autism or depression?

Question

there is a 2 year old in my daycare that has refused to get up and participate for 3 weeks now. could he be depressed? he freaks out when his pant leg lifts up or his hands get dirty... could this be autism? he gets up for book time and outside time, but when i try to ask him to play with me, he just pouts and says he wants to relax and lays down again...

Thanks for your thoughts:)

he talks okay. won't play with the other kids. tried talking to the parents, but they say he just doesn't like having so many kids around. i think its unusual for a 2 year old to lay around all the time though. and he doesn't willingly interact much or listen to directions.

Answer 1

This is an issue that needs to be discussed with the parents and see if similar behaviours occur in the home. Depending on the parents responses (and you have to unfortunately be somewhat intuitive) you'll have to take it from there. Autism, or any sort of speculative behaviour concerns are not something that can be diagnosed or even hinted at on this forum. All you can do, being in the caregiver's seat, is to diplomatically as possible bring your concerns to the parent(s) and in doing so make it clear what your position is as the temporary care-giver of there child is. Unless you are special needs qualified to provide speculative consultation and related suggestions for appropriate assessment, your hands are basically tied. All you can do is to describe the child's behaviour to the parents, make note of it professionally in your day journals and maintain as accurate records as possible in the event they are required should further investigation ensue for evaluation purposes. In the meantime, continue to care as you have been doing.

Answer 2

I don't think it's actually depression, and I don't think it's autism, but I do think something is wrong.

You're absolutely right, a 2 year old should not be lying around and unwilling to participate or play.

I think you should have a formal conversation with his parents. Ask if there have been any major changes in his home life or daily routine, if he has a regular bedtime, if he sleeps well at night, what they do when they spend time as a family, does he do this at home, do they have any idea why he does this, etc.

Not liking being around that many kids is a reason for a child not wanting to be that social, but not for the lying down all the time part.

Use any means necessary while he's in your care to limit his "lay down" time to appropriate naptimes.

I don't know of very many 2 year olds who say they "want to relax"... that sounds a little more like something an adult (parent) would say, though... do these parents seem to be attentive, does he seem happy to see them at the end of the day, on most other issues, do they have a good partnership with you as the caregiver? Normally I don't go for the "call CPS" thing, and I think you should definately talk to them again, voicing your concerns even more strongly and asking direct questions, but use your own judgement. The part about "wanting to relax" makes me wonder what this kid's home life is like, if he's heard that phrase from his parents often, and if they "want to relax" a little more often than parents of a 2-year-old actually should.

Answer 3

How long has he been going to daycare?

Maybe there a lot of different things that could be reason to his action and at the age of 2.

Unless this is still going in 6mth then there is an issue.
As for a daycare teacher I notice that I see the same problem. I do tell the parents that they child like to be aloner and refuse to play with the other children. But give them some time things change.

I have two children in my group that I would say that they got autism traits but they are just getting use to new surrounding like going to daycare getting use to strangers.

If their behavior still the same in 6mth then I have a chat with their parents .

So far Find out what the child like and do something around what he like.
I also know that boys don’t like doing paint and drawing so I don’t force them .

Give this child a bit of time. then talk to the parent what you have notice of the child.You will find that some parents will get upset due to they believe they child is normal.
it had to say about this child due to I don't know how long be at daycare and this behaviour is been three week could all change.

Answer 4

There are various classifications and degrees of autism. Some are unable to talk conversationally, while others have virtually no ability to speak.

Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children.

Many people with Autim also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with Autim can vary – from gifted to severely challenged.

If he was autistic he most likely had Asperger’s syndrome which is a form of autism

Answer 5

melancholy oftentimes occurs whilst human beings sense that they've not have been given any thoughts, or are made relaxing of. i will truthfully see how a individual with autism can sense like they have not have been given any the place to flow in existence even whilst they maximum actual do. and individuals with Autism could manage assorted human beings mocking them, calling them names etc. particularly because of the fact of diverse situations, those human beings could develope melancholy.

Answer 6

It depends. Does he have language that he uses appropritaely? Does he interact well with the other children? Does he respond to your directions? if he does these things then it's not autism. Maybe you should talk to his parents.

Answer 7

He's probably just being a stubborn kid! Not all 2 year olds react the same way..how can a 2 year old be depressed??? exactly!

Answer 8

ask your doctor that will help.