“Global Developmental Delay DSM-5 315.8 (F88).” Theravive Counseling, https://www.theravive.com/therapedia/global-developmental-delay-dsm%C2%AD--5-315.8-(f88). 

Global Developmental Delay Diagnosis

Diagnostic evaluation for global developmental delay can include genetic testing using blood or urine samples to assess hereditary contributors; chromosome testing to detect chromosomal abnormalities; lead testing to assess possible exposure; thyroid hormone screening because low levels may contribute to irregular growth; and neuroimaging with CT or MRI to identify possible injuries involving the brain or central nervous system.

University of Texas at Austin

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Global Developmental Delay is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is diagnosed when there are significant delays in in several areas of development related to intellectual functioning, specifically for children under the age of 5. This diagnosis is also applied to individuals who are unable to participate in systemic assessments, including those who are too young. This diagnosis should be reassessed in the individual later life. 

Global Developmental Delay

The causes of Global Developmental Delay are attributed to genetic factors such as genetic abnormalities during the development of the brain and spinal cord. Other linked factors include: 

Prenatal or perinatal causes:
- Exposure to teratogens or toxins (tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs)
- Prematurity
- Congenital infections
- Congenital hypothyroidism – normally picked up on newborn screening.
- Birth trauma
- Intracranial haemorrhage

Postnatal causes:
- Infection (meningitis, encephalitis)
- Cranial trauma

Environmental causes:
- Poor nutrition
- Family stress
- Child abuse or neglect



Causes of Global Developmental Delay

Habibullah, H., Albradie, R., & Bashir, S. (2019). Identifying pattern in global developmental delay children: A retrospective study at King Fahad specialist hospital, Dammam (Saudi Arabia). Pediatric reports, 11(4), 8251. https://doi.org/10.4081/pr.2019.8251

Identifying pattern in global developmental delay children: A retrospective study at King Fahad specialist hospital, Dammam (Saudi Arabia)

The treatment of this disorder depends on what type of delay is occurring. For instance, if the child is experiencing speech delays, then the help of a speech pathologist would be used. Occupational and physical therapists would be used to help with fine motor and daily living skills. For those with hearing and vision delays, a hearing aid or eye glasses could be used.

Treatments of Global Developmental Delay

Symptoms of Global Developmental Delay (GDD) vary, but typically include delays in reaching motor milestones (e.g., sitting up, crawling, or walking), fine and gross motor difficulties, limited reasoning or conceptual abilities, communication problems, and poor social skills or judgment, which may sometimes lead to aggressive behavior as a coping mechanism.

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