Conditions We Treat

Global Developmental Delay in Young People

Multidisciplinary assessment and personalised support for young children experiencing delays across more than one area of development.

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30 min consultation

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Understanding Global Developmental Delay

Development Happens Across Different Areas

Global developmental delay, commonly known as GDD, is a term used when a child under five experiences significant delays in two or more areas of development.

Movement

Developing physical skills such as sitting, walking, balance and coordination.

Speech and Language

Understanding language, expressing needs and developing communication.

Learning and Thinking

Developing memory, attention, reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Social Development

Interacting with others, playing and responding to emotions.

Children develop at different rates. A developmental delay is considered through an appropriate assessment rather than an individual milestone alone.

Possible Signs of Global Developmental Delay

What Might Parents and Caregivers Notice?

  • Delayed speech or language development
  • Reaching movement milestones later than expected
  • Difficulty understanding age-appropriate instructions
  • Differences in learning or problem-solving
  • Limited independent or imaginative play
  • Differences in social interaction
  • Requiring more support with everyday activities
  • Difficulty transferring learned skills into new situations
  • Ongoing need for adult guidance or supervision
  • Difficulty developing self-care skills

Individual signs do not confirm GDD and may have several possible explanations.

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Development Across Everyday Life

Understanding the Child's Individual Profile

Global developmental delay can affect how a young child communicates, plays, learns, moves and participates in daily routines.

Some children may need support with physical development or communication, while others may find learning, social interaction or personal care more difficult. The combination and level of support required will be different for every child. Understanding the child's strengths alongside areas of delay helps families and professionals identify suitable next steps.

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Our Approach

How Hiba Can Help

Hiba by Anthalora provides coordinated support across the areas of development affecting the child's everyday life.

Depending on the child's needs, care may involve psychology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychiatry or therapeutically informed education. Support may focus on communication, movement, play, learning, emotional development or everyday independence, alongside practical guidance for families and educational settings.

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How We Support

Personalised Developmental Support

Following assessment, the family will receive an explanation of the findings and recommendations based on the child's individual profile.

Support may focus on communication, movement, sensory regulation, play, learning, emotional development or everyday independence. Families and educational settings may also receive practical guidance to help the child apply developing skills across different environments.

The type and level of support will depend on the child's needs and assessment findings.

The Clinical Pathway

The Care Journey

Every family receives a clear and structured journey, from the first referral through to personalised intervention and ongoing progress reviews.

A family, GP or school gets in touch. We listen carefully and gently open the door to support.

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Let's Connect

Looking for Guidance About Your Child's Development?

If you have concerns about your child's development or the progress of particular skills, our team can help you understand the available assessment and support pathways.