3 yo with repetitive behavior patterns

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The behaviors you describe in your post seem like they could easily be in the range of normal behavior, like other posters said. At age 3.5 you probably have some sense about where he is in making friends and playing with other kids, and that's where autism spectrum things tend to show up. You might think about whether he is equally social with his peers and with adults, or if he prefers adults.

Would the poster mind elaborating on what preferring the company of adults at 3.5 indicates? Is this an indication for autism?

yes, i'm curious about that too. my three year old probably prefers the company of adults (who listen to everything he says and play "his" way) to other children...but i'm not sure that indicates anything at this age.

[Anonymous]

My son did some of those things and was not dx with autism, but rather a regulatory disorder. Read some of Dr. Stanley Greenspan's books. He is the father of floortime. HE's the one who dx our child. He's excellent. I recommend seeing him.

[Anonymous]

I would seek a developmental eval. with Children's or Kennedy Krieger. An OT will not be able to diagnose something like Autism. Only a psychologist. I would be concerned about the imitating shows, etc.

[Anonymous]

To the OP - I haven't read all the other responses (sorry, pressed for time) but I wanted to share that getting an evaluation by an occupational therapist with expertise in sensory integration issues would probably answer your questions. I recommend Lynn Grasso in DC at http://www.leapsandboundsot.com/index.htm
If you need an OT closer to your home, Lynn should be able to recommend one.

[Anonymous]

My son repeats himself-all the time. "Thomas", he'll turn to play with the track and engines, again, "Thomas"-like a broken record. I nod and answer yes. Drives me crazy but it's normal.

[Anonymous]

I have to say that some of the behaviors you described did raise some red flags for me. Since he is 3.5 you could contact Child Find and they will conduct a free screening to find out if there is a need for further screening. It is so important that you are aware and motivated to find out the best ways to help your child's development.

[Anonymous]

Hi. I am a psychologist that works with an area Child Find. If you brought your child into our office, we would probably recommend testing. You really do not know if it "falls within the normal range" without testing. It is free and will put your mind at ease if there is nothing wrong. If there is something wrong, they will help you help him. Good luck!