What is the purpose of using Global Developmental Delay as a diagnosis?

Global Developmental Delay is specifically designed to be applied to children who are under the age of 5 when a comprehensive assessment of developmental functioning cannot be reliably completed. This diagnosis recognizes the limitations in accurately measuring intellectual functioning in very young children, often due to the rapid and variable nature of development in early life. By using Global Developmental Delay, practitioners can identify children who are significantly behind their peers in multiple areas of development without the need for exhaustive testing that may not be appropriate at such a young age.

The focus is on identifying delays in key developmental domains such as motor skills, language, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional development. This diagnosis also allows for early intervention services that can significantly improve outcomes for children as they grow. It is not intended to support diagnosing adults, classify mood disorders, or directly provide treatments—rather, it serves as a preliminary step to foster appropriate developmental support for young children who need it.