DS Excessive twirling - Is this normal?

[HerNibs1980]

Hi

My 7 year old DS excessively twirls...ALL the time!! He does it everywhere, as soon as he walks in the door from school he stands in the middle of the living room and starts twirling round and round. When I take him to Karate as soon as he gets in the dojo he starts twirling round the room bumping into other children and often told off by the sensei...no matter how many times he's told to stop doing it, he just does it again the next time. When I ask him why he does it he just says that its fun!!

Any one have any experience with this??

My DS has done this since he was 2 and he's 10 now. I used to take him to football and he would twirl away from the ball as soon as it got anywhere near him! He said he liked it (twirling - always with his head on one side). Anyway, in the end I decided he'd need a job that involved twirling and signed him up to ballet. Now he dances with the Royal Ballet every couple of weeks as a JA!

lol...thats a brilliant idea.. :D Only problem is my son hates dancing, I tried to get him signed up to an after school dance club and he wasnt having any of it!! Now have to try to think of other jobs he may be able to do. SO you dont think its a developmental disorder or anything??

For my son, no it was not a disorder. He just enjoyed it and did it, still does. There were not any other issues that I was concerned about with him. I think he may be dyslexic but nothing else. I suppose it could be a symptom of other things if there were other issues like other repetitive behaviours though. For example, repetitive behaviour such as head banging would be concerning, I imagine.

This could be a sign of Sensory Processing Disorder, but only if it's interning with with daily function (ie twirling all the time and unable to concentrate etc) or accompanied by some other learning difficulties such as difficulties with school work, attention, behaviour etc. Google SPD and see what you think. If you're concerned occupational therapy with a sensory integration qualified OT (not all are) may help.

Otherwise, it may just be what is termed a "sensory preference", ie he just likes to twirl. Giving him opportunities to meet that need is a good idea, such as dancing, playground equipment, free space to do it etc, is a good idea, but just watch for signs that it's not making him too hyper (it can overstimulate kids with SPD). Also, just plenty of physical activity involving lots of muscle exertion (running, jumping, lifting, pushing, pulling) can help override it.

OK brilliant thank you. I think a lot more trips to the park are in order in that case. ;)