Photo: Elli Bayati

Is my son autistic or just delayed?

Children with autism often have speech delays, but speech delays alone do not mean your child has autism. Autistic speech delays usually occur along with other communication issues, such as not using gestures, not responding to their name, and not showing interest in connecting with people.

verywellhealth.com - Is Late Speech a Sign of Autism? - Verywell Health

Why am I slow at reading?

You could have lost focus, or you were not interested in what you were reading. It might be complicated material with numerous uncommon words....

Last updated Jan 17, 2018

How many times has Parvati won Survivor?

Parvati Shallow Occupation(s) Television personality Yoga teacher Internet talk-show host Charity organizer Television Survivor: Cook Islands (6th...

Last updated Aug 23, 2021

Promotion

Speech delays are very common among children with autism. But they are also common in children without autism. There are, however, very real differences between speech delays in autism and other types of delays. In many cases, these differences are noticeable even to non-experts. Significant speech delays are always a cause for some concern, but they are by no means always a sign of autism. This article will cover the reasons for speech delays and help you learn to recognize when they're related to autism.

Verywell / Hugo Lin

How Speech Delays Differ in Autism

As most babies develop, they quickly learn that communication is the key to getting what they want. Long before they learn to use spoken language, little ones make eye contact, pull on sleeves, babble, point, and otherwise work hard to get their point across to adults and older children. Over time, the majority of children learn to use spoken language because they get positive results from doing so. In addition, most children:

Are highly motivated by social responses such as smiles and hugs

Are naturally inclined to imitate the actions of people around them

Are likely to spend much more time observing people than observing things

Tend to be social beings who become quickly bored or lonely when left alone Children with autism, however, may have social communication challenges that make social connection more difficult. While children with mild autism may be much more socially inclined than those with more severe autism, the same issues hold true across the spectrum.

For example, a child with autism:

May be more motivated by his or her own interests than by social responses

May rarely or never imitate others' actions

Be more interested in things than in people

Be content when left alone to pursue their own interests

All of these characteristics lead to different behaviors, desires, and outcomes.

Recap Children with autism may have a harder time using or understanding non-verbal communication (such as pointing, pulling, and smiling). They may also have less interest in social communication for its own sake.

Symptoms of Autistic Speech Delay

The difference between autistic speech delays and other delays is fairly easy to spot. If you recognize your child in Bobby (listed below), it may be a good idea to consider having your child evaluated for autism. Johnny isn't talking at all at age 2. But while he isn't saying words yet, he's using babbling sounds and body language to communicate with the people around him. He's pointing, pulling people toward things he wants, and engaging with other people. He actively enjoys playing with his parents and siblings. And he's frustrated when left alone to take a nap. Bobby is the same age as Johnny. Bobby does have a few words, but he doesn't use them to communicate. Instead, he repeats them over and over to himself. Bobby has not yet figured out how to use gestures, sounds, or words to ask for something he wants. His parents find it almost impossible to hold his attention for more than a few seconds.

What does an emotionally absent mother look like?

They're dismissive or overwhelmed when the child has an emotional need. They're not interested in the child's life (interests, friend groups,...

Last updated Oct 14, 2021

Who won $1000000 on Survivor without being named sole Survivor?

He first appeared in the 18th season, Survivor: Tocantins in which he won the title of Sole Survivor and the US$1,000,000 grand prize. ... James...

Last updated Mar 10, 2021

Promotion

Johnny may have a speech delay that requires some form of early intervention. Possibilities include (but are not limited to):

Hearing loss

Apraxia of speech, a problem with control of muscles used in speech

Cognitive (thinking) challenges

Although Bobby is able to use a few words, he may be showing early signs of autism.

Speech-Related Signs of Autism

In addition to late speech, there are a number of other communication-related issues that could be signs of autism. In general, children with autism are more likely to: Fail or be slow to respond to their name or other verbal attempts to gain their attention Fail or be slow to develop gestures, such as pointing and showing things to others Coo and babble in the first year of life, but then stop doing so

Develop language at a delayed pace

Learn to communicate using pictures or their own sign language

Speak only in single words or repeat certain phrases over and over, seeming unable to combine words into meaningful sentences

Repeat words or phrases that they hear, a condition called echolalia

Use words that seem odd, out of place, or have a special meaning known only to those familiar with the child's way of communicating

Summary

A Word From Verywell

If you're worried that your child may have autism, it's a good idea to have them evaluated. If the pediatrician determines that your child's significant speech delay is connected to autism, you'll be able to start therapy early and give your child the best chance of gaining effective communication skills.

verywellhealth.com - Is Late Speech a Sign of Autism? - Verywell Health

Is being lazy a red flag?

“Laziness” and lack of motivation are red flags of an underlying health disorder. Ask our office how we can help you address them.

Last updated Mar 24, 2019

What is the most useful tool at home?

A well-stocked home tool kit will help you handle everything from day-to-day fixes to major home improvement projects. ... You can fix almost...

Last updated Nov 19, 2018

Promotion

What foods make you taller?

11 Foods That Make You Taller While height depends largely on genetics, getting enough nutrients in your diet is absolutely essential to ensuring...

Last updated Jan 26, 2020

Promotion

Is it good to drink water at night?

Drinking warm water before bed will keep you hydrated through the night and may help the body to rid itself of unwanted toxins. It may also help to...

Last updated Jul 18, 2018