Hi Moms,
I have a wonderful, bright, fun loving, sweet two year old that has started rocking with her arms crossed, her head down, and her legs under her (sitting in a W position). She will not stop and at times seems like she can't get herself to stop. The other night at dinner she just rocked like this in her booster seat and wouldn't eat. It is not triggered by anything, we have been in high stress/high stimuli situations and she has been fine. It's mostly when we are at home or sitting somewhere playing. I don't know if it is just a "comfort thing", she doesn't use a binky or a bottle or if she has autistic tendencies, or what. I know the basics about autism, as I am a teacher and have done some other research, but she doesn't show any of the other signs. She screams and cries when we make her stop. I just don't know if it is something she NEEDS to do or if it is just a habit or if we are right to put a stop to it. I know the W shape that she sits in is very bad for her, so we are trying to at least stop that. Anyone else deal with something like this? Should I be concerned? What should I do?
Thanks!
Have you had her ears checked? I remember hearing about kids who have ear problems having trouble with their equilibriums. Maybe the rocking makes her feel better???
I just wrote this to someone looking for napping help, but I would recommend the Parents As Teachers program. You can check and see if you have one in your area at www.cpcfonline.org. A child development expert comes to my home once a month and visits with me about how my son is doing. We just interact and play with him, and I talk with her about whatever the challenge of the day is (sleeping, biting, eating, teething, whatever). She helps me sort out what is a normal developmental phase, when I need to worry, what to look for, and offers all kinds of helpful tips. My home visitor is Judy. If you live in Adams County, you can call her directly. Her number is: 720/989-4434. She has openings right now, and it's free and fun and helps me understand and appreciate all my son's little phases. I know that she can do developmental screenings and assist with referrals if you need more help. Good luck. There are a lot of good resources for this kind of thing, and I trust her to send you in the right direction.
It might just be a comfort thing, but I would air on the side of caution and have it checked out, it is better to air on the side of caution. At least this way, if it is a comfort thing and you go to break the habit you won't feel bad if you find out later that it was more then just comfort.
i would talk to your doc or a child psych. it could be somehting on the autism spectrum or it could be a sensory issue(sensory integration dissorder) i used to work with kids with developmental issues and we served one little guy who liked to lay on his belly, arch his back and rock back and forth. he had a sensory disorder. maybe look into that but definitely call your doc and get a referal to a specialist maybe a occupational therapist?
Turret(SP) syndrom? It could be something like that. It manafests itself in different ways. I would talk to your DR. and see what he/she says. Did she do this at child care also? Just questions to ask yourself.
C. B
It does sound like you have reason for concern. I would see if you can get in somewhere. You can check with Child Find and other resources. I hope it's nothing, and it does sound like it's just a habit that needs to be broken. Hang in there! Let us know what you find.
