View Single Post
jojosmommy 10:31 AM 05-31-2011
So I have this 12 month old in care who hand flaps regularly. Mom just brought it up to me as a concern. I have been watching it for months as I have lots of experience with children with autism. I can not get a good answer from anyone (medical professsional-developmental specialist etc) about weather it should be followed up on. Most everyone I ask says watch it for the next year and see what happpens. I have never had a child exhibit signs like this at this young of age which is why I am stumped.

Hand flapping is a red flag indicator for autism. However the information on WHEN (at what age) it becomes a concern is what I am struggling with. Nobody can tell me if a 12 month old flapper is really a concern.

I have 1 other child in care with autism and he has hand flapped for years- mostly at nap after receiveing intensive therapies to deal with the autism. He no longer flaps in my care though and his therapists believe he may have learned not to. I do not believe this infant learned the behavior from this other child as they typically do not attend care at the same times and he hasn't flapped openly since before she was born.

Additionally this child exhibits no other "red flag" signs. Very easy, passive child, maintains eye contact, plays typically for 12 months, starting to walk, babbles, etc.

Has anyone had a young one like this flap and what ever happened? Both mom and I agree that if something is going on its best to deal with it early but is it typical for a 12 month old to flap consistently for months and then just grow out of it? Please share any experience about young ones flapping.
Reply