Laying down to play with cars.... is this normal?

[Littlemiss82]

Hi everyone,

Was just looking for a bit of advice and to see if others little ones do this.

My son is now 21 months and for the last couple of months he has been playing with his cars and trains lying down on the floor on his side. I have looked online and it always points to autism and have just gotten myself a little worried. Is this normal behaviour?

His other development is pretty normal really, apart from his speech is not great, he has well over 50 words but non of them are particularly clear, myself and DH (dear husband) and grandparents do know what he is saying though. The only other thing is he seems to hate soft play and the play area as he is very nervous and cautious of the rides.

If anyone could offer advice as I am worrying myself.

Seems pretty normal to me: have plenty of family photographs of myself and brothers doing this at that age. Basically, you get a better view of the toys if you are on the same level.

Also normal to be nervous of soft play at this age. Many children are clingy and dislike loud busy places. My niece used to be terrified of visitors and burst into tears if anyone except the closest family came to the door. She grew up into a very sociable woman. My db was terrified of railway crossings (awkward as we lived near one), tunnels, and stoves. My dd was petrified of people wearing masks or animal costumes (made Guy Fawkes an interesting experience) and of balloons to the point where she would go rigid with fear. No autism in our family. Dd did grow up to suffer from anxiety but otoh she went to drama school, so clearly got over her fear of dressing up.

If I were you, I wouldn't spend time googling.

My 2.6 year old does this and has done for ages. I’ve never suspected autism in anyway.

Yes my son is 2.5, has done this for ages and still does it. He also lines toys up sometimes, and does many "autism red flag" things I'm sure.

I'm certain he's NT though, autism signs tend to be the absence of normal behaviours rather than unusual behaviours (so communications using speech and gestures, imaginative play, eye contact, interest in other children).

If I were you I'd stop googling, therein lies madness.

Totally normal imo. Getting down to the same level as the car makes you feel like you're driving as you see the "traffic" approaching etc

Lots of "autism signs" are normal parts of toddler development. They are nothing to worry about and are normal until about the age of 5.
What the previous poster mentioned is called schemas, lining things up by colour.