Is Speech delay always autism

[SanaSayed]

My son turned 2 on June 14th 2008 and he still does not talk. He is babbling a lot but no clear word except mamma and da . I have seeked help from Early Childhood Intervension center of Allen in Tx and the therapists said that he is just delayed about six to eight months. They said there are no red flags. Please comment

[Rebecca MacDonald, Ph.D., BCBA]

It is good that you have been accessing services for your son and that you recognized early that he had delayed speech. A diagnosis of autism involves deficits in social interactions (no eye contact), delayed language and rigidity in routines or perseverative behaviors that are hard to interrupt. If you have concerns about a diagnosis I would recommend that you identify a hospital in a nearby urban area where they specialize in diagnosis of children who present developmental delays including autism. A comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists will result in diagnostic information as well as treatment recommendations. You can then take these recommendations to your local early intervention program.

[Sally44]

So is he seeing a Speech Therapist, or is he on sometime of child development programme?
I can't answer your question as to whether delay is always autism, as I am not a medical professional.  I don't think it always is.  But delay is one of the criteria for a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder.
He is 2, and is just at that age when he should be becoming more social.  If he appears to not be interested in other toddlers, or is frightened of them, that would indicate a problem with social interaction.  But at 2 years old you would have to wait to see if that social side improves.
Does he has have sensory problems you are aware of.  Does he like to be hugged and touched, what is he like having his hair brushed, or cut, or his nails trimmed.  Is he okay wearing different types of fabrics, does he need tags removing from clothes.  Is he very active all the time, or is he always sitting down quietly.
I have started a Health Page, which you can assess through the autism forum page and click on the icon on the top right hand side of the page.  I have put the diagnostic criteria for autism in there and have asked parents to put examples of their own children's behaviour so that others will have an idea of what kinds of things the professionals are looking for when they observe the child or speak to the parents.  That may give you some help to know what you are looking for.

[SanaSayed]

Thanks so much for your response. He is very social he hugs and kisses his 3 month old brother and will try to give him the pacifier whenever he cries. He plays with other kids also . He is ok with wearing different fabrics and stuff.

I could not find the diagnostic criteria can you please give me the link to that page.

[SanaSayed]

also I forgot to tell you he is seeing an overall development therapist. Specialists from the Early childhood intervention centre said he is just 6-8 months behind overall and just needs to catch up. So they are coming once in two weeks. But I still want to be sure. Because he does like to flip a pen or any long thing in his hand. He doesnt disconnect from his surroundings when he does that, but he does it if hes not doing anything else.

[Sally44]

If you look on the list of forums and go to the autism forum.  On the top right hand corner is a link that says Health Page, just click on that.

[joang21]

I am a speech pathologist in N.Y. In answer to your original question. Austism is a very specific disability. Children can have a speech delay without autism. Many children I service just need time and therapy to catch up. Don't worry -just enjoy and work with your child.