Quirky Or Something Else?

[KDC]

I do not have any experience with autism, or other sensory/OCD type kiddo's. I'm wondering if a DCB I have is just quirky, or may have some underlying issues that may need to be addressed by the parents/doctors. Is it even my business to suggest she consult the doctor?

DCB is 4

He will open and close his hands rapidly and flap when he's excited, anticipating, or disappointed, it happens very often. I've read this can be normal?

He will look up at the ceiling about 15-20 times a day and just check out for about 5-10 seconds.

He will walk around in a circle for HOURS. He will break to show someone a toy, or occasional swap out a toy, but he just walks around the rest of the kids.

He does talk, he will make eye contact mostly (not when he's in trouble, !) he was slow to walk (16 months old), slower to talk (3 yrs. old) & is still not potty trained. He can not go up stairs one at a time, still does the double step. He's VERY loud and needs constant reminders to use his inside voice. He does try to play with the other kids, but is often too bossy or overbearing.

I find it's hard to talk to the Mom about some of this, she's mentioned in the past she doesn't want him 'labeled', but I fear she's missing an opportunity to help him. I'm just not sure where the boundaries are, I only want to help but don't know where my place is. Any advice?

[blandino]

I would say there are some definite red flags that need to be evaluated.

I hate to say it, but most cases where I have had a child with undiagmosed special needs - have parents who are very much in denial about it. This DCM at least makes it sound like she has some idea. Having Him labeled is a worry, but having him go without early intervention and therapy that could drastically alter the degree to which he is affected is an even bigger worry.

The way I have found is best to discuss special needs, is to find literature from a reputable source that specifically addresses the symptoms shown in the child. Discuss it a small amount with the parent, say there are some signs that you feel could be representative of an ASD, give the literature to the parent to digest overnight or a weekend, and reconvene with them afterward to discuss. I would emphasize that the signs may be nothing, but an evaluation couldn't hurt. Eithe it will reveal nothing or a problem that needs to be addressed - either way t is a good outcome.

[cheerfuldom]

when will he start school?

if you have already talked to mom and she is not receptive, there is nothing else you can do. I would just deal with it for now. It doesnt sound like he is disruptive or causing an issue at the daycare. I know you are concerned for him but there is only so much you can do. she will have to get him evaluated once he starts school.....if there is an issue, his teacher should pick up on it really fast.

you could also provide info about milestones to all the parents. hope she will read and start seeing from an valid source that he is not reaching his milestones.

[LK5kids]

Yes, red flags. If you have talked to mom, I guess you have to leave it at that.

[Willow]

He will open and close his hands rapidly and flap when he's excited, anticipating, or disappointed, it happens very often. I've read this can be normal?

He will look up at the ceiling about 15-20 times a day and just check out for about 5-10 seconds.

The above behaviors scream complex focal seizures or maybe even absence seizures.

Read here for just a brief bit on typical symptoms: http://www.livestrong.com/article/10...zure-symptoms/

I would insist the child see his regular pediatrician so mom can discuss (HONESTLY) what you are seeing, as well as getting him set up for a pre-K evaluation so you have a list of things you can work on with him when he is in your care.


It really doesn't ring as quirky, and if something concerns me I tell my parents and expect them to respond. If they don't I let them know I cannot go on caring for a child with an undiagnosed/untreated medical/mental condition.

That's neglect and I won't be a party to it.

[Country Kids]

The above behaviors scream complex focal seizures or maybe even absence seizures.

Read here for just a brief bit on typical symptoms: http://www.livestrong.com/article/10...zure-symptoms/

I would insist the child see his regular pediatrician so mom can discuss (HONESTLY) what you are seeing, as well as getting him set up for a pre-K evaluation so you have a list of things you can work on with him when he is in your care.


It really doesn't ring as quirky, and if something concerns me I tell my parents and expect them to respond. If they don't I let them know I cannot go on caring for a child with an undiagnosed/untreated medical/mental condition.

That's neglect and I won't be a party to it.

My dd does this and the doctors pretty much have done nothing-we have seen 4 doctors and nothing!

She was even hooked up to the bp cuff/heart monitor/something else-can't rmember when she did this and there was no concern at all. This was even in ER!!!

Two summers ago she did it 10 times in one hour about 6 in the er, in front of nurses and doctors. Sent us to a neurologist who did all this testing and could find nothing.

Its sooooooooo frustrating!

[Willow]

My dd does this and the doctors pretty much have done nothing-we have seen 4 doctors and nothing!

She was even hooked up to the bp cuff/heart monitor/something else-can't rmember when she did this and there was no concern at all. This was even in ER!!!

Two summers ago she did it 10 times in one hour about 6 in the er, in front of nurses and doctors. Sent us to a neurologist who did all this testing and could find nothing.

Its sooooooooo frustrating!

Ugh. I so sympathize with your frustration.

Wondering if any of them were pediatric neurologists?

If I told you what my daughter endured at the hands of run of the mill neurologists it would FLOOR you....... Once we got set up with a pediatric neurologist though the experience and wealth of knowledge was night and day.

[Country Kids]

Ugh. I so sympathize with your frustration.

Wondering if any of them were pediatric neurologists?

If I told you what my daughter endured at the hands of run of the mill neurologists it would FLOOR you....... Once we got set up with a pediatric neurologist though the experience and wealth of knowledge was night and day.

No none of them were. One, we have nothing like that here and two she isn't a pediatric patient. She started this when she was 18 and had never had anything like this before that time. Also, sometimes these eposodes are brought on by her literally passing out. Thats what she did the first time (10 episode in an hour). She would literally pass out, come to and not remember anything. You can tell when its going to happen to because of the way she starts to act. Then she started doing the spacey type thing and just staring into space.

So frustrating!

[KDC]

*update*

So... She had him evaluated by the school district!! They said he was behind on gross motor skills, speech processing and has sensory dysfunction disorder. He's being accepted into the early childhood program in their district. They want him to start immediately. His mom fought hard to keep him with me 1/2 days because school will be hard enough starting school, a new daycare would make it so hard on him. (Different school district)I'm not going to lie... I'm going to miss him, but I'm glad he's getting the help he needs!happyface

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

So... She had him evaluated by the school district!! They said he was behind on gross motor skills, speech processing and has sensory dysfunction disorder. He's being accepted into the early childhood program in their district. They want him to start immediately. His mom fought hard to keep him with me 1/2 days because school will be hard enough starting school, a new daycare would make it so hard on him. (Different school district)I'm not going to lie... I'm going to miss him, but I'm glad he's getting the help he needs!happyface

A very similar thing happened here with one of my DCK's and he has been in the early childhood program in the district for about a month now and is making leaps and bounds! It's a very small group with an abundance of teachers and aids and they intensely work on various things. It's amazing.

[Angelsj]

The above behaviors scream complex focal seizures or maybe even absence seizures.

Read here for just a brief bit on typical symptoms: http://www.livestrong.com/article/10...zure-symptoms/

I would insist the child see his regular pediatrician so mom can discuss (HONESTLY) what you are seeing, as well as getting him set up for a pre-K evaluation so you have a list of things you can work on with him when he is in your care.


It really doesn't ring as quirky, and if something concerns me I tell my parents and expect them to respond. If they don't I let them know I cannot go on caring for a child with an undiagnosed/untreated medical/mental condition.

That's neglect and I won't be a party to it.

Agreed. There is definite neurological going on here. The "checking out" can progress if not treated and become full on seizures. It is a medical issue that really should be checked out.

[Angelsj]

My dd does this and the doctors pretty much have done nothing-we have seen 4 doctors and nothing!

She was even hooked up to the bp cuff/heart monitor/something else-can't rmember when she did this and there was no concern at all. This was even in ER!!!

Two summers ago she did it 10 times in one hour about 6 in the er, in front of nurses and doctors. Sent us to a neurologist who did all this testing and could find nothing.

Its sooooooooo frustrating!

Seconding the vote on the pediatric neurologist, but either way, don't give up!! It is a tough thing to diagnose, but if you feel something is off, keep pestering.