Autism affects a toddler’s behavior, communication and social abilities. This developmental disorder, considered among a group of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), usually appears before the age of 3 and continues throughout an individual’s lifetime. Autism affects one in 110 people in the United States, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Autism symptoms range from extremely mild to very severe.
Communication Difficulties
For an autistic 3-year-old, verbal communication may be delayed or absent. The CDC estimates that more than 25 percent of toddlers with autism speak some words and phrases between the ages of 12 and 18 months, and then lose that ability to speak. Other autistic symptoms in a toddler might include a singsong voice, repetition of words and phrases, misuse of pronouns and disconnected conversation. The CDC states that by age 14 months, regularly developing children point at objects such as an airplane flying overhead, whereas a child with autism will not. In addition, an autistic child may not respond to his name being called.
Social Difficulties
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke calls social impairment the hallmark feature of autism. A 3-year-old with autism may appear completely disinterested in other children or adults. She may appear withdrawn or prefer playing by herself. When she is interacting with others, she may be unaware of issues of personal space, resist physical touch and display unusual facial expressions.
Behavioral Difficulties
Rather than moving from toy to toy or activity to activity, a 3-year-old with autism may play repeatedly with the same toy. He might fixate on routines or schedules and become extremely irate at a change in plans or routines. An autistic toddler might spin in circles, twirl his fingers or flap his hands and arms. In addition, he might rock back and forth or engage in other repetitive movements. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke suggests that even as early as infancy, a baby with autism may focus for long periods on just one object.
Other Difficulties
A three-year-old with autism may experience under-or over-responsiveness to sensory input including textures, sounds and smells. This might cause anxiety over tags in clothes or the sound of a leaf blower. Other challenges for young children with autism may include unusual eating or sleeping patterns, aggression, self-injury or hyperactivity.
