A language delay occurs when a child's language skills are acquired in a typical sequence but lag behind peers their age. A language delay can be receptive, expressive, or a combination of both. A receptive language deficit happens when your child has difficulty understanding language. An expressive language disorder happens when your child has difficulty communicating verbally.
If your child has a language delay, they will not reach language milestones at the typical age. Most of the time children on Autism Spectrum Disorder present with speech delays as the first noticeable sign.