Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Autism & Asperger's Syndrome (Expert Forum)
My Son Tip Toes while pacing in circles, stares and rotates his wrists
Answered by
Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA - autism
The New England Center for Children
MA
Questions in the Autism & Asperger's Syndrome forum are answered by researchers at the New England Center for Children. Topics covered include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Antisocial Personality Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Autism, blindness, bullying, clinical depression, deafness, dyslexia, mental retardation, and social alienation.
My Son Tip Toes while pacing in circles, stares and rotates his wrists
by jake143, Nov 11, 2008 12:24AM
My son is a very normal child who does well in school and make friends easily. I have a huge concern that when he gets bored, or excited about something he tenses his facial muscles, stares and moves his wrists in circles. If he is standing he will do all the above including a tip toe around the room. He does this everyday about 10 times a day if not more. He has seen a Neurologist and she said that he has what is called Stereopathy. Can anyone help me figure out what my next step is or does this sound familiar to anyone???????????????? PLEASE HELP.
Doctor's Answer
by Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA, Nov 12, 2008 08:08AM
, Nov 12, 2008 08:08AM
You are describing a form of repetitive behavior (sometimes called stereotypy) that is common among children with autism spectrum disorders. But, a number of studies have also pointed out that some repetitive behavior also occurs in typically developing a children and typical adults. Therefore, I don't think this behavior is necessarily cause for concern. From your description, it sounds like your son has typical social behavior and language, which are the remaining characteristics of autism. Having said that, your son might get some negative reactions from peers if he behaves this way in front of them. I think it would be useful to make him aware of this behavior in a gentle way and to suggest some alternative ways to relieve boredom and express excitement. The exact approach would depend on the age of your child.
