What Should Parents Do First If Worried About Speech Delay and Autism?

PostedDecember 9, 2025

UpdatedDecember 9, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Realising your child might have a speech delay and autism can feel overwhelming. Getting solid parent support for autism speech delay starts with a few clear first steps that help lay the groundwork for assessment, understanding, and timely intervention.

The most useful thing parents can do is respond quickly to their concerns. Early awareness gives children more opportunity to benefit from therapy and support. Acting early often means better outcomes.

First Steps Parents Should Take

Here are some practical first steps and guidance for parents suspicious of speech delay plus autism:

Observe and document concerns

Note whether your child babbles, uses gestures, or says single words by about 12‑16 months. Record how often they use their name, make eye contact, or show interest in others. These observations help professionals understand the pattern of delay.

Talk to your health visitor or GP

Bring up your concerns formally. Explain what you’ve noticed and ask for a developmental evaluation. Having documentation makes these conversations clearer.

Seek a speech and language assessment

A specialist can assess expressive and receptive language, speech clarity, and how your child interacts and communicates socially.

Reach out for support

Look for parent groups, community services, or social workers who can provide guidance and advice. Sharing concerns helps you stay informed and less alone.

Don’t wait for “perfect” clarity

You don’t need all the answers to start support. The sooner parent support for autism speech delay begins, even with uncertainty, the better the chance of speech improvement.

If you’re worried, trust your instincts. Early response and parental involvement are powerful. Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations and specialist advice tailored to your child’s situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Delayed Speech or Language Development.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.