Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that consists of a wide range of conditions that usually affect a child’s social, communication, and behavioral skills (1) (2). According to the World Health Organization, one in 160 children in the world has an autism spectrum disorder (3).
There is no single known cause of autism, and it is believed to occur due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The signs of the condition often emerge by the age of two or three years. While there is no cure for autism, the condition can be effectively managed with strategies that improve the child’s quality of life.
Read this post to know more about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of autism in a three-year-old.
Signs And Symptoms Of Autism In A Three-year-old
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies could display early signs of autism before their first birthday (4). The more typical signs emerge before the age of two years or by three years. The signs and symptoms of autism usually present in three domains — social skills, communication skills, and behavior.
Lack of social skills is commonly noticed in a three-year-old child with autism. You may notice the following shortcomings in social skills (5).
- Not responding to name
- Avoid eye contact
- Do not share with others
- Plays alone
- Not taking turns during activities
- Not interested in socializing with others
- Avoid physical contact with others
- Inappropriate facial expressions or no expression at all
- Not able to express feelings
- Not empathetic
- Difficult to soothe or comfort
Language and communication skills could be below the expected levels in three-year-olds with autism. You may notice the following issues (5).
- Delayed language development and speech
- Repeating words or phrases
- Inappropriate answers to questions
- Repeats what others say
- Does not point at objects of interest
- Does not respond to others pointing to an object
- No gestures or body movements, such as waving hands to say goodbye
- Talks in a flat voice
- Do not pretend play
- Do not understand jokes or when teased
- Reverses pronouns, such as saying “I” instead of “You”
Behavioral issues are common in three-year-olds with autism. You may notice the following behavioral attributes (5).
- Line up toys or place objects in an organized way
- Become upset or frustrated if there is a small change in daily routine
- Make repetitive motions, such as spinning, flapping hands, or rocking back and forth
- Play with a specific part of an object or a toy, such as they enjoy spinning the wheels of a toy car repeatedly
- May have odd routines and can be upset if it is not allowed, such as always want to shut the doors
- Shows obsessive interests
- Short attention span
- Hyperactivity
- Aggression
- Self-harming, such as self-scratching or punching
- Severe tantrums
- Lack of fear in situations where it is natural and expected
- Irregular eating patterns and sleeping habits
Some of these symptoms may even occur in three-year-olds who do not have ASD. However, consult a pediatrician if your child shows any of these symptoms. Many of these signs and symptoms may also occur in other developmental delays or conditions. Speech delay and lack of eye contact may need more prompt care to determine the presence of hearing or vision problems.
Difference Between Autism Symptoms In Girls And Boys
Autism symptoms can be similar in both boys and girls. However, autism is often easily identified in boys due to their behavioral and playing habits. Girls may try to mimic the language and social skills of their surroundings. Thus, it may go unnoticed in girls for more time.
Boys can be more interested in spinning parts or wheels of a toy than girls. In comparison, girls tend to arrange objects, such as toys, in a specific way. Nevertheless, both boys and girls with autism show an obsession for keeping objects ina preferred way and may throw tantrums when the order is changed (6).
Difference Between Mild And Severe Symptoms Of Autism
The severity of autism disorder may vary in each child from mild to severe. It means some children with ASD have advanced learning skills, whereas others may require assistance for daily activities.
Depending on the severity and the support required, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines three levels of autism (7).
| Severity | Symptoms and signs |
|---|---|
| Level 1: Requiring support |
|
| Level 2: Requiring substantial support |
|
| Level 3: Requiring very substantial support |
|
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are treated based on the level of severity. Children with mild ASD (level 1) may have better treatment outcomes than severe (level 3) cases.
Autism Diagnosis In Three-year-olds
There is no specific imaging or laboratory test to diagnose autism. Observation of behaviors and developmental skills can indicate the presence of ASD in three-year-old children. Medical tests to exclude hearing and vision problems are performed before confirming the diagnosis (8).
Doctors may play and interact with the toddlers to assess them. Parents may also be asked to fill questionnaires regarding their child’s behaviors and skills. After the initial evaluation, a pediatrician may refer suspected cases to specialists for detailed examination.
Management Of Autism
There is no cure for autism spectrum disorder. Thankfully, there are several therapies and intervention techniques to manage autism. These management techniques can reduce symptoms and enhance the child’s abilities, thus making them perform daily activities with minimal difficulty.
The following are the various management therapies for ASD (9).
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the method to teach speech, life skills, and language to the autistic child.
- Behavioral management therapy helps reduce unwanted behaviors and reinforce good behaviors.
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helps modify the thoughts to change the child’s mood or behavior.
- School-based therapies are important for autistic children to learn about social interactions and activities.
- Nutrition therapy is recommended for autistic children with digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies.
- Joint attention therapy teaches the use of nonverbal communications, such as gaze and gestures to communicate.
- Parent-mediated therapy involves interventions that parents can teach the child. Parents are trained by experts, and they should continue to train the child at home as recommended.
- Social skills training aims to develop social skills in a structured manner.
- Occupational therapy (OT) helps children learn the skills required for performing daily activities.
- Speech and language therapy helps deal with problems related to communication and expression.
Therapies are chosen based on each child’s specific requirement since disorders, such as ADHD, may overlap with ASD in some children. Early interventions during preschool or before are shown to have positive effects. Depending on the severity of ASD, doctors may suggest special education centers for children with autism.
Autism in three-year-olds could present parents with several challenges. However, timely detection and management can let the child grow with minimal hurdles. Most children who receive early support could develop adequate skills to manage their autism without affecting other aspects of their lives.