Seventeen percent of U.S. children have developmental or behavioral disabilities, such as autism, intellectual disabilities and attention problems, and many children experience medical conditions and delays that affect their development. Less than half of parents notice the first signs of disability in infancy, when their children fail to reach expected milestones in playing, learning, speaking, crawling and walking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The earlier children with disabilities receive assessment and help, the more likely they are to reach the school years ready to learn.
Step 1
Initiate a developmental assessment. Talk to your child's doctor for a formal developmental assessment or ask for a referral to a developmental pediatrician. During a developmental assessment, the doctor will ask you about your child's learning, speech, behavior and movement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you contact your local early intervention agency or public school system for referrals to local developmental specialists who can assess your infant.
Step 2
Seek early intervention services. Infants who have significant delays in cognitive development, physical development, communication, social and behavioral development or who have a physical disability that increases the likelihood of disabilities are eligible for early intervention services, according to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. Access these services with the help of your child's doctor or go to the website of the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities and find the contact information for your state agency. Early intervention services for infants may provide family training and home visits, physical and occupational therapy, speech and language instruction, hearing and vision impairment services, nutrition help, assistive technology and transportation to medical care.
Step 3
Educate yourself about your child's disability. Cincinnati Children's Hospital recommends gathering information about your child's specific health concern by contacting local and national chapters of disability-specific organizations. Ask your child's doctor for website and organization recommendations and suggestions for parent support groups. Connect with other parents of infants with disabilities with whom you can share your frustrations and worries.
Step 4
Address feeding concerns. Allow extra time when feeding your infant with disabilities and reduce distractions during feeding times. Babies with disabilities may develop feeding disorders that contribute to slowed growth, choking problems, lack of appetite and problems with swallowing or chewing. If your child has problems with sucking or swallowing, her doctor may recommend a feeding tube to ensure she receives adequate nutrients for growth and development.
Step 5
Offer soothing support. If an infant with disabilities fusses or cries, wrap him securely in a soft blanket so his arms hug the chest and his arms are bent. Hold the baby firmly and move slowly. According to the Whatcom County Health Department, taking these steps can help infants with special needs relax and reduces fussing.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Developmental Screening Fact Sheet
- National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: Overview of Early Intervention
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital: Getting Started after a New Diagnosis
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital: Therapy
- Whatcom County Health Department: Special Care for Infants with Special Needs
