Senco & Aspergers

doodoot

kjmtidea wrote: »

I am not going to type out a list of his behaviours/my concerns because I don't need a load of people saying "I'm a little concerned that you haven't raised any concerns over his personality/development UNTIL a teacher has pulled you to one and started spouting off a couple of SEN terms" That isn't what I came here for.

I'm sorry that you took my post the wrong way, after re-reading it I can see why you would - I wording it wrong.

What I meant to say - and failed badly - is that it's strange that YOU haven't got any concerns over his behaviour/development.

Yet a teacher has said that he/she thinks there is enough of a problem to warrant the idea of him having Aspergers or SM.

Parents of such children know from quite early on that something is wrong, and most definitely by the time they are of school age.

My concern is that there may possibly be an over eager teacher or SENCO who is flagging something up which actually isn't there.

That's why I posted about what concerns you have got to see if indeed an assessment may be warranted.

Again, please accept my apologies...I feel quite embarrassed now.

kjmtidea

I feel quite embarrassed too lol I am a bit over sensitive about all of this. I have never been through any of these things with any of my children before and I do feel very guilty for not realising that there is a problem.

I am happy for him to be reffered though, I did think there was a problem of some sort in regards to his speech and I would like to speak to someone about his behaviour that school have highlighted. The things that the senco was interested in and wrote on his report are:

Reflux for the first year, cried a lot, not happy at all, hoover kept him quiet.
First words were his brothers names at 14 months and then nothing until 2 years when he just started talking in sentences.
Gets upset if we don't do exactly what we have said we will do.
Dressed in his pirate costume for breakfast every day for 2 years .
Doesn't like people in 'his space'
Can't cope with people being loud near him, despite him shouting at times.
Doesn't like clothes, will put pjs on as soon as he gets home. Can't stand his school collar, spends all day pinning it down. Doesn't like belts or jeans.
Has to have the same bowl, plate, cup, cutlery etc, it has to be a certain way before food goes on it.
Cannot play board games because doesn't understand turn taking.
Won't answer direct questions.
Doesn't like eye contact.
Talks continuesly (at home) rather than joining in with a conversation.
Massive melt downs if we change plans.
Hums whilst eating.
Hugs and kisses girls at school but won't talk to them.
Kisses the tv good night and takes his piggy bank to bed.
Doesn't understand 'I' when talking about myself.
You can't answer him with one word answers, you have to give him a full sentence.

Now obviously looking at all of that I can see that there is an issue, but when he has always been a difficult child and he has gradually got these behaviours, we have just put it down to him being him. No one has ever suggested there might be a problem, even playschool used to say that it was just how he was. So sorry if I was horrible earlier, I just feel guilty I think.

quietheart

I'm not surprised you feel sensitive, it's not a nice position for you to be in. I don't think the teacher should be diagnosing a child, they can flag up issues but you need to see a paediatrician and ed psych to assess and discuss what is happening with your son.
It is fairly common for problems to crop up in reception and it may be the first time the child has had to cope on their own for a full day. My son didn't speak all through reception and reading your list a lot of your points did take me back (to that dark place!)
My son is 11 now and much, much better. He has a diagnosis of Selective Mutism and Atypical Autism but school only have to deal with his anxiety issues other than that his behaviour is very good he's doing well academically.
All I'm trying to say it was may seem awful/scary in reception can change, can improve dramatically as long as the child is managed well at school.
Wishing you all the best.

Quinny_2

Can this help:

http://www.weight2goblankets.co.uk/

meritaten

As my granddaughter was officially diagnosed with Aspergers just last month - I dont think that Aspergers is no longer used. The deliniations between various Autistic Spectrum Disorders has been re-shuffled a bit in the last few years - but Aspergers as a syndrome hasnt been excluded.
I havent heard of Senco's other than in a school capacity - as that is the role 'Special Educational Needs CO ordinator'. but other Lea's may have one.
Your childs school may have a highly experienced Senco who can identify these traits - if so then she is worth her wieght in gold! the earlier the condition is identified the better. she may also be inexperienced and seeing problems where there are none. the testing stage will be helpful to you and the school. Please let your GP know - he/she may be helpful too.
be aware that this is a long slow process! and you must arm yourself with KNOWLEDGE! read all you can about Aspergers and related conditions such as Autism and ADHD, ASD, ODD and many other acronyms.
Thats enough info for now. My best advice is to research these conditions and make your own mind up.
Good luck!
merit

Savvy_Sue

doodoot wrote: »

I'm a little concerned that you haven't raised any concerns over his personality/development UNTIL a teacher has pulled you to one and started spouting off a couple of SEN terms.

I realise that this has been followed up on, but DS1 was always 'different' and I think that nursery had some concerns, but nothing was ever formally 'done' until he was in year 7. I knew there was something 'different' about him too, but not enough to camp out in the GP surgery demanding answers ...