A child may be diagnosed with “developmental delay” if he or she is developing in the correct pattern and sequence as other children, but the development is slower than expected for that age or level of development.

A delay can be specific to an aspect (or “domain” of development), such as speech delay. On the other hand, if at least two domains of development are affected, a physician may classify this as global developmental delay.

Criteria for Global Developmental Delay

The following are the criteria for global developmental delay:

Note that this post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace a consultation with a licensed professional.

Causes of Global Developmental Delay

There are many possible causes of developmental delays, and many of them can be beyond anyone’s control. Genetic causes as well as conditions that happened in early life such as infections are often associated with developmental delay. Exposure to toxins as well as trauma or neglect are also potential causes.

Possible Outcomes of Developmental Delay

There are three possible outcomes:

  1. The delays resolve and the child eventually catches up with peers.
  2. The delays are found to be non-progressive. This means that the child is consistently behind the development expected for his or her age, but constantly at the same rate (e.g. skills always seem to be a year behind what is expected for age).
  3. Lastly, there is a third group of children with GDD whose delays are progressive. This means that the gap between them and their peers seem to widen with time.

Children who fall into the two latter categories may be diagnosed with intellectual disability or another developmental disorder after the age of 5 years.

While there is no sure way to determine which of the three outcomes a child will fall under, there are signs that doctors can watch out for to get an idea of how a child will progress. For example, children with gross motor delays will not necessarily have intellectual disability, but the chances are higher for those with fine motor and language delays. In addition, a child’s social development is a key indicator if he or she can live independently later on. 

For children whose developmental delays seem to resolve with time and catch up with their peers, we still advise parents to continue to see their doctor to monitor their child’s development. This is because studies show that these children are at risk for acquiring specific learning disorders when they reach the school-age years. It is always preferable to catch difficulties and intervene early on to provide support for the child.

Next Steps

Once a child has been diagnosed with GDD, he or she must be frequently monitored by a pediatrician or a developmental pediatrician. In some cases, depending on the signs and symptoms a child may be experiencing, additional work-ups such as  blood or urine tests, imaging procedures, or even genetic testing may be required. These will help a family know if the delays are caused by treatable medical conditions, the course it will likely take, and treatment options. In addition, doctors can help parents find resources and support (i.e. support groups for a particular condition), and in planning for the future.

Raising a child with developmental delays can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. With early intervention, proper guidance, and a strong support system, many children can make significant progress and thrive in their unique ways. Every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

Remember, as a parent or caregiver, your love, patience, and dedication are some of the most powerful tools in your child’s journey. Embrace each day with hope and confidence, knowing that there is a growing community of professionals, resources, and fellow families ready to walk this path with you.

The information we provide on our website is meant to help parents understand certain terms and conditions better. These posts should not take the place of a comprehensive medical consult. Should you have questions or clarifications, we encourage you to reach out to your primary care physician.

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