Latest research on GDD in Singapore
Every child is unique and possesses their own talents, as well as developing at varying paces. However, some of them may take a much longer time to reach developmental milestones at expected ages. Developmental delays are actually common in childhood, occurring in 10 to 15% of preschool children. The incapability to achieve developmental miles (for children under the age of 5), within expected ages, is known as Global development delay (GDD). Developmental delays are more than a child’s physical growth, but rather they can revolve around certain domains: cognition; speech and language as well as gross and motor skills. With that being said, Global Developmental Delay (GDD) has a global prevalence between 1% and 3% in preschool children instead. This can be done by assessments for GDD via general and systemic examinations, including hearing and vision assessment and referral to a developmental paediatrician.
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Relevance of GDD in Singapore
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Currently in Singapore, a national database to track the prevalence of Global developmental delay or learning disabilities has yet to be put into place. Despite that, there has been an uprise of new cases of developmental delays in Singapore, increasing by about 25% in the last five years and doubling since 2010. Similarly, data from other developed countries reported that 1 to 3% of children under the age of five have GDD.
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GDD can arise from various causes, although not specific due to it being a general term and not a specific diagnosis. Together with genetics, the environment can also play a role in the contribution of this delay. GDD can begin as early as before birth when exposed to drugs or other toxic substances via the mother. Following birth, head traumas or head infections such as meningitis can cause GDD. Lastly, physical repercussions such as malnutrition or physical neglect can also contribute to the presence of GDD.
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Additionally, it is crucial that parents take note of the possibility of these delayed developments, due to the various repercussions as a child continues to develop at a slower pace. The extent of repercussions could include the cause and significance of the delay, starting age of intervention as well as the parental and caregiver involvement. If not detected early, opportunities of early interventions are lost, eventually leading to learning difficulties, behavioural problems and functional impairments later on in life as the child with GDD grows. Research has shown that effective early identification of developmental delays and early intervention can alter a child’s long term journey.
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Assessments for GDD in Singapore
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The very first step in discovering whether a child has a learning disability or developmental delay is to get a diagnosis. There are various assessments one can undergo in order to gather more information. Although this may seem daunting and conflicting at first, it is important for the child’s growth and long-term trajectory.
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Currently in Singapore, assessments of GDD cover multiple facets. Some of these assessments can include diagnostic interviews, Vineland-3 or Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System-3. Diagnostic interviews are usually conducted with parents or caregivers. The purpose of it is to gather extensive and detailed information about the child’s history, developmental progress and additional medical issues that have to be taken note of. Secondly, Vineland-3 measures adaptive functioning in several domains – communication, daily life skills and motor skills – which GDD can possibly affect in a child under five. Lastly, the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System-3 (ABAS-3), measures an individual’s adaptive skills from birth and following that, assessing for other developmental disabilities and neuropsychological disorders. However, the scope of investigation will also depend on accessibility of specialists, paediatric experience as well as the availability of resources parents or caregivers currently possess.
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Evidence-based interventions for GDD in Singapore
Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC)
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In Singapore, the Early Childhood Development Agency generally oversees the quality of standards of early childhood programmes, including quality reassurance and provision of early childhood development resources in Singapore. One such programme that they offer which promises to support parents of children with GDD, would be the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC).
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There are three aspects of the EIPIC for children, including EIPIC under-2s, EIPIC@Centre and DS-Plus. These are split by the ages of the child that requires support starting from birth up to 6 years. For the EIPIC under-2s, the main goal is to emphasise on the training of parents or caregivers in order for them to independently and effectively carry out intervention strategies in the child’s daily routines. This encompasses learning through the child’s daily activities, allowing them to transition to EIPIC@Centre with ease.
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EIPIC@Centre’s conducts provide both therapy and educational intervention services in small groups. Assessment of the child would be done so regularly. Additionally, intervention goals strategies are constantly revised and customised to the child’s individual requirements after the age of 2 years. Lastly, the DS-plus programmes support children from 2 to 6 years. The most optimal outcome of this programme is to integrate children struggling with learning disabilities to transition into a mainstream classroom.
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Other early interventions
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Besides a government funded intervention, there are also other evidence-based interventions which are widely used. Various private centres cater to each unique child’s specific needs, including therapists and the learning approaches. However, the appalling lack of studies done on GDD can be looked into moving forward, especially in a first world country like Singapore. Some of these interventions are listed in the following paragraphs.
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Sensory integration and motor skills therapy
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Multi-sensory learning has always been known to be effective for young children, including children struggling with learning disabilities. The primary goal of this is to improve the brain’s ability to process and respond to sensory information effectively. Such examples can include using different textures such as clay or sand. In this instance, the therapist creates a structured and supportive environment, allowing the child to explore whilst being monitored.
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Floortime therapy
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The primary goal of floortime therapy is to promote the child’s communication, self-regulation, problem-solving skills as well as social and emotional development. Floortime relies on relationship-based therapy through play and interactive activities. The child is usually the one taking the lead during the therapy, allowing the therapist to join in for a more child-centred approach.
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Parent-implemented early intervention programme (PIEIP)
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Besides hiring therapists or getting additional help, studies have shown that parental or caregiver involvement in interventions has a positive effect on functional improvement in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Parent-implemented early intervention programme (PIEIP) involves the presence of parents when children with GDD undergo their occupational therapy sessions. A study done explicitly on this resulted in a positive correlation with the increased involvement of parents and skills such as cognitive, social and motor abilities of children with GDD. In short, a couple of factors led to this conclusion. This study of PIEIP is designed to increase parents’ responsiveness to the child’s behaviour and teach the child skills within ongoing interactions in daily routines. All of these hence contribute to the improvement of skills for children with GDD.
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In summary, GDD has yet to be explicitly explored in Singapore. In order for this awareness and knowledge to be further dispersed, you can take on this course by Nurture Pods to start the chain going! If you wish to make a difference in these children’s lives and are interested in helping move young preschool children along to overcome this delay, join us in this exploration of supporting them in their educational journeys! Enroll today and begin your journey towards making a positive impact in the lives of these remarkable children!
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Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 3 March 2025