Expert: James Michael Roan - 6/13/2006

Question
I just wanted to ask you a question about some other of his symptoms.  I was reading some of your other questions and answers and didn't understand what they meant by handflapping.  Then it hit me whenever my son gets excited about anything he shakes his whole body, especially his arms, is that what they mean by handflapping?  Even though he has a hearing loss - he is constantly asking me whats that noise - even when I don't hear anything - he is also always asking me about smells also!  If you think it could possibly be autism - can you possibly give me a name of a doctor who can help me diagnose him?  I live in Reading, PA - and he has been to several doctors at St Christophers Hospital in Phila. - but it seems like noone will listen to me when I tell them all the things going on with him!  Please help me if you can!  Thank you so much for listening!   Connie

Answer
Hi Connie;

Your son is a tough one to diagnose! (Please keep in mind I do not diagnose over the internet.) It is hard to describe hand flapping, but I'll give it a try. When a child flaps his hands, it looks as though the wrist is completely limp/highly flexible, so that when the excited child shakes their arms up and down the hands with fingers extended flap up and down rapidly. A child will often bounce up and down on their toes while doing this if they are standing.

As far as hearing sounds, you want to make sure it is not tinusitis (ringing in the ears). Children with autism often do hear sounds we do not notice. They will often smell, sniff actually, their food, people, and objects. Are you seeing this?

You need an assessment by a team expert in autism and high functioning autism to put your mind at ease and to be safe.

The autism center at the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia will be able to give you the "leading edge" of service you need. Many pediatricians and psychologists who have not worked extensively with children on the autism spectrum are unable to recognize the early signs. Children's Hospital will be able to give you an extensive assessment. Here is their link:
http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/service.jsp?id=27696

You can always email me with more questions.

Kind Rgeards,
James