From a child’s first words to the emergence of storytelling, speech development is an enormous part of their early years. It denotes the emergence of communication skills that will shape their interactions with the world. For neurodivergent children, speech development may follow a distinct path.

Here, we will look into ten important aspects of typical speech development in children with autism in Mississauga, and take a closer look at some of the primary considerations within this journey.

‍1. Embrace A Variety Of Speech Milestones
‍No two journeys toward speech are the same. Speech development in children with autism can display a wide range of trajectories. There are typical milestones, that some may follow, while others may show atypical patterns, delays, or sudden pauses at various stages. Understanding this uniqueness and variability is key in recognizing and addressing individual needs.

2. Delayed Onset of Speech
Sometimes pointing and gesturing takes the place of speech for longer than usual in neurodivergent children. This is seen when children with autism exhibit a delayed onset of speech compared to their neurotypical peers. Be patient. The emergence of first words may occur later. It is important to identify the presence of autism with early intervention and support.

3. Echolalia
Another thing that the professional OTs and clinicians at Monarch House look for is repetitive speech. Echolalia, the repetition of words or phrases, is a common feature in the speech development of children with autism. It’s important to dig a little deeper to get to the roots of what these words mean and why they are being emphasized.  Understanding the context and meaning behind echolalic speech is essential.

4. Pronoun Reversal
Does your child confuse he and she, him and her? Pronoun reversal, where a child uses pronouns interchangeably, is observed in some neurodivergent children. This aspect highlights the need for nuanced understanding and support in language development.

5. Limited Social Communication
Guide your communication with your child with an understanding that conventional reciprocation may not fit the same social constructs. Children with autism can be limited in their ability to engage in reciprocal conversations. Patience and compassion is key. Recognizing and addressing these challenges are vital for fostering meaningful interactions.

‍6. Intense Focus on Specific Topics
Some neurodivergent children possess the ability to focus on certain details in a manner that resembles that of a savant. This is seen in speech as well. Speech development in children with autism may give way to an intense focus on specific topics or interests. Go with the flow and allow these tangents to take you somewhere new. While this focused speech can demonstrate depth of knowledge, it’s not the only element of communication and sharing stories. It’s important to encourage a diverse range of communicative themes, because while the details can be fascinating, they can get in the way of a clear and simple expression of ideas. 

‍7. Look For Differences in Prosody and Tone
Much like how a bird emulates the song of its parents, children eventually develop a cadence and manner of speech similar to their environment. This is not the case, however, in some neurodivergent children. Prosody, the rhythm and intonation of speech, may vary in children with autism. Noticeable differences in tone, pitch, and stress can lead to a unique auditory characteristic of their speech.

8. Visual Supports Enhancing Communication
A picture is worth a thousand words. It can also help to demystify the expectations asked of the child. Visual supports, such as visual schedules and cues, have been shown to enhance communication for children with autism. Visual aids provide a clear and concise means of understanding and expressing ideas.

9. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
There are alternative methods of communication that you can seek out. Some children with autism may benefit from augmentative and alternative communication methods. AAC tools, ranging from visual symbols to electronic devices, offer additional means of expression for those with speech challenges.

10. Ongoing Individual Variability
A neurodivergent child will often proceed at a different pace in terms of their speech development. Recognize that throughout their early years, there will be ongoing variability in speech development among children with autism. Each child is unique, and their speech journey may involve a combination of typical and atypical elements that evolve over time.

Speech development in children with autism often displays a different pattern and presentation than their typical peers. Knowing what to look for at an early stage can help to identify and intervene in the cases where autism may be present. Monarch House provides the expertise to foster positive speech development while working at their pace and interest level of a child with autism.  diagnostic team to help parents ease their neurodivergent children into new routines. Supporting an autistic child through significant changes in routine requires a thoughtful and individualized approach. By incorporating these strategies, you can create an environment that eases the transition, fostering a sense of security and helping your child navigate changes more smoothly.