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The moment a child utters their first word is filled with excitement and hope. But when that word is delayed, parental anxiety begins to lurk behind every pause, every attempt to utter even a syllable, or every glance that fails to meet the eye.
Late speech may be part of each child's individual pace of development, but it can also sometimes be a sign of a deeper process, such as an autism spectrum disorder. In this article, we will look at what autism is, what its manifestations are, how it differs from isolated delayed speech development, and how parents can recognize the signs that deserve attention.
What is autism?
Autism, or more precisely autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a condition of social behavior that affects brain development and, consequently, overall behavior. It influences the way a person perceives and interacts with the world. According to the World Health Organization, autism is mainly characterized by:
- Impairments in social communication and interaction with the world;
- Repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities;
- Difficulty transitioning from one activity to another;
- Difficulty adapting to change and sensory sensitivities.
Autism most often manifests itself in early childhood and is usually recognizable before the age of 3, but it is not uncommon for it to be diagnosed much later. The degree and form of manifestation can vary significantly—from mild difficulties in social adaptation to more profound deficits in communication and daily functioning.
It is important to understand that autism is not a disease, but a different way of perceiving and responding to the world. The diagnosis is not a label, but a key to adequate support.
Late talking or a sign of autism?
Many children with autism start talking late, which is considered one of the most common early signs. However, it is important to emphasize that not every child who starts talking late has autism. The difference between delayed speech development and autism often lies not only in the number of words, but in the way the child uses communication in general.
For example:
- A child with delayed speech may not be talking yet, but seeks eye contact, points to objects, and imitates sounds;
- A child with autism often does not use gestures to communicate, shows no interest in social play, does not seek eye contact, or even respond to their name.
According to an interesting scientific publication in PubMed, language development in kids with autism is often uneven and depends a lot on their cognitive and social functioning. Many of these children learn individual words or even whole sentences, but do not use language functionally—for example, they can name letters, numbers, or even whole sentences from advertisements, but are unable to express basic needs such as wanting water or food.
The study emphasizes that one of the main differences between a child with delayed speech development and a child with autism spectrum disorder is related to the way and motivation for using language. While the former seeks communication, albeit with limited means, children with autism often lack the desire for social contact and verbal communication.
What behavioral signs can point to autism?
Autism isn't just about "late talking"; it's often linked to certain behavioral traits that show up early in childhood. Parents sometimes do not notice them immediately or dismiss them as part of the child's "personality." However, when they occur in combination, they may indicate a possible neurological imbalance.
Some of the more common early signs include:
- Limited or absent eye contact - the child avoids looking at other people's eyes or does so for only a very short time;
- Does not respond to their name - even after being called repeatedly, the child rarely pays attention or responds to their name;
- Repetitive movements - for example, rocking back and forth, flapping hands, jumping, spinning in circles, etc.;
- Strong attachment to routine and repetition of actions - the child insists that certain actions happen in the same way and even the slightest change can upset them;
- Difficulty adapting to new situations - a change in environment, schedule, or daily activities leads to anxiety or even outbursts;
- Unusual fixation on objects or actions - for example, watching spinning objects for a long time, sorting by color, or playing with the same toy without interruption or switching to another;
- Frequent emotional outbursts - the child may suddenly cry, become angry, or isolate themselves, especially when communication is difficult or routine is disrupted.
It is important to emphasize that none of these signs alone constitutes a diagnosis. However, if several of them are observed simultaneously, it is advisable to consult a specialist, especially one with experience in the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.
At what ages do the symptoms of autism most often appear?
The first signs of autism can be noticed as early as the first year, but they usually become more obvious between 18 and 36 months. This is because it is during this period that increased development of speech, social connectedness, and play with other children is expected.
Sometimes the symptoms appear later, around 3-4 years of age, especially if the child has been reserved, quiet, and withdrawn, and has not shown any obvious signs of distress at an earlier age. Parents often notice communication difficulties when their child starts nursery or kindergarten, where comparisons with other children of the same age become more noticeable.
What should we do as parents?
First of all, don't panic. Early recognition is not a label or a sentence, but an opportunity for timely support. Nowadays, there are numerous resources, therapies, and techniques that help children with special needs reach their potential.
Here's what you can do:
- Consult a pediatrician and/or child psychologist who has experience with early childhood development.
- Observe your child in different contexts - at home, outside, among other children, in new environments.
- Build communication habits, even without words - use simple gestures, facial expressions, visual elements, or everyday objects to maintain contact and facilitate understanding. It is important for the child to feel that communication is possible and that their attempts to express themselves are met with a response;
- Use stimulating toys, such as busy boards, that engage the senses and encourage interaction.
👉 Little Fingers' Montessori-based sensory toys are designed precisely for this purpose - to support attention, motor skills, and communication in a fun way, namely through play.
