Unfortunately there isn’t a firm age when an autistic child will start speaking, it will depend on a number of factors.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that the symptoms and severity can vary greatly from person to person.
As a result, the age at which autistic children start speaking can also vary.
Some children with autism may begin speaking at a typical age, while others may have delayed language development or may not develop spoken language at all.
On average, most children begin speaking around 12-18 months of age.
However, some children with autism may not start speaking until much later, or may never develop spoken language.
This can be due to a variety of factors, such as difficulty with communication and social interactions, lack of interest in communicating with others, or difficulty with understanding and using language.
There are many different interventions and therapies that can help children with autism develop language skills.
Speech therapy is one such intervention that can help children with autism develop their language skills.
Speech therapists work with children to improve their communication skills by teaching them how to use words and sentences, how to express their needs and wants, and how to understand and respond to others.
We have completed a list of simple tips as to how you can initiate speech therapy at home.
Other interventions that can help children with autism develop language skills include:-
- Occupational therapy, which can help children with autism improve their fine motor skills and coordination, which can be important for developing language skills.
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which is a type of therapy that uses positive reinforcement and other techniques to help children with autism learn new skills and behaviors.
- Social skills training, which can help children with autism improve their social interactions and communication with others.
It is important to note that every child with autism is different and therefore the timeline for language development also varies for each individual. It is also important to work with a team of specialists to find the best approach for each child.
Summary
The age when an autistic child could start speaking will vary greatly.
Some children with autism may begin speaking at a typical age, while others may have delayed language development or may not develop spoken language at all.
Various interventions and therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA and social skills training can help children with autism develop their language skills.
Feel free to browse our archive for more articles on raising an autistic child.