Global Developmental Delay: Understanding the Medical Condition of Children
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY
Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is the general term used to describe a condition that occurs during the developmental period of a child between birth and 18 years. It is usually defined by the child being diagnosed with having a lower intellectual functioning than what is perceived as ‘normal’. It is usually accompanied by having significant limitations in communication. It is said to affect about 1-3% of the population.
Causes
The most common 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 include prematurity – being born too early - or infections, such as Congenital Rubella or Meningitis. There are a number of diagnostic tests that can be done to identify the underlying cause of GDD. Sometimes these causes can be treated to cure the developmental delay, or at least to prevent it worsening. However, often the cause is never able to be fully determined.
SIGNS OF GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY CAN INCLUDE: ▪ The child is unable to sit on the floor without support by 8 months; ▪ The child is unable to crawl by 12 months; ▪ The child has poor social skills/ judgment; ▪ The child is unable to roll over by 6 months; ▪ The child has communication problems ▪ The child has fine/ gross motor difficulties ▪ The child shows aggressive behavior as a coping skill In some children GDD is suspected soon after birth because of feeding difficulties or muscle-tone. In others it is suspected later when learning or behavior difficulties occur at school.
Diagnostic Examinations Once suspected, tests can confirm the presence of developmental delay. Since the causes can be numerous, the diagnostic tests aim to cover broad areas and may include:
- Metabolic tests and
Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is the general term used to describe a condition that occurs during the developmental period of a child between birth and 18 years. It is usually defined by the child being diagnosed with having a lower intellectual functioning than what is perceived as ‘normal’. It is usually accompanied by having significant limitations in communication. It is said to affect about 1-3% of the population.
Causes
The most common 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 include prematurity – being born too early - or infections, such as Congenital Rubella or Meningitis. There are a number of diagnostic tests that can be done to identify the underlying cause of GDD. Sometimes these causes can be treated to cure the developmental delay, or at least to prevent it worsening. However, often the cause is never able to be fully determined.
SIGNS OF GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY CAN INCLUDE: ▪ The child is unable to sit on the floor without support by 8 months; ▪ The child is unable to crawl by 12 months; ▪ The child has poor social skills/ judgment; ▪ The child is unable to roll over by 6 months; ▪ The child has communication problems ▪ The child has fine/ gross motor difficulties ▪ The child shows aggressive behavior as a coping skill In some children GDD is suspected soon after birth because of feeding difficulties or muscle-tone. In others it is suspected later when learning or behavior difficulties occur at school.
Diagnostic Examinations Once suspected, tests can confirm the presence of developmental delay. Since the causes can be numerous, the diagnostic tests aim to cover broad areas and may include:
- Metabolic tests and
Links: Step 2 Create a family plan that integrates all the needed therapies into regular family activities. It is easy, especially during the early months of learning your child has a developmental delay, to feel overwhelmed and unable to focus. A family plan or schedule establishes routines that guide everyone each day. Use the plan as a family blueprint, but create enough flexibility to integrate new activities and changes in daily routines. Step 3 Establish opportunities for respite. The energy and commitment required to assist a developmentally delayed child drains energy from parents and siblings. Contact your local social services agency regarding respite services. Find a trained respite provider who will care for your developmentally delayed child for a few days or a weekend. Families need occasional breaks from the stress in order to operate at their best when their child is home. Step 4 Investigate programs for siblings that allow them to share their worries and frustrations in a safe, supportive setting. Ask extended family, friends, neighbors and your faith community for help with such things as transportation and meals. Step 5 Work with your child 's school system to create academic supports through the creation of an individualized education plan (IEP). Children with developmental delays receive academic assistance, as outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law. Some children may require specialized services for a few years, while others may need support throughout their school years. Step 6 Acknowledge issues of grief, loss and disappointment. Parents may require assistance reevaluating their plans and dreams for the child. Siblings may need help understanding the limitations and abilities of their developmentally delayed brother or sister. The developmentally delayed child may require support and strategies to understand their disability.