Does not crawling really hinder development in other ways?

[pgwithnumber3]

I ask for my cousin, her DS has never crawled, just walked at 12 months. He can't crawl up stairs or crawl over obstacles if we go to soft play centres.

She has expressed concerns (her dad was a special needs teacher and was concerned as said it was vital for development). Can anyone put her mind at rest?

You cannot make a baby crawl if it is to be a bum-shuffler. Also, why would you want to?

There is evidence that SOME children with dyspraxia and dyslexia will have not crawled. This incidence is higher than in the rest of the population so there is definately a link. BUT most children who bum-shuffle will not have any problems whatsover so i wouldn't worry. Remember that non-crawling is only one of a number of indicators for these conditions. This would be like saying that every child who is anal about routines and toys is going to be autistic (clearly not true). It is suggested that the reason that dyspraxic children don't crawl is because there are problems with neurological "messages" crossing the midline (ie right to left) and apparently crawling is an action that requires this. Other things are also apparent too - late resolution of "handedness" is also thought to be a problem. Chewing of foods can be delayed, general "clumsiness" and lack of co-ordination. The list goes on.........and on, and on. I have had worries regarding my little girl, who ticks a few of the boxes that she might be dyslexic or dyspraxic but i'm no longer worried to be honest. She is a bright little girl and she is HAPPY and really, at the end of the day that is all that ever matters - happy children. All of this information is available on the dyslexia websites, which i looked into when my HV told me she suspected DD would be dyslexic (yeah right, good diagnosis at 18 months when you can't get a proper diagnosis until six at the earliest - i was thinking of nominating my HV for an award as she clearly knows better than all the doctors and specialists in the subject ).

I think bum-shufflers rock

AnnVann, it sounds like your brother may be dyspraxic - has this been looked into. It doesnt make too much difference but i think a diagnosis can be helpful as can set up some specail dispensations with regards to exams and jobs etc.

Thanks for all the replies ladies.

chipmonkey - cousin's DS is 14 months.

lol ... Crawling was my son's prefered method of getting about until he was two and half years old. He took his first steps at 20 months old, but prefered to crawl. My son first crawled at nine months so had a massive period of his life being a crawler.

My son had 18 months of phsyio to help with walking. Now he run happily about the playground at six. But his fine motor skills are weak.

I am not sure that crawling helps that much.

My nephew didn't crawl. However when he walked he had to be guided all the time and if he fell down he would fall flat on his face because he didn't know to put his arms out. When he did fall down he didn't know how to pick himself up so he would just sit there and wait for someone to help him. He also couldn't do stairs.

He's 2.5 now and can do everything, but it was a long time before he could.

My other nephew did the military crawl and he has dyspraxia.

pgwithno3, he is still a little young but if your cousin is worried, she could try doing exercises with him where for example he has to alternately touch his right knee with his left elbow and vice versa. If there is a midline problem this would help to make the necessary connections. But shw would probably need to wait till he was older, I can't imagine many 14 month olds being able to comply! But tbh, I don't know if I would bother unless he did seem to have problems.