Did or does your toddler flap their hands when excited?

Question

My 17m old does it a lot- is it normal or something I should bring up to the paediatrician?
There are no other concerns- he’s saying around 50 words, makes eye contact, eats well, interacts, etc.

Answer

My almost 5 year old always has. He’s not autistic but has sensory issues. Still trying to diagnose. I’d bring it up, early intervention is key.

Answer

My 4.5 year old still does this when VERY excited. She is neurotypical.

Answer

It can be normal, kids find different ways to comfortably express excitement or happiness. Sometimes they even do it randomly. But if it’s something you’re noticing or you’re worried, there’s absolutely no harm in at least asking your child’s doctor. Even if it is normal, it never hurts to ask.

Answer

Yes he does 😂😂😂 but as he gets older he’s almost 3 now, I just keep telling him to calm down, relax his hands. He does it soooo much less now .

Answer

My 2 year old does this, but she also will stomp her feet if she's excited or even dance. However,  she also copies her 10 month old little sister and sees that when she's excited she does that.

Answer

It sounds like a sensory processing situation. Even if he doesn’t show other signs I would bring it up now. It took years to get my son help. He is almost an adult now at 16 but the therapy was well worth the time, money and worry. My husband didn’t agree he had any issues but they progressed and we eventually found out he was autistic. Best of luck!

Answer

My almost 2 year does this. But it’s more of an all over dance. 
My younger brother also did this in more of the typical “stimming” kind of way (we used to joke that he was so excited he was going to fly away), he’s not diagnosed as autistic and lives a pretty average life… but pretty my whole family would agree now that he’s an adult he’s likely on the spectrum.

Answer

A lot of behaviors like hand flapping that can be signs of autism are also developmentally appropriate at certain ages, it is when they are continued after that age along with other signs that they become worrisome. At 17 months it’s still a fairly typical thing to do especially if there are no other signs, but if you want you could also mention it to the pediatrician at the next appointment

Answer

My nephew does and he’s autistic. It’s his way of expressing excitement.

Answer

mine didn’t and he’s autistic 🤷🏻‍♀️ ali kids are different. i d  i’m my see why it would matter if he’s hitting all other milestones

Did or does your toddler flap their hands when excited?

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