Watching a child lose words they already had is one of the most frightening experiences a parent can face — and it deserves to be taken seriously. Language regression occurring between 15 and 24 months happens in approximately 25–30% of autism cases and is not a normal part of development. If your child has lost words, do not wait and see — contact your pediatrician today and request an evaluation.
When word loss is a red flag for autism
Language regression in autism is characterized by the gradual or sudden loss of previously acquired words and social skills — not just vocabulary, but the full communication picture. A child who had 5–10 words and was waving, pointing, and making eye contact may, over weeks or months, stop using those words, stop gesturing, and withdraw from social interaction. This pattern is sometimes called autistic regression or setback autism, and it is a recognized feature of ASD that shows up in roughly a quarter of diagnosed children. Unlike a typical developmental plateau, regression is a genuine loss of skills that were clearly present. For a full picture of early warning signs, see our guide to autism signs in NJ children.
It is important to distinguish autism regression from the temporary language dips that can follow illness, a new sibling, or major stress. Those regressions typically resolve within days to a few weeks, and the skills come back without intervention. Autism-related regression is different: the words do not return on their own, the social withdrawal deepens rather than lifts, and the child may develop new repetitive behaviors in the same period. If the regression has lasted more than two to three weeks, or if you notice loss of social skills alongside language loss, that is the signal to move quickly toward an autism evaluation in NJ.
What to do if you’re worried — and how ABA can help
Do not accept “wait and see” as an answer when your child has lost skills. Request a referral to a developmental pediatrician or pediatric neurologist immediately. If your child is under 3, contact the NJ Early Intervention program directly — you do not need a diagnosis to begin the eligibility process. Early action is the most important thing you can do right now, regardless of whether the eventual diagnosis is autism, a language disorder, or something else entirely. Visit our page on getting an autism evaluation in New Jersey for step-by-step guidance.
ABA therapy is one of the most effective tools for rebuilding language and social communication skills after regression. At Autumn ABA, we meet children where they are — including children who have lost skills they once had — and use evidence-based strategies to reestablish communication from the ground up. In-home ABA means your child learns in a familiar, low-stress environment, which matters enormously during a period of vulnerability. Reach out for a free consultation, or explore our ABA therapy programs to learn more about how we support toddlers through this process.
In-home ABA across NJ — no waitlist
BCBA-led, in-network (NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid & commercial). Free consultation & insurance check.
Schedule a free consultation Our ABA programs →Frequently asked questions
Can a child get back words they lost?
Many children do regain lost words — and with early, intensive intervention, some children make significant language gains. The research on ABA and early language intervention is encouraging, particularly when therapy begins before age 3 or 4. Recovery looks different for every child: some regain and exceed their previous vocabulary, others make steady but slower progress. The key is not to wait — the earlier intervention begins after regression, the better the trajectory tends to be.
My child lost only 2 or 3 words — does that count as regression?
Even losing 2 or 3 words is worth bringing to your pediatrician, especially if those words were being used clearly and consistently and then stopped. There is no minimum word count required for regression to be clinically significant. What matters is the pattern: were the words genuinely there, used spontaneously, and then gone? If yes, that change deserves evaluation. Pair that question with a look at whether any social skills have also changed.
This page is general educational information, not medical advice. Every child is different — a BCBA can assess your child’s specific needs. Autumn ABA serves families in all 21 NJ counties; see where we provide ABA therapy.