Global Developmental Delay

What is Global Development Delay (GDD)? I have a child in my preschool with the diagnosis and I am unclear as to what it means?  I have a child presenting a significant delay in receptive and expressive language, as well as bumping into things.  Could this be GDD?
Global Development Delay is defined as a significant delay in two or more developmental areas.  The delays may be identified between 0-18 years - many times including difficulties in communication.
While we know that Global Developmental Delay or GDD can be caused due to such conditions as Cerebral Palsy, Rett Syndrome and other neuromuscular disorders, Fragile X - the inherited genetic disorder often associated with Autism, and/or being born prematurely, or other environmental deprivations, the cause can be difficult to identify.  What we do know is that early diagnosis improves outcomes. 
In this regard, GDD may first be discussed when a child has difficulties with feeding and/or displays poor muscle tone;  however it may also be learning difficulties at school that provide the first indicators.
Children with Global Development Delay will not necessarily have intellectual delay. 
Each child with GDD or any other identified additional need will be different and individual - the diagnosis won't change the child, but it may enhance the direction in which you customise your environment. 
For suspected or diagnosed GDD, you may observe delays in developmental areas such as:

• Gross and Fine Motor Skills eg. rolling, sitting up, walking or picking up small objects;
• Speech and language development such as repeating speech sounds, identifying sounds, babbling;
• Cognitive development - difficulties taking on new things and learning to reason;
• Social and emotional development - sharing, turn taking, making new friends;
• Daily routine activities - eating, cleaning teeth, getting dressed, toileting.

How can I support development for a child with GDD?
Use of Visuals, simple instructions, and relevant experiences that interest the child are all ways to enhance development.  Gaining as much information from the parents before the child starts as well as regular updates will provide valuable insight to you for providing an inclusive program.  Collaborating also with any additional support specialists and keeping open lines of communication will provide for a consistent, established approach. 
For a printable Fact Sheet with more identifiable effects on developmental areas, as well as further inclusion strategies for children with Global Development Delays, click on the Noah's Ark Services Resource Fact Sheets - Global Development Delay (2012) http://www.noahsark.net.au/resources/online-fact-sheets-childcare   Share your own experiences on the comments section below.  Contact your SCAN Project Officer for further support or resources.