Plain Language Guides
Condition Guides
Clear, jargon-free guides for Indian parents. Understand what each condition means, what to expect, and what to do.
Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
Overview
GDD is diagnosed when a child under 5 shows significant delays in two or more developmental domains: motor skills, speech/language, cognition, social/personal skills, and activities of daily living.
Prevalence in India
Affects approximately 1–3% of children globally. In India, estimates suggest 2–3% of children under 5.
Common Causes
- • Genetic conditions (Down syndrome, Fragile X)
- • Premature birth
- • Brain injury (hypoxia, trauma)
- • Infections during pregnancy
- • Unknown causes (in ~50% of cases)
Red Flags
- ! Not sitting by 9 months
- ! Not walking by 18 months
- ! Not talking by 18 months
- ! Loss of skills at any age
Recommended Therapies
Start: From birth if motor delays suspected
Frequency: 3–5x/week
Start: By 12–18 months
Frequency: 3–5x/week
Start: By 12 months
Frequency: 2–3x/week
Start: From 2–3 years
Frequency: Daily
Prognosis
With early and intensive intervention, many children with GDD make significant progress. Some children's diagnoses evolve as they grow (e.g., GDD may become ASD or ID diagnosis). Early intervention is the single most impactful factor.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Overview
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. It is a spectrum — each person with autism is unique.
Prevalence in India
Global prevalence: 1 in 36 children (CDC 2023). India: estimated 1 in 68 children, though many are undiagnosed.
Common Causes
- • Complex genetic factors (not a single gene)
- • Advanced parental age
- • Premature birth
- • Environmental factors (still being researched)
- • NOT caused by vaccines — this is a thoroughly debunked myth
Red Flags
- ! No babbling by 12 months
- ! No single words by 16 months
- ! No 2-word phrases by 24 months
- ! Loss of language at any age
- ! No pointing or waving by 12 months
Recommended Therapies
Start: As early as possible (2–3 years ideal)
Frequency: 20–40 hrs/week (intensive)
Start: Immediately upon diagnosis
Frequency: 5x/week
Start: Immediately upon diagnosis
Frequency: 3–5x/week
Start: From 3–4 years
Frequency: 2–3x/week
Prognosis
With early, intensive intervention, many children with ASD develop functional communication and social skills. Outcomes vary widely. The earlier intervention starts, the better the outcomes.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Overview
CP is a group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture, caused by non-progressive disturbances to the developing fetal or infant brain. It is the most common physical disability in childhood.
Prevalence in India
Affects 2–3 per 1,000 live births globally. In India, estimated 3 per 1,000.
Common Causes
- • Brain injury before, during, or after birth
- • Premature birth (major risk factor)
- • Hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) during birth
- • Infections during pregnancy
- • Jaundice (kernicterus)
Red Flags
- ! Floppy muscle tone in newborn
- ! Asymmetric movement (using one side more)
- ! Not sitting by 9 months
- ! Persistent toe-walking
- ! Stiff or rigid limbs
Recommended Therapies
Start: From birth/diagnosis
Frequency: Daily
Start: From birth/diagnosis
Frequency: 3–5x/week
Start: If speech/feeding affected
Frequency: 3–5x/week
Start: For spasticity (3+ years)
Frequency: Every 3–6 months
Prognosis
CP itself does not worsen over time, but secondary complications can develop. With consistent physiotherapy and OT, many children with CP achieve significant functional independence.
Speech & Language Delay
Overview
Speech delay refers to delayed development of the sounds and words of language. Language delay refers to difficulty understanding or using words and sentences. These can occur together or separately.
Prevalence in India
One of the most common developmental concerns. Affects 5–10% of preschool children.
Common Causes
- • Hearing loss (always rule this out first)
- • Developmental language disorder
- • Autism spectrum disorder
- • Intellectual disability
- • Bilingual/multilingual environment (not a cause of delay, but can affect timing)
- • Lack of language stimulation
Red Flags
- ! No babbling by 12 months
- ! No words by 16 months
- ! No 2-word phrases by 24 months
- ! Regression in language at any age
- ! Difficulty understanding simple instructions
Recommended Therapies
Start: As soon as delay is suspected
Frequency: 3–5x/week
Start: Immediately — before any other therapy
Frequency: Once (then as needed)
Start: Do NOT wait for speech — start AAC early
Frequency: Daily use
Prognosis
Children with isolated speech/language delay often catch up with therapy. Children with language delay as part of a broader condition (ASD, ID) need ongoing support. Early intervention dramatically improves outcomes.