Toddler making himself sick?

Mantis Toboggan

Anyone ever come across this one?

I've a non verbal 2 and half year old making himself sick. Happens usually when he doesn't like something and occurs probably 5 times a week. Has a disturbing ability to make himself sick and can happen in a matter of seconds!

Very frustrating and unsure how to deal with it, it's probably ongoing a year now but getting worse lately.

shesty

If he is non-verbal, I presume this is a way he has found to make a point that he doesn't like something??

I vaguely remember reading something a few years back about toddlers doing that (verbal or non verbal).I think the message was something along the lines of just cleaning them up calmly with no reaction (because that is what they are looking for) and then returning to what had been going on before.I'd have to look again to see can I find it.

Mantis Toboggan

Cheers yeah it's probably his expression of anger, problem for us is it can be something small that sets him off like going for a bath or having to come in from the garden.

It's so easy to get worked up when it's happening and to me it's completely unnecessary and spending my time cleaning up sick every day but I'll have to try the calm approach to see if that works before screaming into a cushion!

shesty

Oh yeah, change.That is standard in toddlers, transitions are always hard.The slow approach of the ten minute warning, five minute warning help - I'm sure you do that.Making it a race up the stairs to the bath as a bit of a distraction and that.

We all scream into pillows, has to be done!!!

fits

do you think it might help to make an appointment with an OT. Could be some sensory sensitivity behind it maybe?

Mantis Toboggan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119964430#Comment_119964430

Whats an OT? I've been following Shestys method and to be honest it's working so far. No sickness for 2 weeks so progress there.

fits

Occupational therapist.

something like this webinar might help you get an understanding of managing sensory issues. It’s on tonight

https://www.newboldhope.com/page/271275

fits

Going for a bath or coming in from garden are known as transitions and a lot of children can find them difficult. My own boy used to have a lot of meltdowns at that age as he struggled to communicate especially. Still has them now but much less frequent.

Milly33

Have you ever tried sign language with him? It might help him communicate with you and stop doing this