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I have a child who turned 4 last month. He just spent 5 days with me (24/7). I have thought there might have been some developmental issues, but his birth to three screens were always good. He used to have Headstart doing weekly home visits, as well, and they raved at how smart he was.
I don't see it. He has a hard time understanding directions-he asks constantly for you to explain what you want or just stands, frozen in confusion. When getting in or out of a vehicle, he'd whine "I can't". He can't put ANY clothing on the right way-it is ALWAYS backwards, after coaching him many times, still always backwards.
I have always been concerned with the way he talks-his ONLY tone of voice is whine. He'll shriek at any threat or anything minor (if he THINKS another child may hit him or throw something at him, or if he stubs his toe-it's shrieking or screaming).
This weekend, he attended 4th of July celebrations with us, and whined the entire time that he wanted to leave. He didn't want to watch the parade, didn't want to watch the fireworks, didn't get excited about what the other kids his age were into.
He has a VERY limited list of things he will eat. He often skips meals here because there is nothing he's willing to put in his mouth.
This weekend, he tipped out of his chair at least a dozen times onto the ground. A chair on a flat surface. He'd just tip over sideways and lay on the ground, shaking, until someone picked him back up. I honestly don't even know how he managed to do that once, let alone over and over.
I've had this kid in my daycare since he was about 16 months old. He was removed from his parents' care due to abuse and neglect. I strongly suspect that his mother used drugs and alcohol while pregnant, as well.
This kid is a very good kid-I'm not complaining about him. I love him. He rarely has bad behavior (only after parental visits for a few days). He's loving and sweet, and eager to please. The other kids love him, too, because he's so easy to get along with.
My concern is that I feel that things are just "not right" with him. I did discuss play therapy with his aunt (who has custody), and suggested that it could help him cope with feelings related to visits with his bio mom (they tell him that his aunt is NOT his mommy and that he is to call her by her first name, NOT mommy-it confuses him terribly. He will be raised to adulthood by this aunt, and the family stuff is just the tip of the iceberg). These things I've observed were seen before visits with his bio started (she had been in prison-visits started in the last couple months).
Anyway, play therapy has at least a 3 month wait list, according to aunt. Meantime, I hate to tell her that there is something "wrong" with him and ask her to have him evaluated. I suggested therapy to help him with these feelings, but also because I feel the therapist will pick up on these quirks immediately and push her to go further with evals.
Would you think what I've described is just a kid whose not caught up, or would you think that he needs some extra help? I'm sure that the past trauma contributes, but I think there is something biological going on as well. Opinions?
I don't see it. He has a hard time understanding directions-he asks constantly for you to explain what you want or just stands, frozen in confusion. When getting in or out of a vehicle, he'd whine "I can't". He can't put ANY clothing on the right way-it is ALWAYS backwards, after coaching him many times, still always backwards.
I have always been concerned with the way he talks-his ONLY tone of voice is whine. He'll shriek at any threat or anything minor (if he THINKS another child may hit him or throw something at him, or if he stubs his toe-it's shrieking or screaming).
This weekend, he attended 4th of July celebrations with us, and whined the entire time that he wanted to leave. He didn't want to watch the parade, didn't want to watch the fireworks, didn't get excited about what the other kids his age were into.
He has a VERY limited list of things he will eat. He often skips meals here because there is nothing he's willing to put in his mouth.
This weekend, he tipped out of his chair at least a dozen times onto the ground. A chair on a flat surface. He'd just tip over sideways and lay on the ground, shaking, until someone picked him back up. I honestly don't even know how he managed to do that once, let alone over and over.
I've had this kid in my daycare since he was about 16 months old. He was removed from his parents' care due to abuse and neglect. I strongly suspect that his mother used drugs and alcohol while pregnant, as well.
This kid is a very good kid-I'm not complaining about him. I love him. He rarely has bad behavior (only after parental visits for a few days). He's loving and sweet, and eager to please. The other kids love him, too, because he's so easy to get along with.
My concern is that I feel that things are just "not right" with him. I did discuss play therapy with his aunt (who has custody), and suggested that it could help him cope with feelings related to visits with his bio mom (they tell him that his aunt is NOT his mommy and that he is to call her by her first name, NOT mommy-it confuses him terribly. He will be raised to adulthood by this aunt, and the family stuff is just the tip of the iceberg). These things I've observed were seen before visits with his bio started (she had been in prison-visits started in the last couple months).
Anyway, play therapy has at least a 3 month wait list, according to aunt. Meantime, I hate to tell her that there is something "wrong" with him and ask her to have him evaluated. I suggested therapy to help him with these feelings, but also because I feel the therapist will pick up on these quirks immediately and push her to go further with evals.
Would you think what I've described is just a kid whose not caught up, or would you think that he needs some extra help? I'm sure that the past trauma contributes, but I think there is something biological going on as well. Opinions?
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