A lot of parents often ask this same question: what is the difference between a developmental delay and autism? To put it simply, a developmental delay is when your child does not reach their developmental milestones at the expected times. Autism, meanwhile, is a medical condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.

According to health experts, if your child is temporarily lagging behind his or her peers, that is not called a developmental delay. After all, kids reach different stages at different ages. A delay can occur in one or many areas at any time. For example, gross or fine motor, language, social, or thinking skills might come father for some kids than others. With that being said, parents should keep in mind that a prolonged developmental delay might be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that might include genetic disorders, myopathies, and so on.

As far as when signs of autism begin to show, the ages might vary. The behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorder often appear early in development. Many children show symptoms of autism by 12 months to 18 months of age or earlier.

“Children who have hearing problems can have language delays and language delays can suggest an autism spectrum disorder,” notes Dr. Andrew Adesman Chief of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics at the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York. "The language delays won’t necessarily occur unless there are significant issues with hearing in both ears. So a child with a recurring ear infection in a single ear is unlikely to develop a delay in language."

There are several early signs of autism, which often include signs of nonverbal communications difficulties. Health professionals say that some signs to look out for include avoiding eye contact, using facial expressions that don’t match what they might be saying, doesn’t pick up on other people’s facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures. In addition, they might make very few gestures (such as pointing), or they might react unusually to signs, smells, textures and sounds.

A lot of people do ask if their child can possibly have “mild autism.” The short answer to that question is yes. Children with an autism spectrum disorder may or may not have severe speech delays, sensory processing challenges, strange behaviors, or other symptoms. In severe cases, an autistic child may never learn to speak or make eye contact. But many children with autism and other autism spectrum disorders are able to live relatively normal lives.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, definitely speak to your child’s pediatrician or a trusted health professional for testing or a medical diagnosis.

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