My 18 month old son is focusing on activities for hours at a time.
by Allison
(Alberta)
My 18 month old son has been focusing on a single activity for hours at a time. I've been told by daycare workers that this is abnormal, and now I'm concerned. One example of this is when he stacks blocks for two hours without breaking his attention for anything else. Another example would be when he removed keys from a basket, and then placed them back in the basket, and this ran for two and a half hours. It is virtually impossible to divert his attention, and if you attempt to stop him from continuing the activity, he will fight and struggle to resume it. If completely removed from the activity, he will become very distressed for a short period of time. Should I be concerned or not?
Comments for
My 18 month old son is focusing on activities for hours at a time.
18 month old focusing on activities for too long by: Anonymous
Hello, I would have your son evaluated for any red flags for autism. It may very likely not be autism but a professional could assess him and if necessary provide therapy to help cease these behaviors and engage in more appropriate, functional play. I am a credentialed teacher who works with developmentally delayed children and will tell you I have seen this behavior before. Do not be too worried but definitely have him evaluated.
Oct 15, 2009
Concern by: Mom who's been there
Hi there. I totally understand your concern. From the time my son was 9 months old, I knew something was not quite right. He showed the signs and symtoms of hyperactivity as well as attention deficit, yet sometimes, as with puzzles, he could stay focused. Of course everybody in the family had an opinion. My sister (whom I no longer speak with specifically because she forces her opinions on others and is cruel about it) insisted that I have his pediatrician medicate him for ADHD as early 2 or 3. Other's did as well. My husband and I both agreed that whether or not he did or did not have this, that this was way too young for medicating him and so we didn't.
You have to trust your own "gut" instincts. Yes, I would be concerned if I were you, a LITTLE bit concerned. For now, I would observe him. Mention it to his pediatrician and ask him/her if he is concerned. For goodnes sake, he is not even two yet. I would never want to disparage your daycare staff, but even though a child does not fit into the nitch of what they think is "normal" I would still not over react. Perhaps he is just easily entertained or occupied. Many parents would pay big $$ for a child that could entertain themselves for that long! :-) Just trying to lighten your mood with a little humor. At any rate, you, the father and his pediatrician will be the best judges of what is and is not "normal" for him. All kids are precious. Precious, but different. No pair are completely alike. Sitters, family members, etc. however all usually have one thing in common. They all have an opinion. And you know what they say about those don't you? Opinions are like buttholes, everybody's got one and lots of them have hemorroids and are irritating as heck! In other words, some people thrive on worry and fret. Talk to your pediatrician and discuss it all with your hubby. You will probably feel a lot better.
