Is my two and a half year old ready for preschool?

Question

My daughter has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS/Mild Autism. She does well in classroom settings. She is not a behavioral problem. Her concerns lie in her communication, learning and attention span. She can't seem to sit in her seat for more than a minute and wants to do her own thing. She has responded excellently to therapy and this preschool is specialized for her needs and the therapy that she has responded so well to. Am I missing anything that I need to consider?

Answer 1

You already have two good answers.I would just add, spend a day at the preschool first, and go with your gut if that's where your child belongs to achieve.Also, from experience,a regular education teacher will consider a child that won't stay in their chair for more then a minute,to have a behavior problem.

Answer 2

i am a preschool teacher and one of my main students last year was autistic. She started at the structured preschool when she was three. it was a challenge to get her up to speed with everyone. I believe that 3 is a good age for autistic children, no earlier. I would also recommend that you look for a preschool that is attached to a school district. My preschool is part of an elementary school, so we spend alot of time trying to immerse them into the kindergarden faze. Independed schools are not always accredited. NAEYC accrediation is crucial for a child with a disability. I would go to there site and look for one in your area. they have a great standard that every preschool should be required to follow.

Answer 3

I have worked with autistic children for 13 years, at a public school, we are called a Muti V.E. classroom.

your child may need extra attention.  make sure that the preschool is ready to accept that challenge. even though she may not have behavioral problems, they do need to have special learning tactics.  I suggest you keep close attention to how she is treated. not everyone knows that they need to have special consideration.

you can't force them to sit as long as a regular ed. child.

they need their space sometimes.

just know as years goes on she may develope new habits that might take you through a extremely rough time. you have a long road to travel and your daughter will need to lean on you very much for support.

we have had a couple parents who had to go a long road with getting what their child needs through lawyers and bucking the school system.  God bless you .

you are a parent of a very unique child!

Answer 4

Good day!  I am a special ed. teacher.  Since you have mentioned that you do not have problems with her behavior, I guess it is good for her to go to school as early as now.  This will definitely enhance her communication/social skills that most children with autism lack the most.  Activities in schools like waiting for turns, falling in line and other similar activities will help control her impulsivity.  This will increase her attention span.  Moreover, it is good to expose her to a structured environment early on so she can establish routine that is essential for children with her condition.  If you plan to place her in a regular education class, I suggest to have her assessed first by a clinician/diagnostician who can give her initial goals (IEP - individualized education plan) for the teacher to follow.  In case the regular ed. teacher cannot fulfill the plan, hire a shadow teacher (a Special Ed. teacher who can also design an IEP) to modify the regular activities for your child for her to be able to STILL participate in the activity.  She won't feel left out.  What is essential in schooling at her age is the social interaction with her peers.  This will greatly contribute to the communication/social skills of your child.  Good luck.