Is your child speaking less than their peers or have they not yet said their first words? Could this be a sign of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Not necessarily. This blog will explore the differences between speech delays and autism, highlighting the key characteristics of each, and providing guidance on how to seek support.
What are the signs of speech delay?
If your child is not reaching typical developmental milestones for their age, they might have a speech or language delay. Speech development can vary between children, but here are some signs your child might be speech-delayed:
- 4-6 months: Not babbling.
- 12 months: Not making consonant-vowel sounds (like “da” or “ma”), or using gestures like pointing or waving.
- 18 months: Trouble copying sounds, saying only a few words, not understanding what others say, and using gestures more than words to communicate.
- 24 months: Difficulty understanding simple instructions, not combining words.
- 2 years: Using fewer than 50 words, struggling to interact with other children.
- 3 years: Not speaking in simple sentences, not using plural words, or naming body parts.
- 4 years: Can’t share a simple story or form sentences with 4-5 words, and struggles with pronouns like “you” and “me.”
There are different types of speech and language disorders. Speech disorders involve difficulty pronouncing words, while language disorders affect understanding or sharing messages with others. If your child is struggling with speech delay, a speech therapist in Jalandhar at Bright Horizons can help.
You can call us or WhatsApp for More Details @ our Customer Care Number +91-9800-9900-88
What are the signs of autism?
Various common signs of autism should be identified on time. Some of the primary signs of autism spectrum disorder include difficulty with non-verbal communication, avoiding eye contact, or not responding when their name is called. Other signs may include:
- Trouble understanding others’ emotions
- Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
- Delayed speech and language development
- Preferring to be alone
- Difficulty making friends or engaging in social play
- Repetitive behaviors, like spinning or rocking
- Struggling with small changes in routine.
For autism treatment in Jalandhar for your autistic child, you can get in touch with therapists at Bright Horizons.
Is a speech delay a sign of autism?
Speech delays and autism can both affect language development, but they are different issues. A speech delay is when a child struggles to develop speech and language skills, while autism is a neurological condition that impacts social skills, learning, communication, and behavior.
Children with speech delays usually seek close relationships with others, enjoy the attention, and copy behaviors from those around them. They use body language and eye contact naturally. In contrast, children with autism may have trouble interacting socially, playing with others, and communicating. They might prefer being alone.
To tell the difference, you can look at speech patterns. Kids with speech delays often have trouble making certain speech sounds. Kids with autism might struggle with speech too, but they may repeat words or phrases often. Children with speech delays may also struggle with motor skills, like writing or using scissors. Children with autism may have motor difficulties but also show repetitive movements, like hand spinning or flapping.
Conclusion
If your child is having communication challenges, it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced speech therapist. Expert speech therapists at Bright Horizons will evaluate your child and identify the root cause of the issue.
You can call us or WhatsApp for More Details @ our Customer Care Number +91-9800-9900-88