My nephew is a lovely little boy of 5 1/2, but is struggling socially and with language. Does any of this ring any bells:
still struggling with toilet training, wears pullups at night
obvious language delays, was very late to talk in sentences, now he does do this, but can be very difficult to understand as he hasn't got his sounds very well, sentence structure also very basic
finds it difficult to play with other children unless they are older and very protective (fine with my ds)
understands rules of the most simple board games etc but not the social rules governing games; e.g. when playing football with other children will kick the ball and then suddenly sit down in the middle of the pitch in everybody's way, not because he is in a temper but because that's just what he feels like doing
very cuddly and affectionate, but seems much younger than his years in all his interactions
still has a long daytime sleep; will often wake up from this (and from his night-time sleep) screaming and crying like a much younger child; I was present at one of this incidents and automatically picked him up and rocked him as you would a toddler
disturbed nights
frequently wets himself during daytime nap
quite likely to do things like fling food across the table or deliberately upset the milk jug, again not because he is in a temper but just because he wants to
will often laugh whilst doing this
is not a very angry or violent child but may do dangerous things like throw big stones at other children because he does not seem to realise consequences
very good with some motor skills (excellent swimmer!) but not all
very short attention span when it comes to listening to stories etc
All in all, he gives the impression of a bright 3-year-old rather than somebody who will be 6 in March. His Gran thinks the only problem is his language delay and that the other children won't play with him because they can't understand what he says, but I don't believe this.
Any clues?
He is not yet at school, but will be starting next year.