Can a middle aged adult acquire a global developmental delay from stress or trauma?

Answer 1

In a nutshell, no! Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is the general term used to describe a condition that occurs during the developmental period of a child between birth and 18 years. It is usually defined by the child being diagnosed with having a lower intellectual functioning than what is perceived as 'normal'. It is usually accompanied by having significant limitations in communication. It is said to affect about 1-3% of the population. The most common causes of GDD are chromosomal and/or genetic abnormalities such as Down's Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome or abnormalities with the structure or development of the brain or spinal cord such as Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida. Other causes can include prematurity - being born too early - or infections, such as Congenital Rubella or Meningitis. There are a number of diagnostic tests that can be done to identify the underlying cause of GDD. Sometimes these causes can be treated to cure the developmental delay, or at least to prevent it worsening. However, often the cause is never able to be fully determined. SIGNS OF GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY CAN INCLUDE: The child is unable to sit on the floor without support by 8 months; The child is unable to crawl by 12 months; The child has poor social skills/ judgment; The child is unable to roll over by 6 months; The child has communication problems The child has fine/ gross motor difficulties The child shows aggressive behavior as a coping skill In some children GDD is suspected soon after birth because of feeding difficulties or muscle-tone. In others it is suspected later when learning or behavior difficulties occur at school.