Ok, I babysit this kid. He's four years old, but he acts more like a two year old, maybe younger. He doesn't speak in full sentences; he's barely speaking in full words. He can't catch a ball, even when I practically hand it to him. He doesn't focus on things like TV and he has a short attention span. But at the same time, he does things like hide in the exact same place over and over and I'll "find" him (he practically drags me to the place he hides) over and over. Also, he has this thing in his stomach...it goes into his belly, then a layer of guaze or somthing covers the hole around it, then this other plastic thing outside the gauze. OK, that's a not a very helpful desription, but it's the best I got.
I'm not sure if this is relevent, but I know his mom had him when she was young...I think she's around 20 now.
And yes, I know I should ask her about it. I will, I'd just like to have some information on what it could be before I ask.
Any ideas?
2007-07-22 10:35:37 · 7 answers · asked by Mariah 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
It seems to me like the thing in his stomach might connect to somthing else, outside his stomach, and the other part that I'm seeing is just a cap to seal the tube when it's not connected...maybe.
2007-07-22 13:02:03 · update #1
proudmomma, that's kinda what I'm afraid of. I was asking this question partly to make sure that it wasn't anything she did, like drinking during the pregnancy, or even just her body was too young ya'kno? Cause if somthing like that caused it, then it could really hard for her to tell me about it...
2007-07-22 16:38:15 · update #2
could be something like aspergers (a very mild form of autism)
or perhaps he is just a "late bloomer" or it could be a learned behavior from how he is raised.
2007-07-22 10:40:16 · answer #1 · answered by Havanah_A 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The whole in his stomach could be alot of things from a colostomy bag to catch his "poop" or even something of a feeding tube. If you are truly babysitting this child and do not have any knowledge of his medical background you need to start asking some questions. What if there was a emergency how would you relay to the medical staff. Start with asking about the tube and that should lead you to the possible developmental delay situation such as a premature birth or traumatic event causing it. Good Luck
2007-07-22 17:47:36 · answer #2 · answered by fyrechick 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like things that should have been explained when you started to care for this child. If my child has a feeding tube, I would make sure that the person caring for him in my absence of ANY length was aware of it. My limited knowledge of it is that it is a tube that extends from outside the body to the inside of the body. That has a lot of risk. Aside from the developmental issues, you should let the mother know that you noticed the tube and ask for an explanation regarding care, signs of infection, a demonstration of how it works, etc. Also, ask if there are any other issues that you should be aware of. Instead of asking "Is he behind?" You can ask for what is normal for his behavior. You can ask what type of activities does he enjoy; What is the best way to communicate with him; What is the best/preferred way to discipline. Also, being that he has an obvious medical issue you can ask if there is any particular reaction that she would need to be called, or what is his doctor's number.
If you handle it from a truly caring perspective regarding his medical issues, the nature of his condition should come out naturally (at least those issues relevant to his care). Just because she had him at an early age does not mean she 'caused' what ever his condition. Even if she did (alcohol, drugs, lack of prenatal care), it really isn't your business. Unless you witness these issues currently, or you suspect neglect or mistreatment- her previous issues are NOT relevant to his care.
2007-07-26 01:40:15 · answer #3 · answered by tipperwell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible that he has some form of autism, my nephew exhibits some of thos same behaviors and he has mild autism. As for the hole in his stomach I don't think it has anything to do with the developmental delay, it could be a hernia, a colostomy or something else. If you have concerns on how to relate to him you should definitely talk to his mother about it, it may help you to take better care of him if you know more about his condition. Hope this helps and good luck.
2007-07-22 18:01:47 · answer #4 · answered by erin_pie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have worked with handi capped kids and developmentally behind kids for a long time, also i have worked at hopsitals. So based on what i know this is what i think:
The thing in his stomach is a called a G-tube, or feeding tube. And by the way you describe him, it sounds like he is austic.
2007-07-22 18:55:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She really needs to tell you what all this stuff is for. I work in a daycare and as a mom I would be pissed to hear somebody say my son was behind, even if he was. I watch a 2 1/2 yo boy that talks less and understands less then my 18mo son. His mom thinks he's reaaly smart and she doesnt see that he's behind. He doesnt know his colors, abc's, or numbers at all. We feel that it would be wrong to bring it up to his mom because we are afraid that she will take it like we are calling her son stupid. Just make sure you choose your words right!!!
2007-07-22 22:28:16 · answer #6 · answered by Baby Julie due 5/12 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This kid appears to have what is called "global delay", which is when all of his delays are equally severe. It used to be called "mental retardation". I seriously doubt any autism spectrum disorder. Since he has the feeding tube, be sure to ask mom if he is allowed anything by mouth.
2007-07-25 18:18:28 · answer #7 · answered by boogeywoogy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋