Babies with autism may exhibit vocalizations that include growling. When it comes to vocalizations, children who are at-risk for autism or who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often display unique patterns and characteristics.
One common characteristic is a lack of variation in pitch, tone, or volume. Typically developing infants and children naturally vary their vocalizations to express different emotions or intentions. For example, a baby might coo softly when content and happy, or cry loudly when upset or in need of attention. However, children with autism may struggle to vary these aspects of their vocalizations, leading to a more monotone or flat-sounding voice.
In addition, infants and toddlers who are not yet speaking may produce vocalizations that sound more like non-word sounds rather than recognizable parts of words. This can include whining, fussing, or growling. These vocalizations may serve as a way for the child to communicate their needs or express frustration, but without the typical development of early language skills.
It is important to note that not all children with autism will exhibit these specific vocalization patterns. Each child with autism is unique and may present with a range of different behaviors and characteristics. Some children with autism may develop speech and language skills at a typical rate, while others may struggle with communication throughout their lives.
As a speech-language pathologist, I have worked with many children with autism who exhibited a range of vocalization patterns. Some children did growl as part of their vocal repertoire, while others may have used different sounds or verbalizations to express themselves. It is important to assess each child individually and provide individualized interventions to support their communication development.
While it is not true for all babies with autism, some may growl or produce non-word vocalizations as part of their communication. It is important for parents, caregivers, and professionals to be aware of these potential vocalization patterns and provide appropriate support and intervention to help children with autism develop their communication skills.