Can toddlers stim without it being a red flag for ASD?

[peggyblackett]

DS is 2.3. He points (has done from 8.5 months), has good language skills, eye contact, understands simple jokes e.g. teasing, follows complex instructions and does lots of imaginary play.

However I'm worried that he stims. He tip toe walks, finger postures and very occassionally handflaps - all usually when tired or worked up. Should I be worried about this, or can NT toddlers stim as part of normal development? He is also not fond of hair cuts - I think it is the hairdryer he hates - however other loud noises don't seem to phase him. I've read the MCHAT test and he seems fine against that, so I'm confused.

I'm worried. My dd1 has PMLD and it is possible a little knowledge is a dangerous thing i.e. if I didn't spend so much time socialising in SN circles I'd probably miss it.

Stimming CAN be normal. Some of us do it throughout adulthood, I.e tapping a pen when thinking or nail biting, doodling during meetings etc.

On it's own it is nothing really.

BUT, Good eye contact and imaginary play does not rule our ASD.

Language skills can do but it really depends whether you know enough about language skills to be able to know what you are looking for iyswim.

Thanks for replying starlight.

What are the red flags for language? He can link 5 to 6 words, initiates conversation, is starting to use pronouns - anything I should be looking out for?

I think I will take him to the GP. I feel sick with worry - we've already been down this road once with dd1 (whose issues are very different) :(

To be frank, it all sounds pretty normal to me, but the biggest red flag IMO is parental concern.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/special_needs/1493256-here-we-go-again

This thread has some good links!

Thanks for the links.

I agree re gut instinct. I knew that something wasn't right with dd1 from day 1. Its that feeling which is concerning me. Especially as I was just downstairs with ds and he was being very 'flappy'. :(

Old post I know .. how did your ds turn out ? ☺️