Autistic children will exhibit symptoms that are markedly different from other children early on, such as specific language developmental disorders. Language issues in autistic children commonly manifest as delayed speech, limited vocabulary, language regression, as well as instances of echolalia, repetitive questioning, pronoun confusion, unusual intonations, monotonous and rigid sentence structure, and passive language.
What language symptoms indicate a child may have ASD? Below are some typical language developmental disorder symptoms in autistic children. If a child shows the following signs, parents must not take it lightly and should promptly seek professional language evaluation!
1. Delayed Speech
Children with autism tend to start speaking late, showing signs of delayed language development. Most autistic children may not speak by the age of two or three.
2. Limited Vocabulary
Silence is a typical trait in autistic children, with many of them having limited vocabulary, and in severe cases, some may be nonverbal, unresponsive even when family members call out to them loudly.
3. Language Regression
Some children may exhibit expressive language before the age of two or three. However, over time, they may experience regression in language development, or even completely lose the ability to communicate.
4. Communication Barriers
Some autistic children may vocalize but can only produce simple repetitive sounds, lacking the ability for normal communication. While some autistic children may have communication skills, they often lack social communication skills.
Their language is monotonous, with repetitive sentence structures and illogical connections. They often turn declarative sentences into passive voice, have difficulty distinguishing and using personal pronouns like “you,” “me,” or “him,” and constantly repeat commercial slogans or ask questions to themselves, making it hard for others to understand their intended meaning, leading to communication barriers.
Autism is a complex neurological disorder with various causes and often persists throughout a child’s life without a cure. However, numerous real-world cases have shown that with correct early and long-term interventions, many children with autism can eventually integrate into society and lead independent lives. Therefore, if parents notice similar situations in their children, prompt professional evaluation is necessary, and if diagnosed, early intervention should be initiated.
