My son is 6 years old, and in Kindergarten. His teacher recommended that he see the school psychologist. So, the school psych. came in and just observed him in his classroom sitting. So did the language teacher. They have recommended that I allow them to do more testing on him. What they have told me so far, is he has slow thought processing skills, and he needs speech therapy. I talked to the school psychologist today, and she said there is more testing to be done on him, which she will need to take him out of the classroom. He was a late talker, and doesnt have the best speech skills right now. When he talks, sometimes people cannot make out what he is saying. Then there are times, when he is as clear as a bell. He hasnt had alot of social interaction with other kids his age, really since birth. Kindergarten has been his first daily interaction with little guys his age. I didnt put him in preschool, because he had RSV as an infant, and was hospitalized, and I was scared to death to have him in any type of exposure to lots of kids, due to the RSV. I think he is very smart. He recognizes, writes and says all the letters and sounds in the alphabet. Is doing well at starting to read, can do some math problems well. His teacher told me that she thinks he is very intelligent, however she feels that he cant get the info he has, out of him. ?? She also said that he doesnt recognize social ques. Can anyone give me some advice, going into this??This is all new to me, and I am very worried. I have two older children, that are in the gifted program, so this is VERY new to me. I really dont even know what kind of questions I should be asking right now. I of course know the standard questions to ask, but I want to make sure I am covering all of my bases, since he is so young, and I feel like I need to protect him. Please help, any suggestions right now will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Re: Where do I start???Please help
I would go ahead and agree to the testing. If you have the funds I would also have an outside eval done.
When they tell you they have the results and they want to schedule a meeting to talk about it, ask for the results ahead of time so you can study them, read about the diagnoses, if any, and so you won’t feel ambushed or surprised at the meeting.
Many, many kids need speech therapy once they start school. Very common.
Your child probably needs to catch up on the social skills since he hasn’t been exposed to kids prior to this. This may just come with time, or if the school offers a social skills course, maybe he could get in that.
Take it one step at a time. First thing, get the testing done that they are recommending.
Re: Where do I start???Please help
I agree with the previous posters.
I would also suggest you invest in the book From Emotions to Advacatey: An Explaination of Special Education by Peter and Pam Wright. (or something like that) One can order it from www.wrightslaw.com
It is also set up like a “Dummies” book–very easy to use. It covers basic special ed laws, common test, how to understand the test results, how to set up your files, and has sample letters for the common things parents often have to write letters about.
I like the suggestion of one thing at a time. Its a little hard to follow though :lol:
One thing I feel I must point out is that it is perfectly possible to be in special ed and in gifted programs. My youngest is and it has turned his world around. He loves it and has been just what he needed. ELP teachers in our area were very hesistant to allow him in but I’m glad his special ed teacher pushed for it. Just something to keep in the back of your mind.
I can imagine how scary this is for you! the only advice i can give you right now is to read, read, read, read. there is a book (probably in your local library) called learning disabilities A-Z a parents guide. it not only outlines different disabilities, but gives parents the understanding and guidance they may need. it is almost a ‘dummies’ guide of how-to’s. i found it so very helpful when i was dealing with my third son in kindergarten (my previous two sons are also in the gifted program) so when i say i understand how you must feel, i truly mean it. the more knowledge you have, the better it is for everyone! though it’s easier said then done…don’t be too upset. it sounds like your child is quite smart. they may just be concerned with his speech, and recommend speech therapy. but it is very important to educate yourself first.
best of luck. i hope i have helped…at least a little!