Speech and Language in Autism – How to Spot Delays

Key Points:

• Children with autism often experience challenges with both speech production and understanding language.
• Early signs of speech and language delays may include limited eye contact, lack of babbling, or difficulty with social use of language.
• ABA therapy can help improve communication skills through structured, individualized interventions.

Speech and language delays are among the earliest and most noticeable signs of autism in children. Many parents begin to suspect something is different when their child isn’t babbling, pointing, or using words like their peers. Understanding how speech and language autism symptoms show up—and how to support your child—can make a world of difference.

This guide breaks down what to look for, how delays differ from other speech concerns, and what interventions, like ABA therapy, can do to help children find their voice.

Understanding Speech and Language in Autism

Speech and language development are not the same, and when we talk about speech and language autism challenges, we’re referring to a wide spectrum of communication differences.

Speech is the physical ability to make sounds and form words clearly. Language involves understanding and using those words meaningfully—knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to respond to others.

In autism, delays or differences can occur in either or both areas. Some children may speak clearly but have trouble with the back-and-forth flow of conversation. Others may struggle to articulate words or may not speak at all.

Identifying what kind of delay your child is experiencing helps guide the right interventions, especially in programs like ABA therapy, which can be tailored to specific communication goals.

7 Common Early Signs of Speech and Language Delays in Autism

Not every delay is a red flag, but certain patterns are more typical in children with autism. If you notice more than one of these signs consistently, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician or a specialist.

These are some of the most common signs of speech and language autism delays that may appear between infancy and toddlerhood:

1. Lack of Babbling or Cooing by 9 Months: Most babies start to explore sounds early. A lack of babbling can be an early sign of atypical development.
2. Not Responding to Their Name by 12 Months: This isn’t always due to hearing loss—it may be due to difficulty with receptive language (understanding spoken words).
3. Minimal Use of Gestures: Children with autism may not point, wave, or nod as often, which are typical nonverbal ways kids communicate before speaking.
4. Delayed First Words: If no single words are spoken by around 16 months, or no two-word phrases by 24 months, it could indicate a delay.
5. Regression of Language: Some children may lose words they previously used. This regression is a major red flag and should be evaluated promptly.
6. Echolalia: Repeating words or phrases instead of using them meaningfully is common in speech and language autism profiles.
7. Flat or Unusual Tone: Some children may speak with an unusual pitch, rhythm, or intonation, which may make their speech sound robotic or overly sing-songy.

5 Types of Communication Challenges in Autism

Every child on the spectrum is different. That said, most fall into certain categories of communication challenges. Knowing what type your child is experiencing can guide treatment.

Categories of communication difficulties:

• Expressive Language Delay: Difficulty putting thoughts into words. A child may understand what you’re saying but struggle to express themselves verbally.
• Receptive Language Delay: Difficulty understanding language. These children may not follow directions, answer questions, or recognize names of objects.
• Pragmatic Language Deficits (Social Communication): Trouble using language in socially appropriate ways. This includes taking turns in conversation, staying on topic, or understanding body language.
• Speech Sound Disorders: Issues like apraxia or articulation problems where the child cannot physically produce clear speech sounds.‍
• Nonverbal Communication Gaps: Avoidance of eye contact, few facial expressions, and limited body language—all of which play a big role in how we communicate.

How to Differentiate Autism-Related Delays From General Speech Delays

It can be hard to know if your child’s speech delay is simply developmental or something more. The key lies in the pattern and type of delays—not just when they happen.

1. Observe the Nature of Social Communication

Children with autism often show limited interest in social interaction. They may avoid eye contact, struggle with back-and-forth conversation, or not respond to their name. In contrast, children with general speech delays usually still seek connection and attempt to engage socially, even if they can't express themselves clearly.

2. Evaluate Use of Nonverbal Communication

Autistic children may have difficulty using gestures like pointing, waving, or nodding. A child with a speech delay, however, typically compensates for their limited verbal skills by using nonverbal cues more frequently and effectively.

3. Look at Imitation and Play Skills

Imitation is a core developmental skill. Children with autism may not imitate simple actions or engage in pretend play. On the other hand, those with general speech delays usually imitate sounds, actions, and participate in imaginative play appropriate for their age.

4. Consider Repetitive Behaviors and Routines

Repetitive behaviors—such as hand-flapping, lining up toys, or needing routines—are more common in children with autism. These are generally absent or far less prominent in children with a standard speech delay.

5. Assess Reaction to Sensory Stimuli

Autistic children often have heightened or lowered sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or movement. If your child is overly sensitive or under reacts to sensory input, this may point to autism rather than just a speech delay.

6. Monitor Overall Developmental Milestones

Children with autism might show uneven development—for instance, advanced skills in one area but significant delays in another. Speech-delayed children usually follow a more typical developmental path outside of language.

7. Watch for Echolalia or Unusual Speech Patterns

Echolalia (repeating words or phrases) or using scripted language from shows or books is often seen in autism. While delayed speech can involve limited vocabulary, it typically doesn’t involve these types of atypical speech patterns.

8. Check for Response to Joint Attention

Joint attention—such as looking where you point or sharing interest in an object—is often impaired in autism. Children with speech delays usually engage in joint attention even if their spoken words are limited.

9. Seek Professional Evaluation

If you're unsure, a speech-language pathologist, developmental pediatrician, or psychologist can help assess whether the delays point to autism or another speech-related condition. Early evaluation ensures timely intervention.

If a child is socially engaged, points to things they want, and uses gestures—even without many words—it’s less likely to be autism. But if social communication is missing entirely, autism might be a contributing factor.

What Causes Speech and Language Delays in Autism?

There’s no single answer, but researchers believe a combination of neurological, genetic, and sensory factors contribute. In autism, the brain processes sensory and social information differently, which can affect how language is learned and used.

Additionally, challenges with joint attention—the ability to share focus on an object or person—play a key role. This skill is critical in learning words from social cues, and when it’s missing, language acquisition is harder.

How ABA Therapy Can Support Communication Development

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is widely recognized for helping children with autism develop communication skills. At Total Care ABA, programs are built around your child’s unique strengths and goals, including improving speech and language.

6 key ways ABA targets speech and language autism challenges:

Even if a child doesn’t speak yet, that doesn’t mean they can’t learn to communicate. ABA focuses not just on talking, but on helping kids connect—which is what language is really about.

When to Seek Help: The Sooner, the Better

Early intervention is critical. If you suspect your child may be experiencing speech and language autism delays, don’t wait for school age to act. Evaluations by a developmental pediatrician, speech-language pathologist, or a BCBA can help clarify what’s going on.

Delays that are addressed early—especially before age 5—can lead to much better outcomes in language development, learning, and social relationships.

Building Communication Through the Right Support

Language isn’t just about talking—it’s about connecting with others, expressing needs, and building relationships. For children with autism, speech and language challenges can feel isolating, but the right support can change that trajectory.

ABA therapy helps break communication into achievable steps, whether your child is just beginning to use gestures or is ready to expand vocabulary and social language. At Total Care ABA, we understand that no two children are alike. That’s why our programs are personalized, goal-oriented, and deeply focused on improving your child’s ability to connect with the world.

We proudly offer ABA therapy in Utah, Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona, North Carolina, Maine, and New Mexico. If you're noticing any signs of speech and language autism delays, reach out to us—we’re here to help your child find their voice.