Are these behaviours normal?

[Kittykat93]

18 month old. Repetitive hand flapping and humming, especially when excited or tired or getting upset. The humming is very loud and he almost looks like he's in a trance when hand flapping. No speech yet but aware its still really early for that. Just wondered if its all Normal as Google is being very unhelpful! Thanks :)

Sorry to say this OP but my DS started doing this at 18 months old and he has autism. These are typical autism behaviours.

He is also 7 years old and still has no speech

I don't recognise it in my 16mo, but how is his development otherwise? Is he on track with words and social stuff?

Oh sorry I saw you said no words. Does he have any at all? Or sounds that mean words? Or signs?

I'd chat to your HV - they should be carrying out their usual developmental checks anyway.

You could do the m-chat online check list. It's asks questions about social interaction in toddlers and flags up concern re autism.

They sound like concerning behaviours sorry.

My ds wasn't interested in talking at 18 months so I had a word with the HV. He was referred to Speech and Language. Other 'quirks' came into play as he developed. He was diagnosed with Aspergers when he was 5.

The hand flapping and noises are classic stimming behaviours.

Best have a word with HV.

Thank you all for your help. Will get in touch with health visitor ASAP.