What are symptoms of rhythmic movement disorders?
Children who don’t have rhythmic movement disorders can still show the same movements as those who do. Providers don’t consider the movements themselves a disorder unless they disrupt your child’s sleep, cause injuries or make it hard for them to focus on tasks.
Babies and toddlers who exhibit rhythmic movements may:
- Rock their entire body in a rhythmic manner.
- Rock a part of their body, like their head, arm, leg or hand.
- Roll their head from side to side.
- Shake their head from side to side.
- Bang their head on their pillow or mattress.
- Hum or make sounds (most common in children with RMD).
What causes rhythmic movement disorders?
Researchers are still learning why many children exhibit rhythmic movements. The most common theory is that these are self-soothing behaviors that help your child relax and fall asleep. Your child may find these movements comforting because they mimic the feeling of a caregiver holding or rocking them.
Other researchers think these rhythmic movements happen because your child’s nervous system hasn’t fully developed. As a result, they can’t control motor functions while they sleep.
Conditions related to rhythmic movement disorders
If your child shows symptoms of rhythmic movements, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. In most cases, these behaviors are a normal part of development. But in some cases, rhythmic movements may occur alongside other conditions, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Sleep apnea.
- Tourette syndrome.
- Rett syndrome.
- Angelman syndrome.
In most cases, children who make rhythmic movements have no other developmental or cognitive conditions. If you’re not sure whether your baby’s rhythmic movements are typical for their age, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. They can help you find the answers you need.
