Does speech delay lead to autism?

Lead to? No

Could be connected? Yes.

There’s also a condition called Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) which is not a sign or a form of autism, but the two conditions do frequently co-occur.

Don't be scared mama!! Work with your pediatrician, advocate for your son, and most importantly - be patient!! Everyone progresses at their own pace and even if there is something going on, your concern is going to translate into support greatly!

My first baby didn’t really speak until just before 18 months. After about 6 weeks, she could say around 50 words and some 2/3 word sentences. I would not worry at 12 months, especially if he is trying and making some sounds and trying to communicate. Understanding and gestures come before speech.

No. My daughter had a severe speech delay. The muscles in her mouth were underdeveloped. Also your son is 12 months. He’d be very advanced if he could say words at that age. I’d worry more if he was 18months +

My son didn’t start talking until 2. Eh made noises and like maybe mama before that. From everyone that we have seen they say he doesn’t have autism. I don’t think he does. I think it’s just a delay. My husband had a delay too. It could be connect but not necessarily a he has to be autistic because of

A word at 12 months is any sound they associate with something. So if they just say the first sound of the word in context then that's a word. Animal sounds are words, signs also count.

The fact that he can say the first sounds of the words is a good sign and good start. He will speak with time.