7year old

[Stepmum1972]

Hi, my 7 yr old step daughter rocks and signs herself to sleep she puts one hand under her head and the other clasps her pillow to her face and rocks her whole body side to side,as she's getting older and bigger it's getting more violent, and it happens at 4 hourly intervals 8pm (bedtime) 12am then again at 4am it's quite disturbing to watch and I'm scared she's going to hurt herself, any advise would be very much appreciated
Thanks

[Stepmum1972]

Doctor doesn't think it's anything to be concerned about but he has made an appt for her to have some tests, thanks again and I'll keep you posted

[JGF25]

For sure, she needs to be evaluated.  It could be anxiety or even a form of autism since you are mentioning an aversion to loud noises, etc but also perhaps ADHD as well.  My son used to rock back and forth and refused to use the bathroom.  The more he had to go the more violent the rocking became....he has ADHD.  So you definitely want to nail down what the problem is.  Good luck and let me know how it goes for her.  JGF

[Stepmum1972]

Thank you, she also has an aversion to loud noices,only eats a few certain foods ect...my partner has a doctors appt today and is going to mention it as it's now at the stage it's affecting her schooling

[JGF25]

Hi there.  People rock for different reasons.  Usually it is to relieve anxiety.  It is something you should talk to your pediatrician about.  I rocked as a child.  Some people into adult hood.