'Hand flapping' warning sign or completely normal.

[courts&munchkins]

I have noticed lately that DD (18 months) flaps her hands a lot. Specifically when she is excited or mad. Should I be concerned at all or is this still a fairly normal trait at her age?

[LimeSlice]

I would go with totally normal. Excitement and anger are two VERY strong emotions for little people to grasp, even as adults most people will have a physical reaction to these emotions, so it makes perfect sense that a physical release of that energy will accompany the feeling in a small child.
Certainly always been the case here.

[*LittleMissSummer*]

I would say very normal. My DD does it very often especially when she is upset she will flap her arms and usually screams "nooo" at the same time!

[Floweryfields]

I've seen lots of bubs do this and lots that don't. I had a down syndrome child who used to flap his hands alot, but more as a form of communication that he'd been taught (not an actual sign but a 'family one').

[Keta]

It can be completely within typical development but it can also mean more for some children. Are there any other stereotyped or repetitive movements, obsessive behaviours, etc? On it's own I wouldn't be concerned.

[courts&munchkins]

I've noticed she also flaps when walking towards someone. She doesn't really have any other obsessive behaviours. Except for with my hair. She's has to be tugging on my hair to go to sleep. My hair is like a security blanket for her when she's stressed or tired it has to be tugged on. And when she's not flapping her fingers often flap like they are waving. Her speech has been a little slow but she's starting to say a few words now. Probably has about 10-15. Other than that she's perfectly normal, met all her milestones at the right levels. Just noticed the flapping as its recently become more prominent. There isn't a lot of info on whether it's a normal stage for toddler which is why I was asking.

[~ Mylitta ~]

It sounds like it could be a completely normal thing, or that it could potentially be an early indication of something more. To put your mind at ease I think you should see your GP and just discuss it with them.

My brother did a lot of arm flapping as a young child and he was later diagnosed with ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and a few other aspects of ASDs. He was a lot younger when he was doing the arm flapping though (maybe 4-6 months) so that was at a completely different developmental stage to your child.