I am beginning to be concerned about my dd, and wanted some feedback as to whether we should pursue an evaluation or if her behavior is within the realm of normal (we certainly don't want to pathologize her personality!)
She has always been very, very shy. It seemed age appropriate until she started school last September and then it became clear that her shyness was different from other kids'. She does not talk to adults she doesn't know -- she once had a drop-off playdate (I was dealing with a family emergency) and she didn't talk to the other mother the entire time). When outside at school, she does her own thing, either wandering around or becoming involved in digging in the sand, and doesn't talk to anyone else.
She has one very good friend at school (she talks about him all the time, although when we've had playdates, they don't actually play together). She just started a new camp, where she knew one person when we started. She only wants to be with that person -- things came to a head lasat week when she tried to hold hands with that person, who scratched her. The teachers are concerned that she's too dependent on that one person.
She always has to be chewing on something or fidgeting with her hands. Her preference is her fingers, but she'll also chew on her clothing (a problem when she's wearing a dress and she brings it up to chew on its hem!) or her hair (disgusting!) Her teachers made her a sensory toy -- a rubber glove filled with rice -- that they say helps.
What else should I be thinking about? How can I best support her? I am particularly sensitive to the friends thing because I've always had a hard time making friends and I don't want that for her. She'll be 4 in September.
She has always been very, very shy. It seemed age appropriate until she started school last September and then it became clear that her shyness was different from other kids'. She does not talk to adults she doesn't know -- she once had a drop-off playdate (I was dealing with a family emergency) and she didn't talk to the other mother the entire time). When outside at school, she does her own thing, either wandering around or becoming involved in digging in the sand, and doesn't talk to anyone else.
She has one very good friend at school (she talks about him all the time, although when we've had playdates, they don't actually play together). She just started a new camp, where she knew one person when we started. She only wants to be with that person -- things came to a head lasat week when she tried to hold hands with that person, who scratched her. The teachers are concerned that she's too dependent on that one person.
She always has to be chewing on something or fidgeting with her hands. Her preference is her fingers, but she'll also chew on her clothing (a problem when she's wearing a dress and she brings it up to chew on its hem!) or her hair (disgusting!) Her teachers made her a sensory toy -- a rubber glove filled with rice -- that they say helps.
What else should I be thinking about? How can I best support her? I am particularly sensitive to the friends thing because I've always had a hard time making friends and I don't want that for her. She'll be 4 in September.
