Global Developmental Delay
What is Global Developmental Delay?
Global developmental delay (GDD) is the term that is used to describe children who take longer to reach developmental milestones when compared to other children of their age.
Children with GDD have difficulties across a number of developmental domains (speech, motor skills, cognitive skills, and emotional and social development)
What causes Global Developmental Delay?
Top tips for supporting children with Global Developmental Delay?
Global developmental delay (GDD) is the term that is used to describe children who take longer to reach developmental milestones when compared to other children of their age.
Children with GDD have difficulties across a number of developmental domains (speech, motor skills, cognitive skills, and emotional and social development)
What causes Global Developmental Delay?
- The most common causes of GDD are genetic (e.g. Downs Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome)
- Other causes include: learning disabilities, prematurity or other complications at birth, infection, and metabolic syndromes
- For some children, the cause of GDD is unclear
Top tips for supporting children with Global Developmental Delay?
- Try to create familiar routines and structure within the day.
- Give clear instructions
- Frequently check that your child has understood what you have said
- Show your child what you mean as well as explaining
- Make time for sensory play / activities