Angela Said:

Who’s insight would you listen to more: Pediatrician or Daycare?

We Answered:

daycare. I don't care where information comes from concerning my kids, if its another kid who says why can't he talk I listen, if its a parent with a speech delayed kid I listen, if its the janitor at school who says he can't understand my child I listen. I don't give a hoot about somebody's credentials, I indivually weigh the information and take matters from there. I have disagreed with top specialists, and agreed with a babysitter at times.

Anyone having concern about my child's development, I would seek many specialists opinion, and I have. I have 3 speech delayed sons. I ask them all speech therapist, teacher, family, friends about what they think. Some speech therapists say late talker, other specialists say apraxia, still others say autism. I take it all in and form my own opinion.

I would certainly urge you to contact early intervention and have him evaluated for free.

For what its worth, I asked my son's pediatrician at age 18 months could this be autism? She said definately not, I pursued early intervention and he was dx with atypical autism at 25 months old. Before this at 24 months daycare said he is showing some HFA (high functioning autistic) symptoms, I said I know, we've been seeing it since before 18 months are are waiting for early intervention to evaluate him. After the dx, we switched pediatricians

Does your son say yes? Does he point? Can he catch a ball? Does he follow a 2 step command? Does he repeat what he hears (echolalia)? Does he call himself by his name or will he say me/mine? Does he use any pronouns? In addition to poor eyecontact, and a paucity of facial expressions these are other characteristics exhibited by kids with autistic spectrum disorders. Does he have any sensory integration issues? Tantrums lasting an hour, can't be calmed? Sensory issues can coincide with autistic spectrum disorders and can stand on their own too. An OT can really help develop an appropriate sensory diet. A poor sensory system will equate to less speech, when organized the speech comes out.

From my experience its an opinion, daycares are more pro-early intervention, pediatricians are more lets not get excited, its probably fine lets just give him a little time and see what happens. I am all about prevention, but in my kids cases they needed it. Still to hear my oldest speak he sounds like everybody else and he is 8 the psych says PDD.NOS, though others don't anymore. My 2 year old, the pediatrician currently says he is typical and doesn't need it, and maybe he doesn't need speech but its not going to hurt him and he is floating with a developmental delay dx which actually is the 8 yr old's educational dx too and the 3 yr old too.

Janet Said:

Which should I major in?

We Answered:

I think speech therapy is more rewarding. Our education system is so messed up right now, it's almost a shame to put all that effort into children at such an early age, just to see them screwed over by NCLB once they hit middle school. There aren't a lot of speech therapists though, and you'd still get to work with children, and the work you do with them will carry on with them their whole lives!

In the end, it's up to you. People change their majors an average of six times in college. You have a few more times to go. :P

Eileen Said:

College essay (Comment please)?

We Answered:

Hi. I am a former English teacher and I'd give this essay 4/10. However I don't know your age or what grade you're in so that would obviously be a factor in marking this kind of text. Here are a few suggestions:

'Repeating herself over and over' is redundant. Just 'repeating herself' is enough.
Tear-stained is for fabrics, not people.
Prognosis isn't the same as diagnosis.
Today...currently is redundant.
You do not 'take part in' therapy, you receive it.
You set foot in a room, not step foot in it.
...broken and defeated AND who can blame her? (it's a question)
Long had an accident, not an incident.
The extract from "'e directed me...' to 'Financing' is impossible to understand. Needs reviewed.
He LITERALLY ripped his eyes out?
Your description of the accident as an extremely unfortunate misadventure belittles the event somewhat in my opinion.
If I were you I'd describe Long's life, personality and influence on you first before describing the accident and the effects it had on you. It is hardly necessary to mention his mother, of course she is devastated, he's her son! She isn't relevant to your story. You're talking about how it affects YOU.

Good luck with the revisions.

Jeffrey Said:

Is it true that you just need a bachelors degree in anything to be an elementary school teacher?

We Answered:

The answer to your question as written would be not true. Along with a bachelor degree (preferably B.A. in Education, but doesn't have to be), you also need a licensure, or teacher certification. Here is a link to help you with the requirements of teacher certification by state. Not all states reciprocate other state credentials. Good luck.

http://education.uky.edu/AcadServ/conten…

Diana Said:

What is my next step for pursuing a verbal abuse in school?

We Answered:

Stuff it, SkyDancer. Words hurt deeper than physical harm ever will.

I suggest a meeting with your daughter, the superintendent, and the two teachers so you get every side of the story and so do they. It's the best way if it comes to legal action so you'll have proof of trying to resolve the situation.

If after this meeting the situation still isn't resolved, try to get in touch with parents of other kids in that class so you can build a case. If it truly is harassment you'll want to seek out a harassment lawyer and keep all of the information you've compiled. Before you take the school to court make sure you have FACTS and cannot lose. This will help you and your daughter communicate and feel better about the incident.
Good luck.