What are the differences between developmental delay and autism?

Developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder exhibit significant differences in several aspects. 1. In terms of etiology, developmental delay may be associated with genetic factors, brain injury, or metabolic disorders, whereas autism is primarily caused by functional abnormalities in specific brain regions. 2. Regarding symptom presentation, developmental delay typically involves delayed development in certain areas, such as language or motor skills, while autism includes a broad range of difficulties in social interaction, emotional reciprocity, and cognition. 3. In social interaction, individuals with developmental delay often experience temporary social challenges, whereas those with autism typically face persistent social interaction difficulties. 4. Concerning language development, although both conditions may involve delayed language acquisition, individuals with autism often display distinctive language characteristics, such as using repetitive phrases or avoiding eye contact. 5. In terms of behavioral patterns, individuals with developmental delay generally demonstrate relatively normal behavior patterns, whereas those with autism typically display significantly repetitive and stereotyped behaviors.