Baby Steps: Learn the Signs. Act Early.

Early recognition of developmental disabilities such as autism is key for parents and health care providers. CDC realized the impact on families and invested in a campaign to help parents measure their children's progress by monitoring how they play, learn, speak and act.

Do you know all the ways you should measure your child's growth? We naturally think of height and weight, but from birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he/she plays, learns, speaks and acts. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental problem, even autism. The good news is, the earlier it's recognized the more you can do to help your child reach her full potential.  To support these efforts, CDC-TV has just released a new video in its "Health Matters" series "Baby Steps: Learn the Signs. Act Early" providing up to date information and guidance on identifying developmental disabilities and builds upon resources such as the Learn the Signs. Act Early initiative developed by CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities in collaboration with organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and others dedicated to Autism research and advocacy.

This video, which is available for viewing through a number of channels including mobile phone or as a podcast, is also available for download (see "Download this Video" instructions on the CDC-TV page) allowing organizations to utilize the video in a number of ways including present the video as an instructional tool for new parents, caregivers, healthcare providers or teachers.  Featuring interviews with a developmental pediatrician as well as the parent of a special needs child, the video not only presents compelling and instructional information about developmental milestones, but also  accompanying video for children at ages 8 months, 18 months and 24 months. 

New "Health Matters" features are released each month, and each are produced in collaboration with subject matter experts within CDC's Centers, Institutes and Offices. Features will also provide links to other online resources for each topic where viewers can find more information. These programs will provide insights into each topic, information about research or programs from CDC, and ideas on how viewers might address the issue.  Other CDC-TV content will include PSA's, and innovative content such as the animated "Eyes of the Eagle" book series.

Providing high-quality, scientifically-accurate videos is part of CDC's goal to provide health information to the public where, when, and how they need it to protect and promote their health. Collectively, these and other health marketing activities contribute to CDC's efforts to help America become the Healthiest Nation it can be. Please consider joining CDC and our partners in this initiative by joining the Alliance for the Healthiest Nation.