What is Developmental Delays: GDD vs. IDD?
Some children develop unevenly, with delays across multiple areas rather than just one. This can lead to conversations about Global Developmental Delay (GDD) or Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD). While the terms sound similar, they mean different things—and both can guide how we support your child.
JUMP TO SECTION
Understanding Developmental Delays: GDD vs. IDD
What is Global Developmental Delay (GDD)?
Global Developmental Delay is a descriptive term used for young children under 5 who are significantly behind in two or more areas of development. It’s a way to name those differences early, so children can receive the support they need—without waiting for a more specific diagnosis.
Children with GDD may seem younger than their age in the way they move, communicate, think, or interact.
​
Common Areas Affected by GDD:
​
-
Motor Skills – Sitting, crawling, walking, holding objects, using hands to play or feed themselves
-
Speech and Language – Understanding words, combining words, expressing thoughts
-
Cognition – Problem-solving, learning, memory, cause and effect, how they play
-
Social/Personal Skills – Interacting with others, managing emotions, dressing, following simple routines
GDD is not a lifelong diagnosis—but it can be an early sign that a child may go on to meet criteria for a more defined neurodevelopmental condition, such as an Intellectual Developmental Disorder.
​
Using this term means support can start early, even while the full picture is still developing.
What is Intellectual Developmental Disorder(IDD)?
Intellectual Developmental Disorder (sometimes shortened to IDD and previously called an Intellectual Disability) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. It involves:
​
-
Cognitive abilities that develop at a different pace than peers (how someone learns, reasons, solves problems)
-
Delays in adaptive functioning (what they can do independently in everyday life)
IDD must begin in childhood—it is not something acquired later in life.
​
Examples of Adaptive Functioning Skills:
​
-
Conceptual: Understanding time, counting change, following a recipe or steps in a routine
-
Social: Taking turns, recognizing facial expressions, asking for help, navigating peer interactions
-
Practical: Brushing teeth, dressing, preparing a snack, getting around the community, managing safety
Some children may have a lower IQ but strong independence in daily life. Others may have strong cognitive abilities but still struggle with everyday tasks. That's why adaptive functioning is key—it’s about what they can do on their own, not just how they score on a test.
​
Delays in adaptive skills can also show up when children haven’t had chances to practice independence—such as not being asked to dress themselves or help with routines.
GDD vs. IDD: What’s the Difference?
Our Evaluation Approach
At The Neurodevelopmental Collective, our role is to help families understand where their child is developmentally, and what supports will help them thrive.
When assessing for GDD or IDD, we focus on:
​
-
Detailed evaluation across all areas of development
(motor, language, cognition, social-emotional, and adaptive skills)
-
Affirming care that highlights strengths and potential
​​
-
Collaboration with schools, medical providers, and early intervention teams
-
Support plans that are practical and tailored to your child
If your child has already had a school-based evaluation showing differences in IQ and adaptive functioning, we can help determine whether a medical diagnosis (such as IDD) would be appropriate and helpful.