Autism disorders fall in a spectrum of disorders and the difference among those afflicted can vary greatly. Some autistic children are only mildly impaired, while others have severe problems. However, every child on the autism spectrum has difficulties in three areas--communicating, relating to others, and flexibility. Early intervention can make a huge difference, so it is important for those involved in the life of children to be aware of the possible signs of autism. When autism is suspected, the child's doctor should be consulted immediately.
Basics
Generally, the formal diagnosis of autism is not given until 3 years old or later, but it is important to remember that signs of autism can be displayed at much earlier stages in a child's development. If a child displays signs of autism early on, it is important to begin early interventions at that time, even if a formal diagnosis has yet to be provided.
Areas
Symptoms of autism in 3-year-olds fall into three areas of development: social skills, communication and behaviors or interests, notes First Signs website. Depending on the level of autism, the symptoms in each one of these areas will vary in severity. Children with high-functioning forms of autism will use language to communicate, but they might have abnormal tone, pitch or rhythm while they speak. On the other hand, children with more severe forms of autism may not use verbal language at all.
Considerations
At any childhood age, the loss of language that was previously acquired is a symptom of possible autism, reports HelpGuide.org. Children with autism may develop appropriate language skills but then suddenly stop their language development and regress.
Behavioral Symptoms
A 3-year-old without autism will be able to appropriately express her emotions, show affection, and separate from parents fairly well to go to a babysitter or preschool. When a child does not reach these emotional milestones by age 3, it may be a sign of autism, notes the Center for Disease Control.
Being inflexible with routine can be a symptom of autism. This may include insisting on a specific route, having unusual attachments to objects, obsessing about arranging things, repetitive movements, and spending hours arranging or focused on one thing, notes HelpGuide.org.
Social interaction in a 3-year-old with autism will be limited. She may pay little attention to the behaviors of others, avoid social interaction or be unable to interact appropriately and will not engage in pretend play, according to HelpGuide.org.
Communication Abnormalities
The abnormal language development of a 3-year-old with autism includes repeating the same words or phrases; talking about himself in third person; using abnormal tone, rhythm or pitch; and repeating questions before answering them, reports HelpGuide.org.
