Many parents first notice developmental concerns when their child begins speaking later than expected. Delayed speech is often one of the earliest and most visible indicators that something may be different in a child’s development. Because language is such a central part of everyday interaction, it becomes a natural focal point when families begin asking questions.However, speech delay alone does not always explain the full picture. Some children may learn individual words but still struggle to engage in back-and-forth conversation, interpret facial expressions, or respond appropriately in social situations. These broader patterns fall under the category of social communication, which…