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)
Wrist flicking/arms held back
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.
Wrist flicking/arms held back
by kristieod, Oct 12, 2008 06:45PM
My son is 8 months old and developmentally is right on track and very social. However, I have a concern with something that he does when excited, happy, etc. As long as I can remember he has been flicking his wrists (moving them in a circle) and at the same time will have his arms out to the side and up by his shoulders. He will also do this while he is eating sometimes. He doesn't seem to have any other problems with his arms/hands because his pincer grasp is good with both hands. What could be a cause for this? I am not convinced that it is a form of autism since that would be the only sign he exhibits but wonder what else it could be.
Doctor's Answer
by Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA, Oct 15, 2008 08:16AM
, Oct 15, 2008 08:16AM
Repetitive motor movements are common in typical children as well as children with autism, so I would not be too concerned. As you mentioned, your child seems on-track developmentally. But, I do recommend that you mention any concerns to your pediatrician who will have a broader picture of your child's health and developmental profile and be able to perform an in-person assessment.
