Global Developmental Delays (GDD) General Information

What is GDD?

Global Developmental Delay (GDD) describes the presence of at least two delays out of four core developmental areas:

• Physical¹
  • Fine motor – using hands in precise activities/movements
  • Gross motor – crawling, walking, running, jumping, etc.

• Social and emotional¹
  • Relationships, self-expression, self-regulation, empathy, etc. 

• Speech and language¹
  • Understanding/comprehension, sounds, communication, etc.

• Cognitive²
  • Thinking, memory, problem-solving, etc.

A delay signifies that a child is not reaching certain milestones at the same rate as their peers, according to the expected timeline.²

GDD vs. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

GDD and ASD are NOT the same.

1. GDD includes challenges in reaching developmental milestones. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disability.²
2. With GDD, children may be able to catch up to their milestones. ASD is a lifelong diagnosis.²
3. GDD affects more than one developmental area. ASD affects social and emotional developmental.

Treatment/Interventions

It is possible for children to catch up to their developmental milestones. This can depend on how early they receive support, and the severity of the delays. Here are some types of intervention for children with GDD:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Early Stimulation

For more information:

Resources:

1. Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. (2025, May 19). Global developmental delay (GDD).  https://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/conditions/patient-information-leaflets/global-developmental-delay-gdd/
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 27). Developmental delay in children. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14814-developmental-delay-in-children

November 24, 2025 – Jorja Mederick