GDD is seen as a temporary diagnosis for children who are unable to undergo standardized IQ evaluation (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Research has shown that a good number of children with GDD ultimately meet the diagnosis for Intellectual Disability once they reach school age.

Is developmental delay a diagnosis?

Developmental delay sometimes indicates an underlying condition that only doctors can diagnose. Once you get a diagnosis, you can plan for therapies or other early interventions to help your child's progress and development into adulthood.

Is global developmental delay a disorder?

Areas of delay may include speech and language, social, cognition, play and motor skills. Children with GDD will typically present as younger, or behind, their typically developing peers. A child diagnosed with GDD may later be diagnosed with a more specific diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).