Global Developmental Delay and Hypermobility
Children develop at different rates, but some need extra support to reach movement milestones such as sitting, crawling, walking, running or climbing.
At Applied Motion, our paediatric physiotherapists help children build the strength, balance and coordination they need to move confidently and participate more fully in play, school and everyday life.
What is global developmental delay?
Global developmental delay, or GDD, describes a child who is behind expected milestones in two or more areas of development.
This may include:
- Gross motor skills such as sitting, crawling and walking
- Fine motor skills
- Speech and language
- Learning and problem-solving
- Social and emotional development
Milestones are a guide rather than a strict deadline. However, when several skills are consistently delayed, an assessment can help identify what is making movement difficult and what support may help.
What are hypermobility and low muscle tone?
Hypermobility:
means a child’s joints move beyond the typical range. While this is often harmless, some children need to work harder to control their joints, which can contribute to fatigue, clumsiness or discomfort.
Low muscle tone
also known as hypotonia, means the muscles provide less natural support at rest. Children may appear floppy, slump when sitting or tire quickly during physical activity.
Together, hypermobility and low muscle tone can make it harder to develop strength, stability and coordination.
Signs your child may benefit from physiotherapy
Consider an assessment if your child:
- Is delayed in sitting, crawling, standing or walking
- Appears floppy or frequently slumps
- Tires quickly during play
- Falls or trips more than expected
- Has difficulty with balance or coordination
- Avoids climbing, running or playground activities
- Uses unusual movement patterns
- Has very flexible joints
- Toe walks or has an awkward walking pattern
- Struggles to keep up with other children
These signs do not necessarily mean something is seriously wrong. An assessment can simply help you better understand your child’s movement and what may support their progress.
How we assess your child
We make assessments relaxed, positive and play-based so your child can show us how they naturally move.
Your child’s assessment may include:
- A discussion about their history, development and your concerns
- Observation of how they move, play and explore
- Assessment of strength, muscle tone and joint flexibility
- Balance, coordination and gross motor testing
- Age-appropriate developmental assessments
- A clear explanation of our findings and recommendations
You know your child best, so your observations and goals are an important part of the process.
What to expect
How paediatric physiotherapy can help
Tailored approach
Treatment is tailored to your child's interests, abilities and developmental needs, so therapy feels natural rather than clinical.
Play-based therapy
We use games, obstacle courses and enjoyable activities to make therapy engaging and motivating for your child.
Strength and stability
We help children develop better control around their joints, trunk, hips and legs through targeted activity.
Balance and coordination
Activities are designed to improve confidence, movement control and safety during everyday play.
Milestone development
We break larger skills into smaller, achievable steps and help your child progress at an appropriate pace.
Support at home and school
We provide practical activities for everyday play, plus guidance for daycare, kindy or school where needed.
Working with your child's support team
Working with your child’s support team: Children with developmental delays may benefit from care across several areas. Where appropriate, we collaborate with:
- Paediatricians and general practitioners
- Occupational therapists
- Speech pathologists
- Podiatrists
- Teachers and early childhood educators
We also support families accessing the NDIS and can help explain how physiotherapy may contribute to your child’s goals and plan.
Why choose Applied Motion?
- Warm, patient and child-friendly care
- Individualised, play-based therapy
- Clear and practical guidance for families
- Experience with NDIS and multidisciplinary care
- A focus on helping children participate confidently in everyday life
Prefer to speak with us? Call 08 9284 0736.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I be concerned about my child’s development?
Children develop at different rates, but an assessment may be helpful if your child is consistently behind several milestones or you have ongoing concerns. You do not need to wait for problems to become severe.
Does my child need a diagnosis or referral?
No. Your child can see a physiotherapist without a formal diagnosis or referral. We can assess their movement and recommend further support where appropriate.
Can you assist with the NDIS?
Yes. We work with NDIS participants and families and can provide therapy, goal-based programs and relevant reports where required.
Is hypermobility a problem?
Not always. Many flexible children have no difficulties. Physiotherapy may help when hypermobility affects strength, balance, comfort or participation.
Can children improve their muscle tone and strength?
Children with low muscle tone can often make excellent improvements in strength, coordination and confidence with consistent, age-appropriate support.
What happens during paediatric physiotherapy?
Sessions are designed around play while still working towards clear developmental goals. Activities are adapted to your child’s age, interests and abilities.