26 month old boy, very articulate but can't smile on command. Any ideas?

[Guest guest]

hello,

I just found this site and am hoping that you all might have some

insight on my situation. My nephew is 26 months old. He is very

bright and articulate, but he has NEVER been able to smile on command.

He didn't smile until he was over 18 months... and then only because he

found something to be funny. He has issues with transitions (diaper

changes, clothing changes, doorbell ringing which scares him and throws

him in to fits of crying). He has very few people that he is attached

to... his dad, grandmother and a few cousins. Having three children

myself, I am very concerned about the fact that he can not smile on

command and something just seems a bit different. But he is so smart,

articulate and has an amazing memory. Any thoughts would be so much

appreciated.

Noelle

[Guest guest]

Is he talking? Is it low facial tone?

>

> hello,

> I just found this site and am hoping that you all might have some

> insight on my situation. My nephew is 26 months old. He is very

> bright and articulate, but he has NEVER been able to smile on

command.

> He didn't smile until he was over 18 months... and then only

because he

> found something to be funny. He has issues with transitions

(diaper

> changes, clothing changes, doorbell ringing which scares him and

throws

> him in to fits of crying). He has very few people that he is

attached

> to... his dad, grandmother and a few cousins. Having three

children

> myself, I am very concerned about the fact that he can not smile on

> command and something just seems a bit different. But he is so

smart,

> articulate and has an amazing memory. Any thoughts would be so

much

> appreciated.

> Noelle

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Noelle!

There are numerous reasons for the lack of a smile. You say he is

articulate and " only " smiles when he finds something funny. The fact

that he 'can' smile means it's not weakness. If he finds something

to be funny and you do it over and over does he smile each time? If

yes that rules out motor planning. Most would think oral apraxia -

but the fact that he is articulate at 2 almost rules that out. If he

is -he will be the first with oral apraxia without verbal. But

please do let us know when you say " articulate " how is he

communicating right now? Did he pass all his developmental

milestones on time? Is the pediatrician concerned about him for any

reason? Has he ever been evaluated for early intervention for any

reason?

If you ask a two part command like " Go get me your sneakers and bring

them over here " Does he follow that? What type of games does he

enjoy? Does he have a dog and if so how does he respond to it? Does

he enjoy music, swimming or rides? What about his birthday 2 months

ago -did he smile then? Did he seem happy that day? Was it a fun

party? Was he able to blow the candles out on his cake?

Please let us know a bit more about him and we'll try to point you in

the right direction!

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