Child runs backwards and forwards

[mez231]

My daughter has always run backwards and forwards in our lounge at certain times of the day.  Usually reliving a character from a film or book.  And more often than not later in the evening or just before going to bed.  However, she is now nearly 14 years old and her episodes of running backwards and forwards in her own bedroom now, are concerning me.  She is aware that what she does is strange, which is why she now does this in her own room, but says that she has to run around and feels compelled to do it, like an additction.

I have suggested alternative means of exercise such as dance or running outside and would very much like her to take up a sport if she needs to release energy, but she refuses to do anything other than what I call 'her galloping'.

How concerned should I be by this behaviour?

[zirgut]

Hi mez. My 11 year old son runs backwards and forwards or up and down in the living room. he also makes sort of fighting noises, whooshes, and waves his arms around a bit. he has been doing this for a number of years now and he does seem to do it more when things are stressful in the house or in life. I had thought he might have grown out of it but if anything he seems to be doing it more. Maybe related to starting secondary ( high) school. Don't know. I am wondering if there is any connection to the autistic spectrum as he is also not very sociable with his peers and seems even less interested in social contact.
My consolation is that there could be much more harmful ways of dispelling tensions or working through difficulties. However it is unusual behaviour and I would also like to get an opinion from a child behaviourist worker. thanks for writing in

[specialmom]

Hi!  Sorry I'm just seeing this.  Kids on the spectrum or who are neurodiverse find ways to self sooth.  They call one of the 'stimming'. This is repetitive behavior such as rocking, spinning, etc.  My son has sensory integration disorder and has stimmed since a young toddler.  Important not to stop one from doing that as it is a coping mechanism.  I don't know if that is what your son is doing but at the very least, he is getting the jimmy's out as we call it.  :>))  When he gets super excited or upset and just has to move. My son was the same way.  But you know what?  We turned it into a sport for him.  He started running track and cross country in 7th grade. Got really good at it!  In terms of social.  Autistic kids are as much individuals as anyone else with some being highly interested in socializing and some not at all, some decent at it and some that can't speak.  But typically, there IS a disconnect with communication. That's when they don't always get the joke, are very literal, participate less in two way conversations and just like to talk about favorite topics. They may misread social cues, stand too close, touch too often. Not want to be touched at all, are extremely abrasive and blunt. These can all be a little or a lot.  If you are concerned, a diagnosis can help.  At an older age, they still evaluate fully and only give the diagnosis if they think it will be of benefit.  If you have a children's hospital near you, you can see if they have a neuropsych department or developmental pediatrician.  If you have a primary care doctor, you can talk to them first and get a referral.  The biggest thing you can do for your child is to support him and allow him to be his authentic self.  Many autistics sure get burned out in the world trying to be like neurotypical peers and parents. They need a soft place to land at home.  Well, don't we all?

[specialmom]

Also, maybe asking him what his feelings are or what he is thinking about when he is walking. That could be helpful if he is anxious.

[AnnieBrooke]

Inspired by this and by memories of my fencing instructor years ago who always had us run laps backward after a fencing class, I took my son outside and we tried running up and down our long driveway in this fashion.  Running backwards is sure a better and more comprehensive workout than running forwards; he gave up after two laps out and back, and ran forwards the rest of the workout, I made it to about five laps before I couldn't run backwards any more.  Will bet my legs are a little sore tomorrow.  I like Sandman's idea.  If she'll make the trade, it will make something good for her health but odd-looking into something that looks like an exercise everyone is familiar with.

[Sandman2]

   It does sound like she is using it as a way to wind down at the end of the day.  Jogging would probably also help, but its hard for a 14 year old to do that alone.  She might try rope skipping.  You can do that forwards, backwards, on one foot, etc.  And its probably safer than running around your room.

[AnnieBrooke]

I agree that while unusual and maybe a bit of an obsession, that is one of the better things she can do for stress release. At my son's school, they are making a concerted effort to get the kids onto the track at recess time, and explain seriously to the kids that a healthy heart is connected to a healthy brain.  I assume it gives her lots of cortisol, good for her.   If she is not too self-conscious about this as a preferred way to blow off steam, when she is a little older and less concerned about what her peers might say if they see her, she could do it on a track. That would feel really good!  And I'll bet if she has been doing this for ten years or more, she has really fabulous looking legs.  I think it's all good unless someone is trying to tease her about it or make it seem aberrant.

[RockRose]

Interesting habit.  Have you tried it?  Way back in the day I had a very dynamic PE teacher and he had all the kids walking backwards and forwards.  He said it's incredibly relaxing.  You could see kids in that little town,  in parks,  walking backwards and forwards.

I was always too scared of falling over backwards to give it much of a chance,  but those who did it agreed - it destresses your brain.  

I think she's on to something.  While relaxing her,  it's probably also very good for her coordination and memory.

[margypops]

It may just be a habit and maybe she does it to exercise, a compulsion, I used to climb steps for exercise, I had to do it 10 times , it was a habit and definatly a compulsion, One day I found I didnt want to do it anymore I had burnt myself out, so she may get out of it.My other thought is perhaps it is getting her attention, maybe if you didnt mention it she would stop?