I feel your frustration and commend you for reaching out. First, unless the child has been diagnosed, I would avoid the use of the "A" word. Only a diagnostician should determine what, if any, disabilities exist. The child isn't even 2, so it may be simply a lack of experience and maturation. Some families do not have a child sit for a meal and using her hands may also be acceptable at home. You only describe meal time. Are there problems at other times? My best advice is to keep a log of her behaviors. Note the antecedent (what happened before the behavior, the behavior itself (what happened and the duration) and the consequence of the behavior. Unwanted behaviors are a means of communication. The child is trying to tell you something and lacks the ability to do so. Keeping a log will help you to discover patterns of behavior that may clue you in to what she is trying to say. Also, unwanted behaviors generally yield some type of results (consequence) that the child is hoping for. It could be this child wants attention, is frustrated by mealtime expectations, has difficulty sitting, etc. If they child does not achieve what she wants, the behavior may subside. The teacher may be unwittingly giving the child what she wants. After doing observations for at least a week, sit down with the teacher and look for patterns. Devise a plan of action and put it into place. For example, since meals are an issue: Set a visual timer for a very brief time and then allow her to get up when the time is gone. Give her one food at a time. Figure out what she prefers. Give her a fidget toy to occupy her hands. Assist her with a utensil. Give tons of praise any time she picks up the utensil - even if she does not use it. Look for baby steps and provide positive reinforcement. She is probably hearing many NOs and is overwhelmed or frustrated. This is just a random laundry list. Without knowing the child, it is hard to give specific suggestions.
If there are problems throughout the day, I would definitely document them carefully. If the family chooses to pursue outside help, the diagnosticians will benefit from as much detail as you can provide. (I used to do this for a school system)
Best wishes to you. I'm here if you'd like to chat further.
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Diane Postman
Curriculum Specialist
Smart Beginnings of the VA Peninsula
Yorktown VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2021 12:49 PM
From: Jennifer Alquist
Subject: ideas for a toddler room with a child who show signs of developmental delays
Hi! I totally understand the frustration with dealing with children who possibly can be developmentally delayed but we aren't trained to diagnose. I agree with everyone about getting outside help. Please check your local early intervention programs and reach out to the parents asking if there are issues at home. I work with 2-year-olds and often it is just something that is done at home versus there is a problem. Does the child lack other fine/gross motor skills? walking, talking, and focusing on when someone is speaking. I have several children who do not like to sit down and often have to be reminded to sit down. Sometimes it is a lack of communication skills that the child is not receiving at home. I hope this helps.
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Jennifer Alquist
Teacher
Concord First Academy
Concord NC
Original Message:
Sent: 03-18-2021 05:01 PM
From: Karen Kosoglov
Subject: ideas for a toddler room with a child who show signs of developmental delays
Hello, I have a teacher who asked for help with a child who is showing signs of developmental delays, the child will not be 2 until this summer. One of the biggest struggles is the child scoops up her food, gets out of her chair many times during the meal or will throw food. The teacher feels if she let's the child up that the other children will get up too. I am trying to help, the teacher does want the child to throw food and she does want the child to get out of her child until everyone is done. I am trying to work with this teacher and her co-teachers. Can you direct me on some tips on Autism for young children or any other suggestions you can offer.
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Karen Kosoglov
Director
Carmel Clay Edu-Care Centers
Carmel IN
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