My son has kept his thumbs tucked in ever since he was born. He keeps them out alot but still tucks them in sometimes. I had to take him to occupational therapy for it. They said it "could" be a soft sign. He is very social, laughs, rolls over both ways, touches toys...he really doesn't show any other signs, just the thumbs. He is four months old. Would this concern you? Does this seem normal?
The occupational therapist wasn't too concerned...no definitive answer though.
What do you all think? Anyone had experience with this?
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r254/ashleynjacy/P1030297.jpg
the little bump is an extra digit
hillybean
11-20-2008, 07:03 AM
Since he's still pretty young, it wouldn't concern me...our DD kept her little hands clenched in fists for the longest time, and then one day out of the blue she opened them up and started clapping :giggle: I think it's just a baby phase.
Black Tree Knits
11-20-2008, 07:14 AM
Not at all.
When DS was an infant, he kept his arms straight out when you were holding him. It wast he strangest thing. I had all kinds of people telling me what "could" be wrong with my kid. Know what WAS wrong with him? NOTHING.
greek4
11-20-2008, 07:22 AM
No, since it didn't concern the professionals and it is not an abnormal behavior, I would not be concerned at all.
ashleynjacy
11-20-2008, 07:22 AM
The reason I was so concerned is because when he was born he had a single umbilical artery, two extra digits, clenched fists, and a little dimple above his butt crack. Basically, the first few days they had me thinking something was really wrong. All the tests came back clear though (for spina bifida). My ped. seems to think he is perfectly fine. He told me that humans are just not as perfect as we may think.
ashleynjacy
11-20-2008, 07:24 AM
No, since it didn't concern the professionals and it is not an abnormal behavior, I would not be concerned at all.
Well, they said it was something to keep an eye on.
greek4
11-20-2008, 07:31 AM
He looks pretty perfect to me but maybe you can just keep it in the back of your mind but not actively worry (if that is possible). It won't do any of you any good to worry when there is nothing you can do. (easier said than done). I know if I tell myself this, it helps me a little.
Irishmommy
11-20-2008, 07:32 AM
My yds did this too, alot for the first few months. He doesn't do it much anymore and he's almost 9 months.
happymommyto2
11-20-2008, 07:58 AM
The reason I was so concerned is because when he was born he had a single umbilical artery, two extra digits, clenched fists, and a little dimple above his butt crack. Basically, the first few days they had me thinking something was really wrong. All the tests came back clear though (for spina bifida). My ped. seems to think he is perfectly fine. He told me that humans are just not as perfect as we may think.
I work with Early Intervention and based on all the things you noted above I would keep a very close eye on all development. I would get him tested by EI if you notice any delays or anything that just seems "off".
My DD was also born with a few geneitc "defects" or abnormalities. She has a sacral dimple, also had a skin tag in that area, and has a sebaceous nevi of jedassohn on her head. All these things scared me and have made me watch her very closely. I also had her checked out by EI when she was late to roll over and she was checked out by a neurologist due to her genetic abnormalities. I felt it better to catch anything early!
ashleynjacy
11-20-2008, 08:52 AM
I work with Early Intervention and based on all the things you noted above I would keep a very close eye on all development. I would get him tested by EI if you notice any delays or anything that just seems "off".
My DD was also born with a few geneitc "defects" or abnormalities. She has a sacral dimple, also had a skin tag in that area, and has a sebaceous nevi of jedassohn on her head. All these things scared me and have made me watch her very closely. I also had her checked out by EI when she was late to roll over and she was checked out by a neurologist due to her genetic abnormalities. I felt it better to catch anything early!
Nothing else has seemed "off" yet. Matter of fact, he seems more advanced than dd. What could it be a sign off?
Beebug123
11-20-2008, 09:45 AM
OK, I'm way intrigued by this. I've been watching my niece since she was 12 months old, she's now 16 months. And she's done this the whole time I've been watching her! Actually she tucks her thumbs into her fists, then holds her fists close to her body against her upper chest. At the same time she does this, she checks out and can't make any eye contact. My gut tells me she needs to be evaluated, because of her other "off" behaviors. So what is this supposed to be a sign of? A spectrum disorder? A sensory disorder?
ashleynjacy
11-20-2008, 10:26 AM
OK, I'm way intrigued by this. I've been watching my niece since she was 12 months old, she's now 16 months. And she's done this the whole time I've been watching her! Actually she tucks her thumbs into her fists, then holds her fists close to her body against her upper chest. At the same time she does this, she checks out and can't make any eye contact. My gut tells me she needs to be evaluated, because of her other "off" behaviors. So what is this supposed to be a sign of? A spectrum disorder? A sensory disorder?
I am far from intrigued. This is my child I am talking about and I am fearful of what could be. :cry:
Shaunam
11-20-2008, 10:37 AM
Does he open them to grab things?
When you hold his hand open, is the skin on his palm tight?
When you play with his hands does he seem to have full range of motion in his fingers and wrists?
My DD has CP and by the time she was 4 months old she already had tight skin and contractures in her hands. She does not have full range. She doe not grab things.
I agree to keep an eye on it, but if he's opening them to play and later to crawl, don't worry yourself sick.
Beebug123
11-20-2008, 03:14 PM
I am far from intrigued. This is my child I am talking about and I am fearful of what could be. :cry:
:bighug: Sorry, I didn't mean it to come across like that. Ever since I started watching my niece I have been frustrated with how no one seems to notice in the family how off she is. I cannot say anything to them about it and I know she needs some sort of intervention. I was just curious why you picked up on tucking the thumbs in as a sign of anything, since it's not something I've come across. I think it's great that you have taken him to see someone about it. It sounds like you are a normal, concerned parent, and I can't say the same about my inlaws because they seem like they are in denial about the situation. Whenever I see a thread like this I'm hoping that some one out there can point me in the right direction to get her help, because she isn't my child and I can't take her in myself (or trust me I would have months ago).
ashleynjacy
11-20-2008, 06:01 PM
:bighug: Sorry, I didn't mean it to come across like that. Ever since I started watching my niece I have been frustrated with how no one seems to notice in the family how off she is. I cannot say anything to them about it and I know she needs some sort of intervention. I was just curious why you picked up on tucking the thumbs in as a sign of anything, since it's not something I've come across. I think it's great that you have taken him to see someone about it. It sounds like you are a normal, concerned parent, and I can't say the same about my inlaws because they seem like they are in denial about the situation. Whenever I see a thread like this I'm hoping that some one out there can point me in the right direction to get her help, because she isn't my child and I can't take her in myself (or trust me I would have months ago).
It's okay. It's just a sensitive subject. Have you talked to her parents about it?
ashleynjacy
11-20-2008, 06:03 PM
Does he open them to grab things?
When you hold his hand open, is the skin on his palm tight?
When you play with his hands does he seem to have full range of motion in his fingers and wrists?
My DD has CP and by the time she was 4 months old she already had tight skin and contractures in her hands. She does not have full range. She doe not grab things.
I agree to keep an eye on it, but if he's opening them to play and later to crawl, don't worry yourself sick.
He fully opens them. The palm seems normal. He does grab and hit things. He also rolls over. What do you think?
Beebug123
11-20-2008, 06:43 PM
It's okay. It's just a sensitive subject. Have you talked to her parents about it?
No, and I'm not sure how to bring it up. As a teacher I would have no issues sitting a parent down and telling them these things, but when it comes to family, I think the right thing to do is keep my mouth shut.
marymeyer3
11-20-2008, 06:55 PM
My dd also had a single umbilical artery and everything is fine:) She is a very energetic 18 month old. I think you have nothing to worry about. Honestly I sometimes find myself tucking my thumb in also.:blush: I know it is easier said than done - but don't let this over come the wonderful time with your infant.:goodvibes:
WhatWasIThinking
11-20-2008, 07:35 PM
My baby still does it sometimes especially if he is in new surroundings with strangers or tired. I dont' know, I never really thought about it until i saw your post. He seems ok and all and his doctor was never worried about it.
kimir_98
11-20-2008, 07:42 PM
My dd did that as an infant as well. She is now a happy, healthy 2 1/2 year old. She still tucks her thumb in when she is holding her lovie. For her it is a form of security.
haydn'smommy
11-20-2008, 07:48 PM
The tucking of the thumbs, clenched fists, polydactyly, and SUA can be a sign of a genetic disorder. Talk to your ped. It may be nothing but it's worth mentioning.
ashleynjacy
11-21-2008, 07:47 AM
The tucking of the thumbs, clenched fists, polydactyly, and SUA can be a sign of a genetic disorder. Talk to your ped. It may be nothing but it's worth mentioning.
What kind of a genetic disorder? The ped. said he is not concerned.
