Do you ever think that maybe your child isn’t meeting their milestones and told to wait it out? Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is when a toddler is experiencing significant delay in their physical, cognitive, communication, social, emotional, or adaptive development compared to other children of the same age. Understanding early signs of GDD might help parents seek the early intervention support that their toddlers needs and helps them thrive by the time they reach school age.
The criteria that the National Disability Insurance Scheme uses for global developmental delay is:
1. Significant delay in two or more developmental domains:
This may include gross/fine motor skills, speech/language, cognition, social/personal interactions, and activities of daily living.
2. Performance significantly below age expectations: The child is unable to meet developmental milestones.
3. The delay is observed before the child turns 5 years old: GDD is typically diagnosed in preschool-aged children.
4. The delays are not due solely to a physical impairment: Though physical impairments may be present, they do not solely account for the developmental delays.
5. Consideration of differential diagnosis: The child’s developmental delays cannot be better explained by another condition, such as a genetic disorder.
If you think this could that this is your child, see your GP with your concerns or contact organisations such as the Benevolent Society.
In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for individuals with a permanent and significant disability, which includes early childhood early intervention (ECEI) services for children under 7 years old showing early signs of developmental delay or disabilities.
The NDIS supports early intervention because it recognises the importance of providing assistance to children and their families early on, which can reduce the effects of a disability or developmental delay.
Here's how you can access these services through the NDIS:
1. Contact the NDIS: You can reach out directly to the NDIS or go through a local early childhood partner to access early intervention support.
2. Early Childhood Partner: Once you've made contact, an Early Childhood Partner can assist you. They'll talk with you about your child’s developmental concerns and gather the required information.
3. Access Request Form: Depending on your situation, you may be required to fill out an Access Request Form and provide evidence of your child's disability or developmental delay.
4. Planning Meeting: If your child is under 7 and meets the NDIS access requirements, you'll be connected with an early childhood partner to discuss your child's needs and develop an ECEI plan.
5. Develop an Individualised Plan: Once eligibility is established, an individualised plan is created that funds reasonable and necessary supports to aid your child's development. These may include therapeutic supports, access to early education programs or specialist services.
For personalised guidance, contact your local NDIS office, a pediatrician, or an early childhood early intervention service provider (like the Benevolent Society). Remember, early intervention is crucial, and even before an official diagnosis is made, supports can be put in place to assist your child’s development.
This in no way is advice. Please do your own research.