59 Speech and Language Characteristics In Children with Autism

Speech And Language Characteristics In Children With Autism

By Speech Therapy Teacher 

Children with autism may exhibit a range of speech and language characteristics. Some of the common characteristics include:

Delayed Language Development: Many children with autism experience a delay in their language development. They may not start speaking at the expected age, or they may not develop language skills as quickly as their peers.

Echolalia: Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others. Many children with autism use echolalia to communicate, especially when they are having difficulty expressing themselves in their own words.

Literal Understanding: Children with autism often have difficulty understanding figurative language, such as idioms or metaphors. They may interpret language in a very literal way.

Difficulty with Social Communication: Children with autism may have difficulty understanding the social rules of communication, such as turn-taking, maintaining eye contact, and understanding nonverbal cues.

Limited Vocabulary: Children with autism may have a limited vocabulary and difficulty learning new words. They may also struggle with word retrieval and have difficulty finding the right word to express themselves.

Repetitive Language: Many children with autism repeat phrases or words over and over again. This may be a way for them to self-soothe or to express their anxiety or frustration.

Unusual Prosody: Children with autism may speak in a flat or monotone voice, or they may use an unusual pitch or intonation.

It's important to note that not all children with autism will exhibit these characteristics, and the severity and type of language difficulties can vary widely among individuals with autism.