Speech delay vs autism
5 min read
This is not a diagnosis (official name from a doctor).
These guides are for parent education. They do not replace a child doctor, psychologist, or speech-language pathologist.
Late talking and autism can look similar. They are not always the same.
Simple difference
Speech delay (late or unclear talking): the child usually wants to connect with you, but words or sounds are late.
Autism (a difference in talking, play, and feeling the world): the child may also talk late, but they may not point to share, pretend, or enjoy back-and-forth play in the usual way.
Many children have late talking without autism. Some have both. A hearing check is needed in both cases.
Questions to ask yourself
- Does my child point to show me something interesting?
- Do they look at me to share a laugh?
- Do they pretend, even a little?
Quick answers
If they look in my eyes, it cannot be autism?
Some autistic children do look, especially at family. One sign is not enough to say yes or no.
Should we stop the second language?
Usually no. Keep the languages you actually speak at home.
