My son is almost 3 years old. He seems to be completely normal except for a few things which concern me. I have read quite a few blogs and online articles regarding autism but he doesnt show most of the signs. He speaks and communicates well and is not clumsy. He doesnt stack or arrange things in order.
Here are my concerns: He has always freaked out over loud noises. Sometimes he cries and runs to me, other times he will state "that's loud, I dont like that car, that's loud." He loves to look at animals in pictures and on tv but he is afraid of them. It takes him days to warm up to my parents dog. When he finally allows you to put him down rather than carry him out in the yard, he's fine as long as the dog doesnt come near. Or sometimes when she is near, he will even pet her back as long as she is not looking at him. He always notices smells and comments, "I smell....," or "whats that smell?" If it is bright at all he will ask for his sunglasses. My other children would wear sunglasses but only for a short time before getting bored with them and breaking them.
Behaviorally, you can take a toy and put it up or turn off the tv and he will throw a fit. If you tell him he needs to put a toy away or turn the tv off, he might say "I dont want to" or something but you can rationalize with him and he will obey. he is like this with everything. If you explain things to him, he is less obstinate. My other children could be stubborn or rebellious at times but after being disciplined they came to accept the motto "mom's in charge, we do what she says because she told us so." I never felt I had to explain my reasons to my other children but yet I feel I have to cater to him in this way because he is over the top otherwise.
I would have never allowed this type of behavior from my other children but because of the other odd behaviors he exibits, I tend to put up with more from him; thinking there may be a problem. I would like to know, is there anyone else who has a child with just slight issues like this? and if so, has their child been diagnosed with any mild disorder.