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Behavior; Hand Staring, Mouthing Objects

Question

During the convention I noticed several children with their arms extended straight out in front of them, staring at their hands. Is there a reason for this? Also why do children with the syndrome tend to mouth everything? Since this can be so dangerous, how can it be discouraged?

Answer of our experts

Staring at hands (or feet) is a normal developmental phase which usually occurs in infancy. This interest in “self” sometimes occurs later or longer among children with CdLS. Staring at the hands is also seen in autism and some children with CdLS have autistic-like habits. Exploration of the “non-self”- or mouthing objects- is another normal phase of infant development which sometimes occurs late in CdLS. There is no way to prevent this, so I suggest “child proofing” the environment by removing sharp, small objects or toxic substances from reach.

LJ/TK 7-13-10

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Find other pages that share the same topic as this page Social functioning including ASDs7 Social functioning including ASDs1 Social functioning including ASDs6 Repetitive behaviour4 Repetitive behaviour4

Recommendation(s)

Social functioning including ASDs

R56
A clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) should be considered in all individuals with CdLS throughout life, taking into account atypical presentations.
R57
R57: In addition to standardised ASD diagnostic tools, fine-grained observations should be carried out to accurately define the profile of social functioning in an individual with CdLS.
R58
ASD-specific interventions should be considered in all individuals with CdLS in combination with approaches that consider the broader social functioning profile of the syndrome.

Recommendation(s)

Repetitive behaviour

R56
A clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) should be considered in all individuals with CdLS throughout life, taking into account atypical presentations.
R57
R57: In addition to standardised ASD diagnostic tools, fine-grained observations should be carried out to accurately define the profile of social functioning in an individual with CdLS.
R58
ASD-specific interventions should be considered in all individuals with CdLS in combination with approaches that consider the broader social functioning profile of the syndrome.

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