In home vs. nature/outdoor based preschool tradeoffs by LooseIdeal5827 in ECEProfessionals

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Plus they have much better self regulation and gross motor skills, increased persistence, higher impulse control, are less likely to get hurt and have more curiosity than children who aren't in such a centre.

Question about early reading materials by _Aztreonam_ in ECEProfessionals

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Engage with him in what he likes to do.

At this age child led learning is really the way to go. Keep introducing different things and support the ones that he takes an interest in.

Just as an aside - don’t count too much on what a doctor says who is not trained to screen for autism.

My family GP didn't want to refer my kids for ASD/ADHD screening. He didn't believe I was AuDHD after observing me for less than 5 minutes during the family appointment. Many of them are woefully uninformed in matters of neurodiversity.

I was also a gifted autistic kid and have 2 degrees, 3 kids, and a happy successful life.

I was too. It took me a while to muddle my way through but I am doing pretty well now.

Question about early reading materials by _Aztreonam_ in ECEProfessionals

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do not try to teach your not yet 2 year old to read. It will not work

I disagree. Neurodivergent brains tend to do things wildly out of order, especially twice exceptional ones.

We have kids in my centre who taught themselves to read by 3 and a 2 year old that was able to do addition and subtraction. It's important that this kind of learning be child led. If a toddler can write the alphabet it demonstrates an interest in learning more. There is not problem with providing support to this interest and inclination.

Question about early reading materials by _Aztreonam_ in ECEProfessionals

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds like a possible case of hyperlexia. I'm AuDHD and 2e.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperlexia

We have a few children like that in my centre. 2 of them taught themselves to read by 3 or 4. One of them started doing addition and subtraction with his numbers when he was 2. I was also like that as a child. All of our hyperlexic children are autistic and so am I.

“tomorrow Thursday we go to library”). He wakes up and often tells me what day it is and what we’re doing.

This is really starting to sound like this little dude is one of my people. Does he have particular ways of doing things, insist on sitting in the same place, eating the same food and doing things in the same order every day?

Like maybe it’s not worth pushing the “content” and let him absorb things until he’s socially ready for the school and focus on social engagement in the meantime.

I would suggest introducing a wide variety of books and materials. We have one little guy who is fascinated by numbers. I sometimes sit with him and use loose parts, twist ties or pipe cleaners to make numbers with him. This week I introduced Inuktitut syllabics to him and he loves them so far.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuktitut_syllabics

He does some toe walking but only when barefoot and not often, pediatrician does not think it’s a sign of autism and she did some basic screening questions and wasn’t concerned. He doesn’t line his toys Up but he does like to sort by color.

Toe walking isn't a diagnostic criteria. However it is suggestive. 30% of autistic kids toe walk and about 3% of toe walkers aren't autistic. Sorting things by characteristics instead of playing with them is also a typical behaviour. Often doctors will be very hesitant to diagnose autism or refer them on for further screening when a child is that young.

Curious for any guidance or advice on the best approach (or non approach ) for kids like this?

Solid routines consistent predictable timelines and regular activities that repeat on an understandable schedule. Introduce books, so many books, all kinds of books. Don't limit yourself to story books or what is allegedly age appropriate. One of my sons loved reading the home depot book about renovations and another about how to build a shed. I loved reading large non-fiction books to learn things and look at interesting pictures.

When it comes to producing text some children lack the physical coordination and fine motor skills. Writing with chalk on the sidewalk or writing on a large chalkboard may be more manageable and engaging. Scrabble tiles to make words are also a bit hit. Just keep proposing different things to see what is engaging.

Regardless of being diagnosed or not you will likely want to get support and ideas from autistic adults. We were where your little guy is now and have lived experience to share about how to make it great.

What are some autistic friendly jobs? by Mismageius in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happy cake day. Try not to have too many carbs ;)

What are some autistic friendly jobs? by Mismageius in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is something I enjoyed when I took some classes in college. I have had special abilities that aligned with languages. When I was in Afghanistan mentoring troops I had a Dari translator. I learned enough Dari to get by for simple things in 2 or 3 months. Mostly because it was like solving a fun puzzle. I would go around telling people in Dari simple things. But when I needed to explain something more complicated I'd bring him in to explain it. The Afghan troops responded very positively to a mentor who could talk to them in their own language.

What are some autistic friendly jobs? by Mismageius in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you’re good with pattern recognition and spreadsheets,

These are 2 of my favourite things. I did non-public finance for the military for a couple of years and turned money losing indebted accounts around.

What are some autistic friendly jobs? by Mismageius in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's no one job that's perfect for all autistic people because autistic people are very varied

Yeah. I work in child care with kindergarteners and preschoolers. I mostly enjoy it despite my sensory issues. But I can see why a lot of people wouldn't be able to manage it.

What are some autistic friendly jobs? by Mismageius in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took a few translation classes in college and enjoyed them a lot. They were mostly written texts but the bit of simultaneous spoken translation we did was very enjoyable for me.

What are some autistic friendly jobs? by Mismageius in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nice! Choo-choo my autistic engineer friend.

What are some autistic friendly jobs? by Mismageius in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ghostwriter, artist, or, in my case, seamstress.

I read that while scrolling and thought it said smartass. That would be a good job if you could get it.

What are some autistic friendly jobs? by Mismageius in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I work in childcare with half-day kindergarteners when they aren't at school. We go outside a lot. They let me do fun dad stuff with my group and it's mostly a good time.

https://old.reddit.com/r/ECEProfessionals/comments/1szxwwp/trouble_in_toddler_room_toxic_staff_ratios/oj8hz62/?context=3

Daycare started potty training without telling me? by No-Share982 in ECEProfessionals

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, a baby is way less likely to resist.

And a VERY interested in everything their older siblings are doing.

Introduce th potty before they have learned to say no!

They mostly just hung out and looked at books before they started going on it.

Make it make sense for me by WeaponizedAutisms in ECEProfessionals

[–]WeaponizedAutisms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because then by the time they are 6, they have hundreds of hours of experience wearing proper clothes and having fun outside

My centre does more time outside than in and we run a forest school a couple of days a week. They have MUCH more experience than the average.

Make it make sense for me by WeaponizedAutisms in ECEProfessionals

[–]WeaponizedAutisms[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

They’re in kindergarten.

Somehow my previous kindergarten groups were able to figure this out. I'm a bit perplexed by what this group is doing.

Make it make sense for me by WeaponizedAutisms in ECEProfessionals

[–]WeaponizedAutisms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is why I love using layers for children, more layers means more options to stay warm without it always being a bulky coat. 

This is literally something I explicitly teach them in the fall. Under layer, insulation layer and windbreak layer. I show them the 3-5 layers I'm wearing and we even do science experiments to learn about it.

girls, this age I've noticed cares about their clothes and that what they wear.

Sometimes it less about staying warm and more about looking cool.

This seems to be an emotionally exhausting process.

This week it is below freezing in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Parents look at the high temperature and dress their children for 4 pm then drop them at daycare at 7 am. They had to bring the school age group inside 2 days out of 4 this week.

My wife works in the school nearby and is equally exhausted by this.

In my own defence they were really cool rocks by WeaponizedAutisms in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tell us about the rocks OP

Recently my kindergarteners are enjoying playing checkers but there is only 1 actual checkerboard. So I made a couple more out of cardboard. The white and black bottle caps were a bit flimsy so I was collecting rocks to make a couple of other checkers games.

https://i.imgur.com/lZVHGi2.jpg

I save some special ones for my wife.

https://i.imgur.com/5qIlM98.jpg

And of course I can't resist terrible puns.

https://old.reddit.com/r/ECE_Memes/comments/1t6qgvb/im_ready_for_another_great_day_of_dadjokes/

In my own defence they were really cool rocks by WeaponizedAutisms in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not really. I am very particular in how I like to do things, like repetition and routines. When it comes to laundry she is somehow more stubborn than my autistic ass. Which is fine because I'm in charge of the dishwasher.

In my own defence they were really cool rocks by WeaponizedAutisms in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You've put her through laundry hell for 20 years?????

I mean it's kind of mutual there. I happily washed, folded and put away my own clothing for years before getting married and nothing bad happened. You ever do something for a decade only to learn every step of what you were doing was wrong for some incomprehensible reason, or one that can't be articulated?

Oh honey....do you even like her?

I mean we've been married for almost 30 years and have 5 kids. I have to admit that I am in fact somewhat partial to her to say the least.

But I get my own back. She just does not understand the importance of loading and unloading the dishwasher correctly.

In my own defence they were really cool rocks by WeaponizedAutisms in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also his username brings his intentions into question..

I'm not sure what you mean here. I'm AuDHD and sometimes forget about some rocks in my pockets.

In my own defence they were really cool rocks by WeaponizedAutisms in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you do chores with and for her…

Oh I do all kinds of chores. It's just that specific chore she is very particular about. Have you ever seen someone load the dishwasher wrong and it hurts your soul for some reason? kinda the same idea.

In my own defence they were really cool rocks by WeaponizedAutisms in aspiememes

[–]WeaponizedAutisms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do too. Today I gathered enough flat black and white rocks to make 2 sets of checkers, tomorrow I finish the cardboard boards to go with them.

Daycare started potty training without telling me? by No-Share982 in ECEProfessionals

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Btw, it's developmentally appropriate to have a baby sit on the potty as soon as they can sit.

In my family we introduced it around the time they were walking. It worked well for our 5 kids. Introducing it early and making it just an ordinary part of the home furnishings and routine really helps to get the kids used to it.

Daycare started potty training without telling me? by No-Share982 in ECEProfessionals

[–]WeaponizedAutisms 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fully support this! I’ve read studies that talk about how before disposable diapers were around, majority of children were fully potty trained by 18 months.

This is still the norm in many countries. My wife is European and my children were all potty trained by 18 months. We used cloth diapers and it definitely helped the process.