If You’re Concerned - Act Early

 

As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, or acts, talk to your child’s doctor and share your concerns. Don’t wait.

• Use the milestones checklist to track your child’s development. Print it out and share it with your child’s doctor or nurse at the next visit.
  
  
  Select Your Child's Age: 3 Months 7 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years
  
  
• For tips on sharing concerns about a child’s development, click on one of the following:
  
  Parent to Doctor
  Parent to Parent
  

If you or the doctor thinks there might be a delay, ask the doctor for a referral to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child.

Doctors your child might be referred to include:

• Developmental pediatricians. These doctors have special training in child development and children with special needs.
• Child neurologists. These doctors work on the brain, spine, and nerves.
• Child psychologists or psychiatrists. These doctors know about the human mind.

At the same time, call your state’s public early childhood system to request a free evaluation to find out if your child qualifies for intervention services. This is sometimes called a Child Find evaluation. You do not need to wait for a doctor’s referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. 

Where to call for a free evaluation from the state depends on your child’s age:

• If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.
  
  To find out the contact for your state, call the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) at 1-800-695-0285.
• Or visit the NICHCY website. Once you find your state on this webpage, look for the heading "Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: Ages Birth through 3."   
  
  Learn more about early intervention »
  
  
• If your child is 3 years old or older, contact your local public school system.
  
  Even if your child is not old enough for kindergarten or enrolled in a public school, call your local elementary school or board of education and ask to speak with someone who can help you have your child evaluated. 
  
  If you’re not sure whom to contact, call the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities at 1 800 695 0285 or visit the NICHCY website. Once you find your state on this webpage, look for the heading "Programs for Children with Disabilities: Ages 3 through 5."
  
  Learn more about this process »
  

 

What to say…

When you call your child’s doctor’s office:
"I would like to make an appointment to see the doctor because I am concerned about my child’s development."   

• Be ready to share your specific concerns about your child when you call. If you wrote down notes about your concerns, keep them. Your notes will be helpful during your visit with the doctor. 

 

When you call the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (1.800.695.0285):
"My child is (child’s age) and I live in (state). I am concerned about my child’s development and would like to request a developmental evaluation. Can you tell me whom to call and give me the phone number?"

• Write down all the information you are given and keep it; you might need it another time. 

 

When you call your state’s early intervention services office (if your child is not yet 3 years old):
"I am concerned about my child’s development and would like to request an evaluation. Can you help me or let me speak with someone who can?"s

• Be ready to share your specific concerns about your child. You will also be asked for some general information about yourself and your child (your name, your child’s name and age, where you live, and more).
  
  
• Write down who you speak to, the date, and what was said; you might need this information later. 

 

When you call your local elementary school or board of education (if your child is 3 or older):
"I am concerned about my child’s development and would like to talk with someone about having my child evaluated. Can you help me or let me speak with someone who can?"

• Be ready to share your specific concerns about your child. You will also be asked for some general information about yourself and your child (your name, your child’s name and age, where you live, and more).
  
  
• Write down who you speak to, the date, and what was said; you might need this information later. 

 

While you wait…

Unfortunately, families may have to wait many weeks or sometimes months before they are able to get an appointment to see a specialist or start intervention services for their child’s developmental problem. This can be a frustrating time for parents who want answers and help now. If you find yourself in this situation, know that there are some simple things you can do today and everyday to help your child’s development.

Make the most of playtime. Interact with your child as much as possible. Read books, sing songs, play with toys, make crafts, do household chores, and play outside together. Talk to your child: label items, point out interesting things, tell stories, comment about what you see and how you feel, and explain how things work and why things happen. Your child may not always seem to be listening, but he or she may be hearing more than you think.

See tips to make the most of playtime »

Reach out.  You are not alone.To find support and information for your family, visit the Family Voices website or call 1-888-835-5669

Visit our links to information for families »