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Social Anxiety Disorder resulting in delays?
So my son (almost 4) has been diagnosed recently as having social anxiety disorder. When we are in public situations like a fair or even a small room with plenty of people he either acts out or cries. It takes him a VERY long time to warm up to some people, especially other kids. I think his teacher thinks he's autistic because he doesn't acknowledge the other kids. I run a home daycare and he will play with the kids here. He also talks to adults that he knows well. He has a crush on a teacher at school and I notice that he follows her around a lot.
Anyway, my question is whether having social anxiety can delay his speech and cognitive development? Since he has started school, he is talking more. He's improving day to day but he is still quite delayed. You cannot have a normal conversation with him. Is very one sided. He has a hard time focusing or paying attention.
I think along with this is ADHD but our ped said it's too early to tell still since he's still pretty young.
I have an appt with is teachers and learning support teacher Friday and I'm dreading it. I'm scared they will want to put him in a spec ed class and that's far from what I want for him.
Any advice?
Anyway, my question is whether having social anxiety can delay his speech and cognitive development? Since he has started school, he is talking more. He's improving day to day but he is still quite delayed. You cannot have a normal conversation with him. Is very one sided. He has a hard time focusing or paying attention.
I think along with this is ADHD but our ped said it's too early to tell still since he's still pretty young.
I have an appt with is teachers and learning support teacher Friday and I'm dreading it. I'm scared they will want to put him in a spec ed class and that's far from what I want for him.
Any advice?
Thanks specialmom! I do believe that he has something a little more than just anxiety. I think there are sensory issues in there as well. I'm actually going to ask his teacher if I can get a list with pictures of the kids. If that's allowed for privacy reasons. We do get sent home pictures of what goes on in the class and he seems to be interested in their pictures. So if he can recognize them on the papers that are sent home then maybe we can start face to face!
Wasn't done, lOL. Again, you talk so sweetly about him. he sounds like a wonderful little boy and you love him very much! Just help him along so that he can roll in and out of life without such discomfort. Social anxiety, if this is what he has, is not comfortable but you can get over it. I did. With my son's issue, it wasn't social anxiety but sensory issues and the fact that he didn't have innate social skills and had to be taught and he's really doing about 99 percent better. So, just work with him and all will get better. peace and hugs
Oh yes, we love our little ones (even when they've grown and don't seem so little anymore) so much and just want the best of them. I know I would look at my son and think "you are so wonderful!! I want the world to think so too!!"
On the issue of self esteem, that is really crucial. My son had so much of an issue with self esteem that we made it our number one focus for a year and a half. I set him up for success. I found activities that he enjoyed and could do very well. I accentuated the positives and minimized the negatives. We did positive self talk. I know that maybe you aren't hearing your child talk about self esteem a lot but when we struggle with peers, it takes a toll.
Can you invite kids to your home for one on one play time that you supervise and help your son through? That is going to be one of the main ways to build his comfort. And go to the park and play along side of other kids with him. And if another child interacts with him, help him along? These are the things that will help him get better about social interaction. I personally have mild social anxiety and this is how I overcame it. I briefly took medication but didn't like it so just stayed active. My career involved interacting with lots of people and strangers, my social life was such that I'd have stayed at home but my husband likes to go out and do things with people so I am a master a working a party now. And I can make small talk with a wall. I've gotten really good at it all through practice. And my son had peer issues and wasn't connected and we just really focused on lots of time with peers in controlled settings. It helped SO much.
Be careful of letting him talk to adults. Example is the teacher he is following around. That's really not him addressing the issue or helping him in any way nor is it fair to the teacher who has all of the other kids in the class. It's probably a little awkward for her in that she can not devote her attention to him and that is what he'd like. And some kids grow into a habit of seeking out adults and this is not a great thing. As kids get older, that gets more and more difficult to deal with. My son has a friend that wants to talk to me and my husband when he is at our house. I can just be honest here and say that I really don't want to have a long conversation with this kid about whatever his big interest for the day is. Does that make sense? His parents have not taught him boundaries of we are not peers with adults. I've tried to teach my kids that. So, make sure that you are addressing this to some extent with him so it doesn't become a habit or a safe zone that holds him back from interaction. goodluck
On the issue of self esteem, that is really crucial. My son had so much of an issue with self esteem that we made it our number one focus for a year and a half. I set him up for success. I found activities that he enjoyed and could do very well. I accentuated the positives and minimized the negatives. We did positive self talk. I know that maybe you aren't hearing your child talk about self esteem a lot but when we struggle with peers, it takes a toll.
Can you invite kids to your home for one on one play time that you supervise and help your son through? That is going to be one of the main ways to build his comfort. And go to the park and play along side of other kids with him. And if another child interacts with him, help him along? These are the things that will help him get better about social interaction. I personally have mild social anxiety and this is how I overcame it. I briefly took medication but didn't like it so just stayed active. My career involved interacting with lots of people and strangers, my social life was such that I'd have stayed at home but my husband likes to go out and do things with people so I am a master a working a party now. And I can make small talk with a wall. I've gotten really good at it all through practice. And my son had peer issues and wasn't connected and we just really focused on lots of time with peers in controlled settings. It helped SO much.
Be careful of letting him talk to adults. Example is the teacher he is following around. That's really not him addressing the issue or helping him in any way nor is it fair to the teacher who has all of the other kids in the class. It's probably a little awkward for her in that she can not devote her attention to him and that is what he'd like. And some kids grow into a habit of seeking out adults and this is not a great thing. As kids get older, that gets more and more difficult to deal with. My son has a friend that wants to talk to me and my husband when he is at our house. I can just be honest here and say that I really don't want to have a long conversation with this kid about whatever his big interest for the day is. Does that make sense? His parents have not taught him boundaries of we are not peers with adults. I've tried to teach my kids that. So, make sure that you are addressing this to some extent with him so it doesn't become a habit or a safe zone that holds him back from interaction. goodluck
I am sure your son will do just fine.
Sorry Autistic4Life, but my brain can't take in such a lot of typed up information (glad it wasn't intended for me) - I look at long written things and my brain automatically switches off.
No matter what Heatherm4, enjoy the happiness and love your son brings to your life - they grow up so quickly. My son is now 40 and my daughter 34 (she was born on my birthday), the years have just flown by.
Best wishes
Sorry Autistic4Life, but my brain can't take in such a lot of typed up information (glad it wasn't intended for me) - I look at long written things and my brain automatically switches off.
No matter what Heatherm4, enjoy the happiness and love your son brings to your life - they grow up so quickly. My son is now 40 and my daughter 34 (she was born on my birthday), the years have just flown by.
Best wishes
Thank you!! You are very inspiring! My son is amazing in so many ways! So many people say oh he may just be taking his time and more often than not, I believe that. He's very smart, has a crazy memory for things and loves to see how things work!
I know in time he will make friends. It's the comfort factor. If he can talk to adults then he must be able to talk to peers but it obviously needs to be on his terms.
I'm excited and nervous about his future but I'm sure all parents feel that way. I just know that I will be his voice until he's ready to do it on his own. I will always be there for him!
I know in time he will make friends. It's the comfort factor. If he can talk to adults then he must be able to talk to peers but it obviously needs to be on his terms.
I'm excited and nervous about his future but I'm sure all parents feel that way. I just know that I will be his voice until he's ready to do it on his own. I will always be there for him!
I have been taking some time to think about this, if I may take some of your time to type out a bit long paraphrase of my own personal experiences with social anxiety and perhaps it may help you better understand your own son. I think about the amount of "Steven's" in the military and in the US, and how I have this opportunity to be completely honest on here about my own self without anything coming back to myself personally! Things I keep private of my chain of command. I'm not a danger, I've learned to mentally cope by overpowering my disabilities, mostly through my own will-power to achieve in life!
So, years back when I was a young humanbeing, I walk into a new room full of new strangers and instantly the copious amounts of insurmountable data flooding into my limited mind would overwhelm me completely! I've learned that the one thing my mind always wants to know most is whether or not I am safe. So for me, it was my emotional core that would spark everything tumbling out of control! My emotional core would send out a panic signal and my whole mind would "meltdown" with: "What's wrong?? Am I hurt?? Am I in trouble/danger?? Am I drowning?? Am I burning?? Is there a monster after me??" So basically my soul is going through a logical breakdown inside me, "No, there's no water. No, there is no fire. Monsters are not real. I am wideawake and so monsters can't get me right now, only in dreams. I see no scrapes or blood, so I am not hurt." It does sound complex, but because everyone has a different personality, I believe from personal experiences that people have a soul, and there is a unique difference between a soul and the physical brain. I self-taught myself to work through my soul to calm down my mind. Because ultimately it is the limited capacity of my physical brain to be able process too much new information that causes me to have a social anxiety panic attack. It can still happen to this very day! That is why I have built into myself a massive checklist of resolves to stopping the panic attacks. However, on the outside to other people who cannot sense all my inner turmoil, I actually am found just standing perfectly still with a blank stare and a blank expression on my face! My brain gets so overwhelmed with data that even my personality can "melt" from my face because my brain is so busy trying to process the "new" world around me I don't have any physical mental resources left to create expressions on my face anymore. I can't even move my legs or arms when I'm too overwhelmed mentally. I would just stand frozen in place with no expression at all, not moving one bit.
My own advice would be to see if you can teach your child through the years to single out a specific reference in every "new" room. I don't know if the method can be transferred, but I have taught my brain to focus on one and only one piece of a "new" place at a time! Some people in the military think I am involved in martial arts because of how I study a room, lol. I begin with the ceiling, then the floor, I digest each wall, one at a time, and then the objects inside the room one at a time, then once I have my environment in check I begin to look around at other humanbeings one at a time. I've taught myself how to spot a "happy" person, I will ignore all other inputs and go to the "happy" person and initiate a friendship greeting. Often that single person can put me into contact with others in the room, and also tell me about other people in the room. I drink lots of water from a container or water bottle, I often subtly rub my hands as a way of assuring myself that this is not a dream, there are no monsters, and I am "Okay" so my mind knows that I am "safe" when it is too nervous to understand it's own nerves. Over the years my brain developed the ability to know itself to breakdown "new" things one at a time. I've often described myself to closer friends in a sort of metaphorical way: as having a Window's 3.1 operating system in a Window's 8 world! My internal brain processor is so far behind specs for all this Window's 8 "world software" made to run on a Windows 8 brain ... if I was literally a computer I would "blue screen" the minute I wokeup because of my Window's 3.1 processor in my brain in a world of Window's 8 "software-life"! So, what I would try to do, if you can, is try to be with your child in every "new" class and help show him how to single out *one* other person, besides the teachers, he needs to learn how to single out a peer person. He's very good at identifying one adult, but the teacher isn't opening him up to the children's world around him. Try to teach him how to find *one* other child he can process and learn and get to know, and that child may bring him into the lives of other children! If he is delayed, he may have a slower "processor built-in", perhaps a very methodical one like mine! Do not fret over a slow and methodical brain - those are the mind's of inventors and scientists and NASA engineers! Very, very methodical and precise thinkers! It seems we start out much much slower because our brains spend a long time compartmentalizing all the information we receive, so that years and years and years later we still have access to the information we collected at three years old! Being methodical takes time, and any good craftsman will tell you, quality work takes quality time! You might have another developing genius, some are born that way, but some develop over time, you won't know until he reaches at least eight or ten years old. If he becomes interested in science of any kind try to find him an Elder mentor, you may be pleasantly surprised what you actually have developing in secret inside your child! I again encourage you not to be afraid of Special Education or professional help, these things will prepare a blossoming mind! All you can do is wait and see what wonderful "surprise" you have been given! Only time will tell. I was still developing in high school and was "too dumb" to get a diploma, but years later got my GED and I am now a US military Enlisted Officer, I now have an IQ way above average, even in the gifted range now! Only time can tell you who you have in your son. Looking back one day, you may remark that, these children seem to be the most fun of all, the mystery, the suspense, one day you think he won't even get through grade schooling, and the next years he's piloting the first human visit to mars!! You just never know, until time reveals it to you! Keep up much hope and work with every expert, the more you put into him, the more you will see come back out one day when time reveals the secret to you of what wonderful *surprise* you have been blessed with. I hope that this time I took to make this post helps you in some way and maybe even others too. I wish you a happy life full of wonderful adventures!
So, years back when I was a young humanbeing, I walk into a new room full of new strangers and instantly the copious amounts of insurmountable data flooding into my limited mind would overwhelm me completely! I've learned that the one thing my mind always wants to know most is whether or not I am safe. So for me, it was my emotional core that would spark everything tumbling out of control! My emotional core would send out a panic signal and my whole mind would "meltdown" with: "What's wrong?? Am I hurt?? Am I in trouble/danger?? Am I drowning?? Am I burning?? Is there a monster after me??" So basically my soul is going through a logical breakdown inside me, "No, there's no water. No, there is no fire. Monsters are not real. I am wideawake and so monsters can't get me right now, only in dreams. I see no scrapes or blood, so I am not hurt." It does sound complex, but because everyone has a different personality, I believe from personal experiences that people have a soul, and there is a unique difference between a soul and the physical brain. I self-taught myself to work through my soul to calm down my mind. Because ultimately it is the limited capacity of my physical brain to be able process too much new information that causes me to have a social anxiety panic attack. It can still happen to this very day! That is why I have built into myself a massive checklist of resolves to stopping the panic attacks. However, on the outside to other people who cannot sense all my inner turmoil, I actually am found just standing perfectly still with a blank stare and a blank expression on my face! My brain gets so overwhelmed with data that even my personality can "melt" from my face because my brain is so busy trying to process the "new" world around me I don't have any physical mental resources left to create expressions on my face anymore. I can't even move my legs or arms when I'm too overwhelmed mentally. I would just stand frozen in place with no expression at all, not moving one bit.
My own advice would be to see if you can teach your child through the years to single out a specific reference in every "new" room. I don't know if the method can be transferred, but I have taught my brain to focus on one and only one piece of a "new" place at a time! Some people in the military think I am involved in martial arts because of how I study a room, lol. I begin with the ceiling, then the floor, I digest each wall, one at a time, and then the objects inside the room one at a time, then once I have my environment in check I begin to look around at other humanbeings one at a time. I've taught myself how to spot a "happy" person, I will ignore all other inputs and go to the "happy" person and initiate a friendship greeting. Often that single person can put me into contact with others in the room, and also tell me about other people in the room. I drink lots of water from a container or water bottle, I often subtly rub my hands as a way of assuring myself that this is not a dream, there are no monsters, and I am "Okay" so my mind knows that I am "safe" when it is too nervous to understand it's own nerves. Over the years my brain developed the ability to know itself to breakdown "new" things one at a time. I've often described myself to closer friends in a sort of metaphorical way: as having a Window's 3.1 operating system in a Window's 8 world! My internal brain processor is so far behind specs for all this Window's 8 "world software" made to run on a Windows 8 brain ... if I was literally a computer I would "blue screen" the minute I wokeup because of my Window's 3.1 processor in my brain in a world of Window's 8 "software-life"! So, what I would try to do, if you can, is try to be with your child in every "new" class and help show him how to single out *one* other person, besides the teachers, he needs to learn how to single out a peer person. He's very good at identifying one adult, but the teacher isn't opening him up to the children's world around him. Try to teach him how to find *one* other child he can process and learn and get to know, and that child may bring him into the lives of other children! If he is delayed, he may have a slower "processor built-in", perhaps a very methodical one like mine! Do not fret over a slow and methodical brain - those are the mind's of inventors and scientists and NASA engineers! Very, very methodical and precise thinkers! It seems we start out much much slower because our brains spend a long time compartmentalizing all the information we receive, so that years and years and years later we still have access to the information we collected at three years old! Being methodical takes time, and any good craftsman will tell you, quality work takes quality time! You might have another developing genius, some are born that way, but some develop over time, you won't know until he reaches at least eight or ten years old. If he becomes interested in science of any kind try to find him an Elder mentor, you may be pleasantly surprised what you actually have developing in secret inside your child! I again encourage you not to be afraid of Special Education or professional help, these things will prepare a blossoming mind! All you can do is wait and see what wonderful "surprise" you have been given! Only time will tell. I was still developing in high school and was "too dumb" to get a diploma, but years later got my GED and I am now a US military Enlisted Officer, I now have an IQ way above average, even in the gifted range now! Only time can tell you who you have in your son. Looking back one day, you may remark that, these children seem to be the most fun of all, the mystery, the suspense, one day you think he won't even get through grade schooling, and the next years he's piloting the first human visit to mars!! You just never know, until time reveals it to you! Keep up much hope and work with every expert, the more you put into him, the more you will see come back out one day when time reveals the secret to you of what wonderful *surprise* you have been blessed with. I hope that this time I took to make this post helps you in some way and maybe even others too. I wish you a happy life full of wonderful adventures!
Hi Ma'm, I was born with Autism Syndrome Disability. I was severely delayed! My schooling began at age six, I did not learn math until age eight, and that too was about the age I began to actually learn academics overall at age eight. Sometimes what you fear may be what your child needs most. A teacher prepared to give him her full and compassionate attention. A special needs class can take away the harshness of other peers as he grows up. If you can keep him stable in his self-esteem and well being, may I suggest a Teddy Bear, preferably one from "Build A Bear" - I say this because, laugh if you may, but even this day I have one stuffed away with me, because the specific fuzziness of their bear's fur soothes my overactive nerves inside my physical body, my social anxiety is actually caused by overactive nerves inside me, and by calming my overactive nerves, such as the fuzzy soft fur on my finger tips when I rub the little bear's head, it reduces my social stresses and makes me become more comfortable around other people! I keep him stowed away in a satchel out of sight. A child could use a backpack to stash one in. I say this because it will surprise you to know that at age ten years old I suddenly and unexpectedly blossomed and though not able to graduate I acquired a GED and was eventually married and then enlisted into the military! After several long years my learning caught up - I am now an Enlisted Officer in the US Navy making very very good money! I want you to not be afraid of early delays, because with enough time I have seen most, even severely Autistic children, to develop speech, toileting, and even friendships as they grow and mature to the ages of eight and ten years old. It seems to me that some brains are just slower at learning. But guess what?! My intelligence surpasses most people around me - because my slow developing mind was actually a sign of my methodical processing abilities! Once my mind matured and had everything put in place it exploded with intelligence that nobody ever expected from me! And my problem solving skills are phenomenal as I process every last detail methodically and precisely efficient! My judgments in decision making are exacting! So I just want you to think more about your son and his personal needs, the value of his self-esteem and how much a parent would never know the real hurt of peers. I can tell you from personal experience, getting a paper cut does not hurt at all, when compared to the words and actions of cruel peers! If they decide to move him to Special Education it may be a great thing for him and a way for him to blossom and help other more disabled peers around himself, and that would help him feel more accomplished in himself as well! The lessons no one thinks of in Special Education that last the longest seem to be an encouragement to become a great Father! As I grew older I began to care for younger classmates, sometimes I would even hold the spoon the entire time another boy ate his meals! I couldn't add or subtract anything, didn't know the first thing about science or making a sentence! But I knew how to love others and be patient and caring and compassionate, and that gave me something to be proud of about my own self! Now look at how well I methodically construct a sentence, forming above college skilled complexity of thoughts into simplistic, easy to understand words! I know how to break down very very complex ideas into the simplest of words because of my delayed precisely methodical thinking ways! Learning how to care for others less fortunate and learning that you too have your own strengths in this world, even delayed and disabled, that boosts a disabled or delayed child's self-esteem the most of all, I can say that from personal experience! :)
Thanks for the input everyone! I'm going to look up this dyspraxia. I know I've come across it before.
I did go to the teacher meeting and it was ok. They are pushing for a diagnosis. They are using the PECS with him and say he's been doing really well with them so he is a very visual learner. He has yet to acknowledge any of the children but he talks to teachers no problem. I've seen the children try and they say hi so I'm glad they don't pass him off as not worth talking to. They didn't say it directly but I think that they think he is autistic. Which my paediatrician really doesn't think he is. They talked about him doing "visual stims" with certain objects. They also give him things to "mouth and fidget" with. He puts certain things in his mouth and chews on them like foam things, cardboard, plastic. Since starting school he's been VERY into biting his nails. I saw it more of a stress thing. And as far as the "visual stims" I don't see that very much at home at all. It's a little upsetting.
They are pushing for a certain diagnosis in order for him to get a teachers assistant to help him more one on one and without a diagnosis, he can't have that.
I originally had a follow up appt with his ped for Dec but moved it up to the end of this month. Hoping to dig into this deeper.
I just don't get it. I've taken him to playgroups and I run a home daycare so he's been socialized. He speaks to and plays with kids at home but not at school. *sigh*
I did go to the teacher meeting and it was ok. They are pushing for a diagnosis. They are using the PECS with him and say he's been doing really well with them so he is a very visual learner. He has yet to acknowledge any of the children but he talks to teachers no problem. I've seen the children try and they say hi so I'm glad they don't pass him off as not worth talking to. They didn't say it directly but I think that they think he is autistic. Which my paediatrician really doesn't think he is. They talked about him doing "visual stims" with certain objects. They also give him things to "mouth and fidget" with. He puts certain things in his mouth and chews on them like foam things, cardboard, plastic. Since starting school he's been VERY into biting his nails. I saw it more of a stress thing. And as far as the "visual stims" I don't see that very much at home at all. It's a little upsetting.
They are pushing for a certain diagnosis in order for him to get a teachers assistant to help him more one on one and without a diagnosis, he can't have that.
I originally had a follow up appt with his ped for Dec but moved it up to the end of this month. Hoping to dig into this deeper.
I just don't get it. I've taken him to playgroups and I run a home daycare so he's been socialized. He speaks to and plays with kids at home but not at school. *sigh*
Oh, and one more thing---- wanted to clarify AGAIN. Sorry. LOL I do agree that the dyspraxia part of sensory integration disorder is responsible for issues with speech often and speech delays. That was one of the first things that drew attention to my son. And if the cognitive issues you are looking at are things like processing and disorganization of thought, that too can be related to the dyspraxia portion of sensory. good luck
Oh, and by the way. check into what your school does for children that are struggling. Our school is an inclusive school meaning only a tiny handful of kids go to a different room for part of the day. These kids have severe down syndrome and issues that mean they will have difficulty learning what goes on in the classroom. If the issues are behavioral in nature or psychological, etc. or slight in terms of the learning disabilities, they will have the in class with everyone else and perhaps an aide will be assigned to the room to help when needed (discreetly helps a child and then interacts and helps all kids so that it is not obvious who the aide is there for). So, many schools have this in place. And agree that a parent must be a part of decision making for the kids. Any IEP plans or 504 are very parent oriented as well so you have a say in your child's school experience.
What about having him have some one on one playdates on the weekends to help him along? I found this really helpful!
What about having him have some one on one playdates on the weekends to help him along? I found this really helpful!
I agree about looking into sensory integration disorder. Want to clarify that dyspraxia is PART of sensory integration disorder or also called sensory processing disorder. It's a very specific part and not the whole story. It involves motor planning which is not why textures or social skills are difficult. I just want to make sure if you are googling that you understand that you'll get info on dyspraxia that involves handwriting, coordination, fine and large motor issues and that is just one piece of sensory integration.
My son's dyspraxia is mile but it is the other sensory issues related to sensory integration disorder that cause him the most difficulty. The social things you write of are more along those lines. good luck
My son's dyspraxia is mile but it is the other sensory issues related to sensory integration disorder that cause him the most difficulty. The social things you write of are more along those lines. good luck
Don't worry, the teachers are not there to "gang up" on you.
They are pretty good at picking up problems with children the we, as parents, don't always see. And that is a good thing because if there is any problems, the child does get the help and support that is needed.
Some children are "lazy" talkers and some do have their little ways of saying things, but that does not mean there is anything wrong. My grandson couldn't say "granddad" and made up and called him "RowRow". (My grandson is just a few months younger than your son). We think it is because granddad used to have him on his knees and sing the song "Row, row your boat". He too doesn't say proper sentences yet and refers to others as "him", even his baby sister. It is quite funny, but I still do correct him.
It may be that the reason he does not answer you (which is typical of all my grandkids - they get very engrossed in what they are doing at the time) could be that he may be answering you in his mind. When my son was young he would not answer no matter what. In the end I said to him that I cannot read his mind and that he needed to speak so that I would know what he was thinking.
Don't worry and just "go with the flow". If you start to feel stressed and anxious, your son will pick up the vibes and he too will start to feel anxious about his mummy (you).
Let us know how you and your son get on.
Best wishes.
They are pretty good at picking up problems with children the we, as parents, don't always see. And that is a good thing because if there is any problems, the child does get the help and support that is needed.
Some children are "lazy" talkers and some do have their little ways of saying things, but that does not mean there is anything wrong. My grandson couldn't say "granddad" and made up and called him "RowRow". (My grandson is just a few months younger than your son). We think it is because granddad used to have him on his knees and sing the song "Row, row your boat". He too doesn't say proper sentences yet and refers to others as "him", even his baby sister. It is quite funny, but I still do correct him.
It may be that the reason he does not answer you (which is typical of all my grandkids - they get very engrossed in what they are doing at the time) could be that he may be answering you in his mind. When my son was young he would not answer no matter what. In the end I said to him that I cannot read his mind and that he needed to speak so that I would know what he was thinking.
Don't worry and just "go with the flow". If you start to feel stressed and anxious, your son will pick up the vibes and he too will start to feel anxious about his mummy (you).
Let us know how you and your son get on.
Best wishes.
Thanks for the comments. His pronunciation and things are great for the most part. It's more of the fact that he doesn't build sentences. We help him every single day with this. Instead of saying, "Mom, can I have a drink please." He will say "Mom, me have drink." He's still quite basic and you literally can't have a conversation with him. He doesn't talk to you unless you really really push and when he answers its quite basic.
I hate that he has a label put on him but I've known for a long time that he is quite different than other children. Its plain to see and heartbreaking all the same.
I'm really hoping that his teachers won't be there to gang up on me or try to diagnose themselves. I hope they just offer support and ideas on how to help him. :)
I hate that he has a label put on him but I've known for a long time that he is quite different than other children. Its plain to see and heartbreaking all the same.
I'm really hoping that his teachers won't be there to gang up on me or try to diagnose themselves. I hope they just offer support and ideas on how to help him. :)
COMMUNITY LEADER
this link also might prove helpful:
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/944.html?utm_source=eletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=September
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/944.html?utm_source=eletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=September
COMMUNITY LEADER
jemma has some good points. It is still a bit young to tell for sure without more evidence. At this point, as Jemma said, the school may be your best resource. They have the advantage of seeing lots of kids and can notice differences.
They cannot put him into a special ed class without your consent, and I would doubt, based on what you have described, that is the intention. But they may be offering individual help and that is certainly worth getting.
Let us know what happens after the meeting.
They cannot put him into a special ed class without your consent, and I would doubt, based on what you have described, that is the intention. But they may be offering individual help and that is certainly worth getting.
Let us know what happens after the meeting.
Rather than ADHD have your hear about Dyspraxia.
Children with this also have a problem with focussing and paying attention as well as other signs like being clumsy, falling over.
To be honest though he is still 3 and rather than being labelled as having a social anxiety disorder, perhaps he is just shy, especially since he seems to be fine when he gets to know people.
With regard to his speech, if he does talk to you and gets says his words not quite right, just tell him to look at your mouth as your pronounce the word. My grandson 3.5 years old and he has a problem pronouncing certain words, so I play a little game with him by saying "I bet you can't say (school) or whatever word" Another problem word is any that start with "sp", "st", "sn". He will say "nake" instead of "snake"
All children will go through these developmental stages. And if you do hear him say a word incorrectly, just help him to say it properly.
Children like books to listen to stores and to look at pictures. When you read him a story, point to the words so that he can follow what is being read. Talk about the pictures on the page too.
When he is in a room full of people, they are probably all talking and making a lot of noise. May be they are too loud for him. Children's hearing is very good, so they do not need to be exposed to high levels of sound like us adults.
Schools are pretty good these days and they will let you know if there is any problems and what help is available if needed.
I think it is quite cute that he has a "crush on a teacher". :)
Children with this also have a problem with focussing and paying attention as well as other signs like being clumsy, falling over.
To be honest though he is still 3 and rather than being labelled as having a social anxiety disorder, perhaps he is just shy, especially since he seems to be fine when he gets to know people.
With regard to his speech, if he does talk to you and gets says his words not quite right, just tell him to look at your mouth as your pronounce the word. My grandson 3.5 years old and he has a problem pronouncing certain words, so I play a little game with him by saying "I bet you can't say (school) or whatever word" Another problem word is any that start with "sp", "st", "sn". He will say "nake" instead of "snake"
All children will go through these developmental stages. And if you do hear him say a word incorrectly, just help him to say it properly.
Children like books to listen to stores and to look at pictures. When you read him a story, point to the words so that he can follow what is being read. Talk about the pictures on the page too.
When he is in a room full of people, they are probably all talking and making a lot of noise. May be they are too loud for him. Children's hearing is very good, so they do not need to be exposed to high levels of sound like us adults.
Schools are pretty good these days and they will let you know if there is any problems and what help is available if needed.
I think it is quite cute that he has a "crush on a teacher". :)
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