Every child develops at their own pace.
Some children may need extra support for a short time, while others may need
support for longer.
Early help and understanding can make a big difference.
Not all children with GDD will have another condition.
Is Global Developmental
Delay Long-Term?
- Some children
may experience GDD for a short time
- Some children
may catch up with the right support
- Other children
may need extra support long-term
In some cases, GDD may later be identified as a learning
disability.
Development Happens at
Different Speeds
Children develop skills at different ages.
A delay does not mean a child will never learn a
skill — it may just take longer.
Support and Help
Support may include:
- Speech and
language therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational
therapy
- Educational
support
Early support can help children reach their potential.
Useful Organisations
- Genetic Alliance
UK
- Brainwave
- Tree of Hope
Version 2: Easy Read
Version
What is Global
Developmental Delay?
Global Developmental Delay is when a child’s learning is
slower than expected.
It usually affects young children.
What Can Be Hard?
Children may find it hard to:
- Look at people
- Move around
- Walk
- Pick things up
- Talk
Everyone is different.
Other Conditions
Some children may also have:
- Learning
disabilities
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
Will It Last Forever?
- Some children
need help for a short time
- Some children
need help for longer
- Some children
may catch up with support
Support
Children may need:
- Extra help
- Therapy
- Support at
school
With the right help, children can learn and grow.
Version 3: Quiz – Standard
Version
1. What does Global Developmental Delay mean?
a) A child stops learning
b) A child learns faster than others
c) A child’s development is slower than expected
d) A mental illness
2. Which areas may be affected? (Choose two)
a) Walking
b) Talking
c) Eye color
d) Holding objects
3. True or False:
All children with GDD need support for their whole life.
4. Name one condition that may occur alongside GDD.
5. True or False:
Children all develop skills at the same age.
1️⃣ Full Short Chapter — Book Version
Writing
Global Developmental Delay (GDD) Ful Module.
Overview
Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is a term used when a young
child is significantly behind expected developmental milestones in multiple
areas. It is typically diagnosed in children under the age of five.
GDD is considered a temporary or “placeholder” diagnosis,
used when delays are clear but the underlying cause has not yet been
identified. As the child grows, further assessments may lead to a more specific
diagnosis.
Key Characteristics
Age Range
Usually applied to children under 5 years old
Older children are more likely to receive specific diagnoses
such as Intellectual Disability
Areas of Delay
A child must show delays in two or more developmental
areas:
Gross motor skills (sitting, crawling, walking)
Fine motor skills (hand use, grasping objects)
Speech and language
Cognitive skills (learning, problem-solving)
Social and emotional development
Why It Is Called a “Global” Delay
“Global” means multiple areas of development are affected,
rather than just one (for example, speech delay alone would not be GDD).
Common Causes
In some cases, a cause is identified. In others, it remains
unknown.
Possible causes include:
Genetic or chromosomal conditions
(e.g., Fragile X Syndrome, Down Syndrome)
Brain or spinal cord structural differences
Premature birth
Birth complications
Infections during pregnancy or early childhood
Metabolic or neurological disorders
Environmental factors
(e.g., toxin exposure, neglect)
Signs & Symptoms
Examples may include:
Late sitting, crawling, or walking
Poor balance or coordination
Limited speech or delayed language
Difficulty understanding instructions
Problems with memory or learning
Limited play or social interaction
Reduced eye contact or pointing
Assessment & Diagnosis
When GDD is identified, professionals will investigate
further.
Assessments may include:
Developmental pediatric evaluation
Genetic testing
Brain imaging (MRI/CT)
Hearing and vision tests
Speech and language assessment
GDD is not a final diagnosis — it describes a child’s
current developmental profile.
What Happens Next?
Early Intervention is critical.
Children may receive:
Speech and language therapy
Occupational therapy
Physiotherapy
Developmental education support
These therapies aim to:
Build skills
Close developmental gaps
Support independence
Long-Term Outlook
Outcomes vary widely.
Some children:
Catch up with peers
Move to mild learning difficulty profiles
Others may later receive diagnoses such as:
Intellectual Disability
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Genetic syndromes
Neurological conditions
Summary
Global Developmental Delay is an early childhood diagnosis
describing significant delays across multiple developmental areas. It signals
the need for assessment, early intervention, and ongoing monitoring to support
the child’s development and identify any underlying causes.
2️⃣ Easy Read Version
Writing
What is Global Developmental Delay?
Global Developmental Delay is called GDD for short.
It means a young child is behind in development.
Who Does It Affect?
Usually children under 5 years old.
What Areas Can Be Delayed?
A child may have delays in:
Walking or moving
Using hands
Talking
Learning
Playing with others
To be called GDD, delays must be in two or more areas.
Is It a Final Diagnosis?
No.
GDD is a “placeholder” diagnosis.
This means doctors are still finding the cause.
Possible Causes
Some causes include:
Genetic conditions
Premature birth
Birth complications
Brain differences
Infections
Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Signs to Look For
Late sitting or walking
Limited speech
Trouble learning
Difficulty playing
1️⃣ Developmental Milestone Comparison Chart
(Typical Development vs Global Developmental Delay)
Developmental Milestones Comparison
| Development Area | Typical Development | Possible Signs of GDD |
|---|---|---|
| Sitting | 6–8 months | Not sitting by 10–12 months |
| Crawling | 8–10 months | Not crawling by 12 months |
| Walking | 12–15 months | Not walking by 18–24 months |
| First Words | Around 12 months | Few/no words by 18–24 months |
| Two-Word Phrases | 2 years | Not combining words by 2.5–3 years |
| Fine Motor | Uses pincer grasp by 9–12 months | Difficulty grasping objects |
| Play Skills | Pretend play by 2–3 years | Limited or repetitive play |
| Social Interaction | Points, waves, eye contact | Limited gestures or engagement |
| Understanding Instructions | Follows simple commands by 2 years | Difficulty understanding directions |
Note: Children develop at different rates. Persistent delays across multiple areas may indicate GDD.
2️⃣ Early Years Screening Checklist
Global Developmental Delay Screening Checklist
This checklist supports early identification. It is not diagnostic but may indicate need for referral.
Motor Skills
☐ Not sitting independently by 10 months
☐ Not crawling by 12 months
☐ Not walking by 18–24 months
☐ Poor balance or coordination
Fine Motor Skills
☐ Difficulty grasping toys
☐ Struggles using utensils
☐ Limited hand coordination
Speech & Language
☐ No babbling by 12 months
☐ No single words by 18 months
☐ Limited vocabulary by age 2–3
☐ Difficulty understanding language
Cognitive Skills
☐ Difficulty problem-solving
☐ Limited curiosity
☐ Trouble learning through play
Social & Emotional Development
☐ Limited eye contact
☐ Does not point or gesture
☐ Limited interest in peers
☐ Difficulty engaging in play
When to Refer
Referral recommended if:
Delays present in 2+ areas
Skills regress
Seizures or neurological signs present
Refer to:
Pediatrician
Developmental specialist
Early Intervention services
3️⃣ Visual Developmental Timeline (Text Poster Version)
Child Development Timeline
Birth – 6 Months
Smiles
Rolls over
Begins sitting with support
Responds to sounds
6 – 12 Months
Sits independently
Crawls
Babbling
Recognizes caregivers
12 – 18 Months
Walking
First words
Points to objects
Follows simple instructions
18 – 24 Months
Two-word phrases
Runs
Pretend play begins
Identifies body parts
2 – 3 Years
Short sentences
Climbs, jumps
Plays alongside peers
Follows two-step instructions
GDD Alert Signs
Missing multiple milestones
Speech very limited
Poor coordination
Social engagement delayed
Early Intervention should be considered if delays are present.
4️⃣ Explainer — GDD vs Intellectual Disability
Difference Between GDD and Intellectual Disability
Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
Diagnosed under age 5
Delays in multiple developmental areas
Temporary / placeholder diagnosis
Cause may still be unknown
Child still developing rapidly
Intellectual Disability (ID)
Diagnosed after age 5
Long-term cognitive impairment
Affects learning and adaptive functioning
Confirmed through formal assessment
Considered lifelong
Key Difference
GDD = Early developmental delay description
ID = Confirmed long-term learning disability diagnosis
Some children with GDD later receive an ID diagnosis, while others catch up or receive different diagnoses.
5️⃣ Explainer — GDD vs Autism (Early Signs)
Global Developmental Delay vs Autism
GDD and Autism can overlap but are different diagnoses.
Similarities
Both may include:
Speech delay
Social difficulties
Play differences
Sensory sensitivities
Key Differences
| Feature | GDD | Autism |
|---|---|---|
| Development | Delayed across multiple areas | Uneven / spiky profile |
| Social Interest | May want interaction but lack skills | May prefer limited interaction |
| Communication | Delayed due to development | Social communication differences |
| Repetitive Behaviours | Less defining | Core diagnostic feature |
| Sensory Issues | Possible | Very common/core feature |
Simple Explanation
GDD = Child is developing slower overall
Autism = Child develops differently, especially socially and sensory-wise
Some children initially diagnosed with GDD may later receive an Autism diagnosis once development becomes clearer.
No comments:
Post a Comment