Handflapping... when is it a concern?

[tethersend]

DD is 2 and still handflaps when excited. In fact, she balances on her bum and her legs go like the clappers too.

She is very shy and was late to walk, but shows no other worrying signs. She was an early talker and has a great vocabulary.

I hope it's nothing to worry about... has anyone's DC had this? At what age would you be concerned about handflapping?

Ah, enjoy it while it lasts. I remember my dd doing that, can't remember when she grew out of it but doesn't do it now (age 6)

Thanks mumtoted... am I being PFB?

Thanks guys.

I have spent many years teaching children with ASD, so am aware of other signs to look for- however, the youngest child with ASD I have worked with was four, so I have no idea what is typical or worrying behaviour at this age. Thanks for the specifics Leonie. swc, you are right, she does not have the indifference towards others or lack of theory of mind prevalent in children with ASD.

Her imaginative play is very good, although she does the hand flapping when she makes a toy 'fall over', which worried me- although she does always draw my attention to this by saying "Mummy look- cat/aeroplane/Edie McCreedie(don't ask) fell over". Eye contact good, response to name good. She hides stuff under blankets and then asks us where it is, waiting for us to search for it before whipping the blanket off and dissolving in giggles.

She generalises well, particularly with language, but does repeat what you say sometimes; don't most toddlers when they are learning to talk?

I know about ASD, but I have no idea about toddlers IYSWIM. They baffle me...

Thanks so much you two. You have made me calm down quite a bit.

I think the problem is that because I have worked with children with ASD, I am hyper-aware of the behaviours and have no knowledge of NT toddler behaviour. You put it so well, swc: Toddlers are weird and a lot of ASD signs are also things that NT toddlers will do from time to time.

I agree that a DX of ASD is important, as without it (unfortunately also sometimes with it), parents are left unable to access any support.

Thanks again- am still a little concerned, but focusing on the things she can do well, like imaginative play and generalising/spontaneous language has really helped to allay my fears.

swc, PM me... am intrigued...