To worry about possible autism.

[Coffeeandchocolate68]

I have a lovely almost 3 year old daughter who is the light of my life. I have wondered on and off for some time now about possible autism.
My main concerns are eye contact and a lack of interest in her peers.
She makes plenty eye contact but doesn’t hold it for long. So if we are having a conversation she will look at me and look away a lot. Compared to others the same age her eye contact seems ‘different’ - other kids seem to stare intensely when conversing, which she just doesn’t do.
She also really isn’t interested in other kids. If we go to soft play/play parks etc she just wants to be with me. She is semi rude to kids who try to speak to her, she’s just not interested. So now whereas her peers are starting to run off and at least show some interest in each other, she’s pulling me by the arm and wanting me to go with her and ignoring other children.
Other than that, she’s happy and her behaviour is generally ok - tantrums from time to time but these seem to be getting fewer.
i suppose it’s just a niggle and time will tell whether my concerns are valid. Just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing by my daughter. There is a family history of autism so I guess I’m on high alert.
Thanks for any input.

I'm on the spectrum, so I'd my youngest, now 25. I've supported a lot of families through diagnosis, both me and my DD can spot it early and you might be doing so. I don't think it matters if you identify it now. We believe in needs led parenting and giving as many experiences as you can, out and about. You can share any concerns with Nursery and then school.

If you’ve got autism in the family, you probably know there’s a suggested genetic predisposition. The behaviours you covered may (not does) indicate autism - they’re very similar to my grandson who is now 7 (who has level 2). Funnily enough, it’s led to his parent being diagnosed and made sense of behaviours other family members. Early intervention provides the very best support for kids. Maybe look at getting advice around assessment, if only to help you understand here needs (autism or not)

Thanks for the responses, they’re appreciated. Nursery/HV don’t have any concerns and family members dismiss my concerns, so it’s helpful to at least feel like I am being listened to.
I’m very much “needs led” but I suppose I can’t help but be anxious about what lies ahead. I just want to do my best for my daughter.

My son was diagnosed with autism at 3.5, and had a similar lack of eye contact/interest in other children at that age. He was referred fairly quickly after starting preschool (within about six weeks), with those being two of the concerns mentioned - though there were also a lot of other symptoms as well. If your nursery isn't concerned then I would trust their experience for the time being.

FWIW, my son is now 4.5 and a very sociable little boy who loves playing with his friends and sister!