Global Developmental Delay (GDD) Resources

What is Global Developmental Delay?

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A different pace of growing and learning

Global Developmental Delay means a child is taking longer to reach developmental milestones like sitting, walking, talking, or learning new skills. These delays can be mild or more significant and may affect multiple areas of development. GDD is not a sign of failure or something to be ashamed of. Every child develops at their own pace. With understanding, early supports, and environments designed for success, children with GDD can learn, grow, and thrive in their own time.

No single way that GDD looks

Every child with GDD is unique. Some might walk later than their peers but learn language quickly, while others may need more time with both speech and motor skills. Some children need ongoing support, while others catch up over time. Development isn’t a race. What matters is recognising strengths, celebrating progress, and providing the right supports to help each child reach their full potential.

Support should build skills, not create pressure

Children with GDD learn best when we meet them where they’re at. Pushing too hard or comparing them to others can lead to frustration and low confidence. Support should be gentle, structured, and focused on building skills step by step. With patience and consistency, children with GDD can develop independence, confidence, and positive experiences of learning.

Championing Children with Global Developmental Delay

Supporting a child with GDD can feel uncertain at times, but you’re not alone. With the right strategies and compassionate guidance, we can make everyday life calmer and more achievable. We believe in working alongside families, schools, and support networks to create environments where children feel safe, understood, and able to succeed.

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Creating supportive daily routines

Bright lights, loud sounds, or certain textures can be overwhelming. Things that might seem small to you can feel huge for someone with sensory differences. Adjusting the environment can bring more calm and comfort

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Encouraging social interaction and play

Some Autistic people thrive with structure and predictability, but that doesn’t mean putting in place rigid schedules. Visuals, step-by-step supports, or simple routines can reduce overwhelm and help with daily life, without taking away independence.

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Supporting communication and understanding

From first words to alternative communication tools, we make sure children have ways to express their needs and connect with others.

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Celebrating progress and strengths

Every milestone matters, no matter how small. We help families notice and celebrate achievements that build self-esteem.

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Building motor skills and confidence

We provide strategies to support fine and gross motor skills, helping children feel stronger and more capable in daily activities.

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Navigating services and school supports

We guide parents through early intervention, NDIS, and educational planning to make sure their child receives the right supports at the right time.

How we can help with Global Developmental Delay?

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Whole Family Developmental Support →

  • Guidance for families to support learning, play, and early skill development

  • Visual aids and structured routines to reduce overwhelm

  • Coaching for siblings and carers to understand developmental differences

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Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →

  • Developmental assessments to guide therapy and NDIS planning

  • Recommendations for early intervention and ongoing supports

  • Collaborative goal setting for future independence and inclusion

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Skill-Building and Early Intervention Programs →

  • Play-based and structured programs for motor, speech, and cognitive skills

  • Daily living coaching for self-care and early independence

  • Support for successful participation in early education settings

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Positive Behaviour Support →

  • Behaviour plans that build confidence and reduce frustration

  • Strategies for emotional regulation and communication support

  • Training for educators and carers to respond calmly and consistently

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Psychology and Mental Health →

  • Therapy to support self-esteem and social confidence

  • Approaches to manage anxiety or behavioural challenges

  • Support for building positive peer relationships

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Regional Intensives →

  • In-home and community support for remote and rural families

  • Practical training for schools, carers, and local services

  • Building sustainable, long-term support networks

Hear it from real families

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“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.

When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.

With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.

Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.

It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum

*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.

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Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.

We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.

Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.

We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.

No matter what life looks like for you right now — we walk alongside you.