Autism Checklist 3 year-old
No single symptom is a sign of autism, and no two children with autism have the same symptoms. There are no medical tests that can tell you whether a child has autism, and there are no hard and fast rules to diagnose it. Show In some cases, it can be tough for even a professional to diagnose an autism spectrum disorder. But if your child has several of the following symptomsand they can't be linked to any other disorderit might be a good idea to consider an autism screening or evaluation. This article will discuss what symptoms you should look for if you suspect your child may have autism. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Possible Red FlagsWhen you have a child with autism, there's a good chance you will notice some possible red flags. Your child may have:
Difficulties With CommunicatingChildren with autism often have difficulties with speech and language. If they are obvious difficulties, such as a 5-year-old having no spoken language, they are easy to spot. But children with autism don't fit neatly into a box of symptoms. For example, a 5-year-old with autism may use plenty of words and even use more words than other children their age. When doctors determine if a child has autism, they look at a child's communication skills. They carefully considerprosodyandpragmatic language. RecapProsodyis the tone, volume, and speed of speech. Pragmatic languageis the way a person participates in conversation. This includes taking turns while speaking, staying on topic, or showing interest in what someone else says. Here are some signs that a child is having trouble with communication skills:
Difficulties in Playing With Other ChildrenChildren with autism interact in unusual ways with objects, toys, and potential playmates. They are most likely toprefer playing alonerather than with other children. They may evendemand thatplaymatesinteract with them in certain predictable ways. RecapPlay is a fun, flexible activity that people do because they want to do it. Children with autism often engage in inflexible, repetitive play. When children with autism play, it usually does not involve playing pretend. Children with autism often view the world as something concrete and literal. They may struggle with abstract concepts and using their imagination. Here are just a few examples of the way kids with autism like to play:
Sensory DifferencesPeople with autism have a difficult time processing information they receive from their senses (sight, smell, touch, movement, hearing, and vision). This is called a sensory processing disorder. A sensory processing disorder causes them to overreact or underreact to what they experience through their senses. For example, kids with autism may be highly sensitive to taste and sounds. Bright lights may be overwhelming and certain kinds of touch may feel extremely uncomfortable to a child who has autism. Co-Existing Medical ConditionsChildren with autism are more likely to have certain specific medical conditions. These co-existing medical conditions include the following:
RecapCo-existing medical and mental health issues are often missed in children because people assume the issues are related to autism. These include epilepsy, injuries, gastrointestinal problems, mood disorders, allergies, and numerous other medical conditions. Less Common SignsSome people with autism may show less common symptoms. But these symptoms provide a hint that there may be a developmental issue. These issues may include:
A 2009 study from the University of Wisconsin suggests that as many as one in 10 people with autism have these types of abilities to varying degrees. Seeking an EvaluationIf you've read through this checklist and find that your child seems to show some of these symptoms, now is the right time to seek an autism evaluation. Contact your pediatrician and ask for a referral to a clinic, developmental pediatrician, or another specialist. If your pediatrician can't help, consider contacting your school district for suggestions. You can also seek an evaluation before your pediatrician suggests it.Parents are often the first to notice their child's differences and delays. That's because pediatricians only see children once a year or when the children are sick. They may not have a chance to see what you notice every day. There really is no downside to getting an evaluation for your child. While you may discover that your child is not autistic, chances are you've discovered some issues that should be addressed while your child is young. If your child has autism, now is a great time to start them on therapies that can give them the tools they need to be successful. SummarySymptoms of autism vary among both children and adults. But if your child displays symptoms such as communication difficulties, difficulties in playing with other children, sensory differences, or certain other medical conditions, you should get your child evaluated. A Word from VerywellIf you suspect your child may have autism, it's normal to be a bit worried. Contact your child's pediatrician to get an evaluation. If you learn that your child has autism, your pediatrician can connect you with the resources you need to help your child lead a happy, healthy life. How High Functioning Autism Is Diagnosed in Adults |