Arm Flapping

twinkletoes3126

Does anyone's LO do this when excited? When my son gets really excited he flaps his arms a lot and squeals with excitement (it happens often). I know arm flapping is often associated with kids on the autism spectrum so I guess I am a little concerned. However, my son doesn't really show any signs of autism. He makes eye contact, says about 20 words at 18 months, points things out, interacts with people, etc. I will mention it at his 18 month apt but just curious if other kids do this too.

kerbear135

yep...DD does it fairly often...unfortunately for the kitties, she tends to do it most when she's excited that one of them was lazy enough to let her catch up to them and "pet" them (lol)...I don't think it's anything to worry about if there aren't any other signs that might indicate autism. If you're really concerned, speak to your child's doctor, but I wouldn't read too much into it.

mellie86041

When I asked DD's pedi, she said its pretty normal for a babies and toddlers to flap their whole arms when excited. But it never hurts to ask.

Although DD's 8-year-old second cousin still flaps his wrists (and ankles if he's sitting) pretty wildly whenever he gets excited, but he doesn't have any other indications at all of autism. His mom always asks their pedi about it, and they always tell her that it's probably just a tick of his since there's nothing else to point to autism.

shannm

I have a flapper and a wrist twister. Apparently it runs in my husband's family. If your son shows no other symptoms and the pedi doesn't care, don't sweat it.

fanofanne

i asked our dd's pt about this, and she said that 1. if there are no other symptoms, then it's probably fine and 2. children will often flap arms when excited or upset to get their energy out.  she also mentioned that children on the spectrum will often flap in front of their face/eyes.

it doesn't sound like you should worry

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BLPL101

DD does it often too when she's excited. DH thinks it's hilarious!

EandIMommy86

DD also does this. She will flap her arms and also hit the couch when she gets excited. Lol.

nikkisun54

DS does this. Flaps at the wrists, only when he's either really excited or angry. I did a little Googling (which one should NEVER do!) and it appears that more often than not, it's just something babies/toddlers do to get energy out. 20 words and pointing at 18 months sounds very good to me!

this decaf life

DD does when she's excited with no signs of autism.

twinkletoes3126

Thanks everyone! I spoke to his pediatrician at his appointment and he said it is totally normal. He said it's more of a red flag around 3 or 4.