Posted Other Day BUT .... Need Help

[lflick]

I have a newly enrolled 18 month old DCB. Anyways he's just "strange".... he is non verbal.... if he's not crying mono-toned he's laying on the floor, any surface... currently the kitchen floor, making no sound... most times he's in a trace and repeatedly flicks the tag on his blanket. I have tried for 3 days now to redirect him and he often ignores everything...including 2 DCGs.... if he acknowledges me he will whine again.

He is literally disinterested in everything... toys...the dog & the puppy... even the 2 cats. Mom states he watches TV often. He still has a nuk and bottle (I dont offer it here). He rarely eats.... sits and cries.. he IS one heck of a good napper so I can't see him as being tired.

It's frustrating as I have 5 boys of my own and they were always into stuff at this age. Mom mentioned a consult with a local program that apparently mentioned possible Autism... I initially was doubtful in my own mind, as they were quick to throw that term about one of mine for simply not speaking many words until he was 2; however, now I am really starting to question this. Am I being irrational?

With him it makes it next to impossible to do anything as a group. He is like a lump on the floor that will occasionally make noise. I am not willing to put up with this on a constant basis as I don't have the resources to do so. As it stands he has literally been laying on the floor in the same position for 2 hrs despite constant attempts to redirect and engage.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Does he walk? Does he make eye contact?

[lflick]

He can walk. He rarely will make eye contact. Most times he will completely ignore when I try to engage him directly one on one he ignores and will even turn his body away or push his head into his blanket onto the floor where he lays. He doesn't acknowledge his name or anything.

[grandmom]

Did he get tested? If not, strongly encourage the mom to do this. Something is amiss.

He's not being disrespectful if something is really wrong. So be patient with him.

[Cradle2crayons]

He can walk. He rarely will make eye contact. Most times he will completely ignore when I try to engage him directly one on one he ignores and will even turn his body away or push his head into his blanket onto the floor where he lays. He doesn't acknowledge his name or anything.

This is kind of a strange request, but is there any way you could video him for five minutes or so... And blur out his face or show him from the back so as to not identify him... And pm it to me??

Or email it to me
ibebackie@aol.com


I'm curious about something

[lflick]

We did a project that involved tracing hands and he wanted nothing to do with that either. I attempted to place his hand on the paper and he did it with my help and as soon as the pencil touched his hand, instead of giggling from the tickle like most do, he freaked out and pulled his hand away. There was no way he was going to let me do that!

I know it's not my place to interject any type of opinion (I have an extensive Pediatric medical background) but I just feel this is NOT "normal" behavior. I understand all kids develop at their own pace; however, I just feel like he is on his own track.. completely separate from other kids.

I know have known this mom for a while and that's why she brought up the eval in casual conversation. She was not happy they mentioned it as a possibility so I really don't want to poke a bear but I just feel his behavior is not appropriate. I can't believe he isn't even interested in a toy.. not a one!

[lflick]

Did he get tested? If not, strongly encourage the mom to do this. Something is amiss.

He's not being disrespectful if something is really wrong. So be patient with him.

I completely realized he was not being disrespectful after the first day as it is completely unlike anything I have EVER seen. The first day we had a struggle constantly about hitting the TV with both hands... over and over and over.. I redirected him.. he would go back... not pay any attention to anything else... he hasn't done that the past two days but the other behaviors are clearly consistent.

[lflick]

It's like he is completely oblivious to everything around him... I try to get his attention indirectly just by calling his name and he will cover his face with said blanket... it's not like he isn't hearing me.

[Michelle]

We did a project that involved tracing hands and he wanted nothing to do with that either. I attempted to place his hand on the paper and he did it with my help and as soon as the pencil touched his hand, instead of giggling from the tickle like most do, he freaked out and pulled his hand away. There was no way he was going to let me do that!

I know it's not my place to interject any type of opinion (I have an extensive Pediatric medical background) but I just feel this is NOT "normal" behavior. I understand all kids develop at their own pace; however, I just feel like he is on his own track.. completely separate from other kids.

I know have known this mom for a while and that's why she brought up the eval in casual conversation. She was not happy they mentioned it as a possibility so I really don't want to poke a bear but I just feel his behavior is not appropriate. I can't believe he isn't even interested in a toy.. not a one!

will he play with a car that has spinning wheels?
that is usually a good indicator....
if he won't even do that then I would suspect he has a severe sensory problem or autism
let us know how he does
:hug: for little boy

[SilverSabre25]

No, you're definitely right, something is badly amiss. Urge mom to seek an evaluation through your state's Early Intervention or birth to three program or whatever variant you have. NO parent likes to hear that their precious bundle might not be perfect, but unfortunately, sometimes that's the way it is. I would find a good developmental checklist and fill it out, talk to mom and say, "I'm so sorry Mary, but we need to talk. I am concerned about Josh; he's not where he should be developmentally. The sooner he gets intervention the more helpful it is. Please, please call this number and schedule and evaluation so we can help Josh get the help he needs! let me know how it goes, okay?"

or something...

[lflick]

The B-3 program are the ones that did the eval. He will not play with anything except his blanket. The first day I got him to look at the toys... he didn't play with anything just dumped them out and walked away. My concerns are genuine and he really is a sweet boy... he is seemingly so disconnected and it hurts my heart. I am afraid that I will be ill equipped to continue care for him. I did tell mom that after the treatment plan has been made, for whatever they conclude, I would like a copy of it so I can help to the best of my ability and I also extended the opportunity for the therapist to come during the day while he is here.

[nannyde]

Is there any chance he's fixated on the blanket and it's paralyzing him from going beyond that for interaction?

I would not allow the blanket and sit back and watch the storm. I have had a few kids who were so blanket addicted at home that they wouldn't be able to function in my environment. I never allow blankets, paci's, or comfort items so it's a whole new world here.

I've had them convert to normal kids here and revert to binky ****ing blankey addicted the minute they walk out the door till they come back. I tell you no lies.

[SunnyDay]

He sounds very much like a boy I know who has autism. I hope his family will be open to having him evaluated, with therapy I have seen the little guy I know make great strides.

[Heidi]

Is there any chance he's fixated on the blanket and it's paralyzing him from going beyond that for interaction?

I would not allow the blanket and sit back and watch the storm. I have had a few kids who were so blanket addicted at home that they wouldn't be able to function in my environment. I never allow blankets, paci's, or comfort items so it's a whole new world here.

I've had them convert to normal kids here and revert to binky ****ing blankey addicted the minute they walk out the door till they come back. I tell you no lies.

I've had the same experience with blankets and stuffed animals. I allow them only at nap time (same with paci's for children over 1). Sometimes, in the beginning, I've gotten them out for a "quick hug", but generally, we just put them in our bed for nap time.

It sounds like OP is seeing some things that are beyond the blankie-addicted thing, though, don't you think?

[countrymom]

Is there any chance he's fixated on the blanket and it's paralyzing him from going beyond that for interaction?

I would not allow the blanket and sit back and watch the storm. I have had a few kids who were so blanket addicted at home that they wouldn't be able to function in my environment. I never allow blankets, paci's, or comfort items so it's a whole new world here.

I've had them convert to normal kids here and revert to binky ****ing blankey addicted the minute they walk out the door till they come back. I tell you no lies.

I was going to suggest this too. I have a girl who if I allow it, that blanket is her universe. She even yells at the cat if he touches it. I remove it and voila shes busy with other toys.