7 yr. old who is Developmentally Delayed

Laura - posted on 01/14/2009

Hi, yes your not alone and I still struggle with learning how to help my son, who's 8 with what I was told when he was 3 was global developmental delay, walking late, talking late, teething late, vision problems, balance etc..  Many thought he was austic but he is very social, no stranger awareness and woudl leave with anyone. Although on the spectrum he is at the other end with NLD, OCD and ADHD.  Trial & error has been my method.  I feel like I have been ruling out disorders, conditional  for ages.   Navigating the school system has been a challenge but I am finding joy with every new experience and friend we make. 

Laura - posted on 01/14/2009

Hi, yes your not alone and I still struggle with learning how to help my son, who's 8 with what I was told when he was 3 was global developmental delay, walking late, talking late, teething late, vision problems, balance etc..  Many thought he was austic but he is very social, no stranger awareness and woudl leave with anyone. Although on the spectrum he is at the other end with NLD, OCD and ADHD.  Trial & error has been my method.  I feel like I have been ruling out disorders, conditional  for ages.   Navigating the school system has been a challenge but I am finding joy with every new experience and friend we make. 

Angela - posted on 12/08/2008

First off, I understand what you're going through, but your son is older, but I feel like mine should be 15 for all the stuff we've gone through! LOL I want you to go to your dr or a specialist and ask for an advocate that will help you with the schools. With the no child left behind act, these people will make sure your son WON'T fall through the cracks. I had a lady come up to me when I had a genetic appt for my son and told me that if I ever needed anything, to call or email her. She helped my son get in summer school when his Early Access teacher didn't feel the need.



Brody is DD as well, but he's delayed enough that they've labeled him as borderline MR - not really fond of the title, but it IS getting him benefits.



I also get the odd looks - my son gets sooo excited in malls, where there is open spaces - he loves to scream in them - can you just see the horrified looks on adults faces? I just smile with him and love that he is getting enjoyment out of the mall!



Have you had genetic testing? That will rule out a lot of stuff, and maybe get rid of the DD tag - cause you're right, they're just giving him a title. Our insurance won't cover DD. I have to have it called something else, doesn't matter what.

Tina - posted on 12/06/2008

I know exactly what you mean! It seems like when they can't find anything specific, they just call it that. Sometimes I wish I had more information, and then I wonder if that would really change anything.

Andrea - posted on 12/05/2008

hi. my name is andrea and my 13 year old son, christopher is developmentally delayed. it started with a speech delay and then all the tests begun. everything was ruled out so they just call it developmentally delayed. i wish i had a more specific name, or do i. maybe not.

Tina - posted on 12/03/2008

I have 4 kids ages 7,6,2, and 8 mo. Besides my 7 yr old being DD, my 6 yr old has a learning disabillity, and my two yr old has a speech delay. So far my 8 mo old is on track so we are cautiously hopeful. Most of the time things are good, but as everyone on this site knows, there are special challenges and heartaches to deal with. What other needs does your son have? Is he integrated in a classroom at school?

Shawna - posted on 12/03/2008

Hi Tina,I too feel like I am in the dark as well most of the time.I have a 7 year old as well with DD plus other special needs and it sure helps to air your feelings with other moms who are going through the same up and down emotions.How many children do you have?

Destinie - posted on 12/01/2008

Hello..... i am glad thati am not alone....my son was born with a form of gaba and it effects the amio acids in his brain,,,so he can't speak well and he looks at you when you try to ask him to do things and even though he will be three in march....he was in and out of the hospital till he was 1...i had one dr tell me it was my fault that he is the way he is cause of me.....let me tell you that he wasn't there for long.....i myself , is someone who has learning disabilities and it is hard for me at times....people treat me like i am dumb so they take it out also on my children.....you just have to take it one day at a time and go with the flow.....it will get easier and they come out with new medical things all the time......Love your children with everything and they will grow to be wonderful no matter what people say or do....my mother loved me no matter what and i think i turned out to be great.....Love concers all...........

Tina - posted on 12/01/2008

I'm still very much learning about all of this, so what does age have to do with it? Are they telling you they won't give your child services? And yes, I do get strange looks from people, mostly because of my sons behavior sometimes. He is seven but is very tall for his age and looks at least eight or nine, so people wonder why he is acting like a 3-4 yr old.

Michelle - posted on 12/01/2008

my 6yo is dd. Do you get the strange looks from people if you tell them you child is DD. Right now my biggest problem is the school system.. he can't be ruled on a DD ruling now because he is over the age of 5. I am very frustrated.

Tina - posted on 11/30/2008

Thanks so much for replying. It's just nice to know someone out there understands. My son was also just diagnosed with macula bullseye distrophy and is considered legally blind. We are now in the process of learning about that and what we can do for him. The school system we are in does a pretty good job, but like you I'm wondering if there are things I'm missing, I just wish there was more education out there for parents in these situations. Are any of your other kids special needs? How are things going for your son?

Jen - posted on 11/29/2008

I know how you feel! It's totally trial and error, especially in dealing with the school district. I am often wondering what is falling through the cracks because I don't know about it?! My son has CP, is legally blind, has a seizure disorder (currently controlled) and is pretty much globally delayed/disabled due to a prenatal stroke. He's 6.