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8 year old still "boucing" in chair - is it self soothing?

My 8 (almost 9) year old daughter has been "bouncing" in her chair since she was very little.  While bouncing, she would get red in the face, sweaty and would zone out into her own little world.  Many years ago, we brought it up to her pediatrician who has said it's normal self soothing behavior and we should try to redirect it when we could.  That seemed to work.  When volunteering in her classroom over the years, I've noticed her doing it in class a couple of times and when confronted, she'd say "I don't do that anymore".  Recently, her teacher has brought it to our attention that she is wriggling and bouncing around her chair so frequently, she is zoning out, losing concentration and her grades are beginning to suffer.  I'm reading in other posts, that this can be related to OCD which both my husband's father and brother have been diagnosed with.  I don't even know where to begin.  Do I talk to her first?  Go to her pediatrician?  I'm so confused.
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242606 tn?1243782648
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I do not see any indication that this behavior is symptomatic of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It would be sensible to rule out ADHD because it is possible the behavior is an example of hyperactivity. If that is ruled out, the possibility of a self soothing behavior is strong, though she is at the age when such behavior usually is not prominent.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Please Google Nordic Naturals. Their web site is full of information and you can even ask / email any questions to one of their experts.  I believe this brand is also of good quality. You need to be careful about the company that produces the fish oil pill regarding their source of fish.  This is due to polution in many ocean sources and also due to including fish that might be a source of mercury contamination.  Regarding the dosage, Nordic Naturals have some formulas for kids. I belive that you want the combination formula with Omega 3-6-9, but I am not an expert.  Good luck
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Avatar universal
Thank you for all the great advice!   We do plan to ask her teacher to redirect her attention when need be in a not so obvious manner.  

In regards to Omega-3, how do you administer it to a child?  I've seen it in pill and liquid form.  Would love to hear advice, ideas.....
Helpful - 0
242606 tn?1243782648
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If the bouncing is the only concern I would not pusue it. It is very likely a means of tension reduction. If it is bothersome in the class, the teacher can address it on the spot and that should suffice.

Re: the advice about Omega-3, it is one of the supplements that has wide endorsement. One of the reasons it is helpful is that it contributes to plasticity in the neurons (cells of the brain) and this enhances the movement of electrical activity in the brain. Now there is no reason to think that Omega-3 will help with the behavior you are describing, but as a supplement that contributes to healthy brain functioning it can be useful.
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Avatar universal
Dr. Kennedy probably will not agree with me!!  One thing that seems to calm my child, beside lots of exercise and sunshine, is to give the child a Omega/ Fish Oil supplement in addition to her multivitamin.  Fish Oil of a good grade seems to calm kids.  Try it and see if it helps her.  If she is not showing other signs of ADHD, this might help her and does not harm at all.
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Avatar universal
Thank you Dr. Kennedy for your prompt response.  If ADHD is a possibility, would there be other symptoms?  She is is a bright, empathetic child, who participates in many sports, extracurricular science, and piano.  There has never been an issue with behavior or school work.  We feel this "bouncing" may be in response to stress.  Recently, she's had some trouble with another girl in class and feeling stress over multiplication tables and division, which to us seems normal for a 3rd grade to stress over.   Is there any way we can help her redirect this when we're not with her?  When we asked her about it yesterday, she said she doesn't even realize she's doing it.  We're just not sure if we need to bring her to someone to figure it all outl
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Avatar universal
what is OCD? My daughter also bounces. She is 4yrs. It like she is masturbating. Is this the same idea?
Helpful - 0

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