Speech Delay & Autism: Understanding Key Differences

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Speech and Language Delays: More Than Just “Late Talking”
2. Typical Speech & Language Milestones: A Quick Guide
3. Beyond Autism: Other Reasons for Speech Delays
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Deeper Dive
5. The Crucial Distinction: Speech Delay vs. Autism
6. When to Seek Professional Evaluation
7. The Power of Early Intervention and Speech Therapy
8. Making the Most of Speech Blubs: Value and Pricing
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions

Few moments are as profoundly joyful for parents as hearing their child’s first words. That triumphant “mama” or “dada” marks a significant milestone, a clear signal that your little one is beginning to connect with the world around them. But what happens when those eagerly anticipated words don’t come when expected, or when your child’s communication seems to lag behind their peers? It’s natural for worry to creep in, and for parents to wonder if a speech delay might be a sign of something more, like autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The question “Can a child have a speech delay and not be autistic?” weighs heavily on many minds. The answer, definitively, is yes. While speech and language delays are indeed common characteristics of autism, they are also prevalent in children who are developing typically in all other areas. Understanding the nuanced differences between a simple speech delay and one linked to autism is crucial for parents and caregivers. This comprehensive guide will delve into the distinct characteristics of speech delays and autism, explore other common causes for delayed communication, outline key developmental milestones, and crucially, discuss how early identification and supportive interventions can empower every child to find their voice. We’ll also explore how tools like Speech Blubs are designed to help foster these vital communication skills, regardless of the underlying cause of delay.

Understanding Speech and Language Delays: More Than Just “Late Talking”

Before we delve into the complexities of autism, it’s essential to understand what we mean by “speech delay” and “language delay,” as these terms are often used interchangeably but refer to distinct aspects of communication.

• Speech Delay refers to difficulties in producing speech sounds correctly, or with the flow and rhythm of speech. This might involve:
  • Articulation issues: A child consistently mispronounces sounds, such as saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” or “tar” instead of “car.”
  • Phonological processes: Patterns of sound errors that simplify speech, like dropping the last sound in words (“ca” for “cat”) or replacing difficult sounds with easier ones.
  • Motor speech disorders: Conditions like childhood apraxia of speech or dysarthria, where the brain has difficulty coordinating the muscles (lips, tongue, jaw) needed for clear speech.
  • Stuttering/Fluency issues: Disruptions in the flow of speech, like repetitions of sounds or words, or prolonged sounds.
• Language Delay, on the other hand, relates to difficulties in understanding (receptive language) or using (expressive language) spoken language meaningfully. This isn’t about how words are produced, but what words mean and how they are put together.
  • Receptive Language Delay: A child struggles to understand what others are saying. They might have trouble following directions, understanding questions, or learning new vocabulary. For instance, if you ask a child with a receptive language delay to “put the ball on the table,” they might look confused or respond inconsistently.
  • Expressive Language Delay: A child has difficulty expressing their thoughts and needs verbally. They might know many words but struggle to combine them into sentences, use a limited vocabulary for their age, or find it hard to tell a story. A child struggling with expressive language might point to a toy they want instead of saying “I want toy” or “Can I have that?”

It’s common for children to experience delays in both speech and language, but understanding the distinction can help pinpoint the specific areas where support is most needed. For many children, these delays simply mean they are “late talkers”—they will eventually catch up with their peers with time and a supportive environment. For others, however, a delay might indicate an underlying issue that requires more targeted intervention.

At Speech Blubs, we understand these nuances. Our app is designed to address a wide range of speech and language needs through engaging activities. For instance, if your child is a “late talker” who needs help expanding their vocabulary, our various themed sections like “Animal Kingdom” or “Yummy Time” offer fun, motivating ways to learn new words and sounds by watching and imitating their peers. This unique video modeling methodology, backed by scientific research, helps children build strong expressive language skills in a playful, interactive environment.

Typical Speech & Language Milestones: A Quick Guide

While every child develops at their own pace, developmental milestones offer a general guideline for when to expect certain communication skills. It’s important to remember these are averages, and a child might hit some milestones earlier and others later.

• 0-6 Months:
  • Turns head towards sounds.
  • Responds to voices and facial expressions.
  • Cooing and babbling sounds (e.g., “goo-goo,” “ga-ga”).
  • Smiles when smiled at.
  • Reacts to sudden noises.
• 6-12 Months:
  • Babbling becomes more complex, using different sounds and rhythms (e.g., “bababa,” “mamama”).
  • Responds to their name.
  • Understands “no” and simple commands like “come here.”
  • Uses gestures like waving “bye-bye” or pointing.
  • May say first words like “mama,” “dada” (specifically for parents), or “uh-oh.”
• 12-18 Months:
  • Uses 1-3 words meaningfully (e.g., “ball,” “more”).
  • Understands 50 or more words.
  • Points to show you something or to make a request.
  • Imitates sounds and words.
  • Tries to copy words you say.
• 18-24 Months:
  • Vocabulary expands rapidly, often reaching 50-100 words.
  • Combines two words to make simple phrases (e.g., “more juice,” “daddy go,” “my doggy”).
  • Follows simple two-step directions (e.g., “Get your shoes and put them on”).
  • Points to body parts or pictures in a book when named.
  • Engages in pretend play.
• 2-3 Years:
  • Uses 2-3 word sentences frequently.
  • Vocabulary grows to 200-300 words.
  • Can answer simple “what” and “where” questions.
  • Starts to use pronouns (I, me, you) and plurals.
  • Speech is generally understood by familiar adults about 50-75% of the time.
• 3-4 Years:
  • Uses sentences of 4-5 words or more.
  • Tells simple stories.
  • Asks “who,” “why,” and “how” questions.
  • Can follow multi-step directions.
  • Speech is largely intelligible to most strangers (75-100% understood).

If your child consistently misses several milestones for their age, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice. Unsure if your child could benefit from some extra support? We’ve developed a quick 3-minute preliminary screener that involves 9 simple questions to give you a clearer picture and an assessment of next steps.

Beyond Autism: Other Reasons for Speech Delays

It’s a common misconception that if a child has a speech delay, autism is automatically the culprit. However, many speech and language delays stem from other, often unrelated, factors. Understanding these can help parents explore possibilities beyond ASD.

• Hearing Problems: This is one of the most common and often overlooked causes of speech delay. If a child cannot hear sounds, words, or the nuances of language clearly, it becomes incredibly difficult for them to learn to produce those sounds themselves. Even mild, fluctuating hearing loss due to recurrent ear infections can impact speech development. A child with hearing loss might not respond to their name, seem to ignore verbal instructions, or have difficulty mimicking sounds. Regular hearing checks are a crucial first step when a speech delay is suspected.
• Oral-Motor Problems: Speech requires precise coordination of the lips, tongue, jaw, and soft palate. If there’s weakness or difficulty in coordinating these muscles, a child can struggle to produce speech sounds.
  • Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): This is a neurological disorder where the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the movements necessary for speech. Children with CAS know what they want to say but can’t get their muscles to produce the words clearly or consistently.
  • Dysarthria: Caused by muscle weakness or paralysis, dysarthria can make speech sound slurred or quiet.
• Cognitive Delays or Learning Disabilities: Children with overall cognitive delays or specific learning disabilities may also experience delayed speech and language development, as language acquisition is closely tied to cognitive processing and learning.
• Environmental Factors / Lack of Language Exposure: In some cases, a child may not be exposed to a rich language environment. This could mean limited opportunities for conversation, reading, or interactive play that encourages verbal communication. While less common in most households, a lack of consistent language input can certainly slow down a child’s progress.
• Bilingual or Multilingual Environments: A common concern for parents raising children in bilingual or multilingual households is that their child might take longer to speak. While some studies suggest a temporary slower start in each language individually, bilingual children often catch up to their monolingual peers and ultimately develop strong language skills in both languages. They are also developing more complex cognitive skills by processing multiple linguistic systems. This is usually a developmental variation, not a true delay, and certainly not a sign of autism.
• “Late Bloomers” or Idiopathic Speech Delay: Sometimes, there’s no clear medical or developmental reason for a speech delay. These children are often referred to as “late talkers” or “late bloomers.” They develop typically in all other areas—social interaction, play skills, motor skills—but their expressive language is behind. Many of these children will catch up on their own, especially with early intervention and a language-rich environment.

It’s vital to remember that these causes are distinct from autism. A child experiencing any of these issues will typically still display a strong desire to communicate and interact socially, even if their verbal output is limited. They will try to compensate through gestures, eye contact, and other non-verbal means, showing an understanding of social reciprocity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Deeper Dive

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how an individual perceives and socializes with others, leading to challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. As the name “spectrum” suggests, ASD presents very differently from person to person. Some individuals may have mild challenges, while others require substantial support in daily life.

Key characteristics of ASD fall into two main areas:

1. Deficits in Social Communication and Social Interaction:
   • Difficulties with Back-and-Forth Conversation: Trouble initiating or maintaining a conversation, responding to others, or understanding social cues during dialogue.
   • Limited Nonverbal Communication: Atypical or absent eye contact, difficulty understanding or using gestures (like pointing, waving), or interpreting facial expressions. They may struggle to match their tone of voice or facial expressions to the situation.
   • Challenges in Developing and Maintaining Relationships: Difficulties sharing interests or emotions, making friends, or engaging in reciprocal play. They may prefer solitary activities or struggle to understand unwritten social rules.
2. Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior, Interests, or Activities:
   • Repetitive Motor Movements (Stimming): Such as hand flapping, body rocking, spinning, or toe walking.
   • Insistence on Sameness/Inflexibility: Strong adherence to routines, resistance to changes, or rigid thinking patterns.
   • Highly Restricted, Fixated Interests: Intense focus on specific topics or objects, often to the exclusion of other activities. For example, an obsessive interest in train schedules or specific dinosaur species.
   • Sensory Sensitivities: Unusual reactions to sensory input. This could be hyper-sensitivity (e.g., extreme distress to loud noises, certain textures, bright lights) or hypo-sensitivity (e.g., a high pain tolerance, seeking intense sensory input).

It’s crucial to understand that while speech delay is a common early indicator of ASD, not all children with autism have speech delays. Some may speak on time or even early, but still exhibit the social communication and behavioral challenges associated with ASD. Conversely, many children with speech delays are not on the autism spectrum. This highlights why a holistic assessment, looking at the full range of a child’s development, is so important.

The Crucial Distinction: Speech Delay vs. Autism

This is where we address the heart of the matter: how to discern whether a child’s speech delay is an isolated issue or part of a broader developmental pattern indicative of autism. While there can be overlap, several key differences emerge when observing a child’s social engagement, communication patterns, and behaviors.

Social Engagement & Interaction

Perhaps the most significant differentiator lies in a child’s desire and ability to engage socially.

• Child with Speech Delay (Not Autistic):
  • Seeks Interaction: Despite not having words, they actively try to communicate and connect. They’ll pull your hand, point, make eye contact, and use gestures to express needs and wants.
  • Responds to Name: They consistently turn and respond when their name is called.
  • Social Reciprocity: They enjoy back-and-forth play like peek-a-boo, smile back when smiled at, and show joy in shared experiences.
  • Joint Attention: They’ll point at something interesting and look back at you to ensure you’re looking too, sharing their focus.
  • Shows Frustration: When not understood, they often become visibly frustrated, indicating a desire to communicate effectively.
  • Empathy: They may show concern for others, like crying when another child is hurt.
• Child with Autism:
  • Limited Interaction: May seem to prefer playing alone, have difficulty initiating interaction, or respond inconsistently to social overtures.
  • Inconsistent Name Response: May not respond to their name, or it might require multiple attempts to get their attention, even if their hearing is fine.
  • Limited Joint Attention: May not point to share interest, or look at what you’re pointing at, and often don’t check back to see if you’re engaging with their focus.
  • Atypical Eye Contact: May avoid eye contact, have fleeting eye contact, or use eye contact for instrumental purposes (to get something) rather than social connection.
  • Lack of Frustration (or different type): May not show typical frustration when not understood, or their frustration might manifest as behavioral outbursts unrelated to communication breakdown.
  • Difficulty Understanding/Showing Emotions: May struggle to interpret facial expressions, body language, or social cues, and may not express emotions in socially conventional ways.

For a parent whose child is struggling with social connection, even without words, our “Guess the Emotion” activities within Speech Blubs can gently introduce various facial expressions and their corresponding feelings. By watching and imitating peers demonstrating happiness, sadness, or surprise, children can begin to build a foundational understanding of social-emotional cues, fostering early social engagement skills in a supportive, visual way.

Communication Patterns

While both groups experience communication challenges, the nature of these challenges differs significantly.

• Child with Speech Delay (Not Autistic):
  • Delayed but Developing: Their speech and language follow a typical developmental trajectory, just at a slower pace. They are typically trying to expand their vocabulary and combine words, even if pronunciation is unclear.
  • Meaningful Communication: Even with limited words, their attempts to communicate are usually purposeful and related to their immediate environment or needs.
  • Imitation: They often try to imitate words and sounds they hear, even if imperfectly.
• Child with Autism:
  • Atypical Communication: Communication patterns can be unusual. This might include:
    • Echolalia: Repeating words or phrases they’ve heard (from others, TV, videos) without understanding or using them in context.
    • Scripting: Repeating entire sentences or scenes from media.
    • Monotone or Robotic Speech: A lack of inflection or emotional tone (flat prosody).
    • Pronoun Reversals: Using “you” when they mean “I” (e.g., “You want juice?” when they mean “I want juice.”).
    • Difficulty with Conversation: Struggling with the back-and-forth give and take of a conversation, often talking at someone rather than with them.
    • Instrumental vs. Social: Their communication may primarily serve to get needs met rather than to share thoughts, feelings, or connect socially.
  • Loss of Skills: Some children with autism may start babbling or even saying a few words, then lose those skills.

Repetitive Behaviors & Interests

• Child with Speech Delay (Not Autistic):
  • Generally, they do not exhibit unusual repetitive behaviors or overly restricted interests beyond what’s typical for their age (e.g., a temporary favorite toy or routine).
• Child with Autism:
  • Repetitive Motor Movements (Stimming): Hand flapping, body rocking, spinning, toe walking, or repetitive manipulation of objects (e.g., lining up toys, spinning wheels).
  • Restricted/Intense Interests: An unusual preoccupation with specific topics, objects, or parts of objects (e.g., being fascinated by how a door opens and closes, rather than playing with the door as part of a game).
  • Insistence on Sameness: Strong resistance to changes in routine, environment, or activities, leading to distress if routines are altered.

Sensory Sensitivities

• Child with Speech Delay (Not Autistic):
  • Generally processes sensory information (sounds, sights, textures, tastes) in a typical manner.
• Child with Autism:
  • Hyper- or Hypo-Sensitivity: May be overly sensitive (e.g., distressed by loud noises, certain clothing textures, strong smells) or under-sensitive (e.g., a high pain tolerance, constantly touching objects, seeking intense sensory input like spinning).

By carefully observing these areas—social engagement, communication patterns, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities—parents can gain a clearer understanding of whether their child’s speech delay might be an isolated challenge or part of the broader picture of autism. Remember, this is about identifying patterns, not just single symptoms.

When to Seek Professional Evaluation

The moment you notice your child consistently missing developmental communication milestones, or if you have any concerns about their overall development, it’s time to act. Early intervention is not just a buzzword; it’s a critical factor in improving outcomes for children with speech delays or autism. The brain is most adaptable during early childhood, making this a prime window for impactful support.

Here’s when to consider seeking a professional evaluation:

• By 12 months: Not babbling, not responding to their name, not using gestures (pointing, waving).
• By 16 months: Not saying single words.
• By 24 months: Not combining two words into phrases, not imitating speech, or using fewer than 50 words.
• At any age:
  • Loss of any previously acquired speech, language, or social skills.
  • Lack of eye contact.
  • Limited interest in social interaction with others.
  • Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand flapping, spinning objects).
  • Unusual reactions to sensory input (sounds, textures).

Who to consult:

1. Your Pediatrician: Always the first point of contact. They can conduct initial screenings, rule out medical issues (like hearing loss), and provide referrals to specialists.
2. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): An expert in diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders. An SLP can assess your child’s communication skills in detail and develop an individualized therapy plan.
3. Developmental Pediatrician or Child Psychologist: These specialists can conduct comprehensive developmental evaluations to determine if a child has ASD or other developmental conditions.

The evaluation process typically involves observing your child’s social skills (e.g., eye contact, emotional cues, name recognition), play behaviors (e.g., using objects functionally, pretend play), and language comprehension (e.g., identifying objects, following directions). This holistic assessment is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and for guiding the most effective intervention strategies.

Remember, seeking an evaluation isn’t about labeling your child; it’s about understanding their unique needs and equipping them with the best possible support to thrive. If you’re pondering whether a professional might be beneficial, consider taking our quick 3-minute preliminary screener – it provides an immediate assessment and next-steps plan.

The Power of Early Intervention and Speech Therapy

Regardless of whether a child’s speech delay is an isolated issue, related to another developmental challenge, or part of an autism diagnosis, early intervention is undeniably powerful. The earlier a child receives support, the more effectively they can develop crucial communication skills, build confidence, reduce frustration, and foster a lifelong love for connecting with others.

At Speech Blubs, our mission is to empower children to “speak their minds and hearts.” We know firsthand the challenges families face, as our company was born from the personal experiences of our founders, who all grew up with speech problems and created the tool they wished they had. We are committed to providing an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support.

Here’s how early intervention and speech therapy, supported by innovative tools, can help:

• Building Foundational Skills: Speech therapy helps children develop pre-linguistic skills like joint attention, turn-taking, and imitation, which are critical building blocks for communication. It then progresses to sound production, vocabulary expansion, sentence formation, and conversational skills.
• Reducing Frustration: When children can’t express themselves, it often leads to tantrums and behavioral challenges. By providing them with tools and techniques to communicate, speech therapy significantly reduces this frustration for both the child and the family.
• Boosting Confidence: Learning to communicate effectively builds a child’s self-esteem and encourages them to engage more with their environment and peers.
• Enhancing Social Connections: For children who struggle with social communication, therapy can teach them how to understand and use non-verbal cues, initiate conversations, and navigate social situations, paving the way for more meaningful relationships.
• Facilitating Academic Success: Strong speech and language skills are fundamental for literacy, classroom participation, and overall academic achievement.

Our unique approach at Speech Blubs blends scientific principles with play, creating one-of-a-kind “smart screen time” experiences. We provide a screen-free alternative to passive viewing (like cartoons) by actively engaging children. Our core “video modeling” methodology is particularly powerful: children learn by watching and imitating their peers. This approach taps into mirror neuron systems in the brain, making learning intuitive and highly motivating. For example, if a child is struggling to imitate specific sounds, they can watch a peer demonstrating that sound in a fun, engaging way within the app, then immediately try to imitate it themselves.

Speech Blubs acts as a powerful tool for family connection, encouraging adult co-play and interaction. It’s not about handing your child a tablet and walking away; it’s about engaging together in joyful learning moments. For instance, if your child needs practice with social pragmatics, our “Social Skills” section can guide you both through scenarios that involve turn-taking or understanding different perspectives. This makes therapy not just effective, but a shared, positive experience.

Our methodology is backed by scientific principles and research, placing us in the top tier of speech apps worldwide. You can explore the evidence behind our approach and its impact on children’s development by visiting our research page. Don’t just take our word for it—see what other parents are saying about their child’s success and confidence building with Speech Blubs by reading their heartwarming testimonials.

It’s important to set realistic expectations. While Speech Blubs can significantly foster a love for communication, build confidence, reduce frustration, develop key foundational skills, and create joyful family learning moments, it’s a powerful supplement to a child’s overall development plan and, when applicable, professional therapy, not a guaranteed magic bullet. We believe in empowering every child’s potential, one word and one connection at a time.

Making the Most of Speech Blubs: Value and Pricing

At Speech Blubs, we are dedicated to making effective speech and language support accessible to every family. We offer transparent and flexible subscription plans designed to fit your needs, but one option stands out for its incredible value and comprehensive features.

Our pricing options are as follows:

• Monthly Plan: For $14.99 per month, you get access to our core Speech Blubs app and a wealth of engaging activities designed to boost your child’s communication skills.
• Yearly Plan: For just $59.99 per year, you unlock the full Speech Blubs experience. This plan is by far the most popular and offers superior value, breaking down to an astonishing $4.99 per month! This means you save 66% compared to the monthly subscription.

Beyond the significant cost savings, the Yearly plan includes exclusive, high-value features that are not available with the Monthly plan:

• A 7-Day Free Trial: The Yearly plan is the only way to access a risk-free, 7-day trial, allowing you and your child to explore the full range of Speech Blubs activities and see the positive impact firsthand before committing.
• The Extra Reading Blubs App: This fantastic bonus app is included exclusively with the Yearly plan, providing additional support for early literacy and pre-reading skills, creating a holistic learning experience.
• Early Access to New Updates: Yearly subscribers get first access to all our new features, activities, and improvements.
• 24-Hour Support Response Time: Enjoy peace of mind with prioritized customer support, ensuring any questions or concerns are addressed promptly.

We highly encourage you to choose the Yearly plan to get the most out of your Speech Blubs journey. Not only do you benefit from incredible savings, but you also gain access to our free trial and a full suite of features designed to maximize your child’s communication development.

Ready to see the difference Speech Blubs can make? Begin your free 7-day trial by selecting the Yearly plan and download the app today. Find us on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Conclusion

The journey of childhood development is filled with wonders, but it can also present unique challenges, especially when it comes to communication. The concern “can a child have speech delay and not be autistic” is a valid one, and we’ve explored how crucial it is to distinguish between a primary speech delay and one that is part of a broader autism spectrum disorder. We’ve seen that many factors beyond autism can cause speech delays, from hearing issues to oral-motor challenges, and that a child who is simply a “late talker” will often exhibit a strong desire for social connection that sets them apart from children with ASD.

The key takeaway is the profound importance of early intervention. Regardless of the underlying cause, providing targeted support as early as possible can dramatically improve a child’s ability to communicate, build confidence, and reduce the frustration that often accompanies communication difficulties. Tools like Speech Blubs are here to empower families, offering a playful, scientifically backed approach to developing essential speech and language skills through “smart screen time” and our unique video modeling methodology.

We understand that you, as a parent, are your child’s greatest advocate. Your love, commitment, and daily observations are invaluable. By being informed and proactive, you can ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive and truly “speak their minds and hearts.” Don’t wait to explore the possibilities.

Unlock your child’s communication potential today! Start your 7-day free trial by selecting our Yearly plan, offering you the best value and exclusive features like the bonus Reading Blubs app. Create your account and begin your journey or Download Speech Blubs on the App Store or Google Play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is speech delay always a sign of autism?

A: No, speech delay is not always a sign of autism. While speech and language delays are common characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), many children experience speech delays due to other factors such as hearing problems, oral-motor issues, or simply being a “late talker.” The presence of additional social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, rather than just speech delay, is usually indicative of autism.

Q2: What are common reasons for speech delays in a child not diagnosed with autism?

A: Besides autism, common reasons for speech delays include hearing impairment (even mild or fluctuating), oral-motor problems (like childhood apraxia of speech), intellectual disabilities, lack of adequate language exposure, or being a “late bloomer” with no identifiable underlying cause. Children in bilingual households may also temporarily appear to have slower speech development but typically catch up.

Q3: Can speech therapy help children with autism?

A: Yes, speech therapy is highly beneficial for children with autism. It can address a wide range of communication challenges specific to ASD, including improving articulation, expanding vocabulary, developing functional language, fostering social communication skills (like understanding non-verbal cues and initiating conversations), reducing echolalia, and supporting overall social interaction. Early and consistent speech therapy can significantly improve communication outcomes for children on the spectrum.

Q4: At what age should I be concerned about my child’s speech and seek professional evaluation?

A: It’s advisable to seek a professional evaluation if your child consistently misses several key speech and language milestones. This includes not babbling by 12 months, not saying single words by 16 months, or not combining two words into phrases by 24 months. Additionally, any loss of previously acquired speech or social skills, limited eye contact, lack of response to their name, or unusual repetitive behaviors at any age should prompt an evaluation with your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist.