Differentiating 迟缓 and 延迟 in terms of cognitive delay?

Question

When trying to translate "cognitive delay" in terms of one's neurodevelopment, I have come in terms of both 迟缓 and 延迟. However, I am having difficulties differentiating the two, if there are any differences.

My understanding:

迟缓 (slow) = 因为发育较慢而导致的延迟

slower speed (tardy) + falling behind others

Generally is an chronic issue (慢性疾病) with slowness in development in a specific nature. (i.e. intellectual disabilities)

Examples:

• 认知迟缓 (Cognitive Delay / Sluggishness)
• 语言迟缓 (Speech Delay / Sluggishness)
• 发育迟缓 (Developmental Delay)

延迟 (delay) = 因为外部因素而被退后

later start (postpone; time related) + falling behind others

Delay in reaching specific milestones in developmental stages. Such as in a child's progress. It can be caused by a range of other factors. (i.e. language barrier, lack of background knowledge, etc...) Itself does not necessarily indicate a disability.

Examples:

• 认知延迟 (Cognitive Delay)

  (more accurate in contrast to the first)

• 语言延迟 (Speech Delay)

• 运动延迟 (Motor Delay)

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While both sounds similar, but I hope I did not misunderstand in any.

Answer 1

• 迟缓 = slow

• 延迟 = delay

The difference between "slow progressing" and a "delay to start"

• 迟缓: Slow-progressing at slower than normal speed and therefore falling behind (although started at the same time as others)

• 延迟: Delayed - Started late and therefore fell behind (even progress at normal speed)

認知延遲 = "cognitive delay" - your brain does not start prossessing the signal as soon as normal people would

認知迟缓 = "cognitive delay" your brain does not prossess the signal as fast as normal people would

Both terms mean your cognitive function is slow, just for a different reason. Strictly speaking, "cognitive delay" should be translated as "認知延遲"

Answer 2

Here is my understanding:

迟缓 - slow; tardy

• 行動迟缓 - slow in action/motion

• 反應迟缓 - slow in response/reaction

• 發育迟缓 - tardy in (growth) development

延迟 - keep putting off (til a later date/time); delay; postpone

• 火車起程時間延迟了一個小時 - The train boarding time is delayed for an hour.

• 會議必須準時開始, 不能再延迟了 - The meeting must start on time, it can't be delayed/postponed again.

• 父母的溺愛延迟了他的個人成長 - Parents' blind love has delayed his personal growth.