Hand flapping

[cooperbug]

My little girl is 3.4 years old, for approx the last year she has been hand flapping whilst playing with her brothers cars (lining them up). I’m concerned about autism, have mentioned the flapping and lining up to gp and health visitor but they aren’t concerned.

It’s become more apparent though and makes me feel on edge when she does it (I don’t know why).

Socially and speech wise she’s great and nursery have no concerns? She can have some major tantrums at home though which are challenging.

Not sure who to seek support from and how to deal with this?

Why have they dismissed your concerns?

@JingleJohnsJulie they have both said she’s social and speech good and that’s what an autism assessment would base any diagnosis on!

I just feel like I’m being fobbed off though

I'm by no means any expert but I also don't want you to worry, but aren't girls meant to mask it better by being more social etc? I think you should speak to them again and feel as if you are being fobbed off.

I don't think on its own it massively rules autism in/our out to be honest but I guess you have to ask yourself if she's thriving at school and home (as it sounds like she is) then is the label going to be either helpful or necessary right now? If she starts to struggle then absolutely consider it but otherwise I would say just leave her be. I think handflapping is quite common in this age and it wouldn't massively alarm me that she's autistic. My 2.5YO does it when she's upset and she often is quite avoidant of eye contact too. Does she have ASD? I guess I can't be sure but right now I see a clever little girl who talks, learns and socialises well. I'll worry about anything else when it's disrupting her life. If she turns out to be on the spectrum (which I don't think she is right now) then we will deal with it. There's worse things. Just enjoy your girl for now. If bigger problems arise then address them if needed x