What do you do?

[hamenegs]

If you really think there may be something mentally wrong with one of your students?

I have a little boy in my class named Evan, maybe I'm just over reacting.. but I'll give you a little insight on the things I have veiwed...

He's 3 years old and no matter how many times we practice, he still has not one clue what to do in the potty.A lot of times, I have to remind him to pull down his pants before he sits down on the potty.

When I call him to do things, diaper changings, lunch, ect.. he will take a few steps in my direction.. then loose consentratoin and start off somewhere else.. he does this 3 or 4 times before I have to go up to him and lead him to what ever he is to be doing.

He's very smart when it comes to colors or naming favorite tv characters. He does not like playing with the other children in the class. And if another child tries to play with him, he gets very angry and lets out the most ear peircing screams.

Any suggestions?

[PamE]

Have you mentioned anything to his parents? Perhaps they could have him tested through Early Intervention.

In the meantime I would suggest you keep up a running dialogue with this child any time you are instructing him. When you take him potty try saying the same thing each time. Something like, Okay Evan, turn on the bathroom light, pull down your pants, now sit on the potty"..... etc. He sounds a lot like my son and this is something they did with him in EI. Another suggestion is instead of telling him it's time to do something to go and take his hand, again keeping up a running dialogue of what you're doing. As much as possible get "in his face", at his eye level and make good eye contact.

You say he is good at naming things (colors, tv characters, etc) but that could possibly be parroting, or rote memorization. Does he communicate well with other adults? At three he may not be ready to play with other children without specific direction from you (or another adult), especially if he has some developmental problems.

Good luck and don't give up on this little guy! :)