Not Talking, Not Walking, Not Catching Up, Could It Be Global Developmental Delay?
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
When Milestones Arrive More Slowly Than Expected
Perhaps your child is not yet walking, speaking, or interacting like other children their age. You may hear well-meaning advice to wait, but something in you senses the need to understand more. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we walk with families through the uncertainty of developmental delays with calm, expert support.
Global Developmental Delay (GDD) refers to delays in more than one area of a child’s development. This may include motor skills, language, learning, or social interaction. While each child’s journey is unique, early identification and personalised care can make a meaningful difference.
What Is Global Developmental Delay
GDD is a term used when a child under five shows delays in two or more areas of development. These may include:
Movement and coordination (such as sitting, crawling or walking)
Speech and language
Problem-solving or learning
Social skills and interaction
Daily tasks like feeding or dressing
GDD is not a diagnosis by itself, but a description that helps guide support. Some children may eventually be diagnosed with a specific condition, while others catch up over time.
What You Might Notice
Signs of global delay can appear gradually, or may become clearer as your child interacts more with others. Here are some common signs.
Missed or Delayed Milestones
Your child may sit, walk or talk later than expected, or take longer to complete developmental tasks compared to peers.
Challenges With Play or Social Engagement
Your child may play more passively, avoid eye contact or find it hard to connect with others during group activities.
Daily Routines Feel Harder
You may notice that feeding, dressing, or understanding simple instructions takes extra effort or repetition.
How We Support Your Child at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we believe every child deserves to be understood and supported with kindness and clarity. Dr Charmaine Teo provides detailed developmental assessments that explore your child’s strengths, challenges and individual pace.
Your child’s care may include:
A full developmental history and observation across multiple areas
Play-based assessments tailored to your child’s age and communication style
On-site referrals to occupational therapy, speech therapy or educational support
Collaborative goal-setting with parents and caregivers
Clear written reports and referrals for early intervention programmes
Regular follow-up to monitor progress and adjust care as needed
Dr Charmaine Teo brings years of experience in developmental paediatrics. Her care focuses on practical support for both children and their families.
Supporting Parents Through the Unknowns
It can be difficult not to compare your child to others. When delays appear, worry, guilt or self-doubt often follow. At Joyful Seeds, we help parents let go of blame and focus on understanding what their child needs most right now.
We are here to help you:
Learn what is within the range of normal and what may need more support
Navigate assessments and referrals without feeling overwhelmed
Communicate with schools and therapists about your child’s needs
Feel confident in your role as your child’s strongest advocate
Together, we create a care journey that is hopeful, respectful and collaborative.
Let Us Help You Understand Your Child’s Development
If you are concerned about your child’s development across multiple areas, we invite you to speak with us. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we offer thoughtful, personalised support for children with global developmental delay. With clarity, kindness and expertise, we walk with you through each step forward.
