Let’s talk about Global Delay Development
Global delay development is a term used when a child doesn’t meet the developmental milestones that they normally would meet at a certain age. This could include talking, walking, skills such as being able to hold a spoon and feeding themselves, interacting with other children and generally having very limited fine and gross motor skills. This doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be able to have certain skills but they may come at a different time and slower pace than others.
Many children who have global delay development may have other long-term conditions from birth such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Autism for example which may contribute to them having global delay development. As a parent to child with global delay development you become more aware of the things that can really benefit children and help them in learning cognitive skills.
Toys are a great way for all children to learn from and interact with however, a lot of toys on the market are great for most children but for children with special needs they maybe too complex for them to interact with. Here we encourage toys that aid children in all areas of their cognitive development and toys that are calming and therapeutic, toys that interact with their senses and toys that help with anxiety. Tactile toys are good for a child to explore through touch and especially if the child has visual problems or limited sight. Some children who have complex neurological problems which effect their concentration and hand and eye coordination need toys that are focused on simple problem tasking such as threading a piece of string through a hole or a toy that engages the child to use hand and eye coordination. Practicing these skills helps each child develop them further.