Behavioral Problems
Both the Roig Study and some personal correspondence have indicated that older children with CMyD have some behavioral issues that might evolve. I only have very scant information on this subject but here are a few behaviors that have been seen:
Oral Fixation: Children or young adults become quite oral and will suck on hands or clothing.
Spontaneous Laughter: Will laugh to some internal thought for no external reason.
Obsessive Bonding: Will follow people around like “glue” and be overly fixated on one person. This has occurred with parents as well as with grandparents.
ADHD It’s sometimes very frustrating as if a parent is on the phone or talking with a friend the child will constantly interrupt them. This may be a symptom of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Some doctors have placed patients on Ritalin to cope with these symptoms. However, the disorder is more attention deficit rather than hyperactivity.
No Fear of Strangers: Little or no fear of strangers and will follow them around. Some parents report that kids will find strangers that look like relatives, call them by that name and then hold their hand and walk with them.
Conversational Problems: Will ask a question they already know the answer to in an attempt to be included in a conversation. Also lack of skills in structuring a conversation. Also kids will want attention and will interrupt parents to get attention. See ADHD above.
High Voice: Will talk in a voice that is 20 octaves above their normal voice.
Bodily Function Attention: Will do things like pass gas to gain peers attention.
Depression: There have been reports of depression in kids. This can be due to the teasing and alienation that some kids experience while at school. Kids with myotonic dystrophy are different and have a variety of problems. Peer sense these issues and “tease” the kids which can cause behavioral problems.
Repeat Parent Conversation: Will repeat conversations that a parent had.
Recite Movie Dialogue: Will look at person and then recite movie dialogue.
Speak in 3rd Person: May speak about themselves in the third person.
This is just based on a small number of parents’ input. If you have more information about behavioral problems please email me.
