is my 2 year old son autistic?

[kshatto]

My son is beginning to display odd behaviors that is beginning to make me question whether he has autism. He is 26 months and is beginning to say a plethora of words. He will often point to items and begin naming them off, even if we havent talked much about them before- he is infatuated with vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, tractors) and distinguishes them from each other. I do have to say that he always responds when I call his name, typically asking "What" and can follow 3 part instructions very well. However, I feel at his age he should be beginning to speak in three word sentences? and if I try to play with him he will often take his toys away from me. He has an obsession with playing with cars and trains and lines them up, facing in the same direction and becomes extremely upset if I move them. When I try to get him interested in make believe play it typically lasts 10 minutes, then hes on to the next thing, however 30 minutes is the maximum he will play with any one thing. He is constantly on the go and will sometimes reciprocate affectionate acts. When he becomes upset he will pinch and finds it funny despite getting his hands slapped or my disapproving look. Around other children he will play for a bit then ignores them to pursue his own interest. I am afraid that he has autism and my husband tells me to quit worrying its just the terrible twos. Is there something else underlying?

[bon_monty]

Hello, some things you mention i would say yes but then other things you mention and i would say no!! But thats the thing with autism, there isnt a real box of symptoms that fits all children its such a broad spectrum with varying signs and symptoms. I would suggest getting some books to read about autism to see if your son fits into any more categories. My son was always obsessed with lining things up and if you disturbed the pattern, god help you!! He would (and still does at the age of 5) line up trains and push them around the track ALL day, his focus becomes so intense in that activity that he is totally absorbed. He will lay down on the floor head on the side, cheek on the floor and watch the wheels go around, pushing the train backwards and forwards. You cannot get the trains off him and you cannot get him onto another activity without hell. I cannot play trains with him as he yells and screams that im disturbing his track set up and im not pushing the train properly!!
I would say if your sons behaviour is not severe and its not disturbing the household from running then dont worry, only when daily life becomes a battle and the family cant function without him being the centre of attention is when you need investigation. The tantrums and meltdowns and aggressive behaviour towards us and himself was too severe for me to handle. Breakfast is a nightmare if he doesnt have the same bowl and spoon with it all lined up correctly, bath is a nightmare, brushing teeth is a 1 hour screaming battle, wearing clothes and shoes is impossible, getting in the car and wearing a seatbelt is distressing, going somewhere new or having visitors is crazy chaos, etc. The whole day is extremely stressful for everyone and many meltdowns and angry behaviour comes from him. I seeked help and had to fight with every professional i came across before a final diagnoses of High Functioning Autism more Aspergers was made. Even then he doesnt fit into ALL the boxes.

Do some more reading, watch his behaviour but if its not disrupting the rest of the households day to day running then dont worry, its probably just the two's stage and he will grow out of it, just be patient and teach him right and wrong. Good luck :-)

[jade_and_janessas_mommy_807]

I would say that your son's behavior sounds pretty normal for a 26 month old that doesn't have autism.  I think that the lining the vehicles up is actually a pretty common thing, kids just do things like that sometimes.  And toddlers get VERY angry when you disrupt what they are working so hard to do.  I know what it's like to over analyze every little thing and be afraid your child might have autism or something else, but based on what you described I think your son is OK.

[FergalEmmanuel]

I feel how worry you are about your son.  I think there is no need to worry about him. It happens sometimes. If you feel something wrong you take a test and consult any doctor. .