What next? Ideas?

[miche28]

I am posting for a friend, but am hoping that more experienced mamas here can provide some advice. Kiddo is 18 months, was developing fine by all accounts until 6 months, then seemed to stall. Developed anxiety and a lot of difficulty with transition (to some extent normal for that age anyway), but this was pretty over the top (doc even prescribed something for the anxiety for baby). Eventually, diagnosed with a Global Developmental Delay - but MRI was clear, no markers for any genetic issues, etc... Baby is now crawling and standing with support, not talking, but has some receptive language, cautious of new people, but happy with those she knows - so definitely behind, but also making progress (also getting OT). But what's next? Is it reasonable to expect an "answer" about what' caused this? What else should this mama be pursuing in terms of help? Sounds like she's sort of at a wall. Ideas?

[PikkuMyy]

I see that you are in Canada but if you have an early intervention program through your school district, now would be the time to take advantage of it.

[Fay]

The book that will probably help the child the most right now is "Play to Talk" by MacDonald.  It explains how the parent can stimulate speech development at home for free doing everyday activities while also nurturing the parent-child bond.  Play therapy like that is also an excellent treatment for anxiety in toddlers.   A diagnosis of Global Developmental Delay is often a precursor to a diagnosis of some type of Pervasive Developmental Disorder such as autism, but not always.  If the family hasn't done so already, they can request a free evaluation from the early intervention team at the local school district.  The quality of early intervention services varies widely, but having a medical diagnosis already will usually get more services for the child.

Many of us don't ever get an answer about the cause for global developmental delays in our kids, but there are plenty of theories about causes.  At some point finding the cause becomes less important than quality of life issues.

[miche28]

I'll pass that along - I think at this point they are waiting on speech therapy to start and are already fairly connected with services, but aren't sure medically how much to expect by way of answers/diagnosis beyond what they have. Autism is still something on the radar, but because of her other solid gains in socialization, I think it's seeming less likely? I don't know much at all and know that the mamas here are such advocates (and have seen it all).