Advice for a childminder please.

[chel86]

Hi. I'm new to this board and would appreciate any advice anyone can offer me.

I have recently taken a new mindee and I believe he might have some signs of autism, but the parents are not aware of this. Could anyone clarify if these are signs (as below) and possibly advise the best way to tell the parents of my concerns and where to go to? The child is 2 years old.

Not talking
Not feeding
Not making eye contact
No real expression of emotion
No playing - he will pick things up, have a look and feel then throw it rather than play with it.

I want to make sure I can offer the child the best possible care and support, but first of all I would like to make sure that i am right to be concerned before talking to the parents about my concerns, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Yes these do sound a bit like my ASD DS when he was 2, though he also had

no imaginative play (eg he didn't make little car noises or make toy people do things)

repetitive play - eg lining things up or filling up the sink with water over and over again

hand flapping and jumping up and down making strange sounds

no interest in other kids at all

It's very tricky for you, as you don't want to be the bearer of bad news but perhaps you could mention having a pal whose 2 year old had autism and you have some concerns?? Step carefully though, as it is the biggest life shock to the parents, and sometimes they just may not want to hear it and may blame you! You will be doing them a favour ultimately though, as if you start therapies at 2 you can really affect the outcome for an ASD or aspergers child. Good luck!

chel am I right in thinking you only took this mindee in the last couple of weeks?

If so i'd give it a bit longer before saying anything to the parents. The things you describe could well indicate ASD but it may just be that he is finding it hard to settle in.

I wouldn't mention the autism word at all at this stage, as it is guesswork - I would mention your concerns as you detail them here, and suggest they speak to GP or HV. May also be worth calling your local council Early Years' Service for their advice as to what you should be doing/saying to parents in your role as a cm.

If the child doesn't really talk, then he/she may also not understand speech well, so be patient if he/she doesn't seem to be obeying and explain things with photos/gestures etc as well as words where appropriate.

Thank you for your advice. I think, as you say Dusty, I will see how he goes for the next couple of weeks and give him longer to settle in. If there is no change then I will mention my concerns but won't mention the autism word yet or anything.

Thanks guys.