strange sypmtoms

I have a 3 yr old step daughter who constantly walks on her tiptoes(she has ever since she started walking).  She also has an obsession with smelling things, she'll ask to smell something over and over. She won't sleep in her bed she'll only sleep in this play tent in her room, I tried moving right next to her bed to get her more comfortable with the bed but she freaked out and we had to move it back to it's original spot. She also doesn't sleep through the night she gets up more than once and won't go back to sleep unless someone goes back into the room with her. She's very repetitive with things also, for example, she'll want to watch a certain movie or tv program over and over and nothing else. Also, if someone is crying or upset it doesn't even phase her. I'm just concerned that she may have Asperger's or something. Should we get this looked into or are these sort of things normal for a 3 yr old?

[Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA]

I think it would be a good idea to share these concerns with your pediatrician, who will have a full picture of your child's health and development and will be aware of the local resources for assessment (if necessary). Your pediatrician should also be able to provide some suggestions regarding your child's sleep. All children (and their parents) need regular sustained sleep, so I strongly recommend that you get some support in this area.