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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Arm flapping in 3 yo

7 replies

coldclimate · 08/07/2010 21:06

Hello all,

I'm new here and just wondering if anyone has experience of a 3 yo who still flaps his arms. My DS has been doing this since he was a baby and I thought he would grow out of it, but he's still going strong! He mainly flaps when he's excited about something, and it's often accompanied by jumping up and down too.

He's at nursery 3 days per week and they have no concerns about his development, but have admitted that he does flap a lot.

I have googled (oh dear) and everything seems to say autism. Whilst I have no other real concerns about him, at this age the amount of flapping that goes on does seem a bit strange. Does anyone have any experience of an older child who still flaps?

TIA

OP posts:

Tasala · 08/07/2010 21:09

Have you got another baby or does he see alot of other babies? My DS started flapping his arms at 2.5 when the new baby arrived, it was attention seeking rather than autism.

Original poster

coldclimate · 08/07/2010 21:21

No, no new baby here, although I would like one!

OP posts:

SuperBunny · 08/07/2010 21:34

Arm flapping alone doesn't need to be a concern and you said there are no issues with his development but if you are worried, contact your GP.

meandjoe · 08/07/2010 23:08

If he makes good eye contact and communicates well, shows empathy, points at things of interst etc then I wouldn't worry too much. NEVER google things, you will drive yourself mad .

My ds is nearly 3 and he flaps when he's frustrated and can't quite get his words out or when he gets VERY excited. I have absolutely no concerns over his development what-so-ever. It's just something he does to express himself when he's feeling a lot of emotion he doesn't know how to get out. They are still so young and if he is developing well then I am sure he'll grow out of it.

I'm by no means an expert though and if you are worried then you should definitely talk to your Health Visitor or GP.

MissWooWoo · 08/07/2010 23:12

he just sounds like a lively little boy who's full of beans to me

kreecherlivesupstairs · 09/07/2010 08:31

DD 9.2 still flaps, mainly just her hands. Me and her dad call it doing a Tommy Cooper.

Original poster

coldclimate · 09/07/2010 10:12

Thanks all.

meandjoe - he does do all those things, so hopefully the flapping is just a little quirk!

OP posts:

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