My 5 Year Old Just Started Rocking Himself Backad Forth..

Very likely self-soothing.

But just so you know, on average Autistic people ARE very bright and in fact many are geniuses. Think Mozart and Einstein.

Just watch it over time. My son has recently taken up spinning himself into being dizzy--it's also classified as a self-soothing behavior, but I think it's just novel for him.

If it were me, I'd silently keep an eye on it and just observe. Do you see anything else happening when he's rocking? If you are observing this for quite a while (for 4-6 months or so) maybe it's time to talk to your pediatrician. I don't want to discredit your concern, and I also think that the more information you can give to the ped or a specialist, the better.

you haven't said if anything has changed in his life or yours. has he been sick? you need to fill us in on a litttle bit more....even you and your s.o. yelling at at each other or talk about life things can trigger stress!!

one of my younger brothers did this, and also put himself to sleep by shaking his head from side to side and humming. he's brilliant and has a great job in the state department.
obviously you want to keep a weather eye out for stress or other factors, but try not to stress YOURSELF over it. dimes to donuts it's just a self-soother.
khairete
S.

What else is going on when he does this? If all is calm, I suggest that he's just trying out a new movement. If he's frustrated over something then perhaps it's self-soothing. I suggest it's probably normal.

Rocking by it's self is not a sign of autism. Neither is being bright a sign that one is not autistic. Autism is much more complicated than that. If you're concerned about the possibility of autism then do some research on the Internet about characteristics of autism.

Sounds like he is wanting to feel movement.

If I were you, I'd enroll him in a gymnastics class where he'll get lots of new types of movements.

Separately, make sure he gets lots of exercise. Swim lessons would be a good way to help him too.

Smiles!
Dawn

I'm not sure I understand the problem.

I can understand if a person is a little 'plugged up' and this could help get the intestines working, but I would think it's just a soothing thing. Relaxing.

Hi Mom!! Welcome (Smiling). My youngest daughter did that too, only she was a preschooler when she started the time. It scared me at first--because she rocked so hard. Back and forth, HARD.
I too thought she may have had a mental disorder. SO, I talked to their pediatric doctor and he told me that "It's a normal thing, some children did that to sooth themselves". it didn't comfort me to much though!!!!
I thought-Like you- Stress or some other reason was the villain .
I re-examine my teaching skills with her, how her siblings were treating her, etc. I found that she didn't like her pacifier, But I always wanted her to use it because I didn't want her to suck her Thumb--she hated that thing. I would scholl her about it. she would squint tightly-- grabbing her hands as if I was going to hit her..This truly hurt me to see my baby react that way. From then on I talked to her in a cum voice and explained to her why I wanted her/them to do what it was I needed them to do.
She still Rocked until she falls asleep. Every once in a while I still see her doing that (she's now 37yrs old) --and I asked her; "You still do that"? She smiled and answer's me; "I like doing that. It relaxes me". HEEEY! It's Okay with me. Now I know it wasn't something I did wrong Once or tha she had a mental problem.

Kellie B., I wondered the same thing. Lisa, try to hug and cuddle with him as much as you can. He may need just that. Good luck.