If you’ve found yourself asking this question, you’re not alone.
You’ve noticed something. Maybe your child isn’t talking yet. Maybe they aren’t responding to their name. Maybe they seem in their own world at times.
And now you’re wondering:
Is this just a delay… or is it something more?
Let’s walk through this clearly, simply, and honestly so you know what to look for and what to do next.
First: What Is a Speech Delay?
A speech delay means your child is developing communication skills more slowly than expected, but the core desire to connect is still there.
You may see:
Limited vocabulary for their age
Difficulty forming words or sentences
Frustration when trying to communicate
Strong eye contact and engagement
Interest in people and interaction
These children often:
Point to show you things
Try to imitate sounds
Seek connection, even if they can’t express it yet
What Is Autism?
Autism is not just about speech.
Autism affects how a child communicates, connects, and experiences the world.
Speech delay can be part of autism, but autism includes broader patterns of behavior and interaction.
You may notice:
Limited or inconsistent eye contact
Not responding to their name
Limited pointing or showing
Repetitive behaviors (lining up toys, spinning objects)
Strong preference for routines
Difficulty with back-and-forth interaction
The Key Difference Most Parents Miss
The biggest difference is not just how much your child talks.
It is how your child connects.
A child with a speech delay:
Wants to connect
Tries to communicate
Engages socially
A child with autism:
May struggle with connection itself
May not naturally seek interaction
May communicate in different or limited ways
This distinction matters because it determines what kind of support will actually help your child thrive.
Why This Question Matters So Much
Parents often wait.
They hope their child will “catch up.”
Sometimes they do.
But sometimes, valuable time is lost.
Early support does not harm a child.
Waiting can.
The earlier you understand what your child needs, the faster you can:
Reduce frustration
Build communication
Strengthen connection
Support development in the right direction
Common Signs to Watch By Age
By 12 Months:
Not responding to name
Limited babbling
Little eye contact
By 18 Months:
No words
Not pointing or gesturing
Limited interest in others
By 24 Months:
Fewer than 50 words
Not combining words
Limited imitation
Minimal pretend play
These are signals to take action, not wait.
The Problem with “Wait and See”
“Wait and see” is one of the most common pieces of advice parents receive.
It is also one of the most harmful.
Because it assumes all delays resolve on their own.
They don’t.
And even when they do, children often struggle longer than necessary.
The better approach is:
Evaluate early. Support early. Adjust as needed.
What Actually Helps Your Child
Here is where most systems fall short.
They treat:
Speech in one place
Behavior in another
Sensory needs somewhere else
Your child is not separate systems.
Your child is one whole human.
The Breaking Barriers Difference
At Breaking Barriers Therapy Services, we do not treat isolated symptoms.
We treat the whole child through a collaborative model.
That means:
Speech Therapy for communication
Occupational Therapy for sensory and regulation
ABA (ICBT) for learning, behavior, and skill building
Working together. Not separately.
Because real progress happens when:
Communication improves
Behavior stabilizes
Regulation increases
All at the same time.
Why ABA Matters (Even If You’re Unsure About Autism)
Many parents hesitate when they hear “ABA.”
Here is what you need to know:
ABA, when done correctly, is not about compliance.
It is about:
Teaching meaningful skills
Reducing frustration
Building independence
Supporting communication
At Breaking Barriers, we use ICBT: Intensive Collaborative Behavior Therapy.
This approach is:
Play-based
Child-led
Collaborative with Speech and OT
Focused on real-life skills
We are not forcing children into a mold.
We are helping them access their potential.
What Should You Do Next?
If you are asking this question, take it seriously.
Here is your next step:
Schedule an evaluation
Get clarity, not guesses
Start support early if needed
You do not need to have all the answers.
You just need to take the next step.
Final Thought
The goal is not to label your child.
The goal is to understand your child.
Because when you understand your child, you can support them in a way that changes everything.
And you do not have to do that alone.
Talk With Our Team
Schedule a consultation with Breaking Barriers Therapy Services today and get a clear plan for your child’s development.
FAQs
How can I tell if my child has autism or just a speech delay?
The key difference is social connection. Children with speech delays still seek interaction and try to communicate, while children with autism often show differences in social engagement, eye contact, and response to others. A professional evaluation is the best way to determine the difference.
Should I wait if my child is not talking yet?
No. Early evaluation and support lead to better outcomes. Waiting can delay progress and increase frustration for both the child and the family.
What type of therapy is best for speech delay or autism?
The most effective approach is a collaborative model that includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA working together. This supports communication, behavior, and regulation at the same time for better outcomes.
Have Questions About Therapy for Your Child?
Talk with our team about ABA, occupational therapy, and speech therapy at our Lehi and Saratoga Springs clinics.