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What Causes Excessive Screaming In A Child?
Question: Our sixteen month old son screams almost the entire day. He's fed, clean, has napped, and has plenty of toys to play with I interact with him constantly. Now he's walking on his toes. I'm at my wits end. Please help.
Brief Answer:
16mo
Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question.
The timeline, as well as a bit more history would be important here (ie: How long has it been going on for?, Have there been fevers? How has he been feeding? Is he thriving?).
However, even without that, I understand how frustrating this is for you. Especially considering how much time you spend with him and how committed you are to him. Firstly, I would want to rule out anything medical that could be causing him grief. Perhaps an infected ear, or constipation, teething, etc... I would also want to have his hearing checked. If hearing is an issue, it can be extremely frustrating for the child.
If these were ruled out, I would begin to consider developmental issues, communication issues, behavioral issues. The toe walking is much less a concern because it is not unusual to see 16 month old children toe walk..
All of these are things you can and should discuss with your pediatrician. After the pediatrician evaluates your son, you will all know which direction you need to go. The sooner the problem is addressed, the better it will be for all of you.
16mo
Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question.
The timeline, as well as a bit more history would be important here (ie: How long has it been going on for?, Have there been fevers? How has he been feeding? Is he thriving?).
However, even without that, I understand how frustrating this is for you. Especially considering how much time you spend with him and how committed you are to him. Firstly, I would want to rule out anything medical that could be causing him grief. Perhaps an infected ear, or constipation, teething, etc... I would also want to have his hearing checked. If hearing is an issue, it can be extremely frustrating for the child.
If these were ruled out, I would begin to consider developmental issues, communication issues, behavioral issues. The toe walking is much less a concern because it is not unusual to see 16 month old children toe walk..
All of these are things you can and should discuss with your pediatrician. After the pediatrician evaluates your son, you will all know which direction you need to go. The sooner the problem is addressed, the better it will be for all of you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Our biggest concern is people saying he could be autistic. Can children at this early age be accurately diagnosed with autism? These people are not professionals, just sympathetic friends and family.
In answer to your questions, Gabe eats well, is growing by leaps and bounds, sleeps 13 hours at night and takes a 2 hour afternoon nap. He has had problems with fluid in his ears, and his fussy, screaming behavior has been a constant for at least a year. Within the last few weeks, things have gotten a little better. Could it be just a matter of time. Thanks, any more input would be appreciated.
In answer to your questions, Gabe eats well, is growing by leaps and bounds, sleeps 13 hours at night and takes a 2 hour afternoon nap. He has had problems with fluid in his ears, and his fussy, screaming behavior has been a constant for at least a year. Within the last few weeks, things have gotten a little better. Could it be just a matter of time. Thanks, any more input would be appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Follow Up
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the follow up question.
Though Autism can be diagnosed at this age, it is typically not diagnosed until the children are closer to age 2 years. the main reason is that this is the period when communication skills and verbal skill begin to develop. In many children, signs of frustration decrease as their communication skills improve.
Keep in mind that no matter what the scenario or what type of personality the child has, I am always watching every child very closely during this period. However, it is not a diagnosis I would consider at this time.
Let's give him some more time to develop and, with the guidance of your pediatrician, we will hopefully see his behavior improve.
Follow Up
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the follow up question.
Though Autism can be diagnosed at this age, it is typically not diagnosed until the children are closer to age 2 years. the main reason is that this is the period when communication skills and verbal skill begin to develop. In many children, signs of frustration decrease as their communication skills improve.
Keep in mind that no matter what the scenario or what type of personality the child has, I am always watching every child very closely during this period. However, it is not a diagnosis I would consider at this time.
Let's give him some more time to develop and, with the guidance of your pediatrician, we will hopefully see his behavior improve.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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