My son was diagnosed with Dyspraxia and Expressive Language Delay in Jan.02 at 2yrs. 10mths at that evaluation his was at a 18 month level. Currently
his speech therapist rates him now 3yr0month level so he has made great progress. My problem I went to the local school and they want to put him in a self-contained classroom(the only Preschool class they offer), I am currently fighting the district to be have him educated in a LRE, which would a private preschool in the local community. Considering his progress and us( his parents), doctor, and current speech therapist feel that way. My only question is my son’s teacher says he won’t sit for story time, he never has for me either but I never considered it a problem. She mentioned ADHD testing, but I spoke to my child’s doctor he said he is too young. He does however sit for hands-on activites. Anyone else experience the same with their child.
Re: Preschool w/LD - Speech
Thanks for your response. He has had numerous speech evaluations all say receptive language is average to above average. I also had a OT evaluation on him everything is good there too. We tried a Pysch at the school requests the doctor tried the Stanford Binet 4 and he did fine until she ask him to read words on a flashcard he is three (can’t read yet) she dicontinued giving test.
He really has a articulation problem more than expressive which helps explain his rapid progress in therapy. Reading books at home I choose interactive books and do your suggestions as far as pointing things out and silly voices,ect.. Any recommendations how to build him up to longer more language books and also that I can give his preschool teacher. By the way I was doing research on ADHD and from what I can tell he would have to exhibit signs on a consisent basis which he doesn’t right now. Thanks again for responding.
OK let me get this straight- he’s about 3 years 9 months now and expressively at the 3 year old level? Are you sure that he has no receptive language delay? That would impact on his ability to understand- and listen to- stories. Your doctor is right that he is a bit young for an ADHD evaluation- but if he’s showing difficulties in managing his attention, activity level, and arousal in multiple settings and activities then you should look into having him evaluated for self-regulation or sensory difficulties. An occupational therapy evaluation would be helpful in this respect- as well as an evaluation by a psychologist that specializes in early development. I would also start to work on increasing his ability to tolerate and ultimately enjoy a story- but I would do this in a highly interactive manner for short periods. Try books that tap his particular interests as well as interactive books which he can actively manipulate. Be sure to use lots of emotion as you read- silly voices and noises, etc will keep his attention and give him more cues to increase his understanding. But stop frequently as you read and have little talks- at his level- about the pictures, the plot, and the characters. In other words, make this activity more hands on and encourage his participation and communication skills. He needs practice talking and this is a great way to do it. Good luck.