Parents and caregivers who notice particular changes or challenges in a 3-year-old may wonder if these could indicate autism.
In this article, we discuss the possible signs and symptoms of autism in 3-year old children.
What is autism?
Autistic people may have difficulty developing friendships and understanding other people’s feelings.
Autistic people may have difficulty relating to those around them, developing friendships, and understanding other people’s feelings. They may also have repetitive thoughts and perform repetitive behaviors.
seizures
digestive disorders
psychiatric issues, such as anxiety or depression
According to some research, 70% of autistic children have one co-occurring condition, while 41% have two or more, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, or social anxiety.
There is no “cure” for autism, and many autistic people feel that ASD is an integral part of their identity. Doctors and therapists can help people manage their symptoms and maintain a happy, healthy life.
Signs and symptoms in a 3-year-old
Some signs of autism in a 3-year-old might include:
Social detachment
Autistic children may not play with others. They may:
play alone
have no interest in socializing
avoid sharing toys
not understand turn-taking play
not respond to their name
not understand make-believe or “pretend” play
Differences in emotional expression
Autistic people experience a full range of emotions, but they typically read and express them differently to others.
An autistic 3-year-old may:
have difficulty discussing or expressing their feelings
have trouble understanding the feelings of others
struggle to be soothed or comforted
make facial expressions that may not match internal feelings
avoid physical contact with others
become rigid when hugged
show no emotion when a parent leaves the room
Communication difficulties
Autism is characterized by difficulty communicating. At 3 years of age, an autistic child may:
demonstrate delays or regression in speech and language skills
speak in a flat or sing-song manner
not speak at all
avoid eye contact
appear expressionless
not answer questions appropriately
repeat the words of others
use words, phrases, or sounds repeatedly, which doctors call echolalia
use the wrong pronouns, for example, “you” instead of “I”
not use gestures, such as pointing or waving
not respond to pointing
not understand age-appropriate humor
Behaviors
Autistic children often display seemingly unusual or repetitive behaviors. They may:
flap their hands repeatedly
spin around
rock back and forth
appear fascinated with a particular toy or activity
have obsessive behaviors
line up toys in an ordered fashion
be hyperactive in certain situations
have a short attention span
insist on specific routines or rituals
display agitation, anger, or frustration when someone disturbs their routine or ritual
Other signs
Additional potential signs of autism in children include:
aggression
impulsivity
self-injuring
intense reactions to sounds, smells, textures, colors, or tastes
temper tantrums
unusual eating habits
Not all autistic children show all these signs, and many neurotypical children occasionally demonstrate some of them. For this reason, a professional diagnosis is essential.
Signs of autism as children get older
Autistic children may have a preference for being alone as they get older.
Autistic children may experience more or different challenges with communication, socialization, and behavior as they age. This is partly due to increasing social demands at school and in the community.
School-age children and teenagers may display some of the following:
a need for routine
a preference for being alone
a lack of friendships
aggression
agitation or frustration when routines are disturbed
anxiety
difficulty making conversation and taking turns in a conversation
heightened or lowered sense of smell, taste, touch, vision, and hearing
obsession with specific topics or activities
problems interpreting nonverbal and social cues
rigidity when following rules in school and sports
unusual posture or movements, such as biting or flicking of the fingers
unusual speech patterns and tone
Autism in girls vs. boys
Studies suggest that autistic girls may display different and more subtle symptoms. This may lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis and subsequent difficulties accessing effective support.
Recent research also suggests that autistic girls and autistic boys tell stories differently. Girls may use more “cognitive process” words, such as “think” and “know,” while previous studies suggested that all autistic children use fewer of these words.
Other theories about why ASD is considered to be less prevalent in females include:
Genetic differences between the sexes mean that females are less likely to inherit autism.
Teachers, parents, and caregivers underreport behaviors that suggest autism in girls.
Girls may be better able to “mask” their social challenges.
Diagnostic tools are based on how symptoms present in males, leading to underdiagnosis in females.
Diagnosis
Parents and caregivers who think that a child may be autistic should consult a doctor for a diagnosis or a referral to a specialist.
In order to know when to seek help, it is important to be aware of the milestones that a child should reach at each age. The CDC provide a comprehensive list of milestones for 3-year old childrenTrusted Source.
A specialist — such as a developmental pediatrician or a child psychologist — can provide a formal diagnosis. These professionals will observe a child’s behavior and track their development.
They will also test the child’s hearing and vision and may perform additional tests to rule out other underlying conditions that could be causing symptoms.
For example, a child with hearing problems may also demonstrate social difficulties or not respond when spoken to.
A doctor may diagnose a specific level of autism. Each level requires a different type and amount of support. Learn more about levels of autism in this article.
Management
Communication and behavioral therapies may be helpful for autistic children.
Early intervention is key for improving outcomes for autistic children. When they are young, children can learn helpful social, communication, and behavioral skills.
There are many options for autistic children, and these vary, depending on the child’s symptoms. The best place to seek information is from the child’s doctor.
The local school district should also be able to provide information about nearby resources, including early intervention programs.
Therapies and other forms of support that may be helpful for autistic children include:
behavioral therapies
communication skills training
educational programs
family therapy and parent education
occupational therapy
physical therapy
psychological interventions
speech therapy
medications
lifestyle changes, such as creating and sticking to a particular routine
It is essential to manage any other conditions that occur in autistic children, teenagers, and adults. These can include:
ADHD
depression
anxiety
seizures
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