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Developmental Delay

Developmental delay means a child is slower to learn a skill than other children their age. A developmental delay can be in one or more areas of learning.


Many autistic children show developmental delays before they get an autism diagnosis. A common delay is not yet talking by their first birthday. Children without autism but who have other disabilities can have developmental delays too. Speech, occupational, physical, and ABA therapies can be helpful for children with developmental delays.

© 2024 by PEAAK Advisory Board with support by the Organization for Autism Research and Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

A Note On Language: We use "autistic child" in line with autistic self-advocates. Some prefer "child with autism." We respect everyone's choice.

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