“Is my child behind?”
“Is it normal to not crawl at this age?”
“My friend’s toddler is talking, and my child doesn’t have any words.”
“Something just doesn’t seem right.”
You may have found yourself concerned, at one point or another, with your baby or toddler’s progress. After having four of my own, I have learned that every child crawls, walks, rolls, and talks on their own time. My first did not walk on her own until she was five. My second took his first steps before 10 months. It can be a challenge to know what is considered a little slower rather than something that requires some extra help. This is where early intervention comes in. It’s a wonderful option that some parents may not know about. I’m here to give you some basic information, from one parent to another.
Early intervention (EI) was something I grew up with. My mom is an early intervention specialist. While I was not on the receiving end, I saw firsthand what EI was about. I saw my mom’s passion for helping babies and their families. She worked alongside service coordinators, speech therapists, OTs and PTs to help little ones meet milestones. Though I did not have children, I could tell you the benefits of EI. I knew the importance of getting services at an early age.
The name early intervention basically sums it up. It is services provided to babies and toddlers who need a little extra help with gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and speech. EI covers birth up until the child turns three.
When my first child was born, we noticed her muscle tone was low and her head was tilting to one side. Because of my knowledge of EI, I was aware of a resource that was just a phone call away. I went on to have three more children. There were a couple of instances in which I found myself concerned. Rather than add an extra thing to worry about, I contacted our state’s EI program.
As a daughter of an early intervention specialist and as a mother of a child who received services, I am always happy to offer input. I am not a professional in this area. I am, however, living with a child whose progress is much credited to receiving EI.
What do you need to know?
You do not need a referral from your doctor.
You do not need to wait until the next appointment or call to speak with your pediatrician. You can simply make the initial contact, yourself. Even if your pediatrician is not concerned and you still feel something is off, you can still contact EI. You can find a phone number on your state’s website.
An initial evaluation will determine if your child needs further testing.
One of two things will happen after your child has been screened. They may qualify to be further tested or they may not qualify. If they do not qualify, this does not mean they can’t receive services in the future. Have you any concerns in the future, your child can be evaluated again.
When will services end?
At some point, your child will no longer receive services. They may meet their goals and a decision may be reached that services are no longer needed. They will stay in the program until the age of three. Shall therapy still be necessary, they will be placed on an IEP with the school. Therapies may also be continued in other settings. My daughter receives PT and speech through Cincinnati Children’s in addition to her school.
Early intervention programs vary by state.
Every state is different. For example, in Ohio, early intervention is done through the county. In Kentucky, it is done through the state. Services in Ohio are free whereas services in Kentucky have a sliding scale payment based on income.
What exactly happens when your child qualifies?
Your service coordinator will meet with you to help set up a schedule. Therapists will come to your home to do therapy. In addition to their time, they will give you exercises you can do with your child.
If you ever have a concern, do not hesitate to contact early intervention. An evaluation, of no cost, will give you peace in mind. That is priceless.
