DS2 (7) has some 'issues' and is on SA+ getting SALT and OT interventions that are having minimal impact on IEP targets. His IEP was recently reviewed. His teachers' main concerns relate to what they term inattention/distraction. They have requested SALT and OT input in addition to testing of sight, hearing, absence seizures. They are now pursuing ADHD and DS2 has an appointment with a specialist nurse in a couple of weeks. However, I may not know what 'normal' looks like but I don't believe he has ADHD/ADD.
DS2 can appear not to be paying attention because he is not making eye contact, or even facing a person speaking and is constantly fiddling or doing something else but he can repeat back what you have said. DH was reading Harry Potter to him recently and thought he was not listening but was doodling - it turned out that he was writing a list of the adjectives in the text. He is hyposensitive - high tolerance to pain, doesn't notice when face messy etc.
The 'progress' recorded for the objective to improve concentration and attention says "DS2 has recently become very tactile towards other children, often poking, stroking, touching their hair and face during whole class teaching. Regular reminding not to do this with very specific language seems to have little effect. Eventually, DS2 is moved to another place on the carpet to avoid this distraction.
On a good day, DS2 can sit and listen for approximately 5 minutes (short-term target of 10 mins) and contribute during this time.
There are days however, when despite employing all strategies effectively, DS2 is still distracted, making noises despite regular requests not to do so, playing with nearby equipment and generally avoiding the activity set. However, when asked to complete a task for a few minutes during playtime, DS2 will often complete the task very quickly with no support"
I have an indi SALT going into the school on Monday. SLCN have previously been identified but the school, LA EP, comm paed all seem to want to ignore the issue of whether or not this is secondary to ASD (he has a sibling on the spectrum).
What do you think? Is this inattention or sensory seeking? Can this sort of behaviour be explained by any other conditions than ASD? DS2's issues can have multiple causes but I can't see how SLCN, ADD or high cognitive ability can explain this particular manifestation or other teacher identified issues with nonverbal communication.
TIA
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.
SN children
Is this sensory seeking?
9 replies
KOKOagainandagain · 13/07/2013 11:46
OP posts:
PolterGoose ·
13/07/2013 12:02
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
PolterGoose ·
13/07/2013 13:19
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.