Question 1

autism causes hand flapping?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive...: ...Activities are one of several diagnostic criteria for autism.

Question 2

is hand flapping in 6 month old any cause of concern?

Accepted Answer

It depends: on the rest of the picture.  In an otherwise healthy infant with normal development and muscle tone, hand flapping is likely a transient expression of excitement.  Abnormal hand movements that persist for months, worse, occur during sleep or are associated with other developmental problems is always a cause for concern until proven otherwise.

Question 3

hand flapping in adults?

Accepted Answer

Tremor: This sounds like a tremor, which could be neurological and needs evaluation.

Question 4

is hand flapping normal?

Accepted Answer

No: It is not normal. May be neurotic or OCD mannerism, but may be organic.

Question 5

what is the definition or description of: hand flapping?

Accepted Answer

Hand flapping: Movement involving flapping one or both hands.  It is a stimming behavior. Although often associated with autism -  this behavior can also occur with people who don't have autism.

Question 6

hand flapping continue in autistic adults?

Accepted Answer

It certainly can: Hand flapping sometime fades over time, but it is not at all uncommon for it to continue throughout the life of an autistic individual.  It is not harmful, per se; but, when excessive, it can interfere with other more productive behaviors.  When severe, it sometimes is treated with antipsychotics, which typically reduce both frequency and duration of the hand flapping.

Question 7

3 year old son does hand flapping when excited.

Accepted Answer

Normal Behavior: Not to worry. As long as his growth and development, behavior are age appropriate, he is fine.

Question 8

what can autistic people do to hide their hand flapping?

Accepted Answer

They can work with a: Behavioral therapist to substitute à more social-acceptable, less noticeable movement. Depending on their intellectual ability, they may also  learn self-calming techniques. Very low doses of anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or a developmental/behavioral pediatrician can help even those who have intellectual disability, as may a reminder to have " quiet hands.".

Question 9

is this normal for trisomy 21. hand flapping?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Hand flapping can occur with a variey of conditions, including trisomy 21 and many forms of intellectual disability.  It typically occurs as "overflow, " when the child is excited or frustrated.  It is not dangerous, per se; if it occurs so persistently that it interferes with more desirable activities, antipsychotics sometimes are used to diminish the frequency; behavioral approaches may work too.

Question 10

can "hand flapping" be from something besides autism?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Some individuals (adults and child) engage in repetitive movements because they find it pleasurable--it's called stereotypic movement disorder.  If there no problems with social interactions or language abnormalities, it typically is benign and self limiting.  That said, i agree with dr. Hoffman that, if you are concerned, an assessment would be well justified.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Causes of hand flapping in children

A member asked:

Autism causes hand flapping?

A member asked:

Is hand flapping in 6 month old any cause of concern?

A member asked:

Hand flapping in adults?

A member asked:

Is hand flapping normal?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: hand flapping?

A member asked:

Hand flapping continue in autistic adults?

A member asked:

3 year old son does hand flapping when excited.

A member asked:

What can autistic people do to hide their hand flapping?

A member asked:

Is this normal for trisomy 21. hand flapping?

A member asked:

Can "hand flapping" be from something besides autism?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?