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Suddenly clumsy toddler

mommy0411mommy0411 member
in Special Needs

Hi everyone! My DS1 has started doing something odd and I am going to talk to his OT about it on Tuesday but I am hoping you ladies may have some insight. 

DS1 has an ASD and low tone. In the last week he has stopped paying attention to where he is walking and has therefore started tripping a lot and running into people when he walks and runs. It's very strange because it seems like he hyperfocuses on something while he is walking and it's very difficult to get his attention and to get him to pay attention to where he is walking. 

Could he be stimming on something and I haven't figure out what? Has anyone else dealt with this? Any tips on getting him to pay attention when he walks? He is ending up with a lot of bruises because he is falling down so much, poor guy!



DS1: 4/15/2011
Dx: ASD, SPD and receptive and expressive speech delay at 21 months
BFP #2: CP 5/2012
DS2: 4/24/2013
BFP #4: Miscarriage at 5 weeks 7/2014
BFP #5: 8/8/2014 Due 4/20/2015 
Its a healthy girl!!!!! 
Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
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Re: Suddenly clumsy toddler

  • kcisthebombdotcomkcisthebombdotcom member

    It's likely a sensory thing. Kids with autism commonly have sensory issues and vestibular dysfunction is one of them. They don't recognize their body in space making them clumsy. Right around age two was when I saw both of my kids sensory issues peak. 

    Things to help at that age with that include swings, rolling around on a therapy ball, sit and spin. 

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  • BumbleBee9311BumbleBee9311 member
    Hello! I am a teacher of kids with autism and just reading through to see if I could offer any advice. First off, I find all of you to be very strong individuals and admire your strength and dedication.

    Second, have you done joint compressions or do you have a weighted or compression vest? These things are supposed to help them feel their body and place it in the world. Some children on the spectrum lose or never had good body awareness. If you do joint compressions a few times a day it may help. I hope this helps you!
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  • AgrippaRidesAgainAgrippaRidesAgain member
    Where is he looking? Is it consistent? Maybe he likes watching the sidewalk pass by as he moves across it?

    DS used to crash his bike all of the time because he wanted to watch the wheels spinning as he rode it.
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  • mommy0411mommy0411 member
    I didn't even consider it being vestibular in nature! Thank you for your insight! Luckily his OT had a cancelation today so he has therapy this afternoon! (It's a make-up from last week!)


    DS1: 4/15/2011
    Dx: ASD, SPD and receptive and expressive speech delay at 21 months
    BFP #2: CP 5/2012
    DS2: 4/24/2013
    BFP #4: Miscarriage at 5 weeks 7/2014
    BFP #5: 8/8/2014 Due 4/20/2015 
    Its a healthy girl!!!!! 
    Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
    Report Reply
  • StillharborStillharbor member
    I hate to say this...but "normal" kids do this.  They get interested in something else and don't pay attention to their surroundings and trip, walk into walls, and doors... being a teacher I see this quite a bit.
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  • lazysusanlazysusan member
    great analysis of what may be going on OP.  it could be proprioception(awareness of body in space).  Many kids really don't pay attention to themselves as they go.  Did your DC just have a growth spurt?  Do they toe walk at all?
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