The term ‘early childhood developmental delay’ is used when a child takes longer to reach specific developmental milestones than other children their age. Lizard Centre offer intervention services for autism and developmental delay.

What is Early Childhood Developmental Delay?

Early childhood developmental delay is a term used to describe a delay in a child’s development. It means that a child finds it much harder to do everyday things that other children the same age can do, such as dress themselves, talk or walk.

If your child has early childhood developmental delay, or has been diagnosed with global developmental delay, Lizard can help you find the right supports for your child.

Approach To Global Developmental Delay

Global developmental delay is usually diagnosed in children under the age of five years old, indicating a delay in a child’s development across several broad areas, including:

  • Language or speech
  • Vision
  • Movements – motor skills
  • Social and emotional skills
  • Thinking -cognitive skills

For some children, global developmental delay can be overcome with additional support and a tailored approach to global developmental delay by trusted health professionals.

Autism may also be diagnosed in addition to global developmental delay when a child has difficultly in developing social and communication skills. At Lizard Centre we provide tailored intervention services for autism and developmental delay, offering supports to both the child and caregiver.

What Treatments Are Available?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), speech and language pathology, and occupational therapy are common treatments available to support children with early childhood developmental delay or those diagnosed with global developmental delay. Some children may need to see a physiotherapist for motor skills development.

Each child diagnosed with global developmental delay is impacted differently, therefore it is vital to do a comprehensive assessment to identify where your child’s current set of skills are, as well as their strengths and hardships.

The brain’s ability to change and adapt is at its best during the ages of zero to three years of age. Thus, appropriate early intervention is important for infants with global developmental delay to get the best outcomes. If the child is older, behavioural intervention programs will still be effective, however, early, and intensive treatment results in more positive outcomes.

Find The Right Intervention Services for Autism and Developmental Delay

The best approach to global developmental delay is early intervention. Seeking early intervention services for autism and developmental delay can improve a child’s developmental skills and support them in catching up to their same aged peers; particularly for those who have higher support needs.

At Lizard Centre, our expert clinicians can provide a tailored and individual approach to global developmental delay and autism, including developmental assessments to identify unique strengths and areas that require additional support for children presenting with a diagnosis of either global developmental delay or autism spectrum disorder. If you have any additional queries or concerns, speak to your child’s pediatrician or trusted health professional.

For further information regarding Lizard Centre’s approach to global developmental delay and intervention services for autism and developmental delay, and one of our friendly team members will be able to answer all your questions.

Contact us for more information

Find out how behaviours of concern can be addressed to give your child a better chance to learn. Get our Parent Info Pack and a free phone consultation to find out the range of options available for your child’s unique situation.

Call us on 1300 752 617

Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm (AEST)

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