Flapping when excited

Why would you want to deter him from flapping?

@Mel I was more wondering how normal this is at this age or if there were ways to help him communicate his excitement more. We are really working on his speech with him

Oh I see. The reason I ask is my daughter often flaps when she is excited. I expressed concerns with her nursery as I believe she is autistic and they recently agreed with me as she shows a collection of behaviours (sensory processing, sensory seeking, mobility-twisting wrists and feet, she eye tracks). I think at this age it can be normal but just keep an eye for other behaviours that may suggest it could be neurodivergence. I would say, perhaps trying to name the emotion, I say to my daughter “are you excited” etc that might help as she often nods her head when I ask.

My LO has done this since very small and when excited the arms and hand flap, somtimes a little foot tap if sitting . He hasn't missed any milestones so havnt been too concerned, I of course was when he was smaller. My niece also did this and she is 7 and only occasionally does this when very excited but I think something they will eventually grow out of, just a way of expressing their emotions maybe. He has just turned 2 and definitely does it less but still alot x

@Mel at first a few months ago I did think that it could potentially be autism. However he is very social, is saying around 50 words (however may be speech delayed). He used to be very funny with foods and textures however he is not anymore. Which is why I’m asking if it is normal or if it’s something to mention to the health visitor. Thank you your message though

@Kirsten thank you for this. I would say my little boy sounds very similar to you. I was concerned about it a few months ago due to him not eating and being funny with textures. He is now beginning to speak and very slowly putting two words together. Ive just been so worried and think I need a little reassurance. All I’ve heard from family members is ‘he may have autism but everybody does’ and it’s just very tough to hear when it feels they see negatives from his little things like flapping!

He was also super funny with textures at the beginning of weaning we struggled alot but seem to have come out the other side just fussy now haha! I totally get that and the spectrum is so big but sounds like he's speech is getting there, it's all in their own time every baby is so different remember that and once the speech starts it doesn't stop so won't be long. Just embrace the flapping, I have learnt to ignore comments (mainly been grandparents I don't know at softplay and used to get to me) and I just say he's happy and excited and that's all you want for your baby! Don't be hard on yourself 🩷 if you are worried you can speak to health visitors or GP but hes not the only one if that makes you feel at ease x

@Kirsten thank you so much lovely. I wouldn’t have concerns if I hadn’t have heard comments from people. We have the health visitor coming tomorrow so I’m going to tell her my concerns then. I just want to enjoy this stage but feel like I’m constantly worrying, googling and dreaming about it 😩 xxx

My daughter is very social, makes eye contact, answers to her name, hit her milestones etc as previously stated the spectrum is so vast it can be hard to say what is normal. We have a hv appt soon so I’m going to be asking for a referral then and the nursery are supplying supporting evidence. That’s all you can do at this stage, the HV can advise. Don’t let it worry you. I look at it that I can’t change it if my daughter is autistic so there’s no point worrying about things outside of my control (easier said than done I’m sure) Does your son go to nursery? Or a childminder? They may be able to advise on what is normal from what they see of him