Global Developmental Delay (GDD) affects up to 3% of children, specifically younger than five years old. Some known causes include but are not limited to: genetics, infections, toxins (drug abuse, medications), prematurity, asphyxia, trauma, and psychosocial environment/neglect.

Importance of Diagnosing

• Timely initiation of treatment and/or supportive management
• Prevention of complications
• Improved prognosis/outcome/quality of life
• Access to services and resources in the community

Criteria to Diagnose

The diagnostic criteria for GDD involve significant delay in at least two of the following developmental areas:

• Gross or fine motor
• Speech/language
• Cognition
• Social/personal
• ADL’s

How to Identify Developmental Delays

• During routine developmental screening with physiotherapists and pediatricians
• Following reports and concerns from parents
• Through third-party observers such as preschool teachers or daycare providers

How Physiotherapy Can Help

• Encourage parents to share any concerns regarding their child’s development
• Screen for signs of other conditions
• Screen for red flags
• Referral to primary care physician or other healthcare practitioners
• Assess age-appropriate gross motor milestones and development
• Develop children’s running, skipping, hopping, catching, throwing, and kicking to the best of their abilities