Arm and hand flapping 2.5yr old.... ?

Question

My son has always flapped his arms when he is overstimulated. Now I know it's one of the normal symptoms associated with Autism - but he is FAR from Autistic, Ive worked with those children for years. I brought it up to the doctor at his 2 year visit and she didnt seem concerned at all. The thing is, it's continuing without any sign of stopping. It usually happens when he's rolling a ball or pushing a truck. Now, he can stop in the middle when I tell him "hands" .... I just dont know why it continues, or if it's a problem at all.

Answer 1

That is a sign of autism, when it's coupled with other signs of autism. In other cases it's just a sign of excitement or amusement. Your doctor wasn't concerned because in this case your son flapping his arms and hands is NOT a sign of autism.

I'm sure he'll grow out of it before long, especially since you bring it to his attention when you see him doing it and he stops. I wouldn't say it's a problem at all if he's not hurting himself or others. You'd love him the same even if he never stopped right? Just give it time.

Answer 2

I think he's probably just excited. My entirely non-autistic twelve year old does it when playing games and she's about to shout "snap" or "mah jong" or whatever.

Answer 3

When my nephew gets really excited, he dances around flailing his arms.  I don't think it's something to worry about, and not just because he does it and I don't want to think it's something to worry about.

I'm pretty sure it's just a way to release steam.  Afterall, they are VERY energetic little things.

Answer 4

Your son could have autism,but I don't know.He could,but he might not.

Answer 5

I don't think it is a problem.  Many people stim.  A stim is any non-purposeful repetitive movement.  It is sensory based.  The sensory system does not integrate for any kid till ages 6-7.  Stimming is either to wake up the sensory system, or to calm it down.  Since he is doing it when he is excited, I would say it is to calm down.  

From my experience with my kids, the stims will either resolve or transition into something more appropriate over the next few years.  I have always had more stims than my kids.  I hair twirl, tap my leg, bite my lip, rub my hands together, drum my fingers.  I do have alot of unresolved sensory issues though.

You could wait it out, or get a book about sensory integration and try some strategies to see if it makes a difference.  My experience with sensory input is instant gratification.  Results are immediate.  If you wait it out and it persists passed age 6, I strongly suggest getting an OT to look at him.

Answer 6

"those children"?! there are many degrees of autism. I'm not saying you son is, but if he's showing characteristics, he could be. If you're concerned about it, take him for an eval. otherwise, don't worry about it unless he starts exhibiting other signs.