2007-04-05 06:00:16 · 7 answers · asked by hopadee 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Of course. I don't know the age of the hand flapper, but my brother used to do it when he got excited (until about age 8.) He still does it sometimes but he controls it better. He is 30 now. He is completely normal, very intelligent engineer (MENSA). Handflapping could be an anxiety issue or probably a lot of other things. Autism wouldn't really even cross my mind unless the person had some other symptoms.
2007-04-05 06:18:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Hand flapping" is considered a type of "self-stimulatory behavior." This means that people do it to increase their body's physical arousal levels. That is, when we sense our body is understimulated (or bored) we need to do something to excite our bodies. Most people occasionally engage in some sort of self-stimulatory behavior, such as, fidgeting with their hands or tapping their foot/leg while sitting (or habitually smoking). It's funny that these things are considered "normal" while hand flapping is seen as being weird, when all of these behaviors serve the same purpose.
So, to answer your question, hand flapping may or may not be a symptom of autism, depending on the individual person. It may just be a symptom of being HUMAN.
2007-04-05 17:34:15 · answer #2 · answered by dzams 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am far from being any medical expert but my son was diagnosed with ADD and he often "flapped his hands" when he was in his early years until he was in his early teens. Even at 22 Years old he occaionally reverts back to the hand flapping when he is extremely excited or anxious.
2007-04-05 13:12:43 · answer #3 · answered by Josey R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it could be. If you are concerned, I would get the child tested by a pediatric psychiatrist to find out for sure. Flapping or "stimming" is common among autistics but not exclusive to them.
2007-04-05 16:37:30 · answer #4 · answered by chikkenbone 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definately! Could be a side effect of medications (e.g. for siezures) or a complication from huffing paint or glue. Bad news!
2007-04-05 13:31:10 · answer #5 · answered by nottwoshort 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen some children with ADHD or mental retardation that exhibited that sort of perseverative behavior.
2007-04-05 17:41:07 · answer #6 · answered by Lin s 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes and this site describes them.
2007-04-05 13:11:02 · answer #7 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋