There is no evidence to suggest that army crawling is a sign of autism. However, there have been studies that have linked army crawling with ASD. The only way to determine whether their form of movement is cause for concern is to allow a professional to observe the child and come to an informed conclusion.
It is important to note that babies develop at their own pace, and there is a wide range of what is considered “normal” development. If parents have concerns about their child’s development, they should talk to their pediatrician or a specialist in child development.
Army Crawling and Child Development
Army crawling is a type of crawling that babies may use as a transitional stage before they start crawling on all fours. During this stage, babies move forward on their bellies by using their arms and legs to push themselves along the ground. This type of crawling is also known as belly crawling, commando crawling, or creep crawling.
Army Crawling in Typical Development
Army crawling is a normal part of child development and is usually seen between 6 and 10 months of age. According to Romper, “In and of itself, army crawling isn’t a bad thing at all. It can often be a precursor to classic crawling… if your baby even crawls at all. ‘Not every baby crawls traditionally,’ says Dr. Ari Brown, a pediatrician and author of Baby 411. ‘Some babies scoot on their bottoms, some roll around, and some never crawl at all.'”
Babies may choose to army crawl for a variety of reasons. For example, they may find it easier to move forward on their bellies than on all fours, or they may enjoy the sensation of the ground against their skin. Army crawling can also help babies develop their upper body strength, coordination, and spatial awareness.
Motor Development and Autism
Motor development is an essential aspect of child development, and it is crucial to monitor and support the acquisition of these skills. Motor development in infants typically follows a predictable sequence, and there are specific milestones that children are expected to reach at certain ages. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, some of the typical motor milestones include rolling over, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.
Motor Skills as Autism Indicators
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication and behavior. While there is no single cause of autism, research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors may play a role. One area of interest in autism research is the relationship between motor development and autism.
Studies have shown that children with autism may experience delays or differences in their motor development compared to typically developing children. For example, some children with autism may exhibit atypical crawling patterns, such as army crawling, which involves dragging the body along the ground using the arms and legs.
According to a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, children with autism were more likely to exhibit atypical crawling patterns than typically developing children. The study suggests that atypical crawling may be an early indicator of autism, as it is often observed before other autism symptoms are present.
Other motor differences have been observed in children with autism, including delays in reaching motor milestones, difficulties with fine motor skills, and poor coordination. While not all children with autism will experience motor delays or differences, monitoring motor development can be a useful tool in identifying early signs of autism and providing early intervention.
Interpreting Army Crawling
Army crawling is a form of crawling where a baby drag their body along the floor using their forearms and legs without lifting their belly off the ground. It is a common way for babies to move around before they learn to crawl on their hands and knees. Parents may wonder if army crawling is a sign of autism. While army crawling is not a definitive sign of autism, it can be an indicator of developmental delays.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If a baby is not crawling on their hands and knees by the time they are 12 months old, it may be a cause for concern. However, if they are army crawling and have no other developmental delays, it is not necessarily a cause for alarm. Parents should observe their baby’s crawling pattern and seek professional advice if they notice any of the following:
- The baby is not crawling at all by 12 months old
- The baby is not crawling on hands and knees by 12 months old
- The baby is only army crawling and has no other form of crawling
- The baby is not able to sit up by themselves by 9 months old
Assessment and Diagnosis
If parents have concerns about their baby’s crawling pattern, they should seek advice from a pediatrician or a developmental specialist. These professionals can assess the baby’s overall development and determine if there are any underlying issues. They may recommend further assessments, such as a developmental screening or an autism evaluation.
It is important to remember that army crawling alone is not a definitive sign of autism. However, it can be an indicator of developmental delays. Seeking professional advice can help parents determine if their baby needs additional support to reach their developmental milestones.
Support and Resources
There are many resources available to support families with children who may have autism. Early intervention programs can provide children with the necessary support to help them develop skills and abilities that will benefit them throughout their lives. Parental guidance and support can also be invaluable in helping families navigate the challenges that come with raising a child with autism.
Early Intervention Programs
Early intervention programs provide children with autism with the necessary support to help them develop social, communication, and cognitive skills. These programs are designed to help children achieve their full potential by providing them with individualized support that is tailored to their unique needs. There are many different types of early intervention programs available, including behavior therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Parental Guidance and Support
Parental guidance and support can be invaluable in helping families navigate the challenges that come with raising a child with autism. Parents can benefit from support groups, counseling, and educational resources that can help them better understand their child’s needs and how to best support them.
Parents need to remember that they are not alone in their journey and that there are many resources available to help them along the way. By seeking out support and resources, parents can help their child achieve their full potential and lead a happy and fulfilling life.
