Could aspergers/high functioning autism be a type of developmental delayment?

Yes: Autism is considered and diagnosed by a series of developmental delays, such as speech and social interaction, But global delays may be a part of the disorder as well.

Yes!: it is known to be in such a category. In fact before the diagnostic and statistical manual for psychiatry came out last year, it was known as a pervasive developmental disorder under which autism, Asperger's, and a few others fit in. The idea was that there is a spectrum of mild to servere and points in between in terms of severity. Milder cases than severe can qualify for school/social aid.

A developmental : delay is failure to achieve a developmental milestone by the time 90% of tots do so. "DD" is used until a child can undergo formal IQ testing, ~ age 5-6 yrs. Delays in reciprocal social interaction like not waving "bye" back to someone at 10 mos. & in social communication like not pointing at desired objects at 12 mos. are early signs of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, a Neurodevelopmental Disorder.

AUTISM SPECTRUM: Aspergers is no longer a diagnostic category - only Autism Spectrum Disorder.