Global developmental delay...

Hi all, my 4yr old girl has been diagnosed with anxiety and global developmental delay. She has had all of the genetic blood tests and metabolic tests, all of which came back normal.

My main question here is, is there anyone out there who has a child with this problem with no underlying causes? and if so, what were you experiences? and can I expect good outcomes with early intervention?

She currently sees an OT, Speechie, Physio, specialist paediatrician and case worker to help her transition to school. My main worry is that we run out of funding for this once she finishes her first year of kinder next year.

Ask your gp about an Enhanced Primary Care Plan. It entitles you to 5 reduced cost OT etc sessions a year. There is also a Mental Health Care Plan which entitles you to 12 similar cost sessions a year (not 100% sure your DD would be entitled, but ask about it).

There is also the public system. Waiting lists can be long, but you have time to get on those lists. You also get Medicare rebates on top of the EPC etc.

Hope that helps in some way & good luck :)

our next door neighbors son has global development delay. they were informed of this after many appointments with different people about a year ago. at dd's birthday party last year, he, at three, was completely non-verbal. with intervention (OT, placing him in specialist day care with program specifically designed for him) he has come ahead in leaps and bounds. he still hasn't caught up verbally, but from a little boy who couldn't say mum/dad (just grunted) to a little boy who can now hold his own in a conversation, it's been huge. yes, it's still very stilted conversation compared to DD (who is a year younger, and very verbose) but it is still enough that he says names, he can express himself with words, and if he can't, he has worked out ways to get his message across

Has she had micro array genetic testing? My dd was initially diagnosed as global developmental delay until we had that test. Although its changed nothing in regards to how she is treated and who we see....what state are you in? Definitely agree to seeing your gp for an ECP plan, is your dd prep next year?

I teach special ed and lots of the kids have a global developmental delay as their only diagnosis. When they get older (going into primary school) they often get reassessed. A lot of the kids i teach have their diagnosis changed to intellectual disability.

Thanks for your responses. I have had a bit of a tough day, but have read them all and do intend to respond to them. DD4 has just finished a 1hr crying episode and I'm exhausted. :(

I can only imagine how tough it would be to hear that about your DD. Just remember, she is still the same DD you've always known. You may know something different about her; but she's still the same beautiful princess.

Take care of yourself.