Global Developmental Delay – Information and Support for Parents
Global Developmental Delay, often shortened to GDD, is a term used when a young child is developing more slowly than expected in two or more areas of development.
These areas may include speech and language, movement and coordination, learning and thinking, social interaction, emotional development or everyday independence.
Every child with GDD is different. Some children may need support in several areas, while others may make steady progress over time with the right help and opportunities.
At Ysgol y Graig, we focus on the individual child, their strengths, their progress and the support that helps them to develop confidence and independence.
Things you can try at homeSome strategies that may help include:
Using visual support, repetition and simple language can help children understand what is expected. It is also important to give children enough time to respond rather than answering for them too quickly.
Learning may need to be revisited many times before it becomes secure, and progress may happen in small steps.
Supporting independenceBuilding independence is an important part of development.
Where possible, give your child time to try a task before stepping in to help. Providing just enough support, and gradually reducing that support, can help your child develop confidence and new skills.
Every small step towards independence is important.
Talk to us
If you have concerns about your child’s development, communication, learning, movement, social interaction or independence, please speak to their class teacher in the first instance.
We can discuss what you are noticing at home, what we are seeing in school and the strategies already in place. Where appropriate, the class teacher can work alongside our ALNCo Mrs Pomeroy and wider school team, as well as relevant outside professionals, to consider what further support may be helpful.
A child does not need to have a formal diagnosis before appropriate support can be put in place.
Useful support for families
Contact
Provides information and support for families with disabled children and children with additional needs.
NHS
Offers information about child development and when to seek further advice.
Your GP / Health Professional
If you are concerned about your child’s development, you can speak to your GP, health visitor, paediatrician or other health professional.
RememberChildren with Global Developmental Delay can make meaningful progress when they are given time, repetition, encouragement and the right support.
At Ysgol y Graig, we value every step of progress and work in partnership with families to help children become as confident, independent and successful as possible.
At Ysgol y Graig, every child belongs, believes and thrives.
Global Developmental Delay, often shortened to GDD, is a term used when a young child is developing more slowly than expected in two or more areas of development.
These areas may include speech and language, movement and coordination, learning and thinking, social interaction, emotional development or everyday independence.
Every child with GDD is different. Some children may need support in several areas, while others may make steady progress over time with the right help and opportunities.
At Ysgol y Graig, we focus on the individual child, their strengths, their progress and the support that helps them to develop confidence and independence.
Things you can try at homeSome strategies that may help include:
- Keep routines clear, calm and predictable.
- Give short, simple instructions, one step at a time.
- Use pictures, symbols, gestures and demonstrations alongside spoken language.
- Give your child extra time to process information and respond.
- Break new skills into small, manageable steps.
- Repeat and practise skills regularly.
- Use play, songs, stories and everyday routines to support learning.
- Encourage your child to make choices wherever possible.
- Give opportunities to practise independence, such as dressing, tidying away or carrying their own belongings.
- Celebrate small steps of progress as well as bigger achievements.
- Avoid comparing your child’s development with other children.
- Follow your child’s interests to make learning motivating and enjoyable.
Using visual support, repetition and simple language can help children understand what is expected. It is also important to give children enough time to respond rather than answering for them too quickly.
Learning may need to be revisited many times before it becomes secure, and progress may happen in small steps.
Supporting independenceBuilding independence is an important part of development.
Where possible, give your child time to try a task before stepping in to help. Providing just enough support, and gradually reducing that support, can help your child develop confidence and new skills.
Every small step towards independence is important.
Talk to us
If you have concerns about your child’s development, communication, learning, movement, social interaction or independence, please speak to their class teacher in the first instance.
We can discuss what you are noticing at home, what we are seeing in school and the strategies already in place. Where appropriate, the class teacher can work alongside our ALNCo Mrs Pomeroy and wider school team, as well as relevant outside professionals, to consider what further support may be helpful.
A child does not need to have a formal diagnosis before appropriate support can be put in place.
Useful support for families
Contact
Provides information and support for families with disabled children and children with additional needs.
NHS
Offers information about child development and when to seek further advice.
Your GP / Health Professional
If you are concerned about your child’s development, you can speak to your GP, health visitor, paediatrician or other health professional.
RememberChildren with Global Developmental Delay can make meaningful progress when they are given time, repetition, encouragement and the right support.
At Ysgol y Graig, we value every step of progress and work in partnership with families to help children become as confident, independent and successful as possible.
At Ysgol y Graig, every child belongs, believes and thrives.