Final answer:
The diagnosis of Global Developmental Delay is generally given before the age of 2 when a child does not meet certain developmental milestones. The CDC offers guidelines for these milestones, and if significant delays are observed across multiple areas, a health professional may diagnose Global Developmental Delay.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diagnosis of Global Developmental Delay is typically given before the age of 5, to be more precise, it is commonly identified before the age of 2. This is a critical period where children are expected to reach certain developmental milestones. Parents or caregivers usually first notice developmental delays when comparing their child's progress to typical developmental milestones such as sitting, walking, and talking.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive resources on the developmental milestones for children. If a child demonstrates delays in multiple developmental areas, or has not reached milestones by the expected age range, medical advice should be sought to determine if interventions or further assessments are needed. It is important for early diagnosis and intervention, as research shows that early treatment can greatly improve outcomes for children with developmental delays.
According to the CDC's developmental milestones, by the age of 2, children should have reached various physical, social, and language skills. If they haven't, and especially if they show significant delays across multiple areas of development, a diagnosis of Global Developmental Delay may be considered after appropriate evaluation by a health professional.