Are Obsession With A Particular Object And Sensory Processing Disruptions Serious Issues In A Child?

Posted on Wed, 11 Jan 2023

Question: hi. my 4 year old son seems to be onsessed with our vacuum. hes constantly touching it, and pointing out various parts of it. and talks about it repeatedly. he also has been singing to it and playing to it with musical instruments. just wondering if this is normal behaviour? hes currently being assessed by a pediatrician for asd/adhd. this is a new behaviour though. he does get repetitive over things but nothing like with the vacuum. thanks

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Repetitive behavior if present alone is not concerning

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The behaviour your son is exhibiting with the vaccum cleaner may be completely normal. It is common for a four year old child to get focused on an object as they are getting more and more interested to learn about the objects and environment surrounding them. This particular behaviour you have detailed in the query (if present alone) is not concerning for autism spectrum or ADHD.

However, if he is exhibiting issues in other areas like impaired language development, social skills, inability to adapt to new surroundings, lack of interest in conversations, lack of eye contact, frequent obsession to loud sounds, frequent head banging,ear tucking, blinking etc , then autism spectrm disorder(ASD) is an important consideration.
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) will find difficulty focusing, concentrating and obeying rules.
Many times Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD may co-exist.

His pediatrician can screen for these disorders through screening questionnaires. So please be advised to follow up with his pediatrician and discuss your concerns.
Early identification and intervention are very important in management of ASD/ADHD for better outcomes.

Hope I have answered your question. Please feel free to address further questions or concerns here.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

hi, thanks so much for your answer. he does look at me and blink a lot, and his teacher at preschool as said he has some sensory issues and cant stand textures of slime or dirt on his hands (he has to wash them as soon as they are on his hands) he does this at home too. he had grommets put in, qnd needs extensive speech therapy. at preschool, he rarely partakes in group activities and when he does he always looks to the right side. his teacher often has to make activities for him individually. he has lined his cars and in colour. sometimes he does get distracted in conversations and will stare off into space and not answer, or will go and do something else.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Advice to follow up with his Pediatrician

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The symptoms listed are concerning for possibility of Autism Spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder(where there are persistent disturbances in sensory processing).

A thorough physical and neuro-psychological evaluation is required to come to a definite diagnosis and initiate management accordingly. So please be advised to follow up with his pediatrician to discuss the concerns. Meanwhile, make sure that family and teachers work with him patiently and set up activities tailored to his necessities. Also, continue with the speech therapy.

Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (6 hours later)

thank you so much for your answer. his teacher is going to write sone stuff down for me to take to his next visit. he also teeth grinds during the night. will there be medications? or just extensive therapy for him? many thanks.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed evaluation is required before deciding on treatment

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Teeth grinding(Bruxism) can occur in children due to various reasons like stress, anxiety, hyperactivity. It can also be present in autism spectrum disorder as a part of repetitive behaviors. Teeth grinding by itself is not a major issue. However, if it is causing teeth chipping, tooth pain, jaw or ear pain then using mouth guard at night time can help.

A detailed evaluation is required before confirming the diagnosis of Autism. As the name indicates 'autism spectrum disorder ' includes a spectrum of symptom severity. Treatment options chosen will depend on the severity of symptoms and degree of difficulty in leading a normal life.

Treatment modalities for autism spectrum disorder includes behavioral and psychotherapy, occupational, speech therapy and use of medications. His pediatrician can decide on the best treatment regime for him after a thorough evaluation.

It is also best that you take his teachers' notes to the Pediatrician as they can contribute best to behavioral and performance history at school.

Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng