how can you tell if a 3 year-old child has autism?

Answer 1

This is a loaded question. If you are thinking your child has autism there are many signs, but no child has to have every single sign to be considered autistic.

First there is the repetitive/unusual behaviour. Could mean lining toys up, playing with toys or other things in unusual ways. I once knew a child who constantly wanted to play with coasters.

A child with autism may have unusual speach patterns or talk about things that seem unusual or repetitive. Some have no verbal skills at all.

Some kids with autism are affectionate, and very loving. But a child who doesnt make eye contact, seems "cold" and avoiding of love for no apparant reason is exhibiting a sign.

Insistance on "sameness" weather it be with food, outings, toys, tv shows, or anything else.

Sensory issues are usually apparent, such as tongue biting, hand flapping, squinting, squeezing etc.

Basic lack of social skills.

this is only a short list, but you can find many more symptoms on the web. Like I said, no child needs to exhibit all of these, but there is certain criteria that needs to be met to be diagnosed. Also, autism is on a spectrum...I know of autistic children growing up and going onto university, and those who are in 24 hour care.

(I am a former autism therapsit, have a family member with autimsm and have degree in psychology in case you were wondering where I got my info from)

Answer 2

The eye contact is the biggest giveaway. Just remember, that autism is a spectrum, from high functioning all the way to severe. Take "elviraeli...'s advice to heart. My g'son is in the process of being tested, and he turns 3 in March. Only a Psychiatrist specializing in pediatrics can correctly test the child.

Answer 3

Any of these approaches will help your child. None of them will 'fix' your child. Progress is often very slow with a three year old, you must be patient and flexible. I suggest you restart therapy with a therapist you trust, and adjust the therapy as you go along, dropping techniques that don't work, trying new techniques until you get a good response. All children are different, and one technique won't work all the time for all children. Keep someone working with your child, and discuss your child's progress at appropriate intervals.

Answer 4

put autism into any search engine. Parents Groups are great for info. No 2 autistic people are the same. There are some similarities though. Do they seem overwhelmed by noise, light and anything touching their skin? Do they rock or like things that spin? Do they initiate conversation. Please if this is a serious question talk to your pediatrician.

Answer 5

Don't worry. Autism is not a disease it is a catagory of behaviors. If your child has behaviors that you are concerned about you should work to improve or mainstream those behaviors. If you are not sure how try to seek the help of professionals. Applied behavior analysts are experts in behavior change. Also read up on Applied Behavior Analysis.

Answer 6

They are so many different levels of autism......best to take your child to a doctor if you least suspect something is wrong with him/her.....good luck!

Answer 7

In my opinion, I would take my 3 year old to the doctor.

Answer 8

try talking to the child and see the responce

Answer 9

well most of them dont smile...they are really good doing things like coloring or putting puzzels together...most of the time they dont talk....and if they do they say little words....they tend to get angry and hit their head...small things like that...but you should visit your doctor ...

Answer 10

they're emotionally unresponsive and detached.