Which diagnosis best fits duration, episodicity, and exclusions?
A
Global developmental delay
Failure to meet expected developmental milestones in several areas of intellectual functioning; applies to individuals <5 years when severity cannot be reliably assessed
AFailure to meet expected developmental milestones in several areas of intellectual functioning; applies to individuals <5 years when severity cannot be reliably assessed
BDeficits in intellectual functions (reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgement, academic learning, experiential learning) confirmed by clinical assessment and standardised testing
Additional criteria
AB. Reserved for individuals who are unable to undergo systematic assessments; requires reassessment after a period of time
BB. Deficits in adaptive functioning in ≥1 of: conceptual, social, or practical domains — resulting in failure to meet developmental/sociocultural standards for personal independence/social responsibility C. Onset of intellectual and adaptive deficits during the developmental period
Key features
AA. Failure to meet expected developmental milestones in several areas of intellectual functioning; applies to individuals <5 years when severity cannot be reliably assessed B. Reserved for individuals who are unable to undergo systematic assessments; requires reassessment after a period of time
BA. Deficits in intellectual functions (reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgement, academic learning, experiential learning) confirmed by clinical assessment and standardised testing B. Deficits in adaptive functioning in ≥1 of: conceptual, social, or practical domains — resulting in failure to meet developmental/sociocultural standards for personal independence/social responsibility C. Onset of intellectual and adaptive deficits during the developmental period
Common specifiers
ANo DSM-5-TR severity specifiers for Global Developmental Delay
BMild; Moderate; Severe; Profound
Differential flags
AIntellectual disability (older children where formal assessment possible); ASD (social communication deficits + RRBs as primary feature); Specific developmental delays (domain-specific; not global)
BASD (social deficits; RRBs; may coexist - code both when criteria independently met); Specific learning disorder (domain-specific; overall intellectual function preserved); Communication disorder (language-specific; not global intellectual impairment)