Help!!!!

[hammerman]

My Grandson is 17 months old. Two loving, doting parents plus Grandparents and Great Grandparents.
But he's an absolute nightmare. He's on the go from the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes to sleep. He's into absolutely everything and would think nothing of climbing onto dining tables or standing up in his buggy etc. He's never slept well, often waking up 4 or 5 times a night despite being in a good routine.
My daughter disciplines him (non physical) but he thinks it's funny before tearing off and knocking the TV over or throwing a toy across the room. He also throws his food everywhere if he gets the chance.
We're all at our wits end as he can't be left with anyone as he's such hard work. It's got to the point where we've checked the various websites for symptoms of Autism but he doesn't tick any of the boxes thankfully.
We're thinking of taking him to the doctors as it's getting so bad.

Normal 17 month or worth flagging it up to the Docs?

Cheers

[bednobs]

does he go to nursery at all? is there any chance of him doing so?

[pixie374]

Sounds like my oldest at that age. I took him to lots of toddler groups and things to tire him out. Do as many physical things as possible (including nursery) and let him work his energy off.

[hammerman]

Doesn't go to nursery yet but as he's on the go all day, he should be knackered!!! Just spoken to my daughter who's on holiday in Turkey with him and his dad and she's at the end of her tether, i thought she was going to cry! They've had to come out of the restaurant as he's screaming and throwing his food everywhere....including at other guests. He's been swimming half the day and running around on the beach for the other half (he does have a nap during the day for an hour)
I just don't know what to suggest.
Help.

[pixie374]

If she feels happier to get an appointment and a possible referral, then she should try that. He does sound very like my oldest, who calmed down completely at about 3 and has been exceptionally laidback ever since... It really depends on how your daughter sees it. He is very young to be able to say anything for definite yet.

[calmck]

Basically normal behaviour but the throwing needs to be stopped now. Food throwing is also normal, he is testing what he can get away with. While they are on holiday can they get his food and feed him outside or in their room. If he is so active he could be overtired. Can they cut out the nap to see if his sleep improves. Does he feed himself? Try putting small portions of food, no dishes, on the high chair and if he throws any only pick it up when the meal is over then it is not a game. Does he play with other children, now is the time he should. Consider having non family member, if possible look after him for an hour and see what happens. You might be surprised at how he behaves. Also a couple of hours a week at day care might also work. He could be bored.

[10ClarionSt]

My daughter, now 40, was exactly the same at 18 months. She was an absolute nightmare, and rarely slept. We took her to see a paediatrician at Booth Hall Hospital, Manchester. He suggested it could be something in her diet, causing hyperactivity. After many tests, he prescribed a medicine called Vallergan Forte. The chemist refused to dispense it for such a young child. He said that one teaspoon would knock a horse out for 24 hours, and the doseage was 2 teaspoons, twice a day. He phoned the doctor for advice and was told to dispense it. It worked. We finally had some peace for the first time in months. Later tests showed that her hyperactivity was caused by an additive in orange juice called Tartrazine, E221, I think. Not sure about that number, but we kept her off orange juice and reduced the medicine doseage and in a matter of weeks, sge was just a normal, active child, sleeping soundly at night. That was our experience. It may not be the case for you, but worth a thought.

[Patsy33]

We've got a 17 month old grandson. He goes to a toddler group once a week. We take him out a lot to park, cafes. He seems to be very well behaved at the moment. I think maybe a trip to gp, and referral is in order. Hope all settles down soon.