Distinguishing between age & autism...

[mommy2angel]

It's really difficult to tell if some of Carson's behaviors are age related or autism related. He is only 3 years old. He doesn't have many tantrums but this week he has had more than usual. They always center around him wanting to do what he wants to do. Sounds pretty typical to me for a child his age. Another thing I'm always wondering is if some of the things he excels at are age appropriate. He is able to do a 48 piece puzzle by his self!!! Does anyone know if that is typical for a 3 year old or is that advanced???

[jconney80]

Hmm I'm not really sure but it does sound above his age range! (the puzzle) I can tell with my little guy that he does some age appropriate things and the things that aren't stick out. I can't really explain it but I just can see it

[momtoscott]

 It could be a combination of both.  If you have had a change in routine with the start of summer, his tantrums could be partly related to that.  The puzzle--all kids are different, and puzzles may interest him a lot, so he concentrates more on them.  It does sound like a higher age skill, though. 

[amonkeymom]

I agree.  But, just because he's advanced doesn't mean he might be autistic.  Have you considered having him evaluated?

Quoting jconney80:

Hmm I'm not really sure but it does sound above his age range! (the puzzle) I can tell with my little guy that he does some age appropriate things and the things that aren't stick out. I can't really explain it but I just can see it

[happy2b101]

Yes, that is advanced for 3 years.  My son loves puzzles, also, so I just try to build other activities around whatever the puzzle's theme is so we expand what he can do as much as possible and build on his strengths.

[thatgirl70]

I think 3 is a tough age to ascertain what is "normal" and what isn't. You have to look at all the other factors as well.

As for the puzzle, I don't know, sorry.

[mommy2angel]

 Yes he is autistic. He was diagnosed over a year ago.

Quoting amonkeymom:

I agree.  But, just because he's advanced doesn't mean he might be autistic.  Have you considered having him evaluated?

Quoting jconney80:

Hmm I'm not really sure but it does sound above his age range! (the puzzle) I can tell with my little guy that he does some age appropriate things and the things that aren't stick out. I can't really explain it but I just can see it

 

[Kittie26]

I question these things all the time. Before, it was, "is it the autism, or is it that she's 2?" and now it's "is it the autism, or is it that she's 3?" She's incredibly smart, but that's a family trait so nothing to do with the autism. She tested too high cognitively to qualify for special ed pre-k, but because of social and behavioral issues, she did get in. For her, if she's taught anything with enough patience, she'll excel. Her EI teacher was only just showing her how to do small puzzles toward the end of our time with her, and I haven't pushed puzzles on her so she can't do a 48 piece puzzle. She does AWESOME at all different kinds of puzzles on iPad though. (Put the missing animals in their place" for instance, and it shows various silouhettes and she has to drag the right animal to the right shape -- more like matching of a sort.) I believe it could just be that your son was really interested in puzzles, and so he took the time to learn how to do them. I haven't asked around to find out if 48 pieces is advanced for this age, but I'd guess yes. I don't think either of my nephews (both just turned 3 around when Aly did) can do it. I'd have to ask my sisters. All of our babes have their special interests. For Aly, it's animals and alphabet. She's been able to read upper and lowercase letters since 2.5 and has been learned to spell various animal names (and is familiar not just with everyday animals, but also animals like hyena and ostrich and chameleon, etc.). It's all about what interests them and tapping into it!