Does anybody have an autistic child with global delay and

[Zooeyzo]

I just wanted to ask if it means they catch up or are they always behind? And what happens when they are 8- are they still classed as gdd or is it just autistic by then?
My child was given the diagnosis just after his 4th birthday. He's preverbal with lots of echolalia and very limited social desire.

Sorry should be gdd

My DS is 4 and has been diagnosed with autism and GDD. I would say he’s definitely catching up with his peers, albeit at his own pace. In the last few months he has started to speak (was completely non verbal), he can use the toilet, he can read most words etc. I always thought that he would either be 1 step behind others or he would eventually catch up. Could you ask his paediatrician?

It’s a difficult answer, but you are in a huge period of unknown I’m afraid.

My child at 4 was pre verbal, understanding of language very behind. No eye contact and seemed pretty profoundly autistic. They’ve actually progressed significantly. They have difficulties of course, but are capable of mainstream activities and have friends.
Importantly they are very happy

My friends son had more moderate difficulties , but now as a teen needs far more support.

from the support groups I’ve been to it’s been very unique and individual for each family how their child develops. GDD is such an umbrella term. When they are older it becomes clearer where their strengths and difficulties are. Some have learning difficulties, some specific learning difficulties, some academically excel whilst having autism.

My only advice is to make real life connections and treat your journey as an individual one. Get the best support you can, and hound everyone about speech and language support constantly

I should also add that echolalia is a big part of his speech too. He has just in the last few months let others into his space and enjoyed the company. He has a few close friends at nursery that he ‘plays’ with

@ThorsMistress thank you. Yes he can talk a little like tell me what he wants to watch on TV or that's he wants a drink or is hungry. Reading he's loves but will only spell never say his name when I ask his name or will only answer a maths question if I say 5 trains plus 2 trains. Toilet he will use and tell me but I take him. Socially he's very behind- he says hello when I tell him and then walks off pulling me with him. He's a very funny cute chap.

@LivIoe I find it very confusing. I don't really understand the gdd bit of his diagnosis as its in social and communication areas but i thought autism means having difficulties in this area.

@ThorsMistress must be lovely to see him having friends. My son will play with his sister but one game only that he requests and she has to catch and tickle him. Otherwise he doesn't mind other kids just doesn't care much for them 😁

Tbh I didn’t like the gdd label, my daughter for example displayed exceptional fine motor skills and ability with logic puzzles. Years ahead. But it was used because of her language/ gross motor issues by one doctor.
I found over the years a real inconsistenty from professionals

Many children can catch up.with global.development delay ,but others don't and will always have difficulties ,I'm think.at one point if learning delays are still present it will be reclassified as a learning disability,but these can be mild,moderate ,severe ,profound ,there is a groyp.you may find useful in Facebook called my child has global.development delay.