Expert: James Michael Roan - 6/9/2006

Question
Can you advise me of why children flap or wiggle their fingers when they are excited?  I have heard this can be a sensory issue but I am not sure.  Are these movements only in ASD children?  Do they ever go away?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Kristi;

This is a very good question! No one knows for sure exactly what is the cause of hand flapping and finger/hand mannerisms. The assumption is that it is a sensory issue. It certainly does help the individual with regulating their arousal state. They usually never go away completely and are often replaced by more socially acceptable ways of modulating arousal/excitement.

I have seen a small amount of hand flapping in children with developmental delay and who would not meet the diagnostic criteria for autism.

Kind Regards,
James