The initial few years of an infant and toddler's life is a time of great development. If your infant or toddler is facing a development issue, it is imperative that you get him the help he needs as soon as possible. The University of Michigan Health System defines a developmental delay as your child being unable to reach his developmental milestone for his age group. A developmental specialist or medical doctor can determine the cause and type of delay he is facing.
Pediatrician
When you feel like your infant or toddler is lagging behind other children in her peer group, her pediatrician should be your first stop for help and assistance. Her pediatrician can evaluate her to determine if she has a problem with her gross or fine motor skills, growth, mental functions or physical abilities. Some conditions, such as Down syndrome, can be detected through genetic marker and blood testing. The pediatrician also can analyze the child's history with ear infections and determine if they are affecting her hearing. The pediatrician can assist you with finding the right specialist for treatment or therapy for her specific condition.
Early Intervention System
The federal Early Intervention System provides programs and assistance in each state. It is geared toward helping you get the right help for your child's developmental issue. The program starts off with contact with a system coordinator who starts the process of gathering medical records and information about your infant or toddler. From there, an assessment takes places to identify your child's needs and strengths and determine the right services for those needs. The program focuses on development in cognitive, communicative, adaptive, hearing and vision and emotional areas. Most state-run service centers, such as the Early Intervention System, require no payment or payment on a sliding scale based on your income.
Financial Assistance
When you receive the news that your infant or toddler has developmental issues and needs extensive care, finances may be the first thing that come to mind. Figuring how you are going to pay for things such as travel, doctor's visits, psychological visits, hospital care, prescriptions, physical therapy and outpatient procedures can be nerve-racking. The Department of Health and Human Services offers free assistance to determine for what social service programs your child may qualify. If you do not meet income requirements for state-funded health care, there are other options such as State Children's Health Insurance and community-funded mental health clinics.
Transitional Care
If it has been determined that your infant or toddler has developmental issues that will take several years to resolve, consider transitional care. It is important to discuss with your child's doctor or therapist how he will get the right kind of assistance when he enters preschool and elementary school. An individualized education program often is set up prior to preschool and assures that your child gets the best care and attention based on his skill level, explains Early On, a program designed to assist children with special needs.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Developmental Delays
- First Signs: Developmental Screenings
- National Dissemination Center For Children with Disabilities: Overview of Early Intervention
- Department of Health and Human Services: Families Health Financial Assistance
- Early On: Child Developmental Assistance
