WWYD need some advice mommas

I have been having some on going issues with ds and his preschool. DS is very active and also has a repetive sensory stimming type thing he does. The teachers were having trouble with his energy level and they were concerned about his speech. They wanted him evaluated, which he was. I appreciate the preschool's concern don't get me wrong but I am worried the program is not beneficial for DS like I thought it would be. He gets frustrated that the teachers can't understand him. The preschool keeps asking if I am taking him to a neurologist. He just turned three in November and has been evaluated for speech and psych so far, and has beeen to the behavioral specialist who feels confident it is not neurological. I don't want to overwhelm Ds. The speech therapist said he is having some articulation problems, but that he probably won't qualify for speech since she can understand everything he says (as do I). We went to a behavioral specialist and she gave us a potential diagnosis.

My question is do you think I should leave him in the preschool program or take him out? I already paid for a full year but I get a pit in my tummy for ds everytime I take him to school.

Re: WWYD need some advice mommas

Was the evaluations done through CPSE ? (school district)

Anything that deals with the sensory system is "neurological".. (central nervous system). Your son may be dealing with sensory processing issues, and an occupational therapist eval may be beneficial. It's difficult to qualify just for OT through the CPSE but you can go privately via insurance with a script from the ped.

A behaviorist can not diagnosis.
A psychologist can. However, I do not think a psych can diagnosis through the school system (not sure about this). EI psych evals can lead to diagnosis, but I believe once a child is in preschool they are considered a child with a disability. (not sure though)

As far as a neurologist, why are they encouraging you in this direction ? You may want to see a developmental ped or a private psychologist/ or even an OT.

Communication is a lot more than articulation. The school should be trying to devise a communication board and other supports to help your son thrive. If they are constantly 'concerned' but don't implement any type of strategy that will possibly help..it sort of defeats the purpose.

The preschool staff should be supporting your child's development and if he has challenges they should come up with a plan to assist. Maybe you can sit down with the teacher and figure out some strategies that would help your son. Never ignore that "gut" but maybe the staff just needs some assistance.

Have you read the Out of Sync Child ?

If they truly care about the students in their school and aren't willing to make your child's school year a successful one, I don't see how they would be comfortable keeping the money. Perhaps they would offer a refund.

You may want to look into an integrated class in a developmental preschool. If your son doesn't qualify via CPSE he still can benefit from the special ed staff the school has.

Re: WWYD need some advice mommas

Thank you! I am just so overwhelmed myself and want to do what's best for my little guy. We went to Dr Marci Silverman, it says she is a developmental ped and behavioral specialist on my insurance website lol. She said he would benefit from OT. She thinks ADHD with sensory stimming. The eval was done through CPSE. I will take a look at that book. Thanks for the recommendation!

Re: WWYD need some advice mommas

They think the "stimming" could be some type of seizure or something. Hence the neuro. Ds is aware he does it and is responsive and says i'm excited or mad etc when he is doing it.

Re: WWYD need some advice mommas

Sapphire gave great advice. I recommend placing him in an integrated special Ed preschool class. The teachers and assistant will accommodate his specific needs. I was in the exact se situation as you with my DS when he was 3 so I know exactly how you're feeling. The preschool I had him in did refund me I hope yours will do the same. Also, I would get a 2nd opinion on the evaluation fight to get speech and OT services for your son.