13 answers

My 20 Month Old Bounces When She Sits

Anytime that my daughter is sitting she starts to bounce. She bounces in her highchair, carseat, stroller, shopping cart and even when she is just sitting on the floor. She crosses her arms so the she is grabbing her shoulders and gets real stiff with her legs. If we say her name or distract her she will stop. It doesn't seem to matter what time of the day it is or if she is tired. Even if she is excited about something like a new doll she will hug it really tight and bounce. She has been doing this ever since she has been able to sit. I talked to the doctor about it and he says she should stop by the time she turns two but as of right now I don't think that it is getting any better. We have never seen her play with her private area, but alot of people do think masturbation. And maybe it is something as simple as that. I have never seen another child do this, and was just wanting some other opinions and help.

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Thank you so much to everyone that has replied to my request. They are all helping to comfort my husband and I. I did want to mention a few things that would maybe help. My daughter has been tested for autism but I am sure that it was not a very thorough test. It was a check list that you answered yes or no to. But my husband and I both thought autism at one time also. She is very interactive with other kids. She holds eye contact with us and smiles at appropriate times. She also seems to developing normal, meaning that she is talking, walking, climbing and all of the other normal behaviors that 20 month old toddlers do. We wonder if maybe this is something that she does mostly to comfort herself, but it is so strange looking that it causes us to be concerned. Our family members tend to ask question too, I know that they are only concerned but its hard to explain when you dont really understand it yourself. It has really helped knowing that other people have seen or have experienced this. Any information that anyone can give is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for all of the encouragement.
C.

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If she stops when you distract her then I would do that EVERY time and I think eventually she will stop.

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C. - I have a 4 year old with autism and Martha R is right on.

The checklist you have spoken of is not adequate to disqualify the diagnosis. I read a 40 page booklet from the American Academy of Pediatrics and of the dozens of behaviors they listed, my child had only 2. And he has it. I'm glad that she talks, smiles, meets your eyes, etc, but as Martha said, be careful about that. What the literature doesn't tell you is that none of the behaviors of children on the spectrum are absolute. Each is different. My child did all of those things, too.

A team of professionals can better tell you including a developmental pediatrician/neurologist who specializes in this, along with a psychologist, an Occupational Therapist and a Speech Therapist. Pediatricians are great and so valuable to us all, but they are generalists and many don't know what to look for. My pediatrician (very well respected in the area and with nearly 30 years of experience) told me for more than a year that I had nothing to worry about when I brought the problems to her.

She told me that she'd been to three conferences on it and the only thing she came out with was that if your child points to things, chances are they aren't. My son had no problem pointing. When I told her of the diagnosis later, she said, "I guess we'll learn about it together." That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with the checklist, but it really only skims the surface because each of these children are as different as thumbprints.

I know it's hard to read these kinds of responses, but you are doing the right thing by checking it out. And there is no harm in ruling it out. The earlier you address it, the better your outcomes will be. If you live in the Columbus area and want more information, please feel free to contact me. I hope it isn't autism and it's just something she grows out of, but if it is, there's lots of good help available here and great moms on this site who can help you. Good luck!

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If she stops when you distract her then I would do that EVERY time and I think eventually she will stop.

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I agree with the first post. I would just divert her to a new thing to do. And just tell her that she can't do that anymore, or she's going to end up hurting herself or something.

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I have seen babies bounce, scoot across the floors instead of crawling, I have seen babies roll, go into rages for no explained reasons. Get a weighted blanket or massage her to calm her down when she does that. A massage where you take your hands and squeeze gently and go down her arms, mid down her legs. It works.
As for playing with her private areas - she has discovered she has this new and unexplored territory. At her age she is not self masterbating! She simply learned there is more to her body than she realized. She'll stop this as well. Just relax and enjoy her.

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Chistina,

Be very careful when you think about Autism. There is nothing that she can do that will disqualify the diagnois, this is a mistake that many parents make in not seeking treatment or evaluation sooner, because they must not be autisitic if they can look you in the eye, etc. You may be right, but self stimulation is a big sign and she is very young. Many kids on the spectrum walk, talk, smile and even look you in the eye. You could start with an OT and see if therapy for sensory issues will help, but be very honest with yourself about what the signs of autism spectum really are, check www.autismspeaks.org for a list, and don't ignore anything else you see even if it seems to be no big deal. Early intervention is the key, even if it is just bouncing!

M.

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I'm not sure if this behavior can be identified at this young age. I suggest at some point consulting or taking her to a psychologist for testing. Some of these behaviors can be indicative of OCD or autism. There are high functioning levels of autism, and you may not see the severe symptoms like that seen on TV.

Because this behavior can be indicative of learning disabilities, it's better to identify these things early on. The sooner a coping regimen can be started, the less likely the child is to become behind in schooling and build behavioral issues.

Everyone acted like my son was just a little behind the normal curve with school. I finally had him tested and found out he does have a few symptoms of autism and other disorders. Others do not see the difference so much, but I feel it at home with trying to complete normal things like going to the store, changes in routine and a bit in speech delays.

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My sister did that all the time she was growing up. She STILL does it once in a blue moon, when she's real tired (she's 38!). She now has a son who is almost 8 and HE does it too! We all laugh about it and think it's cute. The only time that we find it annoying is in the car. I'll be driving behind her and I can see the whole car just rocking back and forth because of him bouncing in the back seat! I don't think it's anything to worry about. I think it's something he does to "relax" himself. My sister pretty much outgrew it....sort of....I wouldn't worry.

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I did the same thing when i was a little girl. I finally grew out of it when i was about 5. but sometimes in my alone time iI still do it. Hope this helps.

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