I am needing advice asap about my almost 3 year old nephew. These are his signs and/or symptoms:
1. He is in constant motion- he flicks his ears, nose, touches his legs, and the back of his head (all in the same sequence) constantly!
2. He hums almost incessantly
3. When he gets excited, he opens his mouth really wide (almost like its involuntary) and does a rowing motion with his arms.
4. He rarely smiles and isn't very affectionate although he likes to be rocked to sleep and he will give hugs and kisses if you ask him to. I have literally never heard him laugh.
5. His speech is very delayed
6. He will not even begin to potty train
7. He cannot climb stairs and has some motor skill delays
8. He lines his toys up but doesn't really play with them
9. He loves chasing my 3 sons around and loves being with them, but cannot sit and play cars or games with them.
10. He is fixated on the color yellow and always has been
11. He does NOT do well with any change in schedule
12. He throws tantrums by arching his back and screaming to the top of his lungs
My parents and I both have noticed these behaviors and have become increasingly worried. Any time my parents have mentioned concerns about the odd movements to his parents, they get very defensive and say it's just his quirk.. before I overstep my bounds and express my concerns to them (because it will infuriate them), I wanted to get some feedback from people with experience..does this sound like autism or could he just truly be a little different and "quirky" as his parents assume. I just have read where the earlier a child gets therapy and intervention, the better and I will feel so guilty if he is diagnosed 2 years from now when I could have said something sooner. I also don't want to ruin my relationship with my brother and his wife... Please advise me!