Hi all,
I have a 2 year old daughter. From a young age she has startled very easily, sounds include barking, coughing, sneezing, cars and motorbikes driving past, loud music etc. We thought with time it would improve, but she seems more scared than ever. I’ve tried not making a big deal of it but she gets very overwhelmed and upset.
She is incredibly shy, we recently went on holiday and the staff at the resort were super friendly. If they’d speak to her, she would close her eyes tight and turn her head away. Or she would cover her hands with her face.
She would not step foot in the pool despite enjoying the bath at home. She appeared more relaxed in the indoor pool space, but still wouldn’t get in. If she got her feet wet she would get really overwhelmed and panic. Also, if we were playing there and children came in, she would want to leave, as if she was overwhelmed.
All she wanted to do was sit in her buggy and watch videos on the iPad which we took alongside headphones for the plane journey. I felt like such an awful mum.
Our childminder has made a referral for additional support as they’ve noticed signs of regression in her.
She is a very clever girl, that can say a lot of words, communicate what she wants or needs and her memory is impeccable. She shows emotions and is very clingy to me. So much so she will break her heart if I have to leave for a planned visit with friends.
We have noticed recently that she smacks herself in the head if something doesn’t go right (if her doll falls over when she’s placed it down) and she’s also started hitting her head on things.
I am so worried because I did these things when I was younger and I was diagnosed with severe OCD. I won’t forgive myself if I’ve passed it on to her.
Can anyone offer any words of support, advice or guidance please? Thank you x