Hi all, I'm concerned my nearly 3 year old is showing signs of autism. We've always had a lot of issues with transitions, like leaving the house and getting in the car. I've been in tears many times trying to get him in the car as he fights, goes rigid and cries, it's awful. Recently he's started crying at the drop of a hat but continuing with a high pitched whine when the sobbing had stopped. Sometimes this goes on for 10/15 minutes and then very suddenly stops and he says "I'm happy now". Nursery have said its really weird and they've never seen a child do that before. He also has some phrases that he says a lot. For example, at bedtime he always has to say a particular phrase about a tv program he likes and I have to respond the right way or he tells me off and we have to start again with him saying his part and me saying mine. He also will not listen, he just doesn't acknowledge you are even speaking. He's had his hearing checked and it's fine apparently. I can't get down to his level and make eye contact to get him to listen as he will just refuse to look at you. Other times eye contact is fine though.
Whenever I say to anyone how much I'm struggling with him they just tell me all toddlers are hard work, but I feel like it's more than that, or else I just am unable to cope with normal toddler behaviour as I feel like I'm having a breakdown.
Thanks for reading and please be kind.