Some children with autism learn skills, such as speaking their first few words, at the usual age. But then they either stop learning more or they go backwards and lose the skills they have. Doctors call this regression. It happens in about 1 in 4 of autistic children. ^[52] Usually, it happens in the second year of your child's life.

Besides losing speech, your child may also:

• Stop looking people in the eye

• Want to spend less time with others

• Not want to play as much any more.

Even if your child does learn to speak, they may still find it hard to talk in social ways. For example, they may find it hard to chat or meet new people. Your child will have a hard time in social situations. People may think your child isn't friendly.

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