Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Learning Disabilities (Expert Forum)
help with 5 year old son
Answered by
Rebecca Resnik, PsyD - Parenting Instruction, Developmental Disabilities, Psychological Assessment
MindWell Clinical Psychology
Chantilly - VA
Questions in the Learning Disability Forum are being answered by doctors from MindWorks. Topics include: Assessment and Diagnosis, Behavioral Issues, Emotional Development, Family Issues, Language-Speech Issues, Living With Learning Disabilities, Parenting, School Issues, Social Development
help with 5 year old son
by Terryd1, Sep 22, 2008 03:34PM
My 5 year old son is having staring spells at preschool, his teacher says he is sometimes staring off "thinking by himself" this happens at circle time quite a bit and he gets very quiet, also he is not transitioning at times when he is supposed to be moving on to other sections within the classroom. He is a happy, curious child and he seems to be on track as far as knowing all his letters, numbers to 20, shapes, colors. I don't know what is happening at school. Any input would really help.
Doctor's Answer
by Rebecca Resnik, PsyD, Sep 22, 2008 07:35PM
, Sep 22, 2008 07:35PMTo: Terryd1
Hello,
At this time of the school year, your son is still adjusting to his new class. Taking bits of time to tune out all of the hustle and bustle of his classroom is not unusual, though it could be a sign of a bigger problem. People often get scared when they see 'staring spells' if they know a little about absence (aka petit mal) seizures. Sometimes people associate staring off into space as an indicator of inattentive ADHD or even an autistic spectrum disorder. The symptom is a good one to pay attention to, and the teacher was correct to bring it to your attention. Keep in mind, however, that the most likely explanation is that your son is getting a bit overstimulated, and is managing his own comfort level as best he can.
I would want to find out more about what is happening in the classroom, particularly with regards to his having trouble transitioning. I would ask for a teacher conference, and request that an administrator or guidance counselor to observe your son so that you can get more information about where he is having trouble. Then the three of you can meet and discuss his functioning and how to help him.
Best Wishes
Rebecca Resnik
At this time of the school year, your son is still adjusting to his new class. Taking bits of time to tune out all of the hustle and bustle of his classroom is not unusual, though it could be a sign of a bigger problem. People often get scared when they see 'staring spells' if they know a little about absence (aka petit mal) seizures. Sometimes people associate staring off into space as an indicator of inattentive ADHD or even an autistic spectrum disorder. The symptom is a good one to pay attention to, and the teacher was correct to bring it to your attention. Keep in mind, however, that the most likely explanation is that your son is getting a bit overstimulated, and is managing his own comfort level as best he can.
I would want to find out more about what is happening in the classroom, particularly with regards to his having trouble transitioning. I would ask for a teacher conference, and request that an administrator or guidance counselor to observe your son so that you can get more information about where he is having trouble. Then the three of you can meet and discuss his functioning and how to help him.
Best Wishes
Rebecca Resnik
