Toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often communicate differently than neurotypical toddlers. They may make unusual or repetitive vocalizations and have differences in their early language development. Understanding the types of sounds autistic toddlers make can help parents identify signs of ASD and get their child early intervention services.
Common Vocalizations in Toddlers With Autism
Some sounds that are common in toddlers with ASD include:
Repetitive vocal noises
Toddlers with autism may make repetitive noises like humming, grunting, or squealing. They may repeat the same sounds, syllables, or words over and over. This is called echolalia. For example, a toddler may say “bah bah bah” or “moo moo moo” repeatedly. Repetitive vocalizations are one of the hallmark signs of autism spectrum disorders.
High-pitched screaming or crying
Autistic toddlers may scream or cry at high pitches or volumes compared to neurotypical toddlers. High-pitched vocalizations could indicate sensory sensitivities or distress.
Monotone vocalizations
When autistic toddlers do use speech, it may lack normal inflection. Their vocalizations sound monotone or flat. Without varied pitch, speech can sound robotic.
Delayed speech
Many toddlers with ASD have delayed onset of speech and language skills. They may grunt, point, or use gestures rather than words well beyond the age that language development typically occurs. A lack of babbling, word combinations, and other speech milestones warrants an evaluation.
Echolalia
Echolalia is the immediate or delayed repetition of words or phrases someone else said. For example, if a parent says “ball,” the toddler may immediately echo “ball.” This is common in autistic children as they learn to communicate. Delayed echolalia involves repeating words or phrases from the past, like quotes from a TV show.
Unusual prosody
Some autistic toddlers have atypical prosody or rhythm and stress patterns in their speech. Their tone, pitch changes, pauses, and emphasis on certain words or syllables may sound unusual compared to neurotypical speech patterns.
When Do Autistic Toddlers Begin to Speak?
Language development milestones are often delayed in autistic children. Here is an overview of typical speech development:
12-18 months
– First spoken words – Neurotypical toddlers often say their first words like “mama” or “dada” around 12 months. Autistic toddlers may not reach this milestone.
– Babbling – Babbling with variety of consonant and vowel sounds. Autistic toddlers may have limited babbling.
18-24 months
– Vocabulary burst – Neurotypical toddlers have a vocabulary spurt between 18-24 months and rapidly learn new words. This may be delayed in autism.
– Word combinations – Toddlers begin putting two words together like “mommy bye.” Autistic toddlers may stick to one word at a time.
– Intelligible speech – A neurotypical 24 month old can say about 50 intelligible words. Autistic children may have fewer comprehendible words by this age.
2-3 years
– Sentences – Neurotypical toddlers speak in short phrases and sentences of 3 or more words. Autistic children may not be combining words yet.
– Conversation skills – Back-and-forth conversational abilities emerge for neurotypical toddlers. Autistic children have delayed conversation skills.
– Pronouns – Use of pronouns like “I” and “you” develops for neurotypical children. Autistic toddlers may avoid pronouns and use their name instead.
If an autistic toddler is not reaching speech milestones by ages 24-36 months, parents should pursue an evaluation and speech therapy. Early intervention can improve outcomes.
Reasons Autistic Toddlers Have Speech Differences
There are several theories on why autistic toddlers have differences in their early vocalizations and speech patterns:
Theory of mind
To develop speech, toddlers must understand that other people have their own thoughts and perspectives. This theory of mind ability is often delayed in autistic toddlers, which impacts language.
Weak central coherence
Autistic children tend to focus on details over meaning. This weak central coherence makes it harder to grasp the big picture of using words to communicate.
Executive dysfunction
Problems with cognitive flexibility, planning, inhibition, and self-monitoring can make speech and language acquisition more difficult for autistic toddlers.
Social differences
Since autistic toddlers tend to be less socially motivated, they may not develop speech to the same level as peers. Without a drive to interact, language is slower to emerge.
Genetics
Research suggests autism has a strong genetic component. Differences in early brain development due to genetics likely contribute to differences in vocalizations.
Neurobiology
Brain imaging shows differences in the structure and function of autistic brains. These neurological differences likely underlie delays and anomalies in early vocalizations and speech.
Signs of Atypical Vocalizations
Parents who notice any of the following odd or delayed vocalizations in their toddler should speak with their pediatrician about autism screening:
Limited or no babbling by 12 months
No spoken words by 16 months
Loss of language or social skills the child had
Odd pitch, tone, rhythm, or emphasis in vocalizations
Repetitive sounds like grunting or humming
Delayed speech compared to peers
Echolalia or repeating words out of context
Trouble varying speech pitch and volume
Catching atypical vocal development early is key for getting autistic toddlers the interventions they need to improve communication skills. Don’t wait and see if speech improves – seek professional input as soon as possible.
How Can Parents Help Autistic Toddlers Speak?
If an assessment confirms language delays or differences in your toddler, here are some strategies parents can use at home to encourage speech development:
Responsive interaction
Engage your toddler by getting on their level, maintaining eye contact, responding to vocalizations, imitating their sounds, and taking communicative turns. This shows the power of verbal interaction.
Language-rich environment
Narrate your actions, talk about what you see, sing songs, and expose your toddler to new vocabulary through books or media. The more words they hear, the more they may say.
Minimize screen time
Too much TV, tablets, or smartphones can curb vocalizations and live interactions. Limit screen time and spend more time chatting face-to-face.
Try baby sign language
Simple hand signs for common words like “eat,” “milk,” or “more” may help nonverbal toddlers start communicating. This can reduce frustration and prime the brain for speech.
Picture exchange communication
If your toddler isn’t talking, introduce a picture exchange system. They can hand you a picture card of what they want to “say” it. This builds communication skills.
Focus on functional language
Instead of labeling objects, work on action words like “go,” “eat,” “help,” and “open.” Functional language has more real-world use for a nonverbal child.
Speech therapy
A speech-language pathologist can work with your toddler on speech sound production, understanding nonverbal cues, building vocabulary, and more. Early intervention is key.
The Takeaway
Autistic toddlers often have delays or differences in early vocalizations and speech. Their repetitive jargon, high-pitched screaming, echolalia, and other atypical sounds may signal autism spectrum disorder. While concerning, parents can promote communication development through responsive interactions, language exposure, alternative methods like sign language, and professional speech therapy. With support, many autistic children develop greater speech and language abilities over time.