A child that is speech or language delayed typically follows the same developmental patterns as their peers, but is slower to reach these milestones. However, they are still strongly motivated by social responses, like hugs and smiles. They desire to build strong social bonds with their parents and peers, respond positively to attention, and are inclined to mimic the actions of people around them.
However in children with autism, apart from speech delay there are other additional issues like impairment in communication, socialization and behaviour.
Communication related issues of autistic child are: Being non-responsive to his/her own name, trouble getting your child’s attention, slower development of gestures to communicate his/her needs, repetitive usage of a single word or phrase, using a robotic-sounding speaking voice.
Social challenges of autistic kids are: Being unresponsive to social cues, like waving “hi”, Inability to focus on the same object with someone else (called joint attention), Difficulty with social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and maintaining friendships, avoiding eye contact, limited or restricted interests in particular toys or activities, decreased interest in engaging in play routines with others.
Behaviour issues of autistic kids are: Repetitive behaviors or hand and body movements, like rocking his/her head back and forth or lining up his/her toys, aversion to being touched or held, getting easily upset for unknown reasons, strong attachment to certain objects, like toys or a television show, having trouble staying still, being easily upset or distressed when there is a sudden change to his/her daily routine.