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Questions & Answers - Behavior Concerns
I am very concerned about my 2-year-old child. She is very
hyperactive, she doesn't respond to toys or other children, and she
would rather be by herself. She only repeats what she hears, and
doesn't ask for what she wants. She can't eat without assistance.
She screams and hits. She is very unbalanced - falling a lot and
running into things without trying to stop herself from becoming
hurt. When she gets hurt, she doesn't cry. She constantly has bumps
and bruises from where she has fallen or run into something. Please
give me any information you can so I can know what is going on with
my child.
It sounds as though your little girl keeps you very busy! You
mentioned a lot of concerns about your daughter. The most important
concern is her safety. If she is running into objects or falling
frequently, try to remove any items from the room where she is playing
that could harm her. She is under-responsive to pain, meaning she does
not register a response to what just happened.
It sounds like she has a strong need to move. This may be
vestibular dysfunction, which is a type of
Sensory
Processing Disorder, meaning that she has trouble processing
information from her movement ' gravity, balance and space. She
is always "on the go" because she is seeking out information and
she doesn't get enough movement. She is bumping and crashing
into things because she has a strong need for intense movement
sensation. Her brain, and particularly her central nervous
system, is craving more information from her body.
Different types of movement may have a "calming effect." Use
the playground swings, sit 'n'spin toys, an office or dining
room chair that spins; sing and spin to "ring around the rosy";
or use a blanket or sheet to make a hammock, while you and
another person swing your daughter as she lies inside. Help her
to have safe movement opportunities. If you can, make a "crash
corner" in your home using a beanbag chair and pillows where she
can safely crash and flop herself. If you set this up, she will
use it!
You are very observant of your daughter's behaviors and
should have your concerns addressed. Seek out an evaluation or
screening from an
Occupational Therapist who specializes in Sensory
Integration. You can contact the Infant/Toddler Alliance in your
area for a free evaluation - you do not need a referral from
your pediatrician. Early Intervention services are provided in
your home. Services are free and are provided by your state to
all children from birth to age 3 who qualify. (Find
early intervention contacts in your state.)Ask for an
Occupational Therapy evaluation and report on all the behaviors
you have shared.