Is your child suffering from a tongue-tie?
Well, now you might get worried about the risk of autism development in your child.
But worry not, as there is no proven scientific research that establishes a link between autism and tongue tie. So, having a tongue-tie doesn’t always indicate that your child is autistic.
Tongue tie and autism are completely different conditions with different clinical representations. Speech delays are common in both conditions and make people believe that tongue-tie could suggest the future risk for autism development.
Irrespective of the connection, it’s better to visit a renowned specialist as soon as you witness the signs of tongue-tie for a timely diagnosis and treatment. You can consult the best specialists at Tongue Tie Phoenix.
Now, let’s discuss the relationship between autism and tongue-tie trouble and how they are connected.
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that comes with life-long challenges. Another name for autism is autism spectrum disease (ASD), which affects the everyday communication, learning, and behavior of the patients.
The symptoms of autism appear as early as 12 months. According to the research, the cause of autism is a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
People with autism have restrictive behavior patterns and have difficulty with everyday social interactions. Speech and language delays are other characteristics of autism.
What is a Tongue Tie?
In contrast to autism, tongue-tie or ankyloglossia is a condition in which the band of tissues of the frenum membrane is shorter or thicker than usual.
This structural variation of the frenum membrane affects the normal function of the frenum, i.e., aiding the attachment of the tongue.
Tongue tie usually affects the regular feeding activity in children. Your child may experience a painful latch or make clicking sounds while trying to feed. Other than this, tongue tie also results in speech problems in children.
The condition usually affects the newborn but comes with possible solutions. Your physician may recommend you cut or modify the restrictive frenum membrane using laser or surgical devices. The treatment procedure is known as frenectomy.
Suggested Read: 7 Steps to Test Tongue Tie (6-Step Assessment Guide)
Tongue Tie and Autism – What’s the Connection?
Many people tend to believe that children who suffer from tongue-tie are also autistic or tongue-tie can predict autism at a later age. But what’s the connection between the two?
Well, there is no scientific research proving that tongue-tie is a risk factor for developing autism or vice-versa.
A patient doesn’t necessarily suffer from both conditions together. People tend to think this because of the OVERLAPPING SYMPTOMS.
Similarities Between Autism And Tongue-Tie
The reason why people think that these two conditions are relevant is because of the following symptoms:
Speech Delays
Both of these conditions result in speech delays at some stage. Also, tongue thrust is a typical compilation in autism as well as tongue-tie.
Clicking Sounds
Making clicking sounds while trying to feed is another significant similarity between both conditions.
Suggested Read: 5 Reasons Why Your Baby Clicks Their Tongue While Feeding
Tongue Thrust
Tongue thrust refers to pushing your tongue forward while feeding or speaking. This forceful movement of the tongue can even disrupt normal breathing.
Patients suffering from the tongue-tie suffer from tongue thrust to compensate for restricted tongue movement. Also, tongue thrust indicates the occurrence of autism in children.
Differences Between Autism and Tongue-Tie
Considering these similarities, people tend to believe that tongue-tie and autism are related conditions. However, there are significant differences between both conditions.
Suggested Read: Exploring Frenotomy vs Frenectomy: Essential 9 Differences
Can Autism and Tongue-Tie Exist Together?
Yes, a child can suffer from autism and tongue-tie together. But suffering from one doesn’t define the risk of developing the second one.
The presence of autism and tongue-tie simultaneously might complicate the speech delay symptoms in children, but this isn’t always the case.
The scientists agree that not all children with tongue-ties suffer from speech delays later. So, it is possible that a child with tongue-tie does not develop any speech delays. In this case, both conditions can occur independently.
Treatment and Management of Autism and Tongue-Tie
Depending upon the symptoms and complications associated with autism, the condition is easy to manage with the help of therapies. Though there are no medications available to treat autism, behavior management strategies can be of great help.
In the case of tongue-tie, frenectomy is of great help in treating the problems. This is a surgical procedure that brings structural improvements to resolve tongue-tie symptoms.
Nowadays, Laser frenectomy is a preferable option over surgical one. It uses a laser beam to change or alter the frenulum structure. Doctors prefer the laser approach because of its non-invasive nature and short recovery span.
Also, doctors can sometimes recommend language therapy to manage conditions effectively.
Read: 7 Essential Tips for Easy Frenectomy Recovery in 2024
Bottom Line
Many people believe that autism and tongue-tie are the relevant conditions, considering the symptoms overlap between both. However, there is no proven evidence that a patient suffering from the tongue-tie is going to be autistic.
Though both conditions may exist together and sometimes complicate the symptoms, further research is required to better understand the condition.
Also, both conditions follow different treatment plans. So, make sure if your child is suffering from tongue-tie, visit a reliable physician for proper treatment and to avoid complications.
