.

She is very difficult and also very loving and kind. Since she was about 4 (start of reception) I have noticed that she is different Sad

Without going into too much detail, DD seems to lack basic social skills. She can't mix very well with other children at all. She has no friends. If someone does try and talk to her she acts weird and either doesn't answer much or runs away. I suspect if she behaves like this at school this may be why the other children don't bother with her much. She will talk to adults a lot, but not other children. No one seems to like her and I can't put my finger on why.

She will happily spend hours in her own room either watching TV, writing stories, reading etc. She happily does this every day and isn't bothered about social interaction with others.

She can never finish a task (maybe this is normal!) and gets so frustrated with anything if it doesn't work that her temper flares up and she can throw things, lash out. She is quite intelligent and way above average for her reading and writing skills, but can barely add 2 + 2.

She cries at the slightest thing. Her sock not going on right for example.

The school aren't very proactive in dealing with it. Her poor co ordination and lack of social skills have been mentioned to me though both at school and at other groups she attends outside school.

Does anyone else have a child like this? I just don't know what to do to help her. Sorry for rambling, I am sure there are more things to think of, but I can't think straight at the moment. This is the first time I've written this down.

There may not even be anything wrong - maybe a typical 9 year old - my gut instinct is telling me there is though Sad

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lougle · 07/03/2013 12:42

Hi Worried. Is there something that has brought this to a head, or have you gradually realised that these things just aren't going away as she gets older?

WorriedMumof3 · 07/03/2013 12:46

lougle a bit of both to be honest. The older she gets the more difficult she gets and the more obvious it is that she doesn't have any friends. Also, someone whom I trust and who knows her very well has raised it with me in an official capacity but in a very nice way, if that makes sense...

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lougle · 07/03/2013 14:39

Then can I suggest you do the following?

Go to the GP and ask for a referral to a Developmental Paediatrician. They are the professionals who can decide what services you need to access with your DD. They may decide to refer to audiology, to check that she is hearing correctly, for example. They may also decide to refer to Speech and Language Therapy for a baseline assessment of her skills. It sounds like she has some sensory issues (socks, etc.) and therefore they may well send you to see the OT for a profile. Then, they can decide whether your DD meets the criteria for diagnosis with a particular condition.

Also, go to the SENCO, ask for an appointment and get the ball rolling for school.

Most of all, feel free to post here and tell us about your DD - we might have some ideas.

WorriedMumof3 · 07/03/2013 16:18

Thanks lougie I think I was afraid you were going to offer that advice as it's what has been running through my mind for ages.

What's putting me off the most is the fear that there is nothing wrong and I put her through a barrage of tests for nothing - or I might be just seen as an over anxious parent.

Also, how do I explain it all to her - she's old enough to ask questions about it all.

So worrying.

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Greensleeves · 07/03/2013 16:25

I agree with lougle, it's definitely time to get her assessed and get some answers and hopefully some support for her.

Just try to stay calm and not drive yourself mad worrying. Whatever the answers turn out to be, she's still your lovely kind little girl and that won't change whether she is diagnosed with something or not. The purpose isn't to label her or shove her in a box, it's just to make her life (and yours!) easier.

Speaking strictly in an amateur capacity, I would say there are elements of your post that resonate with my personal experience ds1 aged 10, diagnosed at age 6 with Aspergers). But then there are elements that don't, too. They're all different, SEN or not.

Just try not to worry xx

PolterGoose · 07/03/2013 16:28

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Greensleeves · 07/03/2013 16:31

Also it won't be a barrage of tests. Most of it is very informally done (ds1 remembers seeing the consultant who diagnosed him, he had a good chinwag with her about trains, and drew her a couple of hundred pictures of trains Grin. The educational psychologist will observe her in school, she won't even notice. There are usually questionnaires and forms for you to fill in.

You're doing the right thing.

PolterGoose · 07/03/2013 16:33

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PolterGoose · 07/03/2013 16:36

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WorriedMumof3 · 07/03/2013 17:03

Aw you're all so nice. I keep forgetting this isnt AIBU Grin

I know I am going to have to do something, it's just building up the courage to start.

Greensleeves you see that's the thing, I've read so much about it and I can't see anything that 'fits' IYKWIM I can see bits and I think 'yeah, that's it', but then read on and think 'well she doesn't do that' so that can't be it. I'm driving myself mad with it.

Poltergoose thanks for the book references and advice. I'll have a read through later tonight when the DCs are in bed.

Thanks everyone.

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PolterGoose · 07/03/2013 17:13

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WorriedMumof3 · 07/03/2013 18:06

Poltergoose Thank you so so much for that information. Just had a quick look at some online information on aspergers in girls, and it's a revelation. I don't know why but I never ever thought of looking solely at symptoms for girls.

I know it's very early days but they could have been writing about DD. Even some things that I hadn't connected I.e. only wearing trousers with an elastic waist (!!) not combing her hair or caring about it etc, amongst others.

Flowers
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