My throat.....

Concerned about Marchie's development

Last edited 02/15/2013

This could get long. I'm wondering whether I should even BE concerned or whether what I'm worrying about is just personality.

In a word, he's oppositional. He doesn't like being instructed, never has, doesn't like being shown how to do things, often doesn't even like suggestions. Since he's been able to walk, he's NEVER been good at entertaining himself.

Things he likes to do: look at and talk about and punch buttons on appliances; read books (with or without us); take walks outside and play on playgrounds when the weather is nice. Can also interest him in throwing and kicking a ball back and forth fairly often.

I can't tell him to go pick something to go play with, because what he will choose to go play with is punching buttons on appliances or opening and closing the washer/dryer lids.

He CAN stack blocks, but he doesn't want to build with them or with Legos. The only thing that interests him about them is when we build a tower and he wants to knock it over. Crafts? Ha ha, maybe for a couple of minutes interest if that, and that couple of minutes is rare.

He is also obsessed with spinning things: plates, bowls, balls. He was evaluated by a child development person 1 1/2 years ago for a speech delay but she did a complete eval and she mentioned that he was not autistic in any way. He enjoys interacting with people, and while I agree with her he is totally obsessive about the spinning. It's his default activity. If I leave him alone, that's what he does and I have to redirect. ETA: his speech is very good now.

I'll be talking to his preschool teacher about some of these things at conferences next week, and his ped at his 3-year, but I wanted to get a read on whether anyone else is experiencing anything like this?


Mah leetle man born 3.24.2010 C-section

Little miss born 1.19.2013 NUVBAC

Comments (17)

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Posted 02/15/2013
He sounds very similar to my son. From appliance buttons, to spinning items, to knocking over Legos (that I usually build to encourage him), but he really has little interest in doing it himself. He doesn't really care for crafts and has no patience to sit and color.

My son is also speech delayed (not sure if your little guy is still too). He does speak some but not much. He also still babbles a ton. He also loves interacting with people.

I just think he's 'quirky'. I really don't think he really fits a label, and I dislike putting every individual in a normal vs abnormal box. His speech definitely could improve, but his standard behavior is a big part of his goofy personality - which I wouldn't want to change at all.


Posted 02/15/2013
He's fine! It's just his personality and interests.

Flynn used to spin shit all the time and he's not on the spectrum or anything. Actually, I'd have to say he's a bit advanced. He's in the TDP program, in the third grade and is taking classes with the 4th&5th graders.

Deb (37) married since 07/29/96



Posted 02/15/2013
he sounds like a boy!! lol my 4 and a half yr old son is and always has been a bury/ naughty boy! if the eval was at 1 and a half, that is way to young to evaluate for autism. just a side note :)
Posted 02/15/2013
I would say he sounds fine. My son is stubborn, I can't EVER suggest an activity for him because wont do it. Arts n crafts, he just started doing and only a few minutes a week.

The pushing buttons and spinning stuff, I can't comment on, but if the pediatrician isn't worried, then he's fine.
Posted 02/15/2013
He sounds fine to me too. Just wanted to respond to ^^ PP.. 1.5 is absolutely not too young to be evaluated for Autism.


Mommy to: Vivienne (March 30, 2010)

Posted 02/15/2013

Sounds like a typic almost 3 year old boy. Jake will not do any kinds of crafts unless it involves painting our walls or floor. 


E married to L since 8/2007

Mama to DS J born 3/12/2010

Expecting rainbow baby 9/30/2012! 

Posted 02/15/2013

i think it all sounds pretty normal too for a boy his age. my son is happiest when he's engaged with a physical activity so thats what i try to encourage mostly. lots of outdoor play, lots of balloon toss, lots of tickle fights, lots of actively participating in prep for meals, lots of soccer, lots of playing pass, lots of fort building.... a&c are a total bust here too.

Posted 02/15/2013

He's oppositional......... probably just his personality

can't entertain himself ....totally normal

doesn't like crafts....most boys don't crafts not rally appropriate for this age anyway, art activities for 3 yos: scribbling with crayons, finger painting, brush painting, play-dough, tearing and gluing

most boys I know like knocking down better than building (leggos are not the best, not bad but get him some stacking blocks he has to balance himself, kids learn more with them and they give them more freedom in building structures)

I can't tell him to go pick something to go play with......most of my 4-5 year olds are just getting to the point where they can really pick a place to play and a task to occupy them once they get there

spinning........he probably just likes to spin crap, I have wasted hours of time the last few weeks clicking buttons to move blocks on a screen to make digital pets fall down and escape .....you get the idea

Obviously I don't know him and I'm not his preschool teacher but from what you say my opinion as a (degreed and certified) pre-k teacher is that most of the concerns you list are just normal 3 year old behaviors



Last edited 02/16/2013

When I read posts like this, I always reccomend the same thing.

You will never regret taking your child to be screened. And just telling them all of your concerns. Autism is one thing, addressing some developmental delays is another. If there is something to be addressed, you will be so glad you got the necessary interventions. And they REALLY work with parents.

 No one is qualified to diagnose anythig here on this board, Your the child's mother...if you are concerned...chances are something may be up....or it may work itself out.

My son at 18 months had a full evaluation by ECI. He barely qualified, and was told.."Oh he will be JUST fine" I was told six months ago there was NO WAY he is autistic. March 1 the school district reccomended an autisim evaluation when I took him for the screening. I was really upset, but deep down not surprised.

JUST because your child has a few delays though...does NOT mean autism.  But the earlier you get the intervtions, if you suspect something, the better.My son would NOT be where is he if I hadn't just gotten what he needed.


DD Zoe Nela born 08/11/2006

DS Xavier Amari born 03/23/2010


Posted 02/16/2013

He sounds pretty normal to me other then the spinning thing, but hey we all have our quirks and funny stuff we do. I wouldn't be that worried about it.

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