I have a 4 yr old in my class and I can't figure out what is going on with him. He was somewhat diagnosed with Educational Autism?? The Speech teacher and I think maybe not but can't quite think of what he needs help with. He is in the room with 16 other "normal" kids. He does a lot of noises and playing with his hands above his head like he is fighting something. He also can't focus on anything unless the para or I are sitting right next to him. He doesn't really respond if you are talking to him. He looks right past us. He is not mean or rude just not there?? Any suggestions?

[Lottalove]

you must mean you have an "eligibility determination" of educational autism...only a doctor can offer a diagnosis of autism or PDD. You can have a educational finding without a medical doctors diagnosis though.

Even with the little bit of behavior you described, it does sound right to me though. He probably exhibits the daydreaming (escape), noises and hand flapping most when he is overwhelmed or over stimulated. You might try seating him in an area away from your noisiest areas. Then again, there is no telling exactly what noise sets him off. He will probably need near constant reminders to stay on task. If he has a form of high functioning autism, he will be average or even bright as far as ability goes. Or his skills may be very uneven.

The daydreaming, noises and movement are coping skills so it might be easier to train the other children to ignore it than to stop it completely--at least until you can substitute another coping mechanisms. It is unrealistic to leave him with nothing--he could flip out without them.

[Barclay]

but how is his hearing? Could he have a block/damage to one side? Just a thought.

Since the child is four the school district should be responsible for a full evaluation. I am not sure if your class is a part of the district or not but even still the parents just need to contact the district. Even if you are a private preschool. I know state to state special ed laws are different but I am not quite understanding what somewhat diagnosed means..Once he has been evaluated the evaluators should give you suggestions and recommendations. If he has not had a full evaluation- this needs to be done and the parents should be taking him to either a neuropsychologist or pediatric neurologist there is no need for you to try and guess what is going on.. there has to be someone that could come and observe and make suggestions.

Just be careful with terms like "normal" a better choice would be Typically developing students, or same aged peers.