Concerned parents

I am concerned about my nearly 4 year old son. He often times laughs when others are crying. He also repeats words or sentences over and over until we acknowledge him by repeating what he says, acknowledging him in other ways is not enough. Lately he has been saying "cake" all the time. If I make him mad by telling him no he says cake, if I say I love you he says cake. I don't get it! He loves to be around other kids however he doesn't really interact with them. He also throws the most awful fits ever when he doesn't want to go somewhere or leave someplace and it is nearly impossible to discipline him. I plan on speaking to my physician but I was just curious as to what others think. I've read things indicating autism and others saying no. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hi,
inappropriate laughing and echolalia may be indicators of autism, but you really have to ask a physician (a one that actually knows something about autism). Any hypersensitivity? Strange eating habits?

Hey, at least his word is "cake." My son likes 'eyeball' and 'poop' as his goofy repetitive words. Did you ask him why he does it?

For transitions, have you tried giving him a five minute warning for all transitions?

He loves to be around other kids however he doesn't really interact with them.

My son too. He used to mostly watch, but he had a hardtime approaching kids. It really helped my son, to teach him the social rules of friendship. Hold his hand if wanted, and guide him with a kid(whichever you can grab). Step-by-step, plus what if scenarios. Putting him in highly structured activities with other kids also helped him build confidence.

you really have to ask a physician (a one that actually knows something about autism)

Ditto this. Most physicians don't deal with 'mild' cases, and much of the advice that I received I would consider harmful/backwards such as cry it out, make the child do it forcefully, if they vomit, so what, it won't hurt them, etc.