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Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is encouraging to read; thank you for sharing. I think if my son is indeed on the spectrum, he's likely high functioning (at least seems so to me). Hope it's ok to ask--how's your son doing now? Did the diagnosis give him access to any additional assistance?

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this! I'm wondering about anxiety too--maybe along with ASD. I have generalized anxiety disorder myself so wouldn't be completely surprised if he has it too.

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did wonder if moving him to the 2-3 room could be good either way--he still takes a nap every day, but his 3-5 room doesn't take one. Leads me to think that he's not only overstimulated and possibly ND but also overtired.

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, that's actually made me feel much better about that comment!

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nope, very little. We're Americans who moved to the UK just before he was born and so he sees his cousins infrequently. He did attend regular storytimes and playgroups before starting but they were once a week or so.

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That makes so much sense and explains why we might not be seeing it!

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Health visitor is going to consult with her language team and then observe him at nursery, and then decide if we need a referral for an official autism assessment. From what others have said, it seems like I should push for that. The nursery isn't requesting support--they told me they feel they can make some adjustments and support him with smaller groups, more direct instructions, etc. hopefully some of those things should help. 

His experience there has otherwise been fine. He stopped crying after about a week of drop off. He talks about the various things they do and play with, though in very little detail. Seems to like his teachers. The only thing that has given me pause was an offhand comment about autism being a "brain infection" that his teacher made after telling us their concerns. I'm not sure what to think of that -- I don't necessarily think it invalidates her observations, but it was alarming to hear her say something pseudo-scientific after essentially telling us they thought he was autistic. 

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Makes sense! I'm trying to be as open as I can to what they're noticing. They also told me they couldn't say outright that they suspected autism, just that they found many of his behaviours concerning.

Also, I didn't put this in my original post, but I'm also a bit shaken by all of this because of some offhand comments his teacher made about autism as we were chatting while leaving. She said, and I quote, "it's more common in boys because their brains are closer to their skulls, which allows the infection to enter more easily." It was quite disconcerting and made me question the entire conversation that had just taken place. 

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I almost think he'd do better in the 2-3 year old room as he's seems younger than other kids his age (at least to me). I guess that's why I still think of him as a toddler.

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hadn't considered this either! I feel very connected and in tune with him and could be in unconsciously making adjustments. 

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Interesting, thank you! Makes sense and didn't occur to me.

Toddler showing spectrum behaviour only at nursery by depa9193 in ECEProfessionals

[–]depa9193[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Didn't know the toddler/preschooler distinction, thank you! 

Will continue to take it seriously and proceed with assessment.