Boy five years old

EurekaL

I've been reading this forum for a long time but never wrote anything.

I have a question about schools and needs assessments. I would say that my son is really doing fine and he is just struggling sometimes to regulate his emotions and he needs to improve his social skills a bit, he is very bright and he is advanced completing to his generation when it comes to reading and writing and mathematics.

His school is pushing us to apply for his needs assessments and I am wondering why they are so pushy? What might be behind it? My boy is five years old and he goes to school in a small town near Cork. He has some friends but he needs to improve his social skills, like to know better how to play in some situations. And he is improving day by day.

Why would school be pushy about this? Thanks for all the answers and all the information. My family appreciates it.

Does anyone else have similar situation?

kirving

Teachers can sport a child who needs extra help long before their parents. Teachers will see thousands of kids in their career, and are trained to spot learning and social progress, relative to the average of the class.

They are pushing for an assessment so that they can justify extra time with your child, or direct you where else best to get it.

They are doing this in the best interest of your child only, and not to pick on him. You should really follow their advice.

EurekaL

Could you please tell me where do you work?

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058372234/boy-five-years-old

It's best to take the teachers advice. They are trying to help your child. Teachers do not recommend a child for needs assessment for no reason.

With respect to you you are not in the classroom with your child, the teacher is. The teacher has probably spotted behaviour in your child which needs investigating. It's better to seek help now rather than wait, to ensure the best outcome and future for your child.

It is a positive sign that they are looking out for your child. Seeking help for your child is absolutely the right thing to do

EurekaL

Thank you for your answers

I would like to hear from someone who has similar situation.

Additionally, in one school they were very pushy for him to go for assessment and in another school not. Why it's like that, does anyone know?

Caranica

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122697990#Comment_122697990

Happened to my nephew and it was the best thing that could have happened for him. Schools that push will be very close to a quota for an additional sna , it's a simple numbers game. Schools that don't will be several kids away from quota

banie01

The school has spotted a potential issue and is recommending a needs assessment as soon as possible to ensure your son doesn't fall behind. It will ensure that if any interventions and support are needed that they are identified and implemented as soon as possible.

It's all about the best support and outcome for your son. You may feel that his only issue is socialisation and emotional regulation but the teacher is a trained professional with an eye on development and educational milestones. They aren't trying to demean your boy or hold him back, they want to make sure he meets his potential and that may mean additional help.

Wanderer78

completely agree with the opinions of following the schools advice, ive struggled with undiagnosed disorders most of my life, and this has lead to more complex issues, including long term mental health issues, please follow the advice, and see where it leads to, best of luck

Dan Steely

When my 6-year was identified by the school as needing assessment I didn't believe it. When the psychologist made a diagnosis of autism I didn't believe it.

12 years later I believe it.

Get the ball rolling, OP. It'll be best for your child and best for everyone.

EurekaL

My son communicates, talks all the time, he reads, he counts, he is most of the time very happy kid, he enjoys playing pretending games... Did I miss something when I was reading about autism?

EurekaL

Why do you believe it 12 years later?

Caranica

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122698698#Comment_122698698

So does my nephew. Autism is a spectrum not a single set of issues

Dan Steely

I'm just saying that the professionals will usually know before the family. They knew before me and I'm glad they did, even though that was the last thing I wanted. He soon got the help he needed and made things much better for him all through primary school.

I would say get the assessment. It will either put your mind at rest or open doors for your child. It's a win win.

Edit: meant to quote post #11.

EurekaL

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122698810#Comment_122698810

And why was that the best thing happened to him?

EurekaL

And what were "symptoms" in your son's case when he was 6 years old?

witchgirl26

OP the assessment will determine if your son needs any additional supports in school that they can then get in place for him. While these could be minimal now, they could present in different ways as he grows up & having the assessment done means that they can be adapted as needs be.

My nephew got an asd diagnoses when he was in senior infants. He was smart, articulate etc. But he did struggle a little socially. At first the assistance was minimal but by the time he was in secondary, he struggled to prioritise things or focus on areas that he wasn't as interested in. His SNA was able to support him with this & he's now in college. As autism is a spectrum disorder, the symptoms will vary vastly between each child & that's why a professional is needed to properly assess. Also some children learn to mask behaviours if they realise that they need to (girls more so than boys do this).

wildwillow

You are lucky the school is being proactive about your son. They have spotted some traits that point to a problem and want him to have the best outcome. Children who are on the autism spectrum and are very high functioning will often mask problems. The socialisation may point to lack of empathy and not reading other's emotions.

Put your mind to rest and take the help offered. If a diagnosis is made it may be very minor and some behavioural awareness may be all that is needed. You wouldn't forgive yourself if his future is impacted by ignoring the advice.

Big Bag of Chips

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058372234/boy-five-years-old

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