What is Global Development Delay?

What is Global Development Delay?

I have lost count of the amount of times i am asked the question "What is Global Development Delay?" I am still learning myself but here is some information i have learnt or come across so far..


Global Development Delay(GDD) is the term used to describe a condition that occurs during the developmental period of a child between birth to 18 years old. It tends to be defined by the child being diagnosed with having a lower interllectual functioning than what is perceived as 'normal'.
normally accompanied by having significant limitations in communication, it is said to affect 1-3 % of the population.

The main causes of GDD are Chromosomal and or genetic abnormalities such as Down's Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome or abnormalities with the structure or development of the brain or spinal cord such as Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida.
Other causes can inlude being bon early or infections such as Congenital Rubella or Meningitis.
Lots of tests can be done to identify the underlining cause of GDD.


Signs of Global Development Delay:

• unable to sit on the floor without support by 8 months
• unable to crawl by 12 months
• has poor social skills/judgement
• unable to rollover by 6 months
• has communication problems
• has fine/gross motor difficulties
• shows aggressive behavior as a coping skill

Now with our son he had all the above signs, he also had trouble taking milk both via breast feeding or a bottle,he suffered reflux,would literally act like he was gagging while drinking and would need to stop constantly,he stayed on smooth pureed food until 18 months as he kept choking any time we tried anything lumpy so we took a step back and gradually added the odd lump in his food till he could cope with it.Our son has had lots of tests including urine samples,blood tests and a mri scan with more to follow he also uses piedro boots to help his stability as he has hypermobility problems as well,luckily a few months ago he started to walk(he will be 4 in may) it was such a victory to witness!!

We have a long road ahead with more goals to reach and things to learn but our son will get there in his own time. I hope this may help those of you that have asked me to understand the condition a bit better :)