Hand Flapping

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Hand Flapping

by shari
(california)

My son is 38 months old. He has been seen by our Regional Center for autism testing when he was 20 months old. He was given OT and speech therapy (for eye contact only). At the age of three he was dismissed. They said IF he is on the spectrum he is very high functioning.

My problem is that he is a hand flapper. This is the only thing that has ever made me think about autism. He has flapped at ceiling fans since he was 6 month old. He loves wheels and water. He will all of a sudden see any of the above triggers and stop in his tracks, focus in really close and the he almost zones out, starts flapping his hands (rolling at the wrists mostly) staring, grimacing his face, jumps and sighs) this lasts for about 10 seconds then he is off doing something else. He never does it consistently or for long periods. It is especially weird when he will put the toy or whatever on the table so it is at his eye level and then really start to flap.

It almost looks seizure like except that I can stop it at any time by talking to him or touching him. He is in preschool and does great, he is social, affectionate,and engaged. The teachers don't notice anything different about him, he doesn't flap in school except when in the bathroom and the roll of paper towels goes around. It is very odd. No one sees especially concerned but it freaks me out. Does anyone else have anything like this happening???

Comments for
Hand Flapping

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 09, 2010
Rating

my son too
by: Craig B

My son has also been doing it from a very early age (6mos?) I just remember him doing it while at crawling age. My son would also gape his mouth a little. I've talked to his pediatrician and also a friend who is a teacher at a school for special needs kids. He is social, shows affection, VERY talkative and has a big vocabulary, can look you in the eyes, etc. I look at it as just an endearing way he shows us he is really excited about something. When people comment on it or try to make him stop I tell them to let him be. I would rather he exert his excitement physically than he be brought up to be overly self-conscious or a bad self-image.

I've begun to teach him when people put him down for it (mostly my father-inlaw) to tell them "that is just the way I am". And my wife and I let him know its ok to do it. I've tried multiple times to convince my father-inlaw its ok for him to do it and he shouldn't be bothered by it because my wife, I , and mother-inlaw are not at all bothered by it.

May 25, 2010
Rating

To Leslie
by: Ursula Gates

My daughter is 11 and does this. My husband tries to get her to stop to. One thing I read from this woman who is high-functioning autistic (which is what my daughter is) she said her mom would allow her to flap her arms, run in circles, or do whatever she needed to do for an hour each day. Then she just tried to keep her busy. That is what I try to do with my daughter. I hope this helps with you.

May 24, 2010
Rating

hand flapping
by: Leslie

Hello,

My daughter is now 8 and has been hand flapping since she was age 1. She seems to flap when she is excited or concentrating on something. When she flaps, her expression looks like she is intensely focusing on something. She calls it her habit. If you interrupt her she will stop with no problem. She tries to hide it by tapping on things with her hands instead of flapping but you can tell what she's doing. Her father really pushes her to stop so she is conscious of hiding it.

Parents and other children have noticed over the years but so far everyone has been kind and seem to ignore it. She does behave oddly in some social situations so I think she has some type of social dysfunction. She is fine academically and seems to be normal most of the time. The doctors we have seen have no suggestions.

We would love to hear if there are others who have a similar condition or have any suggestions or insight.

May 05, 2010
Rating

my son likes water and flaps too
by: Anonymous

My son does this occasionally for a few seconds. He is 25 months old. he also loves to play in water, whether it's getting into my dishwater, the dog bowl, turning the bathtub faucet on and off, or jumping into mud puddles. He is also very happy to watch the ceiling and box fans spin. He jabbers, but says no real words. I am having him evaluated for autism on Friday morning. It's mostly his lack of talking that has me worried, but with the other things combined, I am very scared.

Apr 20, 2010
Rating

To hand flapping anonymous, April 10, 2010
by: Anonymous

Do not give up! If you think something is not right keep up the fight. My daughter had similar problems and others to. My doctor said lets wait every time I brought it up. I also had a feeling that something was wrong. I demanded to see a developmental pediatrician or I was going to a different doctor. He sent me and I found out she was experiencing some mild seizures. That may not be what is going on with yours. It could be something else. Just a thought. Hope it helps and all goes well with you.

My daughter now has a neurologist and is doing good.

Apr 19, 2010
Rating

Hand Flapping
by: Anonymous

I have 7 yr old twins. They both hand flap and have done so since about 6mo old. It's brought on by excitement and deep thought. I have discussed this with the doctor every year. They tell me this is their way of expressing excitement.

However, I am very concerned with my one twin who does it much more than the other. Now he is opening his eyes really wide and rolling his head. This new activity has prompted me to start looking into hand flapping and some reasons behind his new behavior. He is very smart in school and above average. He's social with a lot of friends.

I do have difficulty with him doing his homework. He is also a perfectionist which is something we are working on too. He is a very well-behaved child. Both my twins walk on their toes but only one will walk and flap at the same time. The flapping is not rolling of the wrists but a rather up and down movement. My one child flaps so hard you can hear it. When he walks on his toes and flaps he lowers his arms and stiffens his fingers and does this fast repetitive movement. I can tell him to stop and he will. He does this in school too and tells me he does not care what the other kids say.

The twin that does it less does not do it at all in school. I've asked about autism and tourettes and they assure me it's not either one. Like I said,I'm not too concerned about the child that does not do it often but I will address this again about my other twin. I need some answers too.

X Close Editor

Apr 19, 2010
Rating

Submitted by: Anonymous

Title

Comment
I have 7 yr old twins. They both hand flap and have done so since about 6mo old. It's brought on by excitement and deep thought. I have discussed this with the doctor every year. They tell me this is their way of expressing excitement. However, I am very concerned with my one twin who does it much more than the other. Now he is opening his eyes really wide and rolling his head. This new activity has prompted me to start looking into hand flapping and some reasons behind his new behavior. He is very smart in school and above average. He's social with a lot of friends. I do have difficulty with him doing his homework. He is also a perfectionist which is something we are working on too. He is a very well-behaved child. Both my twins walk on their toes but only one will walk and flap at the same time. The flapping is not rolling of the wrists but a rather up and down movement. My one child flaps so hard you can hear it. When he walks on his toes and flaps he lowers his arms and stiffens his fingers and does this fast repetitive movement. I can tell him to stop and he will. He does this in school too and tells me he does not care what the other kids say. The twin that does it less does not do it at all in school. I've asked about autism and tourettes and they assure me it's not either one. Like I said,I'm not too concerned about the child that does not do it often but I will address this again about my other twin. I need some answers too.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Apr 11, 2010
Rating

I understand this better than most
by: Anonymous5

Why do I understand this better? Because I myself have this habit. Ever since I was an infant I have been rolling my wrists and I still do it today (im 18). What triggers it is usually excitement, imagination, thought and even boredom. When I experience this my hands start moving as my thoughts are magnified more than usual and I get a rush of thoughts and imagination. After doing it I notice my heart beat is very high and sometimes I have red blotches on my skin. As long as I remember I have been doing this and I cant break the habit. But now that I realize its potential for my life I somewhat endorse it for the ideas I can generate from this process I experience. Recently in high school I used this to brainstorm for poems for my English class and solutions for my math/science classes. I also realize in my future it could help me if I were to be an inventor or artist. Of course I do not do this in front of any people in fact none of my friends are aware that I do this. Over time I have learned to to control my urges and I only do it now when I am completely alone.

I could write a lot more about this but I just wanted to give parents a more in depth look into what goes on in a childs head when they are rolling their wrists. Also I have been diagnosed with ADHD as a child, im about to complete my last year of high school, I play a varsity level sport, and I have already been accepted to a highly selective college.

So if you see your child is rolling their wrists dont be discouraged you should only be worried about what there going to use it for, you could even look at it as a gift.

If you have any questions feel free to ask I hope this helped.

X Close Editor

Apr 11, 2010
Rating

Submitted by: Anonymous5

Title

Comment
Why do I understand this better? Because I myself have this habit. Ever since I was an infant I have been rolling my wrists and I still do it today (im 18). What triggers it is usually excitement, imagination, thought and even boredom. When I experience this my hands start moving as my thoughts are magnified more than usual and I get a rush of thoughts and imagination. After doing it I notice my heart beat is very high and sometimes I have red blotches on my skin. As long as I remember I have been doing this and I cant break the habit. But now that I realize its potential for my life I somewhat endorse it for the ideas I can generate from this process I experience. Recently in high school I used this to brainstorm for poems for my English class and solutions for my math/science classes. I also realize in my future it could help me if I were to be an inventor or artist. Of course I do not do this in front of any people in fact none of my friends are aware that I do this. Over time I have learned to to control my urges and I only do it now when I am completely alone. I could write a lot more about this but I just wanted to give parents a more in depth look into what goes on in a childs head when they are rolling their wrists. Also I have been diagnosed with ADHD as a child, im about to complete my last year of high school, I play a varsity level sport, and I have already been accepted to a highly selective college. So if you see your child is rolling their wrists dont be discouraged you should only be worried about what there going to use it for, you could even look at it as a gift. If you have any questions feel free to ask I hope this helped.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Mar 31, 2010
Rating

more help
by: melinda

well i would start off by asking for physical therapy and occupational therapy to help him with walking.my son is 3 and gets ot pt and speech therapy he is making some progress but he still hand flaps and when he runs he drags his left foot.is there a program called early intervention in your town because they will help u with all the testing and getting therapy for your child.we get to go to a pediatric neurologist in june to find out if my son has autism we still have no diagnosis.i also heard of some testing like mri of the brain and certain blood tests i will do more research and let u know.but i guess kids with autism there brains are different. well good luck at the appointment.keep us posted

Mar 29, 2010
Rating

hand flapping
by: geri

My 3 1/2 yr old grandson is making gains in preschool. He still flaps when he gets excited. He is receiving speech privately and at school. He is now using pronouns, says I' Hungry. Get me this. His fine motor movement is delayed, he can't rally hold a crayon or draw. He is being followed by a developmental MD as well as a Pediatrician who recognizes he has issues. He has also been on the gluten and casin free diet since he was 12 months.

Mar 28, 2010
Rating

i feel at home
by: selena

wow finally people that understands what going on here too my son ie 20 months old and has dev delays no speech no walking he wants too but he cant balance his self for long and others he hand flaps and get distracted and loves ceiling fans AND STARES OFF he goes to another neuro appt sone what test should i ask the dr about . i felt like no one understands what im going through until i seen this site. its hard.

Feb 24, 2010
Rating

hand flapping
by: Anonymous

Well,this week he began taking showers and does not mind. Very interesting. This morning my wife called and told me that our son wanted to take a shower instead of a bath. We are still concerned w/the hand flapping and his fixation on things. The school began the evaluation process this week and will have to wait for about 2 1/2 mos to get the results. Meanwhile, we called the Regional Center and told them our concerns about our son. The Regional Center told us that he does not qualify for an evaluation or services. He was evaluated also by a doctor who specializes in autism-aspergers and were told that he is not in the spectrum. I know that every single child is different, but can anyone tell me if they think that my son is on the autistic spectrum or perhaps ADHD? We are concern w/the following:

1. hand flapping and fixation on things

2. teacher stated that he has a difficult time re-telling a story.

3. Does not really like to interact w/kids in the classroom,however, he will go up to kids and start a conversation. Likes to play w/sibling, cousins and kids outside of school. Very quiet and shy student.

4. teacher stated that he has hard time processing information, but that he is improving at all levels. He is still below average.

5. Dislikes buttons and sticky things like syrup.

6. Does not focus well. For example, very slow getting out of the car.Seems like his mind is somewhere else.

7. gets frustrated when doing homework.

please, any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

X Close Editor

Feb 24, 2010
Rating

Submitted by: Anonymous

Title

Comment
Well,this week he began taking showers and does not mind. Very interesting. This morning my wife called and told me that our son wanted to take a shower instead of a bath. We are still concerned w/the hand flapping and his fixation on things. The school began the evaluation process this week and will have to wait for about 2 1/2 mos to get the results. Meanwhile, we called the Regional Center and told them our concerns about our son. The Regional Center told us that he does not qualify for an evaluation or services. He was evaluated also by a doctor who specializes in autism-aspergers and were told that he is not in the spectrum. I know that every single child is different, but can anyone tell me if they think that my son is on the autistic spectrum or perhaps ADHD? We are concern w/the following: 1. hand flapping and fixation on things 2. teacher stated that he has a difficult time re-telling a story. 3. Does not really like to interact w/kids in the classroom,however, he will go up to kids and start a conversation. Likes to play w/sibling, cousins and kids outside of school. Very quiet and shy student. 4. teacher stated that he has hard time processing information, but that he is improving at all levels. He is still below average. 5. Dislikes buttons and sticky things like syrup. 6. Does not focus well. For example, very slow getting out of the car.Seems like his mind is somewhere else. 7. gets frustrated when doing homework. please, any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Feb 23, 2010
Rating

response
by: Anonymous

as you read through SPD books you will find that taking showers is a sensitivity to touch thing..is it the feeling of the water that bothers him? His proprioceptive system is probably causing him to get out of the car slowly. My son looks like a drunk person when he goes up stairs. It is the way she perceives things. The focus for SPD kids can vary. UCSF told me each child is different. Most Aspergers kids are off the charts when it comes to intellect. They are incredibly smart. Get all the info you can about SPD and go from there. We have our son in OT and it helps so much. Go to a developmental pediatrician and let them diagnose your child. I try to build on my son's strengths not his weaknesses. For instance he can not do a puzzle to save his life, he does not seek out sporting activities he likes the quiet of computers, books and small toys. We must remember that every child is different. Some will excel in school, others sports and either is ok. Knowledge is power gain all you can.

Feb 23, 2010
Rating

My son also hand flaps
by: Anonymous

My son is 8 yrs old. Since he was a infant, he has rolled his wrist whenever he was excited. As he's grown he kept this behavior up. He also would get fixated on ceiling fans. I actually became used to this behavior believing it was just his way when excited. As the years passed, I realized, it just wasn't right. I've asked more than one pediatrician about the flapping who all said "he'll out grow it" by 6 yrs old and many different doctor visits later,his 1st grade teacher picked up on SPD in my child. The school set up OT for my son to work on fine motor skills. At 8 yrs old he will flap once in while while excited, he will toe walk, but now will mostly twirl a string. I'm now going to look into a behavior therapist and hope that insurance will help out. If anything, hopefully he will be able to help himself when he feels the need to flap toe walk or twirl.

Feb 19, 2010
Rating

in response to 4 1/2 sensory integration
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the feedback,but can you tell me more about sensory integration. I have been reading the book, but what does all this mean as far as my 6year old being successful in school and in social situations. What did the people at USCF tell you? Other things, besides hand flapping and fixation, that I am concerned about is that my son does not like taking showers, is very slow getting in and out of the car,gets frustrated when doing homework, and does not focus well. If you have any knowledge of these behaviors, please share. We don't like the fact that we have to wait 60 days to get the results of our son's school evaluation. We are concerned about Autism or Aspergers.

Feb 18, 2010
Rating

sensory intergration disorder
by: Anonymous

in response to Anonymous...Sensory Integration Disorder is what my son has been diagnosed with. I wrote the original post and my son still, at 4 1/2 flaps but can control it more. I took him to UCSF to the top Ped Neuro. she said he is fine but has a sensory problem. Read the book Out of Sync Child. It is amazing. Not everything pertains but use what you need.

Feb 18, 2010
Rating

6 year old
by: Anonymous

My 6 year old flaps his hands and gets fixated on things. He is in first grade and his teacher does not notice the hand flapping. We notice it at home or in public when he gets excited, or sees bouncing lights or things spinning. He is a very happy kid, enjoys playing with his sibling, cousins and when in public he initiates conversations w/other kids. He hates buttons and has a hard time focusing. His teacher was surprised when we told her that he imitates conversations with other kids outside the school. In class he is very quiet and shy. He has bad penmanship, difficult to retell story and do complex math problems. He is going to be evaluated by the school. Can anyone tell me what condition my son might have? This is driving my wife and I crazy.

Feb 10, 2010
Rating

yes
by: Anonymous

Sam gets really aggressive as well at times. We are working on him to stop hitting so much. Well good luck with it and let us know how it all turned out in june!

Feb 10, 2010
Rating

yes
by: melinda

yes he likes to look at lights. he also hates clothes he likes stacking things and lining things up .he also gets aggressive at times. i have an appointment with a developmental doctor in june i will keep u all posted.we do know he has alot of sensory issues thank u all for your stories

Feb 10, 2010
Rating

Sam the Flapper
by: Crystal

I totally know what you mean when you say he puts things at eye level and starts flapping and how WEIRD that is! Our son is going on 3 yrs old now and he's been doing this for awhile with this one toy he really likes. He puts it at his eye level on the table and stands infront of it and flaps and gets all excited. ha ha! Its pretty comical, really, you have to laugh sometimes! But, it makes you wonder what in the world is going through my child's mind!??!

Samuel has had OT and ST since last summer and has improved but not as well as they say that he "should have"- still working on transitions and hand flapping. They suggested we get further testing at the Child Development Center and look into if he's on the autism spectrum or not. We have those appt.s April and we are anxious to find the results. They know for sure he has SI disorder, but they wonder if it could be more. Trust me, your not alone in this! Our son also LOVES staring at lights. Does your child do this, too??

Feb 09, 2010
Rating

Hand Flapping
by: Anonymous

Sounds just like my Nathan at a early age. He is now 9 years old.He has adhd is on straterra but does continue to flap and at times brush his forehead(over and over) he trys to hold back and not do it and at times it wears him out! He is a happy, straight A student and has just started swimming year round-at meets he usually does it as hes waiting to get on the block.This is so upsetting for him and worries us. They say he will grow out of it-WHEN??

Aug 21, 2009
Rating

im doing the best that i can for my son
by: melinda

I have a son who will be 3 in October and he started hand flapping about 6or 7 months ago i went to his doctor and she set us up with a developmental pediatrician but it is taking for ever to get to see him.this is very frustrating when you notice different behaviors in your kids and you are worried but when you try to tell the doctor and family members about your concerns they look at you like you have two heads.

My son is not diagnosed yet but he hand flaps all the time now and he likes his thomas the train he will put his trains on the tracks and do almost a hand stand and flap his hands while the train is going around but he only looks at the face of the trains and the wheels he also lines up his trains and if someone moves them he flips out. he stacks food and anything he can. He also bites alot but most of the time it doesn't hurt.

Ive had him evaluated like 5 times now im just waiting to see this doctor and i have to travel almost 2 hrs just to see.my son is taking speech 2 times a week and now will be starting pre-school in September and will be receiving ot therapy as well .its just so hard when your trying to do all u can to help your child and the help isn't really there.i know he dont know what he is doing but the biting and the tantrums are hard to handle i cant even bring him place.

If anyone has some good info please fill me in i never had to deal with this i have 2 other kids and never had this situation. im scared and worried about my sons future.

X Close Editor

Aug 21, 2009
Rating

Submitted by: melinda

Title

Comment
I have a son who will be 3 in October and he started hand flapping about 6or 7 months ago i went to his doctor and she set us up with a developmental pediatrician but it is taking for ever to get to see him.this is very frustrating when you notice different behaviors in your kids and you are worried but when you try to tell the doctor and family members about your concerns they look at you like you have two heads. My son is not diagnosed yet but he hand flaps all the time now and he likes his thomas the train he will put his trains on the tracks and do almost a hand stand and flap his hands while the train is going around but he only looks at the face of the trains and the wheels he also lines up his trains and if someone moves them he flips out. he stacks food and anything he can. He also bites alot but most of the time it doesn't hurt. Ive had him evaluated like 5 times now im just waiting to see this doctor and i have to travel almost 2 hrs just to see.my son is taking speech 2 times a week and now will be starting pre-school in September and will be receiving ot therapy as well .its just so hard when your trying to do all u can to help your child and the help isn't really there.i know he dont know what he is doing but the biting and the tantrums are hard to handle i cant even bring him place. If anyone has some good info please fill me in i never had to deal with this i have 2 other kids and never had this situation. im scared and worried about my sons future.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Jun 19, 2009
Rating

HAND FLAPPING
by: Anonymous

To all you concerned parents, hand flapping is a very common symptom of both autism and aspergers syndrome. If you child hand flaps, you should seek testing for a diagnosis. For doctors to say that your child will grow out of this is outrageous, for the child to do well in school and go on to grown and learn in a healthy environment its important to have them tested and diagnosed, its very difficult for a child who is undiagnosed to succeed in school. Other children will eventually notice a difference and make fun of them. Please if your child is a hand flapper, even if they do not have symptoms of autism, they could have aspergers syndrome...seek help.

Jun 12, 2009
Rating

Fragile X question
by: Anonymous

How do they test for Fragile X and what Dr would you see?

May 11, 2009
Rating

....mine 2!!!
by: Tracie

My son is almost 13 now and has been doing the EXACT same thing you mentioned. I've been trying to find a reason behind it and finally he was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome... very similar to Autism. Although, he has very mild symptoms, the hand-flapping was the most prominent symptom we had to work with.

First of all we decided to call the specific hand-flapping/starring condition something "not so scary sounding"... my son picked "Scooby face" since he liked Scooby-Doo cartoons. Asking him to hold his hands together and squeeze helps, but what we made sure to do was not make it seem like he was doing something bad.

Once he started school, we told him that God gave him extra energy for a reason, but instead of flapping his hands, it would be better to find another place to put that energy. It's a training process. After he got old enough to talk about how he was feeling during those times he would flap, he said it's like a jolt of power goes down his arm and makes his arms go.

After watching a show about Tourettes Syndrome, my son said, "Mom! That's exactly how I feel when I do Scooby-Face." After that, we worked on NOT flapping in public and letting him flap as much as he wanted at home... it's been working extremely well. The hardest part has been trial and failure at so many therapies that worked for others, but you just keep plugging away because they are soooooo worth it!

Just try to keep your chin up and your patience high. I've worked with special needs children in schools, and you would be surprised how much more kids can achieve than anticipated!

X Close Editor

May 11, 2009
Rating

Submitted by: Tracie

Title

Comment
My son is almost 13 now and has been doing the EXACT same thing you mentioned. I've been trying to find a reason behind it and finally he was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome... very similar to Autism. Although, he has very mild symptoms, the hand-flapping was the most prominent symptom we had to work with. First of all we decided to call the specific hand-flapping/starring condition something "not so scary sounding"... my son picked "Scooby face" since he liked Scooby-Doo cartoons. Asking him to hold his hands together and squeeze helps, but what we made sure to do was not make it seem like he was doing something bad. Once he started school, we told him that God gave him extra energy for a reason, but instead of flapping his hands, it would be better to find another place to put that energy. It's a training process. After he got old enough to talk about how he was feeling during those times he would flap, he said it's like a jolt of power goes down his arm and makes his arms go. After watching a show about Tourettes Syndrome, my son said, "Mom! That's exactly how I feel when I do Scooby-Face." After that, we worked on NOT flapping in public and letting him flap as much as he wanted at home... it's been working extremely well. The hardest part has been trial and failure at so many therapies that worked for others, but you just keep plugging away because they are soooooo worth it! Just try to keep your chin up and your patience high. I've worked with special needs children in schools, and you would be surprised how much more kids can achieve than anticipated!

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Apr 28, 2009
Rating

We called it
by: Concerned Mom

Well I'm pretty sure this is what our daughter has...since about 9 mos, she's been doing this. She'll focus on something that spins or has a repetitive movement, and she'll begin to clench her fists while holding her arms out a bit. Her mouth opens and she makes squeaks and she shakes. Sometimes her left arm will go back and forth also, along with her legs bending and straightening if she's sitting on the floor. Lasts for about 3-4 seconds at a time.

She will continue to do it until one of us touches her or makes her snap out of it. Or, if she finds something else interesting. She's been in a special needs class for occupational/speech therapy. She's totally smart, probably a bit gifted in my opinion. Some of the therapists see this as a problem some don't because she only does this when she's excited. We really are hoping she grows out of it... kids can be cruel.

Apr 09, 2009
Rating

Hand Flapping
by: Debbie

My son who just turned six has been flapping his hands since he was 3, its when hes excited he just flaps away and will not stop. He also has a fixation with moving gears like marble mazes, water, fans. Also walks on his toes not so much now but when he was little all the time.

He was seen by a neurologist when he was 2, 3 and 4 and they say he will outgrow it. Well hes 6 and still hand flapping to the point kids are starting to notice hes different. So off to the pediatrician I go to try and find some help. He has also been diagnosed with ADHD and is having a really difficult time in school. Any suggestions would be great. thanks

Mar 28, 2009
Rating

My husband did this
by: Sarah M.

Hi! My mother-in-law could have written your post. My husband used to flap his hands, but he was never diagnosed with autism. He was social and had no developmental delays though, so they just ignored it. He is fine now, but he wrings his hands and makes other movements with his hands. He was teased enough about the hand flapping to redirect the excess energy somewhere else. My son also flaps his hands, but he is not social at all and is developmentally delayed in several areas. He was diagnosed with autism last month.

Bottom line, the hand flapping by itself is probably not a problem, especially if you can stop it. I'd be more concerned if you couldn't.

Mar 28, 2009
Rating

Hand Flapping
by: Geri

My 30 month old grandson has been flapping his hands for almost a year whenever he gets excited. He also has shuttering attacks since the age of 7 months. Neuro workup negative. He loves being with people, shares and and has great eye contact. He is fixated on circles.

He doesn't like it when his hands are dirty or if they change color. One time he ate red jello and his hands turned red, he cried till it was cleaned off. His speech is delayed, but he is now almost up to his level, seeing a speech therapist weekly. He remembers things, follows direction. Any suggestions. He will see a developmental neurologist in the next 2 months.

Oct 10, 2008
Rating

hand flapping
by: Anonymous

My 3 yr old has hand flapped since he could sit up,he has Autism (HF) after a year of boimedics, diet and therapies this is the only behavior that has not changed. We say quiet hands and he puts them down only to flap seconds later, its like he cannot help himself, and nobody seems to know why.

Oct 07, 2008
Rating

YES!
by: Ursula Gates

My daughter does the some of the things. My physician referred us to a developmental pediatrician. She suggested it could be seizure like. She sent my daughter for and MRI and EEG. Both were abnormal. So we seen the neurologist she said she had post partial-complex seizure disorder. Then we were seen by a group of doctors who diagnosed her with autistic disorder (high functioning).

With my daughter I had to demand to see a developmental pediatrician. I just kept on bugging him until he gave in. Ask to be seen by a pediatric neurologist just to ease your worries.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to The SPD Q & A

Hand Flapping

Comments for Hand Flapping

Comments for
Hand Flapping