34 months visual stimming

[Momofu]

Hi im new to this forum. I have a 34 month son, sociable, always happy, he just started to combine words but has tons of words and i lose track already. He turns head when i call him, but not when he s infront of the tv. So we try to minimize it... He has a good eye contact normally, but once i tell him to look at me he wont look at me, but eye contact is perfect when hes telling me something or what he needs , or just normally talking to him or while playing or tickling and he even approach me yo hold his hand. He s not communicative yet , for example he wont answer yes if i ask him if he went to the park, mostly he would copy my word if he means yes but he knows how to say no. But my main problem is his visual stimming, he would look at bricks or anything with vertical lines from the corner of his eyes then move his head, it will take less than a minute but will do this when he is not engage or if theres a chance. Then just previously he is checking his fingers close to his eyes. I asked his pedia if he sees any possibility of autism, he said no, not yet as of this moment, since he follow instructions easily..he said we will wait for six months .and see what happens he might refer us to optometrist, thats a very long wait. with these traits do you think my son  could have autism? Please explain it to me elaborately i need explanation why is he doing this... Thank you so much in advance really appreciate it .

[Momofu]

Special mom, you are really special, considering all your efforts to help your son... I bring him to the park everyday as weather permits,with my 7month old baby with us. Im planning to buy him slides and now trampoline also , as youve mention it did good for your son. Im looking forward to transform one of our rooms for him to have these activities specially in winter season.  Did your son have a delayed speech also? When did he start speaking fluently? Would you suggest enrolling my son to nursery thats like 2-3 days a week,  do you think it would help him? Im sorry if i have lots of questions ... Its so hard to find someone who can relate on your situation, im glad i found this forum. Everytime were at the park and he stims i feel bad that i have to stop him before others notice, and sometimes those people notice... I dont want them to think something about my son... I wish i can always protect him. Thank you so much God bless you

[specialmom]

Hi there.  I first want to mention how wonderful all the positives you mention about your boy!  Sounds like a great little boy!!  My son was similar in many ways.

My own son is now 10.  He was diagnosed with sensory integration disorder officially at 4 but we started the process right before he turned 3.  It took a while.  And once diagnosed, we did occupational therapy.  Really wonderful for what it did for my son.  At 10, my son is a straight A student going into 5th grade, plays several sports, has learned to play the violin and is now taking up trumpet to be in the school band, has friends, has hobbies and interests, etc.  Yes, he's a bit quirky but is overall doing fantastic!  I'm really proud of him and how hard he's worked to overcome challenges.

so, they do so much to help our kids as I never imagined he'd be doing so well when he was initially diagnosed.  

One key thing we do is lots of sensory activities that help to regulate his overall system.  These are related to physical activity.  We have things we do now but when he was younger, I would take him to the park and have him roll down a hill and run back up it, he'd hang off a monkey bar with me right there to grab hi as he started by only hanging for like 2 seconds (progressing to going all the way across), swinging is calming, running all over, etc.  A sand box is a great sensory activity.  my son would cover himself in sand.  he still will dig a whole now as a big guy and get in it.  We ran circles around the house or marched down the drive way and back up slapping our feet firmly on the concrete.  he jumped on trampolines often.  We got a mini one for the house that was inexpensive---  it's in our tv room.  And we have a large one in the back yard.  I took him swimming.  I set up obstacle courses.  Even just crawling on all fours is a sensory activity.  The more he did, the better his sensory symptoms!  Very motivating to continue that.  Now at 10, my son swims on a competitive swim team, kicks a soccer ball, hits a punching bag, does push ups, etc. for that sensory input to help regulate him.  

so, try these things to see if it helps his nervous system regulate.  

For staring off . . .   I would go TO him and touch his shoulder as a cue that I was needing his attention.  

There are studies about add/adhd kids and hyper focus.  They become almost fixated.  You have to interrupt that without being irritated but just have a cue that RIGHT NOW I NEED YOUR ATTENTION.  touching my son gently on the shoulder usually got him to break the focus and look up to me and then hopefully listen.  

[Momofu]

Hi special mom, we are still waiting for his schedule, he is in a waiting list right now, they will assess him whats causing the speech delay... I think from there they will see if theres a need for ot for his sensory. How is your child doing now? Is there any tips you can share to me so i can help him while we are still waiting? Thanks

[Momofu]

Hi special mom, we are still waiting for his schedule, he is in a waiting list right now, he will assess him whats causing the speech delay... I think from there they will see if theres a need for ot for his sensory. How is your child doing now? Is there any tips you can share to me so i can help him while we are still waiting? Thanks

[specialmom]

Hi there.  One other thing that causes visual issues such is this is sensory integration disorder.  An occupational therapist works with children on this issue.  My son saw an occupational therapist for quite a bit of time for various issues regarding his sensory integration disorder or sensory processing disorder.  Visual is one of the senses and is affected by sensory processing disorder.  This is just a possibility to consider.  Is a occupational therapy a specialty that you could get onto a wait list in your area?  speech also is affected by sensory issues as well.  good luck