The short answer is: No. It’s not always the case.
More importantly though, this is never the best reaction a parent can have if their children has been officially diagnosed with some form of global developmental delay. In fact, it even does disservice to those actually do have autism.
As always, the final authority on the matter is certified diagnosis and anything less is a risky assumption.
On the other hand, the reason for why GDD and autism are often conflated is that those with the latter condition automatically have some degree of GDD in several areas. Furthermore, autism comes in many varieties just like different forms of GDD.
How do parents tell them apart (and keep themselves from jumping to bad conclusions)?
Well, aside from just getting a proper diagnosis, keep these facts in mind:
1. GDD can be exclusively to one area.
More often than not, the developmental delays resulting from autism and other brain conditions are across various areas such as communication, motor skills, learning etc.
On the other hand, it is quite possible that your child could be struggling in just one area (such as in the case of learning disabilities like dyslexia and dyscalculia).
2. A child with GDD can still function adequately in unaffected areas.
Say, for example, your child has delays in coordination and motor skills, but can listen and communicate as normally as everyone else. Clearly, your child is not necessarily autistic! They may need assistance in movement, but you won’t have to struggle understanding them or give them instructions. You may not also worry too much about how they will conduct themselves at school.
3. Autism is more known for repetitive behaviours and tics compared to GDD.
Repetitive and restrictive behaviours are pretty much a major symptom for autism, while GDD does not. And in a way, this is generally why autistic individuals tend to draw more attention and concern. Professionals will often notice far more symptoms for it.
GDD, on the other hand, can often be confused with late blooming. This is why when professionals do a diagnosis for GDD, the focus is mostly on whether a child is just delayed in at least two areas of development. It is also quite possible to have another diagnosis after a child gets older to see if they still experience the delay.
4. Delays are not the same as disorders.
Disorders are generally permanent and therefore, require caregiving even in later life (especially in the case of Level 3 autistics). Delays, however, do stand a better chance when it comes to intervention helping a child catch up with their peers.
Again, while there are many cases where GDD and autism overlap, it is not entirely safe to assume that the former is automatically a sign of the latter.
When consulting a professional for a diagnosis, make it very clear which one you are trying to determine. That way, you will now if future testing is needed or what type of intervention you can already apply. And in any case, diagnosis can always call for early intervention and support programs like Tomatis®.
“Want to learn more about how better listening leads to a better life? Get a consultation with us today!”
Françoise Nicoloff
Official Representative of Tomatis Developpement SA in Australia, Asia and South Pacific, Director of the Australian Tomatis® Method, Registered Psychologist, Certified Tomatis® Consultant Senior, Tomatis® International Trainer and Speaker, Co-author of the Listening Journey Series, 40 Years of Experience, Neurodiversity Speaker
