PDD - NOS, "Runner," And Outside Time

[gracepatiencelove]

It has recently been too cold for this to be an issue BUT...

I have a 3yo with PDD NOS and she is a "runner" for her momma. She just takes off so her mom has a death grip on her or they use a leash at times. I am worried about taking her outside. We usually circle around my home to get to the neighborhood playground, so she doesn't get too close to cars, absolutely NO roads, but the area is NOT fenced off and she has had a habit in the past of trying to run to the trees.

I need to get her - for lack of a better term - "trained" to not run off. She is not really cognitively delayed, only lacks social skills from what I understand. I am just totally totally terrified of spring or a warm day because I don't want her to run while I have two babies (one tiny and one walking) plus 2-3 other 2-4yos.


((sorry if I'm not allowed to post two topics simultaneously))

[Michael]

((sorry if I'm not allowed to post two topics simultaneously))

You can post as much as you like.

[Lil'DinoEggs]

I would like to see the replies myself. I live in an apartment so when we go to the downstairs playground. But that includes using an elevator and crossing a large parking lot. The playground has a fence but does not close so there are open gaps and half of the playground is for 5-12 yos. Luckily, 99% of kids are great listeners or I can manage them. However, I did need to term one runner. She would bolt across the parking lot at top speeds. After my first warning with the parents, we had a system for a month where I would distract her with toys if I had to help another child or she was in the stroller if I couldn't watch her. Also, even at 3, she had to be in the stroller when we walked. However, one day a child almost fell so I had to help them and she ran across the parking lot. Not only would I have been liable, but I would be so upset if a child hurt themselves because I couldn't give them the attention they needed. I gave the parents information on early intervention services as there were a few other developmental issues and the parents themselves stated they were concerned about her energy levels. But as far as I know, they never called.

Have they signed a consent form so you can share information with their intervention specialist? If so, talk to them to give you more ideas.

[gracepatiencelove]

I would like to see the replies myself. I live in an apartment so when we go to the downstairs playground. But that includes using an elevator and crossing a large parking lot. The playground has a fence but does not close so there are open gaps and half of the playground is for 5-12 yos. Luckily, 99% of kids are great listeners or I can manage them. However, I did need to term one runner. She would bolt across the parking lot at top speeds. After my first warning with the parents, we had a system for a month where I would distract her with toys if I had to help another child or she was in the stroller if I couldn't watch her. Also, even at 3, she had to be in the stroller when we walked. However, one day a child almost fell so I had to help them and she ran across the parking lot. Not only would I have been liable, but I would be so upset if a child hurt themselves because I couldn't give them the attention they needed. I gave the parents information on early intervention services as there were a few other developmental issues and the parents themselves stated they were concerned about her energy levels. But as far as I know, they never called.

Have they signed a consent form so you can share information with their intervention specialist? If so, talk to them to give you more ideas.

No, but they've had people come here to observe the child for an IEP through the state. I will bring it up with mom. I am sure she would be okay with the stroller solution if it's totally necessary, BUT - this is not a little kid. She is easily over 40 lbs and strong. She isn't violent, but I don't know that I could quickly force her into an stroller if necessary to help someone else, and she has been getting sly and doing things she isn't allowed to when I am not right beside her.

I adore her and love her mom, and REALLY, really, really wnt this to work. I am just not comfortable with the situation if it puts any of "my" kids in danger.

[spinnymarie]

I'd have her in a stroller until she has proven that she can do it without running away. She's 3, she can understand the concept - if she doesn't run, she gets to walk like a big girl. If she EVER even starts to take off, she will be in the stroller for the rest of the outside time with the babies. I'd start with her in the stroller the first day, too, and explain it while outside. Tell her exactly what it means to stay nearby, and exactly what running off would look like, including the consequences. Try to point out physical barriers (we stay ON the woodchips, if you leave the wood chips, you're back in the stroller; we stay ON the sidewalk, etc).

[Angelsj]

I would (and have) leash a child for safety reasons. If the parents are not on board with that solution, I would let her go. She is a major liability to you and the other children if you should need to chase her.

[daycarediva]

My own ds has asd and was a runner, he was leashed at ALL times if I could not hold his hand. Imho, the benefits (safety) outweigh the downfalls. If Mom wasn't on board, I would ask that she be picked up during outside time OR you can hire a 1:1 assistant and bill Mom.