Understanding Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
The term global developmental delay (GDD) describes delays across various areas of a child’s development. Data shows that GDD affects about 1-3% of the population in the UK.
It is essential to make a distinction between the terms “development” and “growth”, especially when explaining global developmental delay. A child’s growth refers to growing, increasing in size and often relates to appearance only. On the other hand, development refers to increased cognitive and physical skills that children learn as they grow.
Children with developmental delays may have difficulties with communication and language skills, such as learning and understanding spoken languages or expressing themselves. They may also have difficulty developing gross motor skills like walking, running and even fine motor skills like grasping utensils and other objects. The causes of global developmental delay can vary and may include different factors such as brain injuries, genetic causes and environmental factors. The treatment usually involves various types of speech and language therapies, physical therapy, occupational therapy and early intervention services.
Impact of GDD on Cognitive, Motor, Social, and Language Development
Children and babies develop certain skills and abilities at predictable ages, although each person grows at a different pace. However, children with global developmental delay develop skills at a later age than expected. The development of children can be divided into four main areas:
- Motor skills – the development of fine and gross motor skills
- Speech and language – learning how to babble, imitate speech, imitate sounds and understand what people are saying
- Cognitive skills – the ability to learn and process new information, organise information and remember new things
- Social and emotional skills – interacting with others and developing feelings as well as personal traits
Developmental milestones are set within a timeframe of when children are expected to reach them. Children that don’t reach two or more milestones in these areas of development are considered to have global developmental delays. Also, for some babies, GDD is suspected shortly after birth because of feeding difficulties, birth complications and low muscle tone. Global developmental delays should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional, and with proactive support, children can learn necessary life skills and lead a fulfilled life.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is a neurological difference that affects how people think, perceive the environment and interact with others. It also affects how people communicate with the world around them. ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, entails a variety of neurological differences in interaction and behaviour and affects people in different ways.
People with Autism have unique interests and skills, and it is one of the lifelong developmental disorders (differences). However, describing ASD adequately can be quite complex, as there are a lot of misconceptions, such as that all people with Autism share the same challenges, which we know is untrue because everyone is different and unique.
Overlapping Features and Shared Challenges
While global developmental delay and Autism share certain signs and symptoms, it’s important to remember they are different and not the same. However, people with Autism may have some degree of GDD, but people with GDD don’t always have Autism.
Some of the similar symptoms Autism and GDD share similar include:
- Difficulty focusing or focusing intensely on one thing
- Language skills difficulties
- Avoiding eye contact
- Difficulty with social communication
- Hyperactivity
- Executive functioning challenges
With compassionate and proactive guidance, individuals can overcome challenges and improve their overall well-being and contentment.
Key Differences in Developmental Patterns and Symptomatology
GDD is usually diagnosed in young children, and children over five years old may be diagnosed with other intellectual disabilities instead of GDD. The first signs of GDD usually appear in children between the ages of 1-3, and common signs include difficulty learning to walk or move independently.
Autism is usually diagnosed in children from two years of age and older. Unlike GDD, the first and most noticeable symptoms in ASD are difficulties with social interactions and repetitive behaviours. Other areas of development, like fine and gross motor skills, are usually developed at the same pace as children that don’t have Autism.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects a person’s ability to socialise, interact and communicate with others and their environment. GDD refers to delays in multiple areas of development for children, such as cognitive and motor skills. Autism and GDD are both complex and present differently in every child, so early intervention and diagnosis are essential for children to receive appropriate care and support.
Is GDD a Form of Autism?
Global developmental disorder is not considered a form of Autism Spectrum Disorders. It is a neurological condition that affects the development of cognitive and motor skills in children during early childhood. When a child is above the age of five, some children with GDD may be diagnosed with an intellectual disability. With that said, Autistic children may experience GDD, but not all children with GDD will have Autism.
Diagnosis for GDD and ASD
Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and GDD early is essential for creating an individualised care and support plan. Usually, developmental and behavioural paediatricians review children’s medical history and will go through a list of developmental milestones children typically reach for their age.
If a child is diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental difference, healthcare professionals will try to find the cause through genetic and imaging tests. Children also undergo special interviews based on tools such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, which assess a child’s development. Early intervention is essential in finding the proper treatment and support options so children can lead happy, fulfilling and enjoyable lives.
Co-Occurrence of GDD and ASD
Studies show a co-occurrence between these differences, and the prevalence of ASD for children with GDD is 62%. It’s essential for children to receive a timely diagnosis, in order to provide the best options for support and interventions, which will lead to positive outcomes and improved well-being.
Support for GDD and ASD with Unique Community Services
At Unique Community Services, we support people with global developmental delay and Autism, providing care tailored to their unique needs. We provide person-centred care for individuals in the comfort of their own homes, treating every person with compassion, loyalty and dedication.
Our clinicians are highly trained in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and recognise the importance of seeing, caring and understanding individuals who display challenging behaviour. We focus on people’s unique abilities and strengths to help them thrive and embrace their differences and experiences.
If you are looking for support for yourself or a loved one with global developmental delay or Autism Spectrum Disorder, contact us today.
