Easily distracted and wanders around in preschool class... what to do?

[Guest guest]

Does anyone have ideas on what can help a preschooler (5yo) who is very easily

distracted with all the visuals/things in a preschool class and runs/wanders

around to look at those things, when he's supposed to be sitting down and paying

attention (i.e. circle time, center time)?

I realize 5yo can be easily distracted. But my son is more so than his peers.

We need ideas on what can help.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

hand fidgets or a move 'n sit cushion that's what helped my son until 6th grade when he got rid of the cushion. If he has an IEP you can ask for it if not, they can be found in the abilitations catalog

SharonI did not chose to have Autism in my life, God did

From: melody_autumn06 <melodyh2006@...>Subject: Easily distracted and wanders around in preschool class... what to do?autism Date: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 12:28 PM

Does anyone have ideas on what can help a preschooler (5yo) who is very easily distracted with all the visuals/things in a preschool class and runs/wanders around to look at those things, when he's supposed to be sitting down and paying attention (i.e. circle time, center time)? I realize 5yo can be easily distracted. But my son is more so than his peers. We need ideas on what can help.Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Try an inflatable disc for sitting on, available on OT websites; a fiddle object; an exercise ball for sitting on; frequent sensory breaks.

I would say that distractability and room wandering are going to be part of AS --- my sons have not outgrown it. The best situation would be an understanding teacher who realizes that kids with AS can hear and understand the teacher, even though they are not "still" or making eye contact. For future classroom settings, look for the smallest classroom situations you can find with few students, an uncluttered educational environment, and again, a teacher that will work with you. Walking, pacing, and wiggling can be a strength and a way for our kids to concentrate.

From: melody_autumn06 <melodyh2006@...>Subject: ( ) Easily distracted and wanders around in preschool class... what to do? Date: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 1:26 PM

Does anyone have ideas on what can help a preschooler (5yo) who is very easily distracted with all the visuals/things in a preschool class and runs/wanders around to look at those things, when he's supposed to be sitting down and paying attention (i.e. circle time, center time)? I realize 5yo can be easily distracted. But my son is more so than his peers. We need ideas on what can help.Thanks,

[Guest guest]

I think my son's OT told me just to get the exercise version because it was cheaper at Target of the inflatable disc. She said to make sure it was not overinflated though. Also fidgets and theraputty work and putting theraband on the legs of the chairs so they can stretch it and kick it and let their feet fidget while sitting.

From: Cassie Murray <ringmurray@...> Sent: Fri, February 11, 2011 11:09:01 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Easily distracted and wanders around in preschool class... what to do?

Try an inflatable disc for sitting on, available on OT websites; a fiddle object; an exercise ball for sitting on; frequent sensory breaks.

I would say that distractability and room wandering are going to be part of AS --- my sons have not outgrown it. The best situation would be an understanding teacher who realizes that kids with AS can hear and understand the teacher, even though they are not "still" or making eye contact. For future classroom settings, look for the smallest classroom situations you can find with few students, an uncluttered educational environment, and again, a teacher that will work with you. Walking, pacing, and wiggling can be a strength and a way for our kids to concentrate.

From: melody_autumn06 <melodyh2006@...>Subject: ( ) Easily distracted and wanders around in preschool class... what to do? Date: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 1:26 PM

Does anyone have ideas on what can help a preschooler (5yo) who is very easily distracted with all the visuals/things in a preschool class and runs/wanders around to look at those things, when he's supposed to be sitting down and paying attention (i.e. circle time, center time)? I realize 5yo can be easily distracted. But my son is more so than his peers. We need ideas on what can help.Thanks,

[Guest guest]

For my ds, they created a "toolbox" which was a small box filled with fidget toys. When it was time to sit in a circle or listen to stories, he was given the toolbox and an aide had to sit there and keep him seated. You can try to think of other ideas to keep him in his place - for instance, he could be given a copy of the book and an aide could help him follow along.

Roxanna

“Our lives begin to end the day we

become silent about things that matter.†- Luther King, Jr.

( ) Easily distracted and wanders around in preschool class... what to do?

Does anyone have ideas on what can help a preschooler (5yo) who is very easily distracted with all the visuals/things in a preschool class and runs/wanders around to look at those things, when he's supposed to be sitting down and paying attention (i.e. circle time, center time)?

I realize 5yo can be easily distracted. But my son is more so than his peers. We need ideas on what can help.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

When do they allow the children to explore the classroom and the things he is

interested in? Is that time at the beginning of class? If it is/was, that may

be helpful. Then, he could " get it out of his system, " his curiosity. Maybe

even having a list/schedule of which activity he will try on which day would

help. He would then know that " tomorrow I get to....(whatever) "

My son did this during preschool when they were supposed to be choosing

activities. If he did choose an activity, it was ALWAYS the same one. He felt

more comfortable with not changing, I'm sure. So, the teacher had it be the

" rule " (which he loved) that he choose something different, but he could always

go back to the original choice for safety. Boy, do I wish I knew then what I

know now about AS and what my son was experiencing.

It's great that you are actively asking and pursuing answers at his young age.

Blessings,

~ Mommiest

>

> Does anyone have ideas on what can help a preschooler (5yo) who is very easily

distracted with all the visuals/things in a preschool class and runs/wanders

around to look at those things, when he's supposed to be sitting down and paying

attention (i.e. circle time, center time)?

> I realize 5yo can be easily distracted. But my son is more so than his peers.

We need ideas on what can help.

>

> Thanks,

>

>