Josephine Said:

I need some advice about my almost six-year-old son who seems to have developmental delays?

We Answered:

Hi there Rebecca.

I have worked as a paediatric occupational therapist in the recent past, and I worked with many children like your son. Your best thing to do would be see your son's paediatrician who may be able to refer on to other appropriate services.

For ways to help him, try breaking tasks down so they are very simple. Things like practicing fastening buttons on a garment on his lap (as this is much easier than when he is wearing the clothes). I worked with children Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia, and they had a lot of difficulty with dressing. Does he have any difficulties with gross motor skills, such as running and jumping, as those are signs of DCD.

Try and make the learning fun. Things like dressing - don't do it when you are in a rush to get dressed in the morning. Allow him to do it at his own pace - find some pyjamas with buttons perhaps, as getting dressed for bed is less stressful than getting dressed for school.

I also think it is worth speaking to the headteacher/principal at your son's school and reiterating your concerns.

Good luck.

Tammy Said:

Kindergarten developmental delays?

We Answered:

Is there anyway you could get some therapy for him?

From what you've described, therapy would probably be the best option. Or see if the school is willing to get him a helper. He may not be mentally retarded but he obviously has some sort of developmental delay. It may be best if he starts kindergarten a year late and maybe look into getting him into a school that is willing to help him.

Reginald Said:

Need honest Opinions.?

We Answered:

If your rent is paid and there is nothing in your lease about "open house" showings, you don't have to let them in.
You can even call the police if they actually try to start trouble.

Charlie Said:

Do you think my autistic toddler will speak again?

We Answered:

I can't predict the future, but I think based on the fact that your son was diagnosed so young, and you're so on top of things, and he's getting amazing therapy, I would be shocked if he didn't talk again. My son was a little different in that he never had speech, was nonverbal until almost three... at the time I thought he'd never talk. He talks SO well now (he's four), and while his speech is still delayed, he's catching up real fast and can carry on conversations.

As for whether he should be getting speech therapy... I'm assuming he was diagnosed by a specialist? I would check with the MD specialist and see what their opinion is. I can only give you my two frame of references - my own, which is my son (who was diagnosed later than yours) received speech, OT and PT through EI from the get go... when he turned three he started at our public preschool and received ABA therapy, along with speech, OT and PT. One of my best friends, who's son was severely autistic pretty much since birth - he was diagnosed very early (15 months) and was put in an intensive ABA program 35 hours a week. Straight ABA.
Once he turned three and started at the same preschool my son was in, he got speech, etc. He is now 4 1/2 and honestly you would not know there was a thing wrong with him. As a result I'm a huge fan of ABA and kick myself that my son didn't start it sooner......

Not sure if this info helps but I sincerely wish the best for you and your son. You are so on top of things, your son is very lucky!!!