Has anyone been told they have a "high functioning" toddler?

OK this is so NOT a mommy bragging moment. I have been told by the director of her daycare/preschool and a therapist that she is "high functioning" in logic and reasoning and this could be causing her anxiety issues and lack of interest or as I would call it "boredom."

She was recently tested thru the preschool program and in some areas like non-verbal she is totally average, but in language/speech and some other areas that i can't remember right now she tested out as either a 4 year old or 6 year old (she's 2.75 years.)

It's funny because she's not really ahead in letters or numbers, so I never thought she was ahead. However what I have noticed is that she has a memory that I can't believe. For example, months ago we went to a fair. We've only went to these camp grounds once. It is nowhere near where we usually go. We were only there for short time. She can remember how to get there and that a little boy had a green balloon. She was hospitalized at 13 months and remembers things about that over a year later. She knows what everyone SHE knows drives and can identify that make of the car while driving "miss kelly's car" "sophia's moms car, etc." I don't even know most of them, but she's always right. There are so many other examples, she freaks me out!

Anyway, I have a meeting with all the therapists etc through CPSC on 10/20 and i'm sure they'll give me some feedback and helpful hints, but has anyone else dealt with this? I'm not sure it's really a good thing or a bad thing? Just not sure how to make it easier on her.

Re: Has anyone been told they have a "high functioning" toddler?

It's a good thing, right?

Re: Has anyone been told they have a "high functioning" toddler?

Posted by smdl

It's a good thing, right?

Re: Has anyone been told they have a "high functioning" toddler?

My DS is the same way with cars - we will see a car on the road that is the same make and model as mine, or DH's or grandma's, and he'll tell us "there's a car like grandma's but it's not grandma, it's a different color" - he even tells us when a car is like grandma's but a little different and it turns out it's just a newer model year but the same vehicle. He's been doing that since he's about 2 1/2 - 3. And he remembers a lot also, from ages when you'd think he wouldn't. And he is also very good with reasoning as well. I don't think it's anything to be concerned with as all children develop at different rates and have talents in varying areas. Some are great with learning to write and some couldn't be bothered, and somes can memorize songs but others show no interest. This just happens to be what your DC has an aptitude for. It's a good thing!

Re: Has anyone been told they have a "high functioning" toddler?

Eddie is 2 and is the same way with places we've been, he'll tell you where to turn to get to them, "this way park" if we are in someone's neighborhood, he can tell you that, like he knows if we are in his Aunts neighborhood even if we are just driving through it and are a few blocks from her house.

He can identify everyones car too, even in a different color. Like someone at daycare has the same car as he grandfather and he knows that. He also remembers little details, like in June we went to a party at DH cousins house and he remembers what colored ice he has and that his other little cousin had. I never thought anything of it.

We took him to the circus at 15-16 months old and he will still to this day, tell me about the animals, the elephant cup he had with ice, etc.

I just figured his world is so small now, that it easier to remember the details. Like what to us seems like minutia to a toddler is a huge deal, like his ice, LOL.

I think its great that your DD is so aware, and Id keep encouraging it!!!!!

Message edited 10/6/2009 12:51:37 PM.

Re: Has anyone been told they have a "high functioning" toddler?

Re: Has anyone been told they have a "high functioning" toddler?

Re: Has anyone been told they have a "high functioning" toddler?

Maddie is similar- has very, very long memory- she actually today was just talking about going on the plane to Florida to see her Grandma meg which was August of 08... I had no idea she even thought about that anymore and it certainly isn't something we discuss.

My DD has some anxiety- but not boredom, more along the lines of new situations, new people- she's very slow to "warm" up- but I don't think that has anythign to do w/ anything besides her "personality"

Re: Has anyone been told they have a "high functioning" toddler?

I think its great that your DD is so aware, and Id keep encouraging it!!!!!


ITA

DD is the same way. She remembers things from long time ago and things that I never think she would even know or remember. She is also more advanced for her age . She is not shy (around kids or adults) and makes friends very easily. We are very happy she is this way and we definitely encourage her as much as we can.