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The Difference Between Speech Delay, Language Delay and Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that children are born with and that affects them for their entire lives. One of the hallmark symptoms of autism is a deficit in communication.

Yet, autism is not the same thing as a child experiencing a delay in speech or language. In fact, speech delay, language delay and autism are three separate conditions that can affect children in dramatically different ways.

Even though there are similarities among all three, there are distinct differences that are important to understand.

In this article, we’ll describe the difference between speech delay, language delay and autism.

Key Takeaways

  • Speech delay affects a child’s ability to produce sounds or words clearly but doesn’t usually impact comprehension or social skills.
  • Language delay affects understanding (receptive) or forming (expressive) language, but social development is typically age-appropriate.
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects multiple areas including speech, language, social interaction, behavior, and sensory processing.
  • Speech and language delays can occur independently or alongside autism.
  • Treatment for ASD is broader and often includes ABA therapy, while speech/language delays are treated through speech-language therapy.

Table Of Contents

What is a Speech Delay?

A speech delay is characterized by a child having challenges with articulation — producing words or sounds. It can also be classified as having trouble saying words in a clear way that others can understand.

Speech delays can affect children of all types, whether they are suffering from ASD, some other condition or are neurotypical.

In general, children who experience a speech delay have solid social interaction skills, understand verbal and non-verbal cues, can use gestures such as pointing and waving, and make good eye contact with others.

They also understand language at an age-appropriate level. This means that they know what other people are saying and can follow directions as would be expected of a child their age.

The trouble, then, is with them producing the words or sounds that make up speech.

Category Speech Delay Language Delay Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Definition Difficulty producing sounds or words clearly Trouble understanding or forming language (receptive or expressive) Neurodevelopmental disorder affecting communication, behavior, and social interaction
Language Understanding Age-appropriate Often delayed Often impaired
Speech Production Primary area of difficulty May or may not be affected Often affected (e.g., echolalia, unusual tone)
Social Skills Typically age-appropriate Typically age-appropriate Often impaired (poor eye contact, lack of interaction)
Behavior Usually typical Usually typical Restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities
Treatment Speech therapy Speech and/or language therapy ABA therapy (may include speech therapy)

What is a Language Delay?

A language delay can be characterized in two ways. It can either be receptive, meaning they have trouble understanding language, or expressive, meaning they have trouble forming words or sentences.

Many children who have a language delay are developing typically like their other neurotypical peers, though they may be doing so at a slower rate when it comes to language. They may engage well socially with others, use and understand non-verbal cues, make good eye contact and more.

Their delay specifically relates to the understanding or expression of language. It’s also not uncommon for children to have both a language delay and a speech delay at the same time.

What is Autism?

Autism, meanwhile, is a much broader and complex neurodevelopmental disorder. While it can affect both speech and language, it usually encompasses much more than that, too.

Some of the other common symptoms of ASD are deficits in social interaction, restrictive interests, repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivities. Children on the autism spectrum might not be able to make good eye contact, may not be able to hold a conversation with their peers, may not understand non-verbal and social cues, may have an unusual tone of voice, and may use repetitive speech, also known as echolalia.

Autism can also significantly affect a child’s behavior. They may engage in repetitive actions, be intensely focused on specific routines, objects or even parts of objects.

They may experience sensitivities to certain sensory stimuli such as sounds, textures, lights and smells — either avoiding them or gravitating toward them.

So, while autism may affect a child’s speech and language development, it’s a much broader disorder that affects many other aspects of a child’s life.

How Are the Three Treated?

Speech and language delays are often treated with speech therapy. This will work on addressing the deficits that are causing the speech and/or language delays and will focus on just those aspects of the child’s development.

Autism, on the other hand, is typically addressed with a more all-encompassing approach through applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy). While speech therapy might be a part of an autistic child’s treatment plan, ABA therapy will take a more well-rounded approach to holistically targeting whatever challenges the child may be facing.

It’s a science-based approach to learning that helps children build the communication, social and daily life skills with which they typically struggle, while also helping them modify certain behaviors that may be negative and/or harmful.

Through a personalized treatment plan, ABA therapists help children make gradual progress toward stated goals, adjusting the plan as they go to help them live as independently as possible.

Blue Gems ABA Serves Children on the Autism Spectrum

Speech delay, language delay and autism share some similarities, but there are many differences that set them apart. While children with ASD may also experience speech and language delays, they are affected by much broader symptoms as well.

At Blue Gems ABA, our team of experienced therapists help children on the autism spectrum grow through targeted ABA therapy treatment plans. We addressed all aspects of the child’s developing, helping them build the skills and modify the behaviors they need to serve them well throughout their lives.

To learn more, please contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can a child have both speech delay and autism?
    Yes. Many children with autism also have speech delays, but not all children with speech delays are autistic.
  • How can I tell if my child has autism or just a speech delay?
    Look for broader signs like poor eye contact, repetitive behaviors, and difficulty with social interaction. A developmental evaluation can provide clarity.
  • Is language delay the same as speech delay?
    No. Speech delay is about producing sounds; language delay involves understanding or forming sentences and words.
  • When should I seek help?
    If your child is missing communication milestones or showing signs of delay, it’s best to consult a pediatrician or specialist early.
  • What therapy is best for autism?
    Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is considered the gold standard for treating autism, often combined with other supports like speech therapy.