Is your child the last kid in the neighborhood to learn to talk, walk, and reach other developmental milestones? Feel as though there’s something off about your child’s development?

 

It’s more common than you think to be concerned about your child not meeting developmental milestones. Children go through developmental stages at their own pace, with some moving quicker than others. Siblings in the same family may progress at different paces.

 

There is usually no need to be alarmed about minor, short-term delays because it is likely that they will develop normally and on their own timeline. However, if your child does have a delay, you should catch it early so that they can be diagnosed and begin treatment.

 

What is Global Developmental Delay?

 

Global Development Delay (GDD) is reported to affect 1-3% of the population. The term Global Development Delay (GDD) is used when a child takes longer than other children their age to reach certain developmental milestones.

 

The child must be significantly limited in at least two developmental domains in order to be diagnosed with GDD. These domains include cognitive (thinking) skills, social and emotional skills, speech and language skills, and fine and gross motor skills.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Global Developmental Delay?

 

It is crucial to note that the types and degree of symptoms differ amongst children, and not all symptoms are described for each developmental category. Children should be evaluated by their specialist, pediatrician, or developmental psychologist.

 

Gross and fine motor:

• delayed ability to sit, crawl or walk;
• delayed ability to jump, run and climb;
• inability to grasp objects;
• inability to hold utensils, work with objects, and draw

 

Speech and language:

• difficulty speaking or delayed speaking;
• difficulty understanding language;
• inability to express thoughts

 

Cognition:

• lack of curiosity;
• short attention span and easily distracted;
• poor memory;
• inability to connect actions with consequences;
• difficulty with problem-solving or logical thinking

 

Personal and social development:

• difficulty communicating or socializing with others;
• inability to express and control emotions;
• lower than average IQ test scores;
• showing repetitive and restricted behavior;
• showing extreme behavior (unusually fearful, aggressive, shy, or sad)

 

Activities of daily living:

inability to do everyday tasks like getting dressed, eating, brushing teeth, washing hands, or going to the bathroom without help

 

What Is the Treatment for Global Developmental Delay?

 

Sometimes, children with developmental delays outgrow them and catch up to their peers without much help.

 

Others, on the other hand, require a network of support to assist a child, as well as their parents or caregivers, in coping with the educational and day-to-day obstacles that come with GDD.

 

Because GDD can affect children in different ways, they are expected to respond differently to different treatments. Here are some of the most common types of assistance and treatment available to people with Global Developmental Delays:

 

Physical therapy – Physical therapy can be especially beneficial for children who require more assistance in developing gross motor skills, which can aid with the physical aspects of Global Development Delay.

 

Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapy provides several benefits, including the assistance of fine motor abilities, sensory processing difficulties, and self-care skills such as getting dressed.

 

Speech and Language Therapy – As the name implies, speech and language therapy is used to assist children who are suffering with speech and language. It can assist them in understanding language and learning how to generate sounds required for communication.

 

Early Childhood Special Education – This can assist stimulate early developmental abilities such as playing with others, which is important  to help develop fine motor skills.

 

Applied Behavioral Analysis – ABA therapy is a systematic strategy for children with mental challenges such as Global Developmental Delay (GDD). The purpose of ABA is to manage or reduce the child’s maladaptive behavior, such as self-injurious behaviors, belligerence, and other conduct that causes harm to oneself and others. Furthermore, the process is composed of a systematic approach aimed at improving the child’s communication and socialization.

 

Don’t let your child’s disability or delay take center stage. Your child is not only a member of your family but also faces unique obstacles. One of the best parts of being a parent is watching your child develop into an individual and a member of the family.

 

You’re not alone

When you’re worried about your child’s developmental delays, it’s comforting to know you’re not alone. It might be upsetting to discover that your child has a developmental delay. However, Nurture Pods is here to assist you and your child in functioning normally or catching up with their peers. If you have any worries regarding your child’s development, reach out to us and we’ll help your child thrive.

 

Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 19 June 2023