Common Concern 4: I have a child who frequently flaps his/her hands, spins his/her body, runs away from me for unknown reasons, and lines his/her toys in a row.  I have also noticed that he/she constantly wants to watch the same episode of a show or type of video, is a picky eater, has trouble sharing his/her toys, and inconsistently responds to his/her name.  I have done some research on these behaviors and would like some clarity.  Where can I go from here?

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Caregiver’s Initial Response: Caregivers may consult with pediatricians and other healthcare providers about their child’s behavior.  Caregivers may find that brief appointments with pediatricians or healthcare providers don’t allow enough time to fully address their child’s behaviors or concerns.

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Tandem’s Response 4: Behaviors such as hand-flapping, spinning, and lining up toys can be a form of restricted or repetitive behavior.  These behaviors are common in certain developmental conditions, and understanding their purpose is key to determining if there is an underlying condition.  Identifying the function of these behaviors helps guide the most appropriate intervention strategies.  A comprehensive psychological evaluation can help identify why these behaviors are happening, whether they are part of normal development or linked to a condition, and how best to support your child.  We understand how challenging it can be to navigate these behaviors and the uncertainty around them.  Our goal is to help you understand your child’s needs and provide the right support.

 

Caregiver’s Next Steps: The first step toward understanding your child’s behaviors is scheduling a comprehensive psychological evaluation with Tandem.  This evaluation will provide clarity on your child’s behavioral needs and give you a clear plan of action for moving forward.  To get started, simply call Tandem or complete the Evaluation Interest Form here.