The term developmental delay is often used to describe a child’s development that is slower than that of other children of the same age, particularly when the cause of the delay is not clear.
The delay might be in one or more areas, such as:
- how children move (gross motor skills)
- how they use their hands and manipulate objects (fine motor skills)
- how they communicate and understand (speech and language)
- how they understand and learn (cognitive)
- how they relate to others (social and emotional).
Global developmental delay
People with global developmental delay are eligible for some assistance from Disability Services. Global developmental delay means a delay of the order of 25% in the majority of areas of development (that is, fine and gross motor development, communication, socio-emotional development, cognitive development and self-care).
For more information, see eligibility or phone the Disability Information Service on 1300 786 117.
Diagnosis and referral
No two children develop in exactly the same way, but if you are concerned about your child's development, talk to your family doctor who can provide a referral to a medical specialist if necessary.
More information
On this site
Preschool children with disability
School-aged children with disability
Other websites
Child and Youth Health (general)
Child and Youth Health - developmental delay