Post by Alton C. Earle on Apr 22, 2017 12:03:56 GMT -8
We have had a couple of notable "situations" where we had to talk with parents about very serious issues of development. In the first one, we had a little girl who was three who was literally biting chunks out of the other children, and was very happy when she did it. We had an incredible amount of documentation, and called in the parents. They were stunned, this never happened at home, and agreed that something was odd. After another week, we all agreed that the girl needed a professional assessment. After the assessment, they called thanking us for working with them and said the psychologist had identified a number of serious issues, and that she was really not suitable for our environment. I last heard that she had started medication, and had improved greatly. I really wish we could have her back in our school on the meds. With the exception of random, inexplicable violence, she had some incredible qualities and I really liked her.
In the second case, we had a girl with severe speech pronunciation problems. Even at age 5, only her teachers and parents could understand her. We talked with the parents, and they were of the opinion that she would out grow it. She didn't, and still has speech issues. We had another girl where the parents were receptive and are now working with a speech therapist. She is improving.
The BIG thing that we consider when talking with parents is that we are *not* qualified to diagnose. We can observe and recommend, but we do NOT say something like "I think your child has autism." We would present our evidence and suggest a visit to the pediatrician, who THEN could recommend formal assessment.
In the second case, we had a girl with severe speech pronunciation problems. Even at age 5, only her teachers and parents could understand her. We talked with the parents, and they were of the opinion that she would out grow it. She didn't, and still has speech issues. We had another girl where the parents were receptive and are now working with a speech therapist. She is improving.
The BIG thing that we consider when talking with parents is that we are *not* qualified to diagnose. We can observe and recommend, but we do NOT say something like "I think your child has autism." We would present our evidence and suggest a visit to the pediatrician, who THEN could recommend formal assessment.