AboutJames Windell Expertise I can answer questions related to normal child development, disturbed behavior and how to provide appropriate guidance and discipline.
Experience I've been a clinical psychologist in a juvenile court, worked in school settings, been a child psychotherapist in a private psychiatric clinic and consulted with schools, courts, hospitals and daycare centers.
Organizations American Psychological Association
Michigan Psychological Association
Publications I have been a columnist with the Oakland Press (Oakland County, MI) for 21 years writing a weekly column called Coping With Kids, which is also published weekly in the Staten Island Advance. I have been a mental health columnist with the Detroit Free Press and a columnist for Working Mother Magazine. In addition, I have published articles in professional journals. I have published 12 books, among them are "8 Weeks to a Well-Behaved Child" (IDG Books), "Discipline: A Sourcebook of 50 Failsafe Techniques for Parents" (IDG Books); "Children Who Say No When You Want Them to Say Yes" (IDG Books), "What You Need to Know About Ritalin" (Bantam Books) and "6 Steps to an Emotionally Intelligent Teenagers" (John Wiley & Sons). My latest two books, both published in 2006 are "The Fatherstyle Advantage" (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) and "Defusing High Conflict Divorce" (Impact Publishers). Articles about my work with parents has appeared in the New York Times, the Chicago Sun Times, the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press.
My website at Jameswindell.com includes more information about me, my books and includes many columns I've written.
Education/Credentials B.A. in Psychology from Wayne State University
M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Oakland University
Awards and Honors Best Educational Program by Juvenile and Family Court Judges Association (National award for the development of a parent training program for parents of delinquent teenagers. Beth Clark Service Award from the Michigan Psychological Association.
Expert: James Windell Date: 6/30/2008 Subject: Repetitive behaviors
Question My son is 20 months old. He has not really begun to talk but he babbles a lot, and sometimes echoes a melody. He has recently started to point at things. He does recognize familiar objects and can put puzzles together with ease. He is a climbing monkey. Very confident on his feet. He was recently evaluated for early intervention for language. He does have delays in language-both receptive and expressive. In addition, he loves to manipulate anything with a hinge. Also, if given the opportunity, he will repeatedly open and close sliding glass doors. He grows tired of it after a while. He loves to watch any kind of door open or close. I have serious concerns about this behavior and am wondering if these are early signs of autism. What can you tell me?
Answer Hello Janine,
Most toddlers develop rituals and repetitive behaviors. Very seldom are such behaviors related to autism.
Certain kinds of repeitive behaviors are indeed one common symptom associated with autism. However, in order to diagnose autism there must be several symptoms. Your son apparently has no other symptoms related to autism.
Many children have language delays, which, of course, worry parents. But many of those same children catch up in their language development by age four or so.
Toddlers love to explore their environment and learn how things work. That's one of the reasons they engage in behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic. It helps them to figure out things that we take for granted.
Enjoy your active toddler.
Best,
James Windell
