19 month old handflaps?

[Caththerese1973]

A friend of mine is worried about her 19 month old son who does not talk yet and flaps his hands a lot when excited or upset.
I told her not to worry about autism issue, as this kid points at things all the time, points out things he wants, and is very non-verbally communicative. He 'aaaahs' and 'oooohs' a lot, and sometimes makes consonant sounds, but his babble is still pretty basic. He also shakes his head for 'no'.
I wondered what other mums thought, though, especially mums who have experience of autism. i didn;t want to give my friend dud advice.

after reading about handflapping on here i was quite worried when dd started doing it at about the same age..but it was just exitement or frustration..and not she is such a good speaker, she never does it anymore.hth

Catherine, you are describing my ds 19mths aswell.
Nods head. Shakes head. Points.
Waves hands in excitement.
Says mama, dada, and pooh - when he has done a pooh.
Thats the only distinguishable words.
I thought it was all normal.
Lets hope we are right.

I would say, if he has some non-verbal communication, can copy something simple (say a clap) and is playing OK and interested in toys then nothing to worry about. The hand flapping is prob just due to not being able to communicate. All sound fine to me.

if he is pointing then that is a good sign. DD flaps but she is non verbal and on the AS. DS flaps his arms sideways when excited and developed normally. From what you have posted, i wouldn't think demonstrating happiness/excitement by flapping is anything to worry about.

sounds fine to me. communicating no is pretty big imo.