autism and ceiling fans?

Question

I was talking to my cousin the other night. Her son is 5 and was recently diagnosed with Aspergers. I mentioned to her that my 18 month old son is obsessed with ceiling fans. She was surprised to hear it because apparently her son is also obsessed with them....she had heard that many autistic children liked fans. I got to looking online and found several accounts of parents who were describing their autistic children's interests and behaviors, and I was surprised at some of the similarities with my sons interests. I never thought anything was wrong with the was he acted though, after all he's just a kid. He LOVES ceiling fans, turning on and off lights, and sometimes he crawls along rubbing his head on the floor. Are these really abnormal behaviors? My son is the most social kid I've ever seen. He tried desperately to get people's attention so he can interact with them. Is this actually something to worry about?

Answer 1

ALL kids love ceiling fans. Its large and has lots of movement. It just catches their eye, that's all.

My mom says all of us would watch the ceiling fans and we are all fine. All of our children have watched ceiling fans and they are perfectly healthy as well. The ceiling fan thing is an extremely vague thing to base autism off of. No medical evidence at all. No need to worry.

As for the other behaviors..... he's a little boy! Little boys can be funny sometimes. Its highly likely that he's just exploring his surroundings however he feels fit. If that means rubbing his head on the carpet, then so be it. If you are truly concerned, talk to your doctor. Don't let your cousin scare you into something.

Answer 2

Children Ceiling Fans

Answer 3

Here is something you might find interesting:

When YOU look at a ceiling fan, if the fan is going fast, all you might see is a blur. But some autistics with hypersensitive processing ability can see the fan blades turning around and follow the blades with their eyes.

If there is a flickering form of light in the room, such as a flourescent bulb (even if it is a brand new bulb) or a candle or fire in a fireplace, then an autistic might see a stroboscopic effect on the blades.

Also, regardless of what the light source is, if they can see the blades turning, then they tend to be intrigued by how the light reflects off of them.

These are reasons why the fans may attract them. The effects are cool.

Answer 4

I work with special ed kids. Kinda hard to tell, but a trip to the Pediatrician would be a good idea. Autism is a possibility, but maybe it's hearing impairment.

Answer 5

I don't think so. My son loved looking at celing fans when he was very young. He is now 5 and he has no problems like you describe. I just think a fan is cool to look at when you're a baby. He is very social and a normal outgoing child.

Answer 6

You know what? Not all kids who love fans or who are fascinated by motion and sounds are autistic. :D I think it is NORMAL to be fascinated by these things at a young age.

But I did and still do love fans....

That person who talked about knowing a "very very very smart" baby who loved fans doesn't know that autistic people are also that smart, or can be.... She also didn't know "very" is more appropriate than "really."

Answer 7

I don't know a anyone who as a child didn't like ceiling fans. I know a baby who would go to sleep while looking at a celling fan and she is really really really smart!!!!!

Answer 8

Don't compare your child to another. If you are concerned consult with his Dr. She might be able to have him tested. Don't stress over this too much, alot of babies like lights and things.

Answer 9

MY FRIEND HAS AH AUTISM DAUGTHER AND SHE WON'T HEAR PEOPLE
AND SHE SCREAMS SOMETIMES FOR NO RESON

WHAT UR SAYING DOESN'T REALLY SOUND LIKE UR CHILD IS BUT IF U THINK SO U SHOULD LET THE DOCTOR KNOW THERE IS AH TEST THEY CAN RUN TO SEE WUT THEY THINK

GO0D LUCK
HOPE I HELPED

Answer 10

In answer to your question at the very end of the details:

No.