Transition to structured time

[eva2022]

We just received an additional diagnosis for high functioning autism in addition to ADHD. With the diagnosis comes more therapy after school. What have you all done to ease the transition to a much more structured day? My son has gone from a play-based preschool three hours a day, four days a week to summer to full day kindergarten and now to full day kindergarten + therapies. Any thoughts?

[srstarkey1]

how did u know that your child needed to be tested for autism

[eva2022 in reply to srstarkey1]

That is a great question…a lot of seemingly random things that led us to have an evaluation done “just to rule it out” (only to have it confirmed!)

Here is a list, not in any particular order:

1. Preschool suggesting a speech assessment multiple times (even though he spoke just fine with us at home)

2. Running away when hurt instead of seeking comfort (but at the same time being well attached to me)

3. Outbursts/not understanding how to deal with his emotions

4. A constant soundtrack…sort of a constant very loud hum that he does when he is concentrating on something

5. Flicking his finger at his cheek when he is excited

6. An abnormal obsession with connecting electronic cords

7. Not reciprocating friendly advances from other kids…seeming to not quite understand what to do/say to other kids (but having a great friendship with his sister at home)

I hope that this is helpful. I know it’s very disjointed.

[srstarkey1 in reply to eva2022]

the school wanted me to look into maybe having my son assessed for autism but I just don’t see it.

he has an impressive vocabulary… He used to be a run and hide her until we started getting his meds adjusted. The only thing that he would match on the list of things that you had on. There is the fact that he has a problem controlling his emotions, sometimes mainly with his anger

[Aspen797 in reply to eva2022]

Our son also loved connecting electric cords /devices at that age! Loved seeing this! Great engineering brains in the making. Have you checked out Quercetti toys? Just a thought with Christmas coming up.

[eva2022 in reply to Aspen797]

I will check those out-thank you!