Global Developmental Delays Definition Global Developmental Delays is the general term used to describe a disorder that occurs during the developmental period of a child between birth and 18 years. It is usually characterised by the child diagnosed with lower than average intellectual functioning along with significant limitation in at least one or more of the following areas: •
Language or speech
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Vision
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Movement (Motor skills)
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Social and emotional skills
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Thinking (Cognitive Skills)
Global Developmental Delays
Prevalence
It is estimated that 5-10 percent of the early childhood population suffers from Global Developmental Delays in Singapore (Department of Statistics Yearbook, 2011).
Causes Global Developmental Delays (GDD) has many causes which entirely affect the functioning of the central nervous system.
The most common causes of GDD are chromosomal and/ or genetic abnormalities such as Down Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome. It can also be caused by abnormalities with structure or development of the brain or spinal cord (Eg. Cerebral Palsy), prenatal (Eg. Rubella) and perinatal (Eg. Prematurity). However, some time, no cause is identified.
Global Developmental Delays Psychological and Behavioral Characteristics: Delays in Motor Skills •
Unable to roll over by 6 months old.
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Unable to sit on the floor without support by 8 months old.
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Unable to crawl by 12 months old.
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Have fine and gross motor difficulties.
Delays in Speech and Language •
Have communication problems including babbling, imitating speech and identifying sounds.
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Difficulty in understanding what others are trying to communicate to them.
Delays in Cognitive Skills •
Difficulty in learning new things, processing information, organising and remembering.
Global Developmental Delays Psychological and Behavioral Characteristics: Delays in Social and Emotional Skills •
Have poor social skills and judgement.
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Shows aggressive behaviours as a coping skill.
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Difficulty interacting with others.
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Difficulty in understanding and responding to the needs and feelings of others.