Can your child???

[bundymum]

I've just gotten a referal for my son to see a peadiatrician and the GP gave me a run down on some of the questions they may ask to help diagnose my son. One of the questions was "Can your child tie his shoe laces?", he's 6 and a half and no he can't, not through lack of trying I might add! We've gone through it with him heaps and he just can't get it, I'm wondering if anyone else's child has similar problems? Another question was "Can your child catch a ball?" again for us this is no, what age are they meant to be able to do these things? I have an older son who could do both at preschool age but I try not to compare as they are very different children for more reasons than one! Also, when you were having you child diagnosed what questions and tests did they run? I'm just trying to prepare myself for the first peadiatricians appointment but have no one to ask! So, any help would be fantastic!!!!

[FourAngelKisses]

Hi, my DD doesn't have special needs, but she is 8 in December and can't tie her laces yet.

[Areca]

I don't have special needs but I couldn't tie my shoe laces until I was 8....some people would argue that I still can't catch a ball! lol
I am the only left hander in my family (aunts, uncles included) and it took me a long time to figure it out cause I was being shown by right handers. DP says I don't tie a double knot properly to this day.
I am actually fairly intelligent, honest!

[kiwibird27]

They just get you to answer many different questions to get a developmental picture, for instance with he can't do lots of different fine motor skills, then he may have a problem with that, 1 question by itself won't tell them. They will just try and get a clear black and white view of your son.


They will ask about family history etc, His development generally, then depending on that they will decide which tests to run, Don't worry most development tests are geared at being "FUN" for him, and informative for the paediatrician!!!!

Most development issues can be dealt with easily (if there is a problem)- so don't panic!!!

[Lunar]

Just like kiwibird said, try not to stress.
The tests are play based, to get an idea of their develpomental age and understanding of things. They have set questions and tasks they ask the child but in a set way, the child either comprehends or not. They may do the task at home everyday but when it is said different the child may not understand what the task means/involves. Am I making sense, God I hope so.

Anyways, that's the gist of it anyways.
My Emy is due for her assessment either the end of the year or early next.

Hope all goes well.

[FourAngelKisses]

They have set questions and tasks they ask the child but in a set way, the child either comprehends or not. They may do the task at home everyday but when it is said different the child may not understand what the task means/involves.

Too true!! When Jacob was doing speech therapy and early intervention, I was constantly having to rephrase things so that he would understand.

[SmileyBJ]

I work in childcare and many children preschool age & grade 1 cannot yet tie there shoelaces...

I taught myself at 4... on the other hand though my hand eye co-ordination was disgracful, im happy (and embarassed lol) to say that in the last 6months (I'm now 17) my two year olds have taught me to catch a ball!!! Something I could never think of attempting without failure. :laughing:

I'm sure with a little extra time and help and understanding from your childs pediatician, things will improve:) Best of luck! Try not to over stress.