|
Global developmental delay refers to a delay in two or more
important areas of development . These areas include motor
skills, speech and language skills, academic skills, learning
ability, social and emotional skills and self help skills. When
developmental delay is suspected, psychological assessment forms
only a small part of the child's overall evaluation. In order to
identify the causal and maintaining factors, medical and
psychological assessments are necessary.
How is
Global Developmental Delay Recognised?
Global
developmental delay is often identified during infancy as part
of the regular health checks. From very early on, children
are expected to reach developmental milestones within each
key areas. For example, some of the motor skills
include rolling over, sitting up, walking and picking up small
objects. Speech and language skills include identifying sounds and
speech, bubbling, imitating speech and finally talking. Academic
skills include memory and learning. Finally, some of the social
and self help skills include exploration, interacting with
others and skills such as eating and dressing. When
first noticed that children fail to reach these
developmental milestones, further tests are needed to evaluate the
extent of delay and the areas of concern.
Causes
of Developmental Delay
The causes of developmental
delay vary considerably and are not always known. In most cases,
developmental delay is related to some form of neurological
abnormality. This may be due to genetic or heredity disorders (such
as Down Syndrome) or other developmental disorders that affect the
nervous system (such as Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida). Other
causes include premature birth, infections or various metabolic
diseases.
Testing Global Developmental
Delay
Once suspected, tests can confirm the presence
of developmental delay. Since the causes can
be numerous, the diagnostic tests aim to cover broad areas and
may include:
- Metabolic tests and screening
- Genetic
(Chromosome) testing
- Hearing and vision test
- Lead
screening
- Thyroid screening
- Electroencephalography
(EEG), Computed tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
- Psychological assessment
Psychological
assessment
Psychological assessment often involves an in
depth interview with the parent(s) and possibly a psychological
assessment of the parent(s) as well. Parents are also asked to
complete structured questionnaires about their children's
functioning, including observations of playground behaviour,
interaction with other children and various skills children are
expected to perform at certain ages (e.g., tying shoe
laces, dressing independently). Children are tested for
motor skills, academic skills and language
skills.
How is Developmental Delay
Treated?
Early assessment and identification of
possible causes can help. When medical conditions that cause
developmental delay are treated, usually children's functioning
improve substantially. When causes are unknown or not treatable (as
in genetic disorders) it is important to put appropriate plans in
place to maximise children's potential and to ensure a good
quality of life.
Even if not treatable, children with
developmental delay should enjoy the opportunities to discover what
they are able to do and what it is that they are good at.
Developing a healthy sense of self esteem should
be priority when future plans are
implemented.
What We
Offer
At CPAC we offer a professional approach
to diagnose developmental delay. We test for global and
specific developmental delay and screen at risk children. If we
identify global developmental delay, we will refer you to
appropriate medical professionals to carry out further medical
tests. If your child is at risk, we will help you and work
together with other professionals to design the best possible
treatment plan for your child.
|
