Global Developmental Delay
Below is a list of symptoms, challenges, or behaviours commonly associated with this condition.
Recognising these signs? Psychological Assessments Pty Ltd is here to help with understanding and managing these challenges.
Movement
Is there trouble with sitting up, crawling, or walking?
Emotions & Behavior
Are managing feelings or behaviors a struggle?
Senses
Are reactions to sounds, sights, or touches unusual?
Talking
Is speech and language developing slower than expected?
Using Hands
Are there issues with picking up and handling objects?
Memory & Attention
Is it hard to remember things or stay focused?
Following Directions
Is it hard to follow instructions or understand what could happen next?
Daily Tasks
Are eating, dressing, or using the bathroom difficult?
School Skills
Is learning to read, write, or do math harder than for others the same age?
Age-Appropriate Activities
Is there a delay in doing things typical for a certain age?
What is Global Developmental Delay?
A child with Global Developmental Delay (GDD) typically presents with a delay in multiple developmental areas. Areas of delay may include:
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- Speech and language
- Social and emotional development
- Cognitive abilities
- Daily living and play
- Gross and fine motor skills
GDD falls under the category of intellectual developmental disorder, however, the diagnosis can only be given when the child is under 5 years of age, and they cannot be reliably assessed due to their age. They will require reassessment when they are older.
What Can Cause Global Developmental Delay?
GENETICS
Genetic conditions such as down syndrome, Rett syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and subtelomeric deletions.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Exposure to neglectful and traumatic environments, malnutrition, and deprivation of social and stimulating environments.
METABOLIC DISORDERS
Metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and bilirubin-related neurotoxicity.
PERINATAL AND PRENATAL
Premature birth, exposure to toxins, alcohol, infections, or complications during pregnancy.
BRAIN TRAUMA
Trauma to the brain such as acquired brain injury or shaken baby syndrome.
How Can We Help?
Our psychological assessments are designed to offer support for children with Global Developmental Delay (GDD).
Through our thorough evaluation process, we gain comprehensive insights into the child’s developmental milestones, cognitive abilities, and adaptive functioning, enabling us to identify areas of strength and areas that may require additional support. By understanding a child’s unique strengths and challenges, we can recommend tailored intervention plans and support strategies to address their specific needs.
Our assessments also provide valuable guidance for families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, enabling informed decision-making and facilitating access to appropriate resources and support services to support the child’s development and well-being.
Whether it’s accessing early intervention services, educational accommodations, or therapeutic interventions, our assessments serve as a vital tool in facilitating optimal outcomes for children with GDD.