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Autism/Worried about babies repetitive hand motions

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Expert: - 5/18/2009


Question
For a few weeks my 8 month old has been repeatedly flexing is wrist back
and forth. He does it with or without something in his hands, up against
things, I notice it several times a day everyday. I was hoping it was just him
learning to use his wrist but it realy seems like an uncontrolable thing. Today
he did it a few times first thing when he was waking up and even was doing it
against my chest while nursing. I'm really getting scared it's something with
his brain.  Ive heard of autistic children often repesting movements. Is this
something to worry about?

Answer
Whitney,

Before you jump to the conclusion that your son is autistic, you need to have him professionally assessed. At his age this is difficult to do. Many experts want to wait until a child is two. I suggest you talk it over with your child's pediatrician. There is also the possibility that something is amiss with his hands/wrists, but not very likely.

I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
Email: timrunner@cox.net
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)

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Tim Runner

Expertise

Questions concerning autistic student special education: IEP, assessments, Due Process, mediation, resolution conference, federal law, state law, qualifying for services, residential treatment, special day classes, resource specialists, procedures, having your child assessed, adaptive PE, speech & language, non-public school, FAPE, tuition reimbursement for private schools and treatment centers .

Experience

I have been an education advocate representing students and parents for six years. My experience includes: representing my clients in IEPs, SSTs, Due Process, review assessment results for my clients and for other advocates, and mediations. I have represented clients with learning disabilities, autism, Downs Syndrome, cognitively challenged, emotional problems, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and physical disabilities. I have also represented clients to County Mental Health Departments and Regional Centers. My clients range from pre-school to college students in California and various other states.

Education/Credentials
I have a degree in Mathematics from the University of California with minors in Psychology and Physics. I also studied applied statistics in the field of psychology at both the undergraduate and graduate level. I have taught college classes, conducted seminars, written articles for various publications, and testified as an expert witness.

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