Speech Development and Early Signs of Delay

A typically developing child shows curiosity and attentiveness, actively seeking out all available information, regardless of its nature. This process is most intense between 12 and 36 months of age.

According to the American Speech and Hearing Association, even before the age of 3 months, a child may show the following reactions:

• Startles at loud sounds
• Calms down or smiles when spoken to
• Appears to recognize your voice and quiets if crying
• Signals vocally to express satisfaction or needs
• Cries differently depending on different needs
• Smiles at the sight of their mother

As the child grows, their behavior and responses to external stimuli become more complex, almost on a monthly basis. However, even at these early stages, differences in children with autism can already be observed.

Biological Indicators of Autism

Early biological signs of autism include:

• Atypical structure of neural connections
• Increased brain volume and abnormally high growth rate
• Neural network dysfunction or impaired connectivity

From the parents’ perspective, warning signs of speech delay at around 12 months or earlier may include:

• Babbling in the first year of life that suddenly stops
• No response to their name
• Impaired joint attention
• Problems with non-verbal communication
• Word repetition (echolalia)
• Monotone or sing-song intonations
• Attention focused on objects rather than people
• Preference for solitary rather than group play

Between 12 and 18 months, developmental regression may occur. This may be associated with behavioral problems, though researchers still do not fully understand why.

By 18–24 months, it’s important to watch for:

• Loss of previously acquired words and skills
• Using toys in unintended ways
• Lack of facial expressions
• Ignoring others
• Limited or absent eye contact

Consequences of Speech Delay

Speech delay — especially a complete lack of speech — can negatively affect the development of a wide range of abilities: communicative, social, cognitive, and more. Sometimes speech therapists and other specialists need a lot of time to correct this, and there is no guarantee their efforts will yield the desired results. That’s why eliminating the root cause of speech delay and overall developmental delay — autism or other autism spectrum disorders — is especially important.

Cell Therapy as an Innovative Solution

The most effective and fastest way to achieve this is through cell therapy — an innovative, safe, and highly natural procedure involving stem cell transplantation. These cells have a unique feature: they can transform into any other type of cell and replace damaged ones with healthy counterparts. This process soon leads to the normalization of brain and nervous system function, accelerated speech and overall development, and a reduction or complete disappearance of other autism symptoms. And since the results are long-lasting — often lifelong — other correctional methods become more effective as well.

Thanks to its reliability, cell therapy, once considered experimental, is poised to become a leading method in treating autism and its symptoms. It has already earned high praise and broad recognition — used by top clinics worldwide, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center. The center’s specialists have amassed extensive, successful experience in stem cell transplantation and use cutting-edge equipment to achieve the best possible therapeutic outcomes. Their service quality matches the highest international standards while being more financially accessible than in other countries with similarly advanced healthcare systems. Furthermore, the center offers comprehensive support in planning your trip and addressing various needs, including accommodation during the rehabilitation period.

Feel free – apply for free consultation!