Delay, Deviance Versus

Definition

Delay versus deviance refers to a debate about the nature of development in autism and other disorders. In general, a child who exhibits a developmental delay follows a progression of development found in the general population, but progress in development at a slower rate. In contrast, a child who exhibits deviance follows a progression of development that is different both in rate and sequence of progression. There is evidence to suggest that children with autism may follow a developmental progression that includes elements of both delay and deviance. In many children with autism, language development is often delayed but occurs in a progression similar to children with typical development. In other children, language development may also include deviant characteristics (e.g., echolalia). Many children with autism demonstrate deviance in the development of social and pragmatic skills. For example, some children with autism demonstrate deviance in the development of social...