What's wrong with my 1 year old?

Question

He is constantly crying all day long everyday. Ever since he was born. He's gotten better, he will actually let me put him down now and entertain himself. But the smallest thing will set him off. I've tried everything, and his doctor is no help. My mom thinks he is mentally handicapped or that its something serious. I don't know. Someone help please

Answer 1

I went through the same problem with my daughter, she would cry for no reason, I tried to make her feel comfortable, until one day I noticed that certain types of "blankies" were soothing her, so I investigated children with sensory dysfunction. And that was
the hole ordeal with her, now she wears ALL-COTTON clothing
because it makes her feel comfortable and happy.
Here is a more detail information from the web:

What is Sensory Integration?
All of us learn about and comprehend the world through our senses. We see things, we hear things, we touch things, we experience gravity, and we use our bodies to move around in it. All of the sensory input from the environment and from inside our bodies works together seamlessly so we know what's going on and what to do.

Sensory integration is something most of us do automatically. Usually, sensory input registers well, gets processed in the central nervous system and then hooks up seamlessly with all of the other senses. This lets us think and behave appropriately in response to what's going on.

Kids with sensory integration (SI) dysfunction experience the world differently. They don't take in and use sensory information the same way. Their central nervous system responds to sensory input differently, so they're not always getting an accurate, reliable picture of their bodies and the environment.

Think of sensory integration like an orchestra. You need the woodwinds section, the strings section, the percussion, the piano to all be in tune, playing in key at the right volume, all perfectly coordinated with each other. With SI dysfunction, the conductor isn't controlling the music well. Different sections in the orchestra are out of tune and out of sync so it doesn't sound right.

For a child with severe sensory issues, walking into the supermarket can feel like walking into a rock and roll concert. Such a child may be able to see and hear the fluorescent lighting flicker, a squeaky shopping cart may sound like thunder, the meat department may smell like a garbage dump, and navigating the aisles and other shoppers may feel like being on a bumper car ride. What seems normal to us can easily overwhelm a child with sensory problems.

Common Signs of Sensory Integration Dysfunction
• Out of proportion reactions: over or undersensitivity to touch, sounds, sights,
movement, tastes, or smells
• Problems with vestibular (movement) and proprioceptive senses (body awareness)
• Bothered by particular clothing fabrics, labels, waistbands, etc.
• Avoids or excessively craves intense movement — slides, swings, bouncing, jumping
• Resists grooming activities such as brushing teeth and washing hair
• Avoids foods most children enjoy
• Gets dizzy easily-or never at all
• Seems clumsy or careless
• Often “tunes out” or “acts up”
• Poor attention and focus
• Uncomfortable in group settings
• Very high or very low pain threshold
• Squints, blinks, or rubs eyes frequently (may have an undiagnosed vision problem)

What causes sensory integration problems?
Sensory problems result from neurological differences, and new research is being done to confirm this. It’s a difference in how the brain and nervous system are wired. Sensory problems are quite often seen in children born prematurely (especially the smallest and the youngest), those adopted from overseas, children who have experienced birth trauma or prolonged hospitalization, and those exposed to heavy metals. Sensory problems are a common symptom of other diagnoses including autism, attention deficit disorders, Down Syndrome, fragile X, anxiety and depression and others. A child may have such a disorder AND SI dysfunction. A child can just have sensory problems and nothing else. It’s estimated that there’s one child with sensory issues in every regular classroom, and somewhere between 50-80% of children have some degree of sensory problems in a classoom of children with autism spectrum disorders.
also other web sites: www.sensorycomfort.com
www.mothering.com
www.parenting.com
and this is also a great book about SI "Raising a Sensory Smart
Child" by Lindsey Biel

Answer 2

There are soooo many things that could cause a child to cry all day long. I'd start by finding a new Pediatrician since he's of no help.

Did your son have any difficult eating or with vomiting when he was an infant? Did he have a difficult time falling asleep? He may have silent reflux or reflux if that's the case. Reflux can be VERY painful and that may be why he's looking for constant comfort.

Have his ears been thoroughly checked? He may not be hearing well. This can cause constant frustration as well. Among other things I can think of would be constipation, headaches, or ear infections.

Once you've ruled out all the "obvious" possibilities, it might be time to visit a Developmental Pediatrician. They are more focused on developmental milestones; including behavior and social aspects of development.

I know you must be very worried; especially since your Mom seems to think something is very wrong. I hope that it's nothing serious and you're able to get answers for your son. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

Yea, our son can be like that too-but I've noticed it's usually when there's something wrong... like a bad tummy ache/constipation, or teething. Our baby was very colicky at birth as well. My husband keeps saying babies just don't cry that much- I can tolerate it a little better. My mom said babies have fussy times, but I don't remember my younger siblings being that fussy. So the doctors all say he is perfectly healthy. I truly feel it's when he is teething and tummy aches-he's had those since birth too. Now, when he's teething, it's terrible, and he will just scream... tylenol helps him with the pain. Other than that, i always try to get a giggle out of him someway, by being goofy, playing with him ,etc. Once they can really talk to us, then we'll know what is going on. I don't think your baby is handicapped or anything like that.

another thing- if I can tell a whine from a scream in pain.... I try to say, "No thank you." And he stops! I don't say it mean, I just say it politely.

Goodluck, and I'm right there with you... it can be really hard at times. I do better with him by myself when he's like that because my husband can't tolerate it sometimes.

Answer 4

There's NOTHING wrong with checking with another doctor. You need a doctor whose beliefs you agree with. For example, if you were uncomfortable with breastfeeding, why would you stay with a doctor who continued to tell you how bad it was not to breastfeed? Doctors have different parenting techniques, just like we parents do. Interview some others. If this one is "no help" find one who is--you'd be remiss not to; this is your child's well-being we're talking about!

As for "babying" your baby too much, I say hooey! He's one, for crying out loud, let him be a baby. If it comforts you to pick him up, and he likes to be picked up, pick him up! As you said yourself, he's already started growing more independent--this will continue. I like what my grandmother tells me: let 'em be babies because before you know it they'll be teenagers!

And when you do go to new doctors, be sure to be specific. What are the "smallest things" that "set him off". And is he consolable or inconsolable? Do you feel like he's testing you or really needing you? Maybe even write down specific events as they happen so that you can share them with the new doctor.

Finally, one last word. It's going to sound sexist, but I'm sorry. Be sure to try a female pediatrician. Sometimes (not always, please don't burn me at the stake for being un-pc) they are more understanding and less "clinical" in their assessments, especially if they have their own children. (I noticed that my male ped. never redid the baby's diaper. The femal doc always makes sure it's on neat and tidy again!) Then again, if your doc is already female, try the other route. Doctor shop. Find one you really like.

Answer 5

Sometimes babies around that age start pulling on their ears and rubbing their eyes because of teething. The molars may be coming in and causing more pain and reaction from them than you usually expect. My son is getting his first molars in and he's doing that as well. The jaws hurt them alot when they get their molars in and that causes them to tug on their ears or rub their faces. Also, he's getting more 'whiny' and for us it's a growth spurt. The doctor said to just give him healthy snacks more often like fruit (bananas). Babies and toddlers tend to get very cranky when they're tired or hungry. My son also pulls his ears when he's very tired.

Answer 6

Perhaps he is in pain? check his clothing, they might be too tight for him. Or he may have dyspepsia, burp him after every feedings. or he may have some disease? check the entire body for any signs. and you do have to go to your pediatrician. Change your doctor and have a second opinion. A baby will not just cry and cry without any reason. Take the hint and don't stop until you learn for the cause.

Answer 7

my sister's kid does the same too. sis always cuddles him a lot, and is always carrying him about, since he was born, and is so possessive that she doesnt let anyone else take him out. so, he cannot stop crying if she so much as puts him down for a second, even when he is sleeping!! it really tires one. if you too have the same situation to face, then i really sympathise with you. did you get that swing-like bed for kids, that keeps them constantly in motion? that is the only thing that quietens our baby. try it, maybe it will work!! all the best!!

Answer 8

he might just be a needy baby.my friends son was like that for the first 9 months and he gradually grew out of it. maybe it's just taking your son a little longer to get out of it.
If you do think he might have a handicap you should go see another doctor and get it resolved. At least your mind will be at peace not worrying and not knowing if something is wrong with you baby. good luck :)

Answer 9

You could check in with another doctor to get a second opinion. He might just be a temperamental child. Don't coddle him so much and maybe he'll give up on the crying.

Answer 10

it could be a number of things my little sister is mentally challenged and my mom went through the same thing your going through now, no doctor to help out so my mom had called around and asked about any programs that tests a baby to see if there is anything wrong my sister is 14 now so everything maybe different but call around like the Medicaid/welfare office and they should be able to give you numbers that take Medicaid or any insurance that would help you out. best of luck to you.