It is very important to get help for any concerns you have about your child’s ability to play well with others or to respond well to adults. When young children don’t know how to get along with others or how to understand their own feelings and actions, they may have problems learning later in school. Information is growing on how early social patterns and emotional challenges do lead to problems in school by the 2ndgrade. However, it is important not to feel like your child’s difficulties are going to lead to lifelong problems. Many children experience difficulties at different times in their development and with the appropriate intervention and support they are able to get back on track.
Fortunately there are many ways to help young children learn good social skills before he/she gets to school. A good guide for looking at how your child is getting along with others is called, Ages and Stages and Ages and Stages Social/Emotional. Talk to your child’s preschool or child care teacher or to the mental health consultant at your child care for resources or to your home visitor. Early Intervention programs can provide an evaluation to assure that your child’s development is on the right path or that there is reason for concern. Early Head Start or Head Start staff for income eligible families can provide help to you and your children.
In Connecticut, the Ages and Stages Questionnaires are obtained from the Child Development Infoline (1-800-505-7000) and are mailed to you on a regular schedule. You can call the Infoline and enroll in The Ages & Stages Child Monitoring Program.