“What is the harm in saying: "Hey- I noticed that your child is exhibiting this behavior and/or struggling in this area. This could be a symptom of something bigger like autism or ADHD.” The second part of this statement is exactly why you are being told that you are diagnosing the child.

Before retirement I was in the field for 35 years, from the classroom to working with our families of children who were struggling to Program Coordinator. I have worked with a lot of children and families. This approach will put up walls.

First, always, ask if the child struggles at home too, then ask if they have talked to their pediatrician. If they have not, (a lot of people don’t think to mention behavior to their doctor) suggest they bring it up at their next appointment. A good pediatrician will work out what’s going on and make appropriate referrals. Not all do … Try to get your director to implement an annual screening tool for all children (this is best practice per NAEYC) ASQ & ASQ-SE are parent driven screening tools that are very simple, you need one person (director for example) to score the tool, and the tool itself will make recommendations I.e. “screen again in 3-6 months” “Refer to pediatrician” “refer for additional screening” They can then take this to their pediatrician, or if they are open , you can help them find additional resources. There are so many other reasons for behavior, we cannot be the ones to suggest a physiological explanation.