Does my child need an evaluation?

Many families aren’t really sure where to start when they have concerns with their child’s development or behaviors.  Going to your child’s pediatrician is always a good place to start.  Typically, pediatricians will give you information to be evaluated by developmental specialists, speech therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.  Here are my suggestions:

1. Find your state’s Early Intervention Program (for children under 3 years old) and schedule an evaluation.  For children older than 3 years old, contact your local school district to schedule an evaluation.
2. Give as much information as possible during evaluations.  Be honest about all of your concerns.  The more information evaluators and therapists have, the better.
3. Take advantage of the services that your child qualifies for.  Keep all appointments and try to be as consistent with your child’s therapies as possible.
4. Take notes during therapy sessions and ask as many questions as you have.  Your therapists are there to help you and your child, and are happy to answer any questions.
5. Voice the concerns you have about your child’s communication & social skills, motor skills, self-help skills, and behaviors that are in question.
6. Ask your child’s therapists to show you how to help your child.  Early Intervention includes parent education.

Some things to consider:

1. Take your spouse, friend or other family member with you to evaluations and initial therapy sessions.  It helps to have an extra person to hear and maybe write down information that you may miss during the appointment.
2. Your child may not exhibit typical behaviors during evaluations and initial therapy sessions.  Don’t be concerned with what your child may or may not do during the evaluation.  Therapists are well trained to observe and gain the information they need to appropriately evaluate your child.
3. Give an accurate picture of what your child is doing during his daily routines.  Sometimes its hard to answer the questions that the evaluators are asking.  If your child exhibits a behavior only sometimes, tell them that.  You don’t have to answer only ‘yes’ or ‘no’.  Typically, evaluators will ask lots of open-ended questions, so give as much information as you can.

Surround yourself with positive people and keep moving forward!