What are signs of Global Developmental Delay?

Parents or caregivers who have a child with GDD often notice early differences in their child’s development:

• Delays in motor skills: Children with GDD might have difficulty achieving physical milestones such as sitting up, rolling over, crawling, standing, or walking. These delays can be noticeable during infancy and early childhood.

• Speech and language Delays: GDD can be associated with speech and language delays. A child might not babble, use single words, or form simple sentences as expected for their age.

• Cognitive challenges: Children with GDD may show difficulties in understanding and processing information. They may have trouble with problem-solving, memory, or grasping concepts appropriate for their age.

• Social-emotional delays: GDD can affect a child's ability to engage with others and form relationships. A child may struggle with basic social interactions, eye contact, and responding to emotional cues.

• Feeding and self-care challenges: Children with GDD might have trouble with feeding, dressing, and self-care activities that are typical for their age group.

It's important to note that children develop at their own pace, and occasional delays in one area of development do not necessarily indicate GDD. It is essential to consult with a professional if you have concerns about your child’s development. Early intervention and evaluation can help identify the underlying causes of GDD and provide appropriate support and therapies to help the child catch up in their development. If you suspect that your child may have GDD or are concerned about his/her development, it's essential to consult with professional for a thorough evaluation and guidance on appropriate interventions and support.

When should I seek assessment?

If you, your child’s pediatrician, or others involved in your child’s care (e.g., teachers, therapists) have concerns about your child’s development, it is important not to ignore these concerns or take a “wait and see” approach. Your pediatrician should be regularly screening your child for developmental delays during your child’s well-child doctor visits. Remember, the earlier delays can be identified and diagnosed, the sooner your child’s interventions and services can begin.

Why should I seek assessment?

There are many reasons why assessing a child for GDD is critical:

• Early intervention: Early diagnosis and assessment of GDD can open doorways to early intervention. This means that if there are delays in a child's development, identifying and addressing them at an early age can significantly improve the child's chances of catching up and developing important skills.

• Individualized treatment and support: Assessment helps pinpoint the specific areas where a child is experiencing delays. With this information, professionals can create a customized support plan that targets the child's unique needs, focusing on the areas that require the most attention.

• Access to services: A formal diagnosis of GDD is often required to access specialized services and support, such as early intervention programs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and educational services tailored to the child's needs.

• Parental guidance and education: With a formal assessment, parents can better advocate for their child's needs within educational and healthcare systems. It also enables them to access educational resources and connect with support groups and organizations dedicated to developmental delays.

• Preventing misdiagnosis: Sometimes, a child's developmental issues may initially present as GDD, but a more specific diagnosis may emerge as the child gets older and more assessments are conducted. Assessment can guide targeted interventions and support strategies.

• Progress monitoring: Assessments allow professionals to track a child's progress over time. This information helps adjust interventions as needed and ensure that the child is making the best possible developmental gains.

My child already receives special education services as a child with Preschool Severe Delay or Developmental Delay at school – why do I need an outside evaluation?

If you have a child who has received a school-based assessment of their delays, you may wonder why additional assessment is necessary. You should know that a school-based assessment is used to determine the child’s educational eligibility for services at his/her school (requirements may vary by state). However, even if your child meets criteria for special education services under the disability eligibility category of Preschool Severe Delay or Developmental Delay, this does not equate to a medical diagnosis of GDD. A medical diagnosis of GDD (typically given by a psychologist or a developmental pediatrician) is based on diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This medical diagnosis will help to qualify your child for therapy services.

How is Global Developmental Delay assessed?

An experienced professional, such as a psychologist, should gather information from multiple sources. A good psychological assessment should include:

• A parent/caregiver interview,

• Parent/caregiver and (if applicable) teacher questionnaires, including behavioral rating forms and a measure of your child’s adaptive behavior,

• A review of any relevant paperwork, and 

• Direct testing with the child, including a measure of your child’s cognitive abilities (often known as IQ testing).

What should I do to prepare for an assessment?

• A critical component of the assessment process includes an interview with the family. For young children, the psychologist speaks with the parent(s) or caregiver(s). Older children may be included in the interview process. The psychologist will want to know about your child’s early milestones. A lot of families report that it is helpful to bring in or review their child’s baby book to refresh their memories. 

• If your child has received any previous evaluations or has a history of services (e.g., therapies or school services, such as an Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan), your psychologist will want to review this information. Bring in relevant copies on the day of your assessment.

• The psychologist will want to do direct testing with your child. Make sure your child is prepared for the day. Try to make sure they get a good night’s sleep beforehand, and do not bring them in hungry. You may want to bring in other items to keep them comfortable throughout the appointment (e.g., snacks, drinks, preferred toy(s), a jacket in case the office gets too cold).

• You will have a follow-up appointment with the psychologist. During this appointment, results of the evaluation will be discussed in detail. This will include a description of the tests used, testing results, a discussion about diagnoses, and recommendations. Remember, the psychologist is there to answer any questions you have, so you are encouraged to ask questions.

Resources for families

Families can access a variety of resources to help them navigate the challenges and provide the best possible support for their child. While the following resources are offered, remember that each child with GDD is unique, and what works best for one may not work for another. It's crucial to work closely with professionals and adapt strategies based on your child's individual needs and strengths.

• Early intervention services: Early intervention services are crucial. These can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral therapy. The sooner these services are initiated, the better the outcomes can be for your child.

• Special education programs: Public schools typically offer special education services, including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to the child's unique needs.

• Seek professional guidance: Consult with healthcare professionals, such as child psychologists, pediatricians, or developmental pediatricians, who specialize in child development. They can provide guidance on treatment options and help create an individualized plan for your child.

• Support groups: Joining a support group for parents of children with autism can provide emotional support, share experiences, and offer practical advice. Connecting with other parents who understand your experiences can be invaluable.

Websites that may be helpful on your journey

• des.az.gov/azeip 

• des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities/determine-eligibility 

• www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/screening.html 

• jitp.info

• www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/index.html

We are here to help

Seeking evaluations can feel like a daunting process for many families. We understand and try to make it as easy as possible for you and your child. We provide ADHD evaluations for children and adolescents in Tucson, Arizona. Our child psychologist has extensive experience in the assessment and diagnosis of ADHD. Reach out today. We keep our waitlist short, and we do not require referrals.