Hand Flapping

[harmonicker]

My son is really flapping his hands a lot these days and it is seems to be occurring out of excitement for anything he or we may be talking about. So, it is a happy stim-but stimming nevertheless, that breaks my heart.

Any suggestions on what to replace this with for my almost 8 year old son?

I thought of clapping his hands, but did not know if that would serve him well for being a boy and at this age?

[melissa_h]

Neurotypical kids flap when excited too, just to put your mind at ease. :)

Clapping is another stim common among spectrum kiddos and I'd venture to say that since it actually makes a noise, it may draw more attention to your son (if that is what you're trying to avoid).

Since it happens when excited it may be hard to replace it - when you're excited the last thing you're thinking of is what you're supposed to do instead of hand flap hehe.

Maybe snap his fingers? It may look a little odd but it isn't as loud as clapping.

My vote is to let him flap though, Alexander (although only 6.5) has days were he flaps more than normal - he'll jump and flap, flap and jump. That's my boy hehe.

[PaxMamma]

my only thought is to check and make sure he's not flapping due to sensory modulation. maybe he needs some input? if it's happening a lot throughout the day, i'd try the trusty old deep pressure and heavy work. if he's just happy, though, i don't know. what about a hug?

[harmonicker]

My OP must have sounded a bit cold.. :paperbag

I am fine with him flapping, but as his Mother,I guess I feel I want to"help" him.

Really?..I have never noticed a NT kids flap Melissa..that is good to know......my daughter has done it occasionally but I have to be very disecting with her behaviors as she mimics her brothers AS traits sometimes, yet worry with her de-fusable tantrums that something else may be brewing.

I always think I can control everything, but gratefully I have been blessed with my son to teach me that I indeed cannot control anything at all.

You know him well Dedra ;)SM always is his issue since he is a sensory seeker and I am sure if I roll him out a few times a day with the yoga ball we may see some change-or not....
Thanks you guys...