Is a child who doesn't want to be touched showing signs of something bigger?

Question

I have a niece who just turned two and can't stand to be held or touched. She has been this way since she was an infant. This seems very unusual to me since none of my four kids did this. And I thought I remembered that type of behavior being a sign of something. Is it something the parents should be worried about? Or am I just being too paranoid?

I know that she is not being abused, (she is her mom and dads life!) I was thinking more along the lines of developmental delays, autism, etc.

And yes, she is like this with both her mother, father, and everyone she comes in contact with. It is not a displayed like she is scared of being touched, it is more like she is extremely annoyed by it.

Answer 1

I don't think that not wanting to be touched is absolutely, definitely a sign that there is something bigger going on, but it is worth paying attention to. I have a nephew that was similar and at 13, he has finally been diagnosed with Ausberger's a form of autism. He seems to have no emotional connection to people. I can't say none, but very little. If you think that you can discuss this with your bro or sis without being offensive, then I might would mention it as politely as possible. It never hurts to check with their doctor. If nothing is wrong with her, then no harm done, but if there is something, the earlier it is detected, the better they can guide her through her early stages to make her adult life easier. We just knew for years that my nephew was autistic, but didn't have the relationship or the resources to get it taken care of. Now, he's so far behind in school and age appropriate behavior that it seems impossible to dig him out of this hole. Early detection is best! Best of Luck!

Answer 2

It might be autism, or it might be your baby is retreating as a result of the strain of the custody wrestle. Speech specialists will have to be ready to support you, however I might ask for a referral to a reputable who can diagnose autism spectrum issues. Are you close a huge scientific middle or tuition? They could have an autism health center. You might additionally seem at the Internet for the autism society to your state, for you to positioned you in touch along with your nearby autism help institution. Someone in that institution might commonly propose nearby specialists who can correctly diagnose your son. I was once involved that my son was once autistic and our pediatrician pushed aside my fears. Not each pediatrician is proficient to appreciate whatever instead of classical autism. My son was once first identified at an autism health center with PDD-NOS, and later by means of a neurologist as having Asperger's. Make definite whoever sees your son is skilled with autism spectrum analysis. One final factor--if he's autistic, it is not the top of the sector, even though it could suppose that method while the analysis is given. There's plenty of treatment in the market that may support.

Answer 3

I think this is definitely a sign that something's wrong. If she's like this with her own parents, especially. This behaviour should be explained to her pediatrician. Perhaps she is being abused by an adult or adolescent. Perhaps she has developmental issues. Either way, this is not normal if it is a constant and powerful reaction to being held or touched. If it's powerful, but only in groups, etc., she may be defining her personal space - carving out her own niche. Have your neice's parents talk to her doctor.

Answer 4

It can be a sign of autism but if she's developing otherwise normally she's probably not autistic. If she has speech delay, sensory issues, etc, she might be autistic. She could be evaluated by early intervention if that is something the parents want to do.

Answer 5

Is it more of a fear of being touched or does she have more of a bratty attitude like "Who do you think you are touching me!?"

I would be concerned if she was fearful of others touching her. That could be a sign of physical abuse such as being beat or sexually abused. Does she have bruises? Red spots? Scrapes? Any kind of abrasion that seems suspicious? If so, I'd get it checked out.

I'm sure she's fine and isn't being hurt or abused in anyway, I truly think she's just that kind of person who doesn't like to be touched. I'm kind of like that myself. But, since I don't know the whole story here or all the details I might be wrong. Just use your best judgement and do what you feel is right. God bless :-)

Answer 6

It may be a sign of autism or something related to autism. Kids with autism hate to be touched because their senses are very... well,.. SENSITIVE! Being touched can feel just like being pinched, or even just make them feel extremely uncomfortable.

Answer 7

I think this might be a sign that she has what is called Autism. A person with autism don't like to be touched or held.

Answer 8

I am autistic and hated to be touched as a child and still find it hard sometimes when my kids come to hug me. Obviously I want their hugs, but my nerves go haywire.
I wouldn't be worried unless other symptoms arise like delayed language, mindless absorption in inanimate objects but low social interaction, and obsession with routine.

Answer 9

my son is 13 months old and is the same way. he just doesn't like to be held or touched unless it's on his terms. no, i don't think she's being abused if that's what you are thinking. i think some kids are just this way.

Answer 10

Some children just don't like being touched...that's the way they are, much to the annoyance of adults who want to cuddle and squeeze the cute li'l toddling girl.

If the doctor isn't concerned (ask him/her about it) then relax.