3 year old DS bites and pinches family members

[Anonymous]

What strikes me in reading your post, OP, is that your child had words and doesn't any more. That is worrisome. Maybe it is the situation and a new environment next school year will help. But I'd also want to get your child's developmental pediatrician's (or whichever specialist cares for your child) input. Down Syndrome impacts so many different areas of development and growth, and is co-occuring with other special needs that something might be going on with your kiddo that a check in might be useful.

I hope your child has a good summer, OP!

[Anonymous]

OP,

You sound like you have a lot going on, SN child or not. So I hope there's something in your life to recharge your batteries. There's a lot that's not in our control. So I would start where you do have some influence.

1. Make sure your kid has healthy food and plenty of rest. In terms of limiting tv, it is almost impossible to get the genie back in the bottle, but there are strategies that help like picture schedules and timers.

2. Don't focus on trying to teach him something when you're together. "Homework" from a speech therapist or OT should have an element of fun (with the possible exception of handwriting). See if you can get the Hanen book, "it takes two to talk" from the library. Ask his IEP team if the parent class is available. Basically let your child lead play time. It's a much more natural and less stressful way of stimulating speech. Another reason he may be acting out is that he wants your attention and doesn't have a way to express this. The negative behaviors definitely work on getting attention though.

3. If you are concerned about regression and incorrect placement, you'll need to ask for frequent updates from the IEP team on progress toward goals. To get a different placement you'll need to document. You can do this at home with a notebook.

Taking care of your family and yourself is hard work. I'm sending positive thoughts your way

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What strikes me in reading your post, OP, is that your child had words and doesn't any more. That is worrisome. Maybe it is the situation and a new environment next school year will help. But I'd also want to get your child's developmental pediatrician's (or whichever specialist cares for your child) input. Down Syndrome impacts so many different areas of development and growth, and is co-occuring with other special needs that something might be going on with your kiddo that a check in might be useful.

I hope your child has a good summer, OP!

I spoken to his primary care doctor about it. She referred him to a developmental clinic, he's been seen twice in the last 6 months. At first they had concerns about him having autism as well. But since the second session they're saying there's no signs of autism. I'm praying that him going back into a inclusionary setting next year will help. And we will continue to meet with the development clinic. Thank you so much

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP,

You sound like you have a lot going on, SN child or not. So I hope there's something in your life to recharge your batteries. There's a lot that's not in our control. So I would start where you do have some influence.

1. Make sure your kid has healthy food and plenty of rest. In terms of limiting tv, it is almost impossible to get the genie back in the bottle, but there are strategies that help like picture schedules and timers.

2. Don't focus on trying to teach him something when you're together. "Homework" from a speech therapist or OT should have an element of fun (with the possible exception of handwriting). See if you can get the Hanen book, "it takes two to talk" from the library. Ask his IEP team if the parent class is available. Basically let your child lead play time. It's a much more natural and less stressful way of stimulating speech. Another reason he may be acting out is that he wants your attention and doesn't have a way to express this. The negative behaviors definitely work on getting attention though.

3. If you are concerned about regression and incorrect placement, you'll need to ask for frequent updates from the IEP team on progress toward goals. To get a different placement you'll need to document. You can do this at home with a notebook.

Taking care of your family and yourself is hard work. I'm sending positive thoughts your way

His school this year wasn't welcoming and didn't have ways for parent to attend anything but IEP meetings. I complained a lot about it and became "that parent" once the special ed Co asked if I had a job? Because I was always at the school. I had a great relationship at his daycare where I would visit therapy session often. I knew all his songs from circle time so I would have cards to give him to sing songs and he loved this. Now at elementary school they keep parents out "it's an distraction" so they say. His speech therapist would sent paperwork home only because I requested it. The others not so much they would change provider so much it was hard to develop a relationship. I have a friend who's a OT and she shares information with me. I'm trying so hard but it was very rewarding when he would try with me. Now I get very sad and hate/blame the school for changing my son's attitude towards learning. I placed him this upcoming school year and I feel so much better about this placement. Thanks so much for the advice

[Anonymous]

That's good news, OP, if he's going to be at a different school. Many SN schools aren't the best at parent outreach. It definitely won't be like a daycare where they have more time to plan little presentations. There's also patient privacy issues too, so schools are often under certain constraints.

The IEP still belongs to you. At the next IEP meeting ask how they collect the data to track goal progress, then ask to see it periodically. Check out Wrights Law for more info.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP,

You sound like you have a lot going on, SN child or not. So I hope there's something in your life to recharge your batteries. There's a lot that's not in our control. So I would start where you do have some influence.

1. Make sure your kid has healthy food and plenty of rest. In terms of limiting tv, it is almost impossible to get the genie back in the bottle, but there are strategies that help like picture schedules and timers.

2. Don't focus on trying to teach him something when you're together. "Homework" from a speech therapist or OT should have an element of fun (with the possible exception of handwriting). See if you can get the Hanen book, "it takes two to talk" from the library. Ask his IEP team if the parent class is available. Basically let your child lead play time. It's a much more natural and less stressful way of stimulating speech. Another reason he may be acting out is that he wants your attention and doesn't have a way to express this. The negative behaviors definitely work on getting attention though.

3. If you are concerned about regression and incorrect placement, you'll need to ask for frequent updates from the IEP team on progress toward goals. To get a different placement you'll need to document. You can do this at home with a notebook.

Taking care of your family and yourself is hard work. I'm sending positive thoughts your way

This. Try to spend 10-15 minutes a day just playing with your son, following his lead and having fun together. Sometimes an extra serving of positive attention can ward off negative attention seeking behaviors.