Spinning Toys

Some spinning of toys are normal!!!!!!

I am the parent of a 20yr old son who had moderate autism

You can email me with any questions L. at any time.

It sounds like you have a very active toddler, and i am not seeing autism here

good luck to you

L.

My kids are 2 and almost 5 and they still love it when daddy spins his wedding band or coins. If that's the only symptom, I wouldn't be too concerned.

Jen

I work with Early Intervention and have specialized in toddlers with autism. As long as all other development is ok, this one "red flag" would not be a concern. It is common for poeple to notice little quirks that are shared by a dad and a son. Many of us have "autistic tendencies" actually, but we know how to control them appropriately and are not autistic. If you want to read the best resource on the subject, order the book, "Could it be autism?" by Nancy Wiseman and check out her website at www.firstsigns.org - I wouldn't totally rule it out, but it doesn't sound like a huge, huge concern either. Definitely keep an eye on it - it's great that you are so educated and watching for the signs already!

Is he social? Does he like to be hugged, be given attention? I don't think that spinning qualifies a diagnosis of autism - there is so much moer to it.

Lining up toys in a straight line is a "sign"....

A child spinning THEMSELVES around is a sign...

I've never heard of spinning toys though :D (I worked with adults with disabilities up until a year ago, and we were kept pretty up to date).

I wouldn't worry -- a child doesn't fit the profile of autism unless they show a *lot* of signs. You can check the diagnostic criteria:

http://ani.autistics.org/dsm4-autism.html

However, I think from what you've said - your son is quite safe: He interacts with you, makes eye contact, plays age appropriate games, uses a good # of words, plays with his peers... er... Daddy well.. ;-)

Hi L. - Goodness yes! You are being extremely paranoid and your son will begin to feel it. THAT will change him as a person.

Relax and enjoy your child! What comes will come, and you will deal with it. People have been raising children for thousands of years - this is nothing new.

Hey - it is what it is. Your paranoia will only make it much worse and even create issues that wouldn't otherwise be there.

Goodness. Take a deep breath and RELAX! This time with your child will be over before you know it and you've spent it worrying about how he plays with his toys....

Hi there! I worked with children with autism for 8 years until this January when I went on maternity leave. Every child spins things at some point or another, and it sounds like your little guy is doing what every child at his age should be doing which is experimenting with things in his environment. Autism is diagnosed when you have a child who is showing deficits with communication and socialibility and shows behavioral difficulties. If your child has the appropriate amount of words that he should, pretend plays, points, makes eye contact, shows joint attention with you, then he is right on target! But, as I tell families, I am not an MD, so it never hurts to bring it up with your pediatrician if you are concerned. Hope this is helpful and puts your mind more at ease!

Dear L.,

I think that all kids love the spinning toys. Just think when you were a kid how you loved to spin on the swing. Children wih autism like to repeat actions. Like rocking back and forth... Your son seems to be growing and learning at a very normal rate.. Be proud and enjoy him... Dont worry about the little things..lol They grow way to fast.

H.

I wouldn't worry too much about the spinning behavior. It sounds like he is developing just fine and spinning things is just another way he is learning about his world. As a teacher of young autistic children I have seen many repetitive, perseverative behaviors but these usually become somewhat ritualistic and the toy is not played with in the intended way like your son is able to do. A more important indicator is how he interacts and responds to you. If he is making eye contact and seeking social interaction than you probably have no need to worry!

I can see why you would question the spinning behavior but as a professional who has worked with many kiddos on the spectrum, your son does not raise any "red flags" with me from what you've said. All kids have quirks and if he seems developmentally appropriate, socially appropriate and emotionally appropriate for his age then I would not worry about autism. I think all kids find joy in unusual or un-toy-like objects at one point or another. The key is to make sure as he gets older, his pretend play skills begin to develop and he begins to use that tupperware container as a hat, a garage for cars, a boat in the bath etc. He's a bit young for that now but you can also encourage him to use it in different ways too! Have fun!

It doesn't sound like a cause for concern. I work with children with autism. Some criteria for autism include delayed speech and language skills, impaired socialization (decreased eye contact, limited engagement with people, preferring objects rather than people, etc...), rigidity, etc... It's always a good idea to talk to your pediatrician - that will at least alleviate your concerns. Good luck.

Hey L., Does he point, show you things, make good eye contact, share, worry when someone else is hurt, and respond to his name? If so, spinning by itself is not a concern -- at all. If there are any concerns about his language or interaction skills, you shoudl have him screened, but if not, there's no need. --S.

I bet you are just feeling a little paranoid right now. All these news reports and studies lately really get into all our heads. If he is right on track with everything I wouldn't read into things so much. If you are concerned though it doesn't hurt to talk to his doctor. They are always really good about understanding concerns of new parents and talking through them with you.

Hi L.,

With all the mixed information and resources out there, it's understandable that you are feeling nervous and are concerned. From reading what you wrote about your son and his language skills and reaching developmental milestones, it sounds like he's doing great. I'm in no way an expert on this issue (just a mom of 2 boys that have their own quirks), I agree with the earlier comment that your son is probably just mimicking what he sees his father doing? In terms of autism, it is my perception that the spinning is more of a concern if it's a repetitive behavior coupled with the more serious signs of autistic behavior, namely missing milestones and inability to have proper social interactions for a given age. The fact that he is able to imitate his father, participate in pretend play, engage in interactive play and speak 60+ words actually point away from autistic behavior and indicate that he is developing fine. Having said that, you are his mother if you are concerned, it is always important to mention it to your physician. But, if you have not seen any other red flags, I would not stress yourself out so much. Finally, congratulations on having such a great family - your son sounds like he's a lot of fun!

I have taught young children with autism spectrum disorder for 8 years. If you have concerns by all means talk to your child's doctor, but spinning toys while playing is very normal. Kids don't always play with toys the right way, sometimes they line cars up instead of pushing them, or spin things, but that doesn't scream autism.

I think that hitting the milestones is great. However I am a mom of a boy that did the same thing. He walked, and ran, he played with most toys the right way, played peek a boo, etc. Now we are in a different situation. If he is doing any repetitive play, it could be as simple as a sensory issue, meaning he might like the constant spinning sensation in his head, or even a maybe it is a "stiming" thing. Some of this, is of course "typical". I am only saying what some of our many doctors explain to us. We have the Chief Neurologist & GI's at MGh, a great a neurophsycologist & Ladders Dr. My son now is on the Autism spectrum after a 1 1/2yrs of my doctor telling me not to listen to other mothers and myself. To wait and see and to give him all of his vaccines!
I have one thing to suggest...it is only my opinion. You said he will be 18 months soon...wait out the 18 month vaccines. I know it is controversial whether it does or does not effect our children. But just that question in other moms head makes it seem not right. Have you once ever said toyourself you get better information from other moms than your doctor. That is how this issue is. Finally now my peditrician is agreeing he sees a diference since before and during each vaccine....I begged him to read his notes on my son.
Again only my opinion ...this is how I see it, you can always give this to your son in the future, always, but you can never take it back. So even if you just put it off til his 2 year b-day and when you feel confident everything is just fine, meaning every concern you have has been properly answered. There are many waivers for preschool to get in with out a vaccine, there is no law yet!
I don't mean to sound so harsh, but really I pray every day someone would have just warned me right before even just one set of vaccines. Then I may I would have a little more of my son... My son pointed to his head every time he had a shot, and would cry mama, now he can not say mama or point. Again there is a lot in the news for a reason, if it weren't such a big issues it would be put to rest already.
It took 20 years to prove cigarette cause lung cancer and if you read what patients said there were many people backing up that it wasn't true. The day will come that more will be answered. I really hope this helps you at least getting answers. I'm sure he will be fine, but it's great you are even looking into any answer at this early stage!

Hi L.

It doesnt sound like any reason for concern. From everything else you described it sounds as though he is developing right on track. Perhaps he sees your husband spinning things and he is copying what he does. I see my 21mo old copying things as well. Maybe just mention it to your Dr for your own peace of mind.

Hi L.,

I saw your post and wanted to respond. Our son who is now 15 was obsessed with fans when he was youger. From infancy until he was about 6, we had fans in every room of the house...and he carried those little portable fans every where with him. But he has grown into a very bright, socially engaged wonderful kid without any developmental handicaps. In retrospect I wonder and have wondered what all of this meant. (I have a nephew with mild autism.)..I guess what I'm saying is that there are other signs.Don't put too much emphasis on the spinning

My cousins son has Autism and he spins everything abnormally. If he has a truck to play with, he flips it upside down and spins the wheels. If we go into a store with ceiling fans he alternates between watching the wheels on the cart spin and watching the ceiling fans spin.

Usually all of the spinning activity was done by using toys in an abnormal way. He also had a number of other delays which lead to an early diagnosis.

Since your son plays with his toys normally and seems to be developing normally I would think that he is a normal little boy :). Try not to worry. If your concerns continue though you could talk to his pediatrician about it.

As for your husband's spinning... if he is spinning the ring around on his finger that is a normal activity, if he is taking it off and spinning it and everything else he can find on a table, then perhaps your son is just picking up that activity from watching your husband.

I have to be on the watch for Autism in my youngest since infants who were born extremely premature often are Autistic. I have been communicating with my cousin (whose son is Autistic) and going through my college psychology books to re-familiarize myself with it. I do know that the incidence of diagnosed Autism has increased dramatically in recent years and that there are many studies being done as to why. Many suspect that a group of children labeled as Autistic are misdiagnosed, and research is being done to learn more about Autism. Since this research makes the news often, parents are more aware of the problems associated with Autism and then tend to watch their children more closely. While it is good to get all the information possible and get an early diagnosis if the child truly has Autism, it is tragic when children are misdiagnosed, or when parents spend time worrying when they do not need to. Try not to over analyze your little one. Just relax, enjoy him and keep a mild eye on his behavior :).

you baby is fine! stop stressing out! there would be alot more syptoms to worry about besides an occasional spinning of things.... little ones have very limited attention spans and its normal for them to go from one thing to the next...especially boys!