What do you think???

I have a 3 1/2 year old dcb 2 days per week. He is extremely 'book' clever...can read, write, knows numbers etc. However, he does not seem to know things like how to dress himself!!!!! It is a painful process getting ready to go outside with me repeating instructions over and over. I refuse to do it for him. Mom and Dad do it always. He does not cry for help or anything, just stares off into space or at his sock like it's a UFO.

There are a few other things that he does that I think are unusual....repeats phases to himself over and over, smacks at his face when he is crying ( cries everyday at drop off), gets really flustered if a baby crawl near him, scared of loud noises etc.

His mom is on mat leave and has him here to socialize before he starts school in September, she is a bit concerned that he is not very sociable. She laughs that he's "a bit OCD".

Well, it sounds like the door is wide open to say something since mom has obviously observed a couple of "peculiar" things herself. I would just say what you have observed and that it might be in his best interest to check it out with a professional before starting school. If all is good, then great! If not, it would be nice to know how to help him reach his full potential. Sometimes it's the caregivers who just need to learn how to best help each individual child. Doesn't always mean that something is wrong....

aspergers???? I had a kid like this too (except he wasnt' book smart) and i would tell mom how the day was and she just would laugh too, nothing was done till he started school and the teachers started hounding them.

I have talked to her openly about some of his quirks so think all I can do for now is say that we are working on being independent and suggest they do the same at home.

I know that in Ontario York Region they have an Early Intervention program where they will test your child on communication and skills and see if there is anything 'off' as early as possible and then work with the family to get the child on track or get the help they need.

I am not sure where you are located though and what they offer. You might want to google Early intervention in your area or ask at the OEYC if they offer something like that in your area.

A lot of those behaviours would put him on the autism spectrum for sure. Worth taking notes of specific things and having them looked into especially if he will start school as there may need to be some interventions in place before he does.