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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???

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Hand Flapping

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Feb 24, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		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.
Feb 23, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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.
Jun 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		Fragile X question
by: Anonymous

How do they test for Fragile X and what Dr would you see?
May 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		....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!
Apr 28, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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
starstarstarstarstar 		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.

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