Development in a 3 yr old boy?

Question

My son is in the process of being dignosed with Autism. The pediatrition said a 3 yr old ( he is 3 +2 months) should be drawing stick figures of people. He also said he was behind in his language because he saw a toy he wanted and he said ''I want that up there'' instead of saying ''I want to get up there to get the chicken toy''. My question is do you think the expectations of this pediatrition are little too high? Does your 3 yr old meet theese standards?

Answer 1

Is this a regular pediatrician or a developmental pediatrician? Has he been evaluated by a speech therapist or an occupational therapist?

I don't think either of your examples necessarily indicate much of anything. In other words, I wouldn't be taken back by a child that age who didn't draw stick figures or didn't speak in more complete sentences. That is certainly nothing alarming. What makes you suspect that your child has autism?  

Answer 2

UM, really I would get a second opinion. Autism is not a label you want for a child that doesn't have it. My son is three and has no interest in drawing, he would rather play, therefore he cannot draw stick figures. And a child's language has a lot to do how people respond to them (no offense I don't know how you interact with your son) so if I allow my child to baby talk, they will. All children are different and unless your ped has more concrete reasons for the diagnosis then run.

Yes my now 5 yr old has been drawing stick figures since he was just over 2

Answer 3

the fact that he isn't drawing a stick person isn't necessarily important. that is something that children have to be shown. and the fact that he didn't say that whole complete sentence isn't important either.

here are some sites that will give you a bigger picture. the doctor has high expectations for a 3 year old. if you breakdown that sentence it has a lot of descriptive words in there and its a two step sentence. most 3 year olds are not there to talk about in detail what they want and how they are going to get it.

i would get a second opinion before getting that label for your child. he may have autism but if he can function well in society and school with little modifications then that's what I would do.

http://www.learningdesign.com/Portfolio/...

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/sp...

http://www.blankees.com/baby/speech/

Answer 4

I think that all kids develop at different levels.  I think that if you doctor wants to run the tests, you should let him.  I'm sure there is something that he is seeing with his trained eye that is worrying him.  It is hard to admit when there is something wrong with our kids (my 7 yr old was diagnosed with depression - how does a 7 yr old get depressed),  But as hard as it is to admit that there is a problem, imagine how you will feel if there is, and you neglected to get him help.  Follow the doctors orders, you have nothing to lose.

Answer 5

my son is fine and cannot draw a stick figure at 3 1/2

Answer 6

If your doctor is basing the diagnosis of autism for your child on the fact that he can't draw stick figures and isn't speaking in perfect sentences then he is out of his mind. He's just barely turned 3 and sometimes it takes a little while for them to speak perfectly. He sounds normal to me, maybe you should consider a new doctor.

Answer 7

wow he certainly has high standards!!!!

http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs  has what English government believe are the milestones for children aged 0-5years old. Also there's a book called Birth to Five by Mary Sheridan which may be worth a look.

You can go back to your GP if you are not happy with what the pediatrition says!!!

Answer 8

My daughter is 3 1/2 and she doesn't do many of the things that a 'normal' 3 year old can do yet she has not been diagnosed as being autistic. She can't draw a stick figure or ask for things she wants in detail like what your pediatrician is suggesting either. I'm sure your son is just fine and he will do those things when he is ready. Be proud of him for the things he does accomplish, it will encourage him to do more. Best wishes to you!

Answer 9

I think doctors are way to quick to jump the gun nowadays.  3 years is a tough age, some kids are really articulate, some are not.  I would get a 2nd and 3rd opinion,  

Answer 10

That doesn't sound like enough evidence to diagnose autism.  This CDC web site lists the important milestones by the end of 3 years:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/ActEarl...

Answer 11

that sounds way out of reach for a 3 year old. you should definitely take him to someone else, let them know what the doctor said, and ask what they think. there are all sorts of resources out there, try Early Intervention services. he might have aged out of that already, but if you call one of your local therapy centers for kids they may be able to direct you where to go. you'll want to look for a place that does speech and developmental delay therapies.