Helping Son Stay on Track over Break

Updated on March 08, 2013
P.G. asks from San Antonio, TX
6 answers

Hi Mamas,

Spring break starts next week and my boy is in kindergarten. He's doing ok, but he's having a challenge - still - with staying on task. He's on the high end of the autism spectrum, and a sensory seeker, and an only child. At home, of course he's engaged one-on-one more. He's in a regular K class at school, about 20 kids, so he has to be more independent to some degree. He does very well with structure there.

They are getting more into prepping/readiness for 1st grade. Where it may not have been a big deal to not complete class work, now it's an issue - was really brought to my attention this week. We've talked about it and the teacher is keeping me posted.

The work is easy - when he brings it home, he's done in minutes. But at school, he'll sit and fiddle or watch other kids and not do it. He CAN do it, but I'm wondering if it's boring. I've explained that doing work he already knows how to do is practice so he can do it really well; that the teacher has to know he can do it so she can help him get better, or give him something more challenging; that getting the work done at school means getting to do the fun stuff at school too.

I've asked that he be evaluated for gifted/talented just to make sure it's not a boredome issue - both his dad and I had the same problems in elementary school and it was because of boredome. My son mentioned that he is at a higher level on their reading program (an online teaching tool) - he thinks it's because he plays it at home but he's only played it 3 times so if he's not exaggerating, his reading level is advanced for kindergarten. (ADD: It wasn't a bragging tone, just giving info). He can read Dr. Seusse without help. (ADD: I won't let him think he's "better" than others if he's more advanced, just different with how he learns - which is already true LOL).

We work, so he'll be going to daycare over the break, or having some special daddy time when dad has his day or 2 off. I want to help him stay on track, or get on track better, but I also want him to get rested/get a break. Last month he had a horrible week of being sick, hospital visit, antibiotics shot, and it may have kicked his butt. He also doesn't sleep through the night - we're working on that, but finding the magic bullet to fix it is slow going.

Any ideas to help him? Tips to help a boy concentrate? To help him understand why he has to do stuff that he knows how to do already?

I really appreciate it! Thanks. ADD - I DO want him to have a break and relax; I just want to help things be a bit better when he gets back, and not lose ground, if you know what I mean.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

He is working with an OT - mostly she observes and she and the teacher work out ways to help him focus. Since it's "in class", the OT is looking for ways to help him in class as opposed to removing him from the room. It's still new - only the first 6 weeks of working together, so we're still finding our way.

I'm not looking to work my little guy into the ground :) I just want to see if there are things I can put into play, or explain, or something to help his brain work better, or to help him process how HE needs to in order to get things done that the "real world" expects. I hope that makes sense.

More Answers

C.V.

answers from Columbia on

If he's such a great reader, give him a stack of books and tell him that if he can read them over his break, on Friday night there will be a special surprise. Quiz him on what happened in each book.

Then have ice cream or something on family night.

If he's going to daycare, I don't think you really need to worry about giving him stuff to do. They'll provide activities. Be sure they understand his needs for structure, and be sure you prepare your son by letting him know what his schedule will be.

Sleep is another post altogether for HFA. Start with a strict routine, no deviations. No light, no noise, and very little in his bed with him. Pillow, bottom sheet and soft, heavy blanket. Wrap him like a burrito. Keep the temperature low (65'F).

Best!
C. Lee

4 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.K.

answers from New York on

Give him a break. Do you want to work when you are on vacation? I know I would not. So let him have some fun.

4 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

I thought you were talking about a college kid and was go to say "STEP BACK". Now that we know your speaking about a small child----TAKE TWO STEPS BACK!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Portland on

My grandson is also on the higher end of autism, however he's not able to be in a regular classroom. Also what is similar is that because he's able to complete the work accurately in record time once he is able to focus we've wondered if he's bored. What his parents decided after months of trying to find a way to get him to do the work is to just tell him that he's "good with this, let's get it done. How fast can you do it?" After about a month of this, he now sits down at the table after he's prompted to do so and does the work.

My grandson is now 9 and in a special ed program in a school separate from a regular school. We've spent years trying to find ways to help him succeed. What it seems to me is that even tho he does need special assistance there comes a time when, just like everyone else, needs to know that often we have to do what we have to do. He needs to learn, just as we've learned that the quickest way to get out of the "pain" of doing something we just have to do it. Your explanation for doing it is right on. Doing it is practice and it also shows the teacher that you do know it.

As to the reading, I'd ask the teacher about it. Teachers give lots of positive feedback. It's good that he thinks he's advanced. Having success guarentees more success. His attitude should be reinforced. However, he is likely not advanced in a way that matters for classroom assignments.

It will help you know how to support him if you have a clear picture of where he stands and what he needs. Perhaps he needs to hear that he's advanced. But I suggest it won't be helpful to tell him that he's ahead of standards for being in kindergarten. He's good, yes but he's not better than everyone else. It's important to not compare him with other students. He's good all on his own. You can say, "'yes, you may be ahead because you play at home. You're a smart boy to figure this out." sort of response. "You're a good reader. I'm proud of you." You may already be doing this. And I feel like I'm not explaining this well.

I would ask the teacher if he's really advanced in reading. He needs to continue having encouragement and support with reading. His reading level may not be an indication that he's TAG qualified. It is good to have him tested tho. I'm not explaining this well. Sorry.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.O.

answers from New York on

I'm asking this in questions, b/c I'm not sure I'm right, but --

Isn't that one of the hallmarks of autism, being much more troubled by external noise and chaos than others are, having a hard time screening things out? If so, of course it's going to be harder for him to stick with it at school than at home. High-functioning autistic adults sometimes describe themselves as (figuratively) missing a layer or two of skin.

If you haven't tried already, you might look for an occupational therapist for him. There are OTs who specialize in sensory/ASD issues, and in helping kids learn to screen what's not relevant.

1 mom found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Does he have a weighted blanket? He will get a better nights sleep with one.

Also does he have an exercise ball for sitting. I know at our daughters elementary school they had them for some students and it was incredible the difference it made in some of the children.. They were able to focus, but not disturb others.

It is good you are helping find some solutions. This week do a mini school day at home.. Allow him to also be the teacher. He can grade your papers. Make some mistakes and see if he can spot them. Read along with him and mess up the words.. Again, let him correct you.

But also Spring Break, needs to be a break, so make surrhe gets to run around and experience a lot of fun also..

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions