• Difficulty in using and understanding verbal & non-verbal language: People with autism often find it challenging to understand spoken language, as well as non-verbal cues like body language, gestures, and facial expressions. This can make everyday interactions more complex.

• Abnormal delay in language development: Many children with autism experience delays in speaking. Some may not speak at all or have limited vocabulary, while others might have advanced speech but struggle to use it in social contexts.

• Absence of facial expressions: Individuals with autism may have difficulty using facial expressions to communicate emotions or responding appropriately to the facial expressions of others. This can make it harder for them to express how they feel in social situations.

• Inability to initiate conversation: They may find it difficult to start or maintain conversations. It’s not that they don’t want to communicate, but they may not understand how to take turns in dialogue or struggle to engage with others in a back-and-forth way.

• Inappropriate or no variations in tone of voice: People with autism may use a flat or monotone voice, and they might not modulate their tone based on the social context. For example, they might speak loudly in quiet settings or speak in a flat tone even when discussing something exciting.

• Limited or no speech (Echolalia): Some individuals may not speak or may rely on echolalia, where they repeat words or phrases they've heard from others, often without understanding their meaning. This repetition can be a way to process language or express needs, even if the meaning isn't always clear to others.

• Difficulty with forming and maintaining friendships: Many individuals with autism find it hard to connect with their peers. They may struggle to understand the rules of friendship, such as sharing interests or showing empathy, leading to challenges in initiating or sustaining friendships.

• Challenges with understanding social cues: Recognising body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice can be tricky. This can make it harder to understand if someone is happy, upset, or bored during a conversation, often leading to social misunderstandings.

• Limited interest in peer interactions: Some individuals with autism may not show interest in interacting with others, preferring solitary activities or focusing intensely on their own interests. This can sometimes be mistaken as aloofness or a lack of desire to connect, though they might enjoy interaction when it aligns with their interests.

• Lack of shared social behaviours: Kids with autism might not engage in typical "play" that is expected of their age group, such as pretending games or reciprocal play. They may also have difficulty understanding social norms, such as taking turns or waiting their turn in a group setting.

• Difficulties understanding or responding to emotions: Recognising or expressing emotions appropriately can be hard for people with autism. They may not intuitively understand what someone else is feeling, making it difficult to offer comfort or adjust their own behaviour in social situations.

• Preference for structured routines: Many people with autism find comfort in predictability, which means they might be less likely to engage in spontaneous interactions or may feel uncomfortable with unexpected changes in social settings.

• Physical space awareness: Often, individuals with autism are not sensitive to others' personal space and may unintentionally stand too close or avoid eye contact, which can cause discomfort in social situations.

• Difficulty with pretend or imaginative play: Many individuals with autism struggle to engage in pretend play (like role-playing or imaginary scenarios). While most children naturally enjoy pretending to be characters or inventing stories, those with autism may find this kind of play confusing or uninteresting.

• Limited flexibility in thinking: People with autism may have trouble imagining alternate scenarios or solutions. This can make it challenging for them to adapt to change, as their thinking is often very structured. For example, they might become distressed if a routine or plan is unexpectedly altered, as it can be hard for them to imagine alternative outcomes.

• Difficulty with abstract thinking: Understanding abstract concepts such as metaphors, humour, or hypothetical situations can be tricky for someone with autism. They might struggle with ‘thinking outside the box’ or making connections between ideas that aren't directly stated.

• Preference for familiar routines and objects: Many individuals with autism feel most comfortable with familiarity, which means they often favour routines or objects they know well, rather than exploring new or unknown experiences. This can limit their ability to imagine and explore new possibilities.

• Challenges in understanding fiction or storytelling: Stories, especially those with complex narratives or character-driven plots, may not resonate well with individuals on the autism spectrum. They might have difficulty understanding the motivations behind characters or relating to fictional scenarios.

• Increased focus on specific interests: Instead of engaging in diverse imaginative play, individuals with autism may deeply focus on one specific topic or activity, often with an intense interest. While this can be an incredible strength in certain areas, it may limit their exposure to broader, imaginative ideas or social interactions.

What is Global Developmental Delay (GDD)?

Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is a term used when a child experiences a slower progression in reaching important developmental milestones compared to other children of the same age. This can include things like learning to walk or talk, mastering physical coordination, developing cognitive skills, and social or emotional interactions. Children with certain conditions, such as Down's syndrome or cerebral palsy, might also experience GDD.

Global Developmental Delay and Learning Disabilities

In some cases, a developmental delay might be temporary and can improve with extra support, therapy, or intervention. However, in other situations, the delay could be more pronounced, and the child may require continuous assistance, which may suggest the presence of a learning disability. It’s essential to understand that GDD and learning disabilities often overlap but aren’t always the same thing.

What Causes GDD?

GDD is often linked to underlying genetic factors or abnormalities that affect brain and spinal cord development. Other possible causes include premature birth, infections, or environmental influences that can impact early childhood development. These factors can affect the brain's ability to develop and function in a typical manner.

Is GDD the Same as Autism?

While both GDD and autism involve developmental challenges, they are not the same. A developmental delay occurs when a child takes longer to meet milestones like speech, movement, or social skills. In contrast, autism is a spectrum of complex neurodevelopmental disorders that often appear in early childhood and primarily affect communication, social interaction, and the ability to use language and engage with others.

A child diagnosed with GDD may also have difficulties with social communication, and autism could be diagnosed in addition to the delay.

Diagnosing GDD

Global Developmental Delay is typically diagnosed in children under the age of five and reflects a significant delay across multiple areas of development, such as:

• Language and speech skills

• Vision development

• Physical and motor skills

• Social and emotional development

• Cognitive (thinking) skills

In situations where a child has trouble with social interaction and communication, a healthcare professional may also diagnose autism alongside GDD, depending on the nature of the difficulties.

For More Information:

While I'm not affiliated with Singapore Brain Development Centre or the organisation itself, I highly recommend reading their insights on GDD. You can find more detailed information on their website here: Global Developmental Delay – Brain Singapore