Recognizing red flags: the Happy Birthday song?

I'm new at this, and as a teacher (high school) I'm hyper aware, mostly to a fault.
My 23 mo. DD is suddenly afraid of certain things, and also exhibits some behaviors that concern me. I'm not sure which are red flags and which aren't, but I'd love to know how to decide.

Is fear of the Happy Birthday song one of them? I've heard conflicting reports.

Message edited 10/6/2014 11:32:52 PM.

Recognizing red flags: the Happy Birthday song?

She could have a sensory issue to loud noises. I dont think the song has any meaning.
One of my twins is bothered by loud things at times.

Recognizing red flags: the Happy Birthday song?

My son is petrified of the Happy Birthday song. His ABA therapist has told me that she's had a lot of her children be afraid of the song.

I think for my DS that it's a combo of the candles, loud singing, lights out and cheering that just sets him off. I don't know if just fearing the Happy Birthday song is necessary a red flag though.

If we just sing the song without cake/candles etc, my son is generally okay with it. Which is why I'm pretty sure it's the combination of everything that gets to him.

Re: Recognizing red flags: the Happy Birthday song?

My cousin (now 21) was petrified of that song. She would hide under the table with her fingers in her ears and cry....She had no delays what so ever.
My son has no problems with it and he is autistic... I thin most kids don't like it because all the attention is focused on them and a lot of people are staring at them while they are singing it!

Recognizing red flags: the Happy Birthday song?

Thank you so much for your responses. We only noticed that this began suddenly last week for MIL's birthday. When the lights went out and she saw the fire, she freaked out. Yesterday was the dog's birthday so we lit a candle in his dog food and sang. Again, with the lights off, she bugged out. We turned the lights on, sang it again and she was ok.

Like I said before, there are little things that concern me, and I would love to have her evaluated for them. She isn't great in some social situations, and she flicks her fingers sometimes. Other than that, her vocabulary is amazing, she can sing, dance, count, and loves interacting with others.

Re: Recognizing red flags: the Happy Birthday song?

DS hated this song when he was a little younger, and singing in general.

I highly encourage anyone who feels something isn't right in their gut, to go for an evaluation.

I would much rather it turn out to be nothing later, than bury my head in the sand when they are young and the problem is compounded.

Re: Recognizing red flags: the Happy Birthday song?

Recognizing red flags: the Happy Birthday song?

my DS was terrified of the Happy Birthday song. once he saw a cake a total meltdown would occur and he would have to be taken from the room.

at 6 he would cover his ears, and now at 7 he sings along.

i wouldn't say its a sign, but with my DS it was definitely a huge issue

Re: Recognizing red flags: the Happy Birthday song?

So many kids I consult on have been terrified of the happy birthday song,but I wouldn't use that as an isolated factor unless there are lots of other things concerning you.