Is hand and arm flapping (waving) normal for a 15 month old when they are excited?

Answer 1

YES, it's normal. My 16 month son does it. He's excited, surprised, wanting something - and more able to communicate with body language than words (although he has quite a vocabulary). It's only a sign for caution if he exhibits other signs of autism, ADD, etc. - otherwise quite normal. If you're concerned and there are other symptoms, check out websites and/or talk to your pediatrician about it, though at this age it's rather young to be diagnosed.

Have fun enjoying your toddler! (:

Answer 2

It depends on what kind and in what circumstances...I understand what the other answers before me are saying - some kids get excited and wave their hands, and it's totally normal. However, there is another kind of "flapping" that can be a sign of autism or other disorders such as Aspergers. We had a child at my center that displayed this behavior. His wasn't a normal "excited" flapper, it was more like when he got overstimulated, he couldn't stop waving his hands. This could happen anytime, even when we were doing something mundane like sitting down for a snack. He would get excited about the food, and couldn't stop "flapping," which was sometimes accompanied by excited noises like squealing or grunting. One of the teachers would have to go over and hold him (like a hug) to calm him down. He exibited other signs, such as learning and cognitive delays, and motor clumsiness. It was really unfortunate, because his mom was in denial and refused to get him diagnosed to get the help he needed.

Follow your gut. If you think something might be out of the ordinary, take him/her to a specialist. If there is a disorder, it's better to diagnose early. It doesn't mean your kid will be put on drugs necessarily. More than likely they'll have a special program designed for them when they start school. It's totally cope-able, I think some parents freak out unnecessarily :-)

Good luck!

Answer 3

Typically developing 15 month old children do this when excited.

It is also a red flag for autism. Of course there are many other characteristics that are indicitive to autism as well, so do not just go on this one thing.

I would see your pediatrician so a proper and professional evaluation can be made. If nothing else, your pediatrician should be keeping a close eye on your child's develpoment for any further signs. In fact, I would insist upon it.

Best wishes!

Answer 4

From what you have defined it does not sound like something out of the time-honored, toddlers tend to make movements to precise their happiness. in spite of the shown fact that, if he flaps many times with incoming stimuli and looks to have a would desire to do it as time is going on, this could be indicative of a conceivable spectrum ailment. possibly do some greater analyze on autism and in case you sense there are greater warning signs, take him to a neurologist for an assessment. If he does have autism, early intervention is an excellent selection for his age group.

Answer 5

Kid do a sorts of things when they get excited. At 15 months they are still learning what they can do with their bodies. Our youngest is one and she does all sorts of things (flapping, wiggling, rolling, squatting, thrusting one arm suddenly in the air, holding her head sideways,etc) but so did our other 8 children and they all came out fine and none of them are autistic.

Answer 6

Baby Hand Flapping When Excited

Answer 7

my son does it. some time he gets so excited that he waves his hands and jumps up and down at the same time and he falls over. its kinda funny and cute. he is 19 months.

Answer 8

My son is autistic this was the first sign

Answer 9

not really. it could be a sign of autism. have it checked out.