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Is DD2's behaviour normal?

8 replies

PFB1 · 20/11/2018 11:01

DD2 is 2 and a half. She sleeps really well and eats really well. But she's often not very cooperative. I wouldn't say it's her behaving badly as such, just certain situations/scenarios cause her distress. For example, if we normally walk a certain route on our way home but we need to go a slightly different route for some reason, that will really distress her. She'll cry, run in the opposite direction to me, throw herself to the ground etc. She still uses her pushchair as we walk a lot. She has a bunny rabbit that she takes everywhere with her and if she's not in the pushchair, she needs her bunny rabbit to be sitting in the pushchair and it must be buckled in. If she's in and unbuckled, that would cause her a lot of distress. Changes to the usual order of the day can really upset her. Sometimes this looks as though she's being really naughty when we're out in public but I know that she is genuinely distressed. I talk to her calmly, always try to explain things to her (in advance where possible), I do tell her once she's calm that we can talk about these things and she doesn't need to cry.

The rest of the time she's actually very calm and chilled out. Although, she's not the most affectionate - she can be affectionate to DH and I at times but not so much to her sister @ others. She also likes things to be on her terms (this is not something I give into though).

DD1 was very different to this so I'm just curious as to whether this is normal 2 year old behaviour?

Really grateful for any advice Smile thank you.

OP posts:
GlitteryFluff · 20/11/2018 11:04

Could be autism - however I'm not a paediatrician.
My ds has autism so I've researched a hell of a lot over the years.
There is a test online that can give you an idea - think it's call the m-chat. I'll see if I can find it.

GlitteryFluff · 20/11/2018 11:06

www.autismspeaks.org/screen-your-child

As I say I'm not qualified but being distressed around changed of routine can be a trait of autism. As it happens it isn't something my son struggles with and he is autistic but I understand it can be.

ems137 · 20/11/2018 11:13

It could very well be totally normal. My DS1 and DD3 were both like this. I used to have to "prep" DS if there was going to be a change in our routine or he would get quite distressed. DD3 likes to know the order of each day at the start of each week and day, she's just over 3.

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PFB1 · 20/11/2018 12:25

Thanks GlitteryFluff - I did the test and she scored 3? Couldn't really make sense of if that's a good sign or not.

OP posts:
SmallDalek · 20/11/2018 12:41

It’s likely to be completely normal. Many toddlers have very strong ideas as to how things are done and can be very into a set routine. If you do something they regard as deviating from the usual way something is done (not fastening bunny into the pram correctly) there can be uproar. They can be on a particularly short fuse if they are a bit tired, getting hungry, feel under the weather too. Doing things in a certain way can represent security to a small child and they can be really upset if the routine isn’t followed. Some kids have a particular bedtime routine and if cuddle comes before milk or teddy isn’t next to peppa pig there can be real upset. Keep an eye out for anything you don’t feel is quite right though just in case there is more to it but 2 -4 year olds can be incredibly inflexible beings.

vandrew4 · 20/11/2018 12:59

most young children thrive on routine and many get upset if it's changed. totally normal

AnotherPidgey · 20/11/2018 13:09

Sounds like a normal 2 yo to me. I found it a tough age to parent as they are old enough for their own ideas and insecurities, but not being able to articulate or reason about them very often. One of my DCs was a very tough 2yo, the other was considerably easier in comparison.

If they don't grow out of it, that's another issue.

GlitteryFluff · 20/11/2018 13:26

The lower the number the lower the risk of autism. 8 for example is high risk.
So if there aren't other things you're worried about then the others may be right and she might just grow out of it. I just know it can be associated with autism.

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