4 year old hand flapping

[WTRH]

I was wondering if anyone else's children hand flap when excited?

My 4 year old doesn't do it that often compared to when he was 2 & 3 years old but he still does it sometimes when watching TV, when he's really excited..... Sometimes it's a proper flap and then other times it's a jump up and down with arms flying everywhere...... In the past we have said his name when he flapped and hestopped immediately, but its as if he can't help it.... Starts doing it.... Then remembers and stops....... Other times he will just jump up and down and point and say something like "woooooh look at that"

Should we be concerned by this hand flapping behaviour?

Thank you for any advice x

I wouldn't worry if he's hitting his milestones. Speech and understanding and social skills.

Does he have any other issues at all that might indicate autism (if that is what you are thinking of)

Why do you want to stop him doing it by calling his name? If he feels like doing it then let him as it is not doing any harm?

Thank you for your messages.... He's generally hit all his milestones on time, very social.... Loves playing with his friends but sometimes he can get frustrated if things don't go his way....... he was a little late to put 2-3 word sentences together at 2.5 but his speech today is good and he can have proper conversation with me and answer all types of questions and follow multiple instructions.... He's a little sensory and loves sensory toys but all in all the flapping is the only thing that worry us

You're absolutely right.... And I suppose its not harming anyone.. It just makes me a little uncomfortable when I see him doing it.

It sounds like he is getting on well - all children have there own little issues so it does not necessarily indicate something bigger is going on.

When he starts school, if you have any concerns, you could always ask his teacher to keep an eye on him to see if she notices anything. Teachers see a huge number of children of the same age and can often spot the ones who are developing a bit differently.