Preschool Teacher Concerns - Almost 4 year old

[Anonymous]

My son's preschool teacher has expressed concerns about his behavior and suggested we contact Child Find for an evaluation. His main issues are not listening, not having a calm body when in line and during circle time, short attention span, running around the classroom when they try and do longer activities and snatching toys from other kids. He also sometimes pokes or struggles to keep his hands to himself. He's definitely a bright kid and does well playing with other kids. At times, he can take a few minutes to warm up in new situations, but nothing out of the ordinary.

She suggested he might need something to hold or extra time to move, but definitely suggested getting him evaluated. Is Child Find the right place to start? Should I contact his pediatrician? If your child was similar, what did this mean down the road? Does this sound like ADHD? I appreciate any input and help! Thank you in advance.

[Anonymous]

These sound like normal behaviors for an almost 4 year old. I don't think Child Find would take your kid for an evaluation if these are your only complaints, but it doesn't hurt to call and ask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These sound like normal behaviors for an almost 4 year old. I don't think Child Find would take your kid for an evaluation if these are your only complaints, but it doesn't hurt to call and ask.

At the same time, a preschool teacher presumably recognizes typical behaviors for 4 year olds, and wouldn't bring it up if it seemed typical. It's possible the teacher doesn't want to overstep by offering ideas of what is going on, and so is understating things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These sound like normal behaviors for an almost 4 year old. I don't think Child Find would take your kid for an evaluation if these are your only complaints, but it doesn't hurt to call and ask.

It is a question of degree and the level of disruptiveness. They can be normal behaviors or they cannot. If its constant, or very disruptive, then yes, likely to be ADHD or ASD or anxiety. Being bright means nothing at all in this context. I trust the preschool teachers. They see tons of kids, see norms, and can identify outliers.

[Anonymous]

OP here. That is my concern is that if she is pointing it out, it must be outside what is typical.

This is all new to me so would ASD be a possibility? What other behaviors would I be looking for at that age that would point to that?

Is ChildFind the right place to start or should I look elsewhere also?

[Anonymous]

I'd start w your ped - for us it wa anxiety but honestly it could be just needing time to mature to having ADHD - it could also be the preschool which was 50% of our problem ...

[Anonymous]

I'd get an assessment but I'd also consider that the school/classroom is not a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. That is my concern is that if she is pointing it out, it must be outside what is typical.

This is all new to me so would ASD be a possibility? What other behaviors would I be looking for at that age that would point to that?

Is ChildFind the right place to start or should I look elsewhere also?

ChildFind is a good place to start, but they will not give you a medical diagnosis. They will evaluate to see if your child is behind significantly enough to warrant the county providing your child with therapeutic services.

In addition you can make an appointment with a developmental pediatrician.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. That is my concern is that if she is pointing it out, it must be outside what is typical.

This is all new to me so would ASD be a possibility? What other behaviors would I be looking for at that age that would point to that?

Is ChildFind the right place to start or should I look elsewhere also?

Nobody can tell you that over the internet, but difficulty with social interaction

[Anonymous]

Anxiety can also cause issues with social interaction, as can ADHD. To be diagnosed, ASD would also have to include some other serious issues such as repetitive behaviors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd get an assessment but I'd also consider that the school/classroom is not a good fit.

This. I had to take my son out of a preschool because it was not a good fit. He was acting out. The school thinks he has special needs. Our pediatrician told us to change school. She was right. 5 years later, he is still doing very well in school.

So it is possible that your son is just a active 3 year old like mine was. Definitely talk to both Child Find and your pediatrician though. But either way, I would consider a new school for next year.

[Anonymous]

Are the other kids in the class 4? It is tough to be the youngest in the class especially if you ate an active boy. Is your son a summer birthday in a preschool class that will be going to kindergarten in 14 month? Switch him to a preschool class going to school in 2 years and three months.

[Anonymous]

OP here. It's a mix of older 3s and younger/middle 4s so he's not especially young. We had already planned on waiting until he's 6 to send to kindergarten.

I do appreciate the advice and have a call into childfind. I was also able to make an appt with a developmental pediatrician for August which seems rare based on the experiences here. Thanks everyone.