How We Can Help Global Developmental Delay (GDD)

Children with Global Developmental Delay (GDD) have difficulty overall in motor, communication, and socialisation.  When we understand that the ear is the most connected organ to the brain and the body, we can easily figure out that by stimulating the brain and the body via the ear, it can activate the brain areas involved in movement, language, and overall comprehension within social interactions and sensory regulation. 

The inner ear contains two major structures: one is the vestibular system involved in balance, fine and gross motors skills, muscle tone and sensory integration as well as verticality (upright posture). The vestibule senses the slightest movement of the body and passes this information to the brain. The other structure is called the cochlea and has to do with sound discrimination, speech and language which leads to communication and socialisation. 

In the initial stage (passive phase), the Tomatis® Method works primarily with the ear, sending music in special contrasts or commonly called as “filters”. This trains the brain to acknowledge the random variation and gain effects from the changes. In the active phase, the subject now provides a tone that is automatically attuned by the device providing what the brain should perceive.

Repetitively, one learns to naturally adjusts to the demands of social interaction. Also, it has a positive effect on the inner ear’s vestibule system and cochlea and cerebral plasticity. The Tomatis® Method is a professional assistance tool that helps with developmental delays in terms of motor skills, cognitive development, language and communication, and emotional regulation.

Being able to provide interventions during the early childhood years is critical. This is because these are the years where the brain is significantly growing and comprehensively developing. In this way, the Tomatis® neurosensory program will be able to make huge impacts for the benefit of your child’s future. Record your observations in our Listening Checklist and write us your concerns!

If your child presents signs of Global Development Delay, claim your 20 minutes FREE chat valued at $125 with our expert

child covering ears autism sound sensitivity

What is Global Developmental Delay (GDD)?

Do you still remember that time your child spoke his/her first words? How about the first time he/she was able to stand up and walk on his own? These “firsts” along with the other functional skills exhibited early in their lives are called developmental milestones.

These milestones are the significant indicators that your child is improving physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Subtle factors such as genes, diet, and environmental conditions can influence the progress of your young one’s growth.

Generally, a 4-month old should be able to grasp objects when placed into his/her hands. By 8 months, he/she should be able to make crawling movements when lying on stomach. On his first birthday, he/she should be able to raise him/herself to a sitting position. These and all other signs help in understanding the progress of a child’s development.

However, if two or more major areas of development do not seem to improve at an age range, your child may have Global Developmental Delay (GDD), also known as Developmental Delay. A young child may have delays in such domains as:

  • Cognitive skills: the ability to think, learn, and deal with problems
  • Speech and language skills: the ability to use, communicate, and understand language
  • Fine and gross motor skills: the ability to use small and large muscles in the body
  • Social and emotional skills: the ability to express, connect, and relate to other people
  • Daily living activities: the ability to handle daily tasks in general (i.e. dressing, eating, and bathing

Studies show that most of the causes of Global Developmental Disability (GDD) develop before birth and in some cases, GDD develops soon after birth. About 1-3% of children have GDD and many of these children with GDD also have Intellectual Disability (ID). Like all other developmental delays, there is no single cause of GDD but there are several factors that increase the risks of GDD.

• Genetic Disorders: Over 40% of the developmental delays including Global Developmental Delay (GDD) are caused by genetic factors and disorders. Genetic disorders are the problems caused by the errors or changes in a person’s genes. Genes are parts of the cells holding the information to tell the body’s cells how to function. The most common genetic disorders are Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.

• Prenatal complications: If a child is born prematurely (too early); has low birth weight, and had trouble getting oxygen. Another known cause identified by the American Academy of Neurology is fetal alcohol syndrome. The reason why pregnant women should not drink alcohol is because it can damage the fetus.

• Environmental issues: Poor nutrition, alcohol and drug exposure before and during birth; violent family environment; trauma

• Medical conditions: Illnesses, chronic ear infections, vision problems, injuries with long-term effect

Global Developmental Delay (GDD) affects major areas on the skills and development of the child. The most common signs of GDD include:

  1. Has poor social and communication skills (by 6 months)
  2. Inability to sit upright (by 8 months)
  3. Inability to crawl / walking (by 12 months)
  4. Difficulties with fine and motor skills
  5. Aggression as a coping skill
  6. Other communication problems

Global developmental delay also generally affects the central nervous system that leads to further difficulties in learning.

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The Tomatis® Method is definitely the best gift to you or your child! Contact Françoise Nicoloff or any of the Tomatis® professionals in Australia to get started today!

Check out these related blogs:

Global Developmental Delay

A Clinical Approach To Global Developmental Delay (GDD) And Patterning

Failure to reach developmental milestones by the expected age range is known as global developmental delay (GDD).

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