When Your Child Has Special Needs

As a parent, you naturally monitor your baby's physical growth and development. You keep track of the age at which your baby rolls over, sits up on his own, holds a bottle or cup on his own, and takes her first step. When you take your baby in for regular check-ups, especially for the first few years of life, the doctor will always ask you questions to determine if your baby is reaching "developmental milestones". These health screenings usually are done at 9, 18, and 30 months during the well-child checkups.  However, they can be done at anytime if you have any concerns about your child's development.

The term "developmental milestones" is used by doctors to talk about all types of skills that children should have within certain age ranges. These milestones cover children's growth in these areas:

• Physical (gross and fine motor) skills (sitting up, walking, holding an object);
• Language and communication skills (understanding what is said, pointing at objects he wants, learning and using words);
• Self-help skills (able to feed self, dress self, use the toilet); and
• Social skills (making eye contact, playing with others, wanting to be around others).

Does Your Child Need Help?

Children develop at different rates, but there are general guidelines or age markers as to when you should get help if your child does not reach some of the typical milestones.  
If you feel that your child isn't developing typically, seems a bit behind other children his age or hasn't reached milestones within the typical age ranges, talk to your child’s doctor. 

To help you when you speak with your doctor, keep a written log or record of your observations and your concerns, including:  

• Your baby's age
• What your concern is (language, walking, eating, etc.)
• Specific times you are noticing your concern, times of day (to see if there is a pattern or connection with times, other people)
• Other people (if occurs in certain situations, other people, social settings)

Getting the Help You Need    

When you speak with your doctor, bring your written records and copies for your child's doctor to keep.  If you are prepared ahead of time, you will be sure not to leave out something important and make sure all your concerns are heard. 

The doctor might request medical tests and a full evaluation.  You can ask your child's doctor to refer a full developmental evaluation to be done on your child.  It is important that any potential developmental delays or issues be addressed as soon as possible.  Your child's doctor will know what agencies in your state and community administer the Child Find process that can be assist you to get started in obtaining an early intervention evaluation for your child.  Child Find is the generic name for the mandated program that every state must have to locate children and families who may be eligible for early intervention and special needs services.

Know Your Rights

There are federal and state laws to help you as you get help for your child. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees that children (preschool age and above) with disabilities will receive a "free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment".  One part of the IDEA law is Part C. Part C is an early intervention program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. 

This law applies to any sort of delay or disability -- physical, speech and language, hearing, cognitive, learning – that would affect a child's ability to learn and progress as his peers.  The law is aimed at getting children and their families services and assistance.  These services are run at the state level through a coordinated system across different agencies, usually through states’ departments of social services and education.  All states have to participate and all services available to eligible families are free. 

Once your child has been evaluated and if a diagnosis has been made, you will then participate in a team effort to determine if your child is eligible to receive services under the law and what kinds of services your child will receive.

The process of having evaluations and meetings to determine eligibility for services can sometimes takes several weeks or several months.  Remember you are an important person on this team and you are your child's best advocate or spokesperson. 

Get Support

There are many support services and support groups to help you.  Every state has a parent training and information office or agency that serves to help parents of children with disabilities or special needs.  Find out your nearest parent training and information center by calling toll-free at 1-888-248-0822 or on the web at: www.taalliance.org/centers/index.htm. There are many parent support groups to help you as well, as other parents have gone through the often frightening and confusing process of getting their child evaluated and getting the services they need.  Other parents may be your biggest support.