Behavior; Hand Staring, Mouthing Objects

Behavior; Hand Staring, Mouthing Objects

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?

SAC approved answer

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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