Talking to Clients

[Play Care]

For some reason I can always come up with what to say when it's NOT my issue

I have posted about my handful dc boy. He always has something "wrong" with him - his head hurts, his mouth hurts, his clothes are itchy, etc. etc.
He is always whining and crying. If another child looks at him the wrong way he is beside himself.

I do know he has senstive skin - I've had him since he was 4 months and I know that first hand I have wondered about sensory issues.

In any event I do need to talk to mom about this because it's been over the top. But I can't think of how to say it carefully. Help!

[cheerfuldom]

Do you have access to any resources that discuss sensory disorders? even a list of reliable websites?

I would let the mom know what you are seeing, provide her with the resources to research this on her own as well as any info regarding free early childhood intervention/evaluations in your area. Then just leave it alone.

You also need to decide if it has gotten to the point where you will term if there is not some progress here.

I guess the first thing would be to carefully consider what outcome you are hoping to get thru this discussion.

[Starburst]

He could have overly sensitive nerves, eczama, hay fever, sensitivity to light/temperature (explaining the headache and skin), cavity/ sensitive teeth(explains head and mouth pain) or a very mild form of autism (such as aspergers- explains social issues too). Or he could just have hypersensory overload which could cause head aches, itching, and mouth pain when eating. Headache, pain in the mouth, and itchy skin can also be a sign of food allergies or laundry detergent allergies (If he puts the front of his shirt in his mouth like some kids do).

Some things to make note of (proably write it down for 2 or 3 days for more evidence):
When does he complain of these symptoms (during nap/lunch/ play time/ potty time/ transition times)?
Which symptoms does he complain about the most?
How often does he complain about these?
Where does it hurt (front/top/side/back of head or jaw/gums/teeth/tongue/lips)? Where does it itch (arms, legs, back, torso, head, neck)?
What are your reactions to his issues (do you give him extra attention or ignore it)?
What did he have to eat that day (milk, strawberries, peanut butter)?
Is he in a certain place when he complains (outside, inside, on his nap-mat)?
Does he have any other symptoms (high fever, runny nose, rash)?
Is it always at the same time/place where he complains?

When you do have to bring it up just use your notes or some of the things you observed and say:
I have noticed a few unusual symptoms that "Billy" has been exibiting lately such as....

[Play Care]

He could have overly sensitive nerves, eczama, hay fever, sensitivity to light/temperature (explaining the headache and skin), cavity/ sensitive teeth(explains head and mouth pain) or a very mild form of autism (such as aspergers- explains social issues too). Or he could just have hypersensory overload which could cause head aches, itching, and mouth pain when eating. Headache, pain in the mouth, and itchy skin can also be a sign of food allergies or laundry detergent allergies (If he puts the front of his shirt in his mouth like some kids do).

Some things to make note of (proably write it down for 2 or 3 days for more evidence):
When does he complain of these symptoms (during nap/lunch/ play time/ potty time/ transition times)?
Which symptoms does he complain about the most?
How often does he complain about these?
Where does it hurt (front/top/side/back of head or jaw/gums/teeth/tongue/lips)? Where does it itch (arms, legs, back, torso, head, neck)?
What are your reactions to his issues (do you give him extra attention or ignore it)?
What did he have to eat that day (milk, strawberries, peanut butter)?
Is he in a certain place when he complains (outside, inside, on his nap-mat)?
Does he have any other symptoms (high fever, runny nose, rash)?
Is it always at the same time/place where he complains?

When you do have to bring it up just use your notes or some of the things you observed and say:
I have noticed a few unusual symptoms that "Billy" has been exibiting lately such as....

THANK YOU! I do take daily notes on all the children, but was looking for specifics.