Should I be worried?

[FourJays]

DS2 is nearly 4, not great at language. He can talk buit seems to prefer making silly noises, screaming etc - most of my friends whose kids are a year younger than him speak better. He has a few friends at nursery - but prefers either older of younger children. Not really interested in drawing, writing or any formations. As a baby he was really physically advanced - crawled at about 6 months and walked by 12 months.

Playschool have noted a few times that he won't always respond to his name or any requests to tidy up - he'll just sit with a defiant look. He doesn't do as he is told. I've had his ears checked out and he doesn't seem to be deaf - no history of ear infections either.

When he wants something he'll ask for it repeatedly until I do it, which is quite frustrating. Like - I want cheese, I want cheese, I want cheese......
He's "into" things like a toddler-going through drawers,cupboards, make up bags etc. My older son had stopped doing this by his age.

He is a stubborn child and I don't know if it is just his personality or if I should be concerned about his development.

[Mummywannabe]

Very difficult to say without knowing him. I would speak to the pre-school and ask them, they should have a SENCO - special educational needs co-ordinator (sounds scary but isn't i promise) they would be able to go through his file and observations with you and assess whether they are concerned. Their shuold be an area senco they can call upon for advice. Not saying something is wrong but this might reassure you.

Having said all that sounds like it could be a stubborn 4year old thing! Just by asking them to look into it does not mean he will be labelled etc, its what they are their for and they might make you feel better.