Is this Autism?

[mom1109]

My son is just over 3 years old.  He has always been extremely verbal, charming affectionate, and loving.  He developed very early language and has the vocabulary of a child beyond his years. He has great eye contact, answers when spoken to and participates in conversation according to all social norms (takes turns, asks questions, pauses at the right time, uses language effectively, etc).  At home we have no concerns or problems with him.  He is easy to transition and very amenable to those around him.  My concern is that he makes odd movements with his hands and arms when he is excited.  He does it during and exciting moment and in anticipation of one (like talking about it).  He does not do this at random or at any other times.  He only does it when related to excitement.  In addition, he occasionally grinds his teeth and grimaces.  Another concern is that he can be proprietary with his toys and parents. He doesn't always like to share and can get upset about it.  At other times, he shares fine and is more than willing to accommodate children he is playing with.  Sometimes he prefers to play on the periphery of his peers and other times he joins in.  His social skills and successes seem to vary.  

I know that hand movements, teeth grinding, grimacing and social issues are "red flags" for autism.  I have such a hard time thinking it could be that due to all the other skills he has, but want to keep my eyes open.  I have asked our pediatrician about it and she says with all his strengths she doesn't have concerns.  Any input would be helpful.

[Athena_M]

It doesn't sound like autism at all especially since he has such great eye contact and communication skills.  
A lot of children without autism will flap thier hands when excited.  
His teeth grinding might be from something else like stress, like Karen Diane said.  Ask your pediatrician about that.  
The not wanting to share sounds normal for a 3 year old.  

[KarenDiane]

Kids with autism are self-stimulating when they flap their hands. They do it all the time. It sounds like your son is just getting rid of some nervous energy. The teeth grinding could be from something causing him stress or anxiety. I don't see a problem with his social skills either. At his age, he is still feeling his way around other kids. I wouldn't be concerned.