Does My Child Have Autism at Age 4?
Mar 27, 2025
Autism vs. Gifted
At age four, both giftedness and autism can present with unique and overlapping social-emotional behaviors, which can sometimes cause confusion during early development screenings. Here’s a breakdown of the differences in social-emotional behavior between a gifted four-year-old and a four-year-old with autism:
1. Social Interaction
Gifted Child:
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May prefer the company of older children or adults due to advanced verbal and cognitive skills.
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May engage in imaginative play with complex storylines.
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Often shows strong empathy and an ability to read emotional cues (though not always).
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Might appear “bossy” or intense due to their vocabulary or confidence.
Autistic Child:
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May prefer to play alone or have difficulty initiating or maintaining peer interactions.
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Play may be repetitive or focused on specific routines rather than imaginative.
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May struggle to read or respond...