Global development delay
Living with a child with additional needs or challenging behaviours can be challenging somewhat. Imagine throwing in running a business, being a single parent or running a busy household.
Living on the loop for me is constantly repeating, reassuring, explaining, strategy planning, pacifying, calming then repeat.. Repeating instructions or plans, answering tricky questions you do not know the answers to then repeating them again.
This constant cycle of parenting daily from morning to noon with some gaps at school time can seem challenging, so having patience and a form of strategy is how we as parents deal with any situation. Knowing and understanding your child and their individual behaviours are key, but also their triggers. As a family, we always think before we give an answer and sometimes one of us says the wrong response and looks at each other with one mouth to say NOOOO. But next time we are well equipped. Sometimes life happens and you can't control the answers, but you choose to learn from them next time.
Saying the right thing and having answers prepared can be helpful, but be ready for the same repeat the next time. Children have a great memory and remember everything you say so beware. If you do not know the answer, then you say let me think about it.
Global delay is complex and you will be faced with new challenges as time goes on, especially with age and maturity. Hormones also play a big part in developmental delay and their naughty hormones creep up when least expected.
It is crucial that early identification and intervention are noted and spoken with your health visitor or GP. Sometimes we have to take on the expert role as we know our own child and its delays, especially if there are other siblings who reach their milestones faster. I know not all children progress the same, but it is usually observed outside of your family or within your family circle that your child isn't showing progress in certain areas such as walking, talking, engagement, understanding, sensory and food likings with textures which was my case.
Having on board a multidisciplinary approach can keep all medical professionals up to date with your child's development. Keep a log of your child's progress, the professionals you see and speak to with the date and time so you can relay back any detail which can be crucial to receiving your child's diagnosis. This is an evidence gathering, especially when going for an Educational Healthcare Plan. Sometimes an early diagnosis isn't always possible, but you can present your record to your child's educational psychologist.
Getting involved with a network for like-minded children for parents' support really helped me understand what signs to look out for and gave me comfort and more understanding of how I can help my son and move forward.
All children with developmental delays who receive the appropriate support and collaboration early on will have a better outcome when moving up their school years as was in my case from all my evidence gathered my son was able to receive 1-1 in-school support and an easy transition to specialist high school. There will definitely be some tears and frustrations, but you move on and only want the best outcome for your child's social and emotional well-being.
Have an open mind and understanding of other challenges that you may face in the future. Have a positive reinforcement approach to your child's achievements, this will support them much further. Emotionally.
