3 year old with strange motor behavior

[philly279]

Not sure if I am in the right place, but here it goes...My son (who will be 4 in August) is perfectly normal in every aspect of life except for one thing.  When he gets excited or is extremely bored, he flaps his fingers and extends his leg muscles, while practically standing on his tip toes.  He does this maybe 5 times a day and he says it "makes him feel good" when he does it.  He is in day care/pre-school and has zero developmental issues.  I'm just concerned that this might be due to something else.  He displays zero other "red flags" regarding Autism.  I'm just a worried parent who is confused as what to do.  He seems to do this behavior more at home than anywhere else.  We are concerned that it will hinder him later in school.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

[philly279]

I don't see any OCD signs other than his desire to do this movement when he is excited or bored.

[possibilities]

They say that at this age kids will grow out of certain behaviors. If this behavior continues for probably about 6 months or more or worsens with any other type of obsessions then consider getting him evaluated from a psychologist. This could be a sign of Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD), although it has to be going on at least 6 months or more. Consider looking up OCD. Obviously have him evaluated by his primary doctor. Good luck.

[RockRose]

philly,  have you ever tried it?  It does feel good - it clears your head,  makes it easier to focus,  and has a calming affect.  

[philly279]

No other sensory behaviors.  No phobias at all really either.  It's just this stimulatory movement that he does at certain times during the day.  He does it at home much more than when we are out.  

[g8r grl]

Does he have any other sensory issues? It doesn't sound like he's Autistic, but might have a sensory thing going on. My son is not Autistic, but does receive occupational therapy for some sensory issues. He's Apraxic (not Autistic) and the sensory issues come along with the package. He just turned 2 this week.

I think it's a self-stim thing and he'll eventually stop doing it. Let me know of any other sensory related behaviors he might have...

[tiredbuthappy]

"Stimming is a jargon term for a particular form of stereotypy, a repetitive body movement (often done unconsciously) that self-stimulates one or more senses in a regulated manner. It is shorthand for self-stimulation, and a stereotypy is referred to as stimming under the hypothesis that it has a function related to sensory input.[1] Stereotypy is one of the symptoms listed by the DSM IV for autism and is observed in about 10% of non-autistic young children. Many people with autism do not exhibit stereotypy. Common forms of stereotypy among people with autism include hand flapping, body spinning or rocking, lining up or spinning toys or other objects, echolalia, perseveration, and repeating rote phrases.

There are many theories about the function of stimming, and the reasons for its increased incidence in autistic people. For hyposensitive people, it may provide needed nervous system arousal, releasing beta-endorphins. For hypersensitive people, it may provide a "norming" effect, allowing the person to control a specific part of their sensorium, and is thus a soothing behavior.[2]" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimming)

as you read, this does occur in 10 percent of typically developing children. now that you have a term for it, you can read more about it. if there's no other red flags, then i wouldn't worry.

[margypops]

THis is normal exubrance of a delightful little Boy who is full of Fun, please dont let anyone make you anxious with remarks of  Autism and the Like, Enjoy what he does and copy him actually I see grwn ups doing madder things.Dont5 read more into it than hes having Fun.

[philly279]

His social skills are great, by the way.  Looks everyone in the eye and is quite the comedian.