DS hand opening & closing & arm flapping - starting to get a bit concerned

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DS is 9m old and recently I've started to grow a niggle of concern about some of his motor behaviours.

1. Hand opening and closing - he does this A LOT with his arms kind of held up and I didn't really think too much about it & I thought it was just something he'd grow out of anyway, but I don't notice other babies doing this and I've had a few different mums say to me "oh how cute it's like he waving" (or similar comment). But I know he's not waving but it's obviously noticeable in that it's not something their baby does.

1. Arm flapping - up down up down, in an alternate fashion if he's not playing, crawling, or licking something. It's most noticeable on the change table and can get a bit manic if he's excited or tired. I've lost count how many times I've been hit on the face/head by his wayward flapping!

There are a few others too but I don't want this post to become huge.

He makes eye contact, smiles, laughs, understands some baby signing we do (tho doesn't really sign them himself yet) and seems ok-ish with milestones e.g. Babbles, can sit up, crawl (commando style), so it's mainly the bodily movements I'm a bit hmm about as to whether they are normal or not.

Why not ask your health visitor? My DD is almost 10 months, she flaps her arms but it is both together in an up and down movement, she also does the same with her legs lifting her bottom right up and slapping both legs down together. Definitely mention it to your HV or even your gp. He is hitting all his milestones so nothing else seems concerning. Try not to worry.

How are his fine motor skills- pincer grip?

Sounds normal to me. If you are worried ask HV. But doesn't sound at all unusual.

My DD used to flap at that age. Was normal for her, and fun. She's now 2.1 and doing everything she should be (and plenty she shouldn't - little bugger painted the playroom carpet yesterday!)

DD is 9months and does both of these. I'm not worried in the slightest. She's just exploring how her body moves

Dc2 10mo does these things. She opens and closes her hands either when she wants me to pass something to her or she wants to be picked up. DC1 also did it.

I wouldn't say it's anything to worry about but if you're concerned then definitely speak to your hv, if nothing else than to just have someone in rl reassure you.

What you are describing (flapping and hand opening) is entirely normal and age appropriate. but yes, speak to your HV if it will put your mind at rest.

my 1 yr old opens and closes his hands if he wants something, or wants to be picked up too.

Two of mine did this, at this age, so did the children I nannied for.
The one of mine who didn't, was born with one hand and she had more important things to do with her one hand (fiddling!)-but she would vigorously open and shut her elbow joint in much the same way.

Thanks. I'm somewhat reassured by your comments about similar behaviours. I don't see the HV again until the new year so will just keep an eye on things and if my concerns grow then I will speak to her then/before then.

The silly boy doffed himself in the eye with his fist tonight whilst doing his hinge-y arm. He was tired though and does seem to get particularly uncoordinated when tired!

My 9 month old does all of these exactly as you describe.
Normal
Normal
Normal.

You say you don't see your HV until the new year but there should be weekly drop ins everywhere? Glad MN has given you reassurance.

Hi!! I know this is so old but the description you gave is my 8 month old right now!! Constantly opening and closing hand!! Did your son outgrow it eventually? Was it normal baby behavior? Thanks much!!!!

How is your child doing now? My kid is doing same thing?

Mine does it when he’s learning new things (thinking) ice found. He’s 18 months now and starting to talk so I’m not worried- although definitely had some concerns a while back.

Hello how is your baby now mine also doing same

@kimmy121 how is your baby now?

It's all normal. I'm an SEND teacher and get so so frustrated at this stereotype that Autistic children flap and make hand movements. They really don't. A few do as part of their own personal stims, but it's not a thing. It's a stereotype. In my career I've seen more children without Autism flap, than I have children with Autism and I've done this for over 15 years

I need to know if your son grew out of it, I'm sick worried about my son and I have a Dr's. Appointment soon, but I can't sleep thinking about this.
Mine:

1. Hand flapping
2. Some kind of hand waving and people thinks he is saying hello but he is not.
3. Kicks his legs constantly
4. Constantly tapping things
5. And making weird noises, all day he makes noises.
6. Asymmetrical crawling

At first he did army crawling then Asymmetrical and sometimes he goes on all 4. 7 we did struggle with name recognition but he is doing it now, no so constant but he is doing it !

Rest of milestones are normal.
Pleaseee just need a feedback on anyone !!!!!

@YarnOver would it be possible to get some advice from you please as a professional? I can’t see my HV until new year and I’m worried about my babies hand twirling xx

Hi @gceceelia , would you be able to update on your LO please as mine sounds similar.

Hi

@User11122 Hello
My baby is now 16m
Went to the pediatrician and early intervention... all of them said he was fine.
Hand flapping now it's more social.
Then hand waving has evolve to wave properly.
Kicking his legs stopped as soon as he started to walk and he walked at 13 m
He still screams a high pitched scream.
The crawling was a normal thing they all explained to me.
Now name recognition it's still a struggle... it's a hit or miss more a miss
He has 50+ words and says 3 words like I don't know, all done, I know, cheese...
Has gestures.
Like clapping, waving, shows you stuff, give hi 5, gives kisses and understands commands.
What still worries me is that we are not pointing but early intervention said that because he has so many words he doesn't have the need to point because he can tell me.
Sometimes he crawls in circles or bang his head on the floor. He would only do it when he is tired or frustrated.
Other than that he is developing just fine.
I'm still nervous if that makes sense.

@gceceelia thank you taking the time torespond, definately helped! Its good you had the early intervention support, I guess I'd be nervous too it's almost like a waiting game to see how they'll continue to develop! But your LO sounds like they're doing really well 😊

He is actually doing great I think it's more my anxiety than anything else. But call EI if at the end it's nothing then it's nothing, but if there's something to be addressed you will get it on time. And if it's just reassurance they will give you that for sure and follow up to make sure babe it's on track. Whatever you need just send me a text. More than happy to help you in any way I can . [email protected]