What is a developmental delay?
A developmental delay is a term used to describe when an infant or very young child exhibits slow development in one or more areas. For example, he or she may not sit up, walk or talk when most children of the same age do. Also, a doctor may diagnose a child with a physical or mental condition that carries a high probability of a development delay as he or she grows.
What is a developmental disability?
A developmental disability is a severe, chronic disability that begins before a child's 2nd birthday and is expected to continue indefinitely. It is diagnosed by a physician and caused by a condition such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neurological impairment or autism. When a child is developmentally disabled, they have limited participation in daily activities, including learning, language, social relations and mobility.
Do all developmental delays progress into developmental disabilities?
No, not all developmental delays become developmental disabilities. However, it's important to address a young child's developmental delays at the earliest possible time in their life. With sufficient professional attention and therapeutic resources, there's a better chance that he or she will gain the necessary skills to overcome any initial delays.
When should a parent or caregiver seek help?
If you believe that your child is not developing in the same way or with the same regularity as most children of the same age, you should discuss your concerns with the child's pediatrician. Specifically describe your observations with regard to the child's development and explain why the situation is causing you anxiety. The doctor should address your concerns and whether they warrant immediate attention. If a child needs further professional evaluation, your pediatrician should be able to recommend appropriate resources.
What are early intervention services?
Early intervention services are a set of professional services provided to eligible infants, toddlers and their families. These services are designed to identify and meet a child's developmental needs in five areas:
- Physical development
- Cognitive development
- Communication
- Social or emotional development
- Adaptive development
How does a parent or caregiver access early intervention services?
Infants and toddlers up to age two can be referred to the New York City Early Intervention Program by their doctors, child care agencies, and other social service providers. (If you live in any of the five boroughs, just call 311 for more information.)
Every family is assigned a service coordinator who works with them to choose an appropriate professional source for evaluation. If your child and family is qualified for services following the evaluation, a Family Service Plan is developed to outline specific needs. To meet these needs, an appropriate agency is then selected.
What is a pre-school special education program?
This is a program of educational and therapeutic services expressly designed to meet the needs children, ages three to five, diagnosed with a developmental disability or significant developmental delay. After a professional evaluation determines that a child is eligible for such services, the child's parent or caregiver and the pre-school staff will develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) together. An IEP is a written statement of the educational program designed to meet a child's unique needs.
How does a parent or caregiver gain access to a pre-school special education program?
Any child may be referred to the New York City Department of Education's Regional Committee on Pre-school Special Education (CPSE). Referrals can come from an early intervention program, a pre-school, a physician or parent. If a child is eligible for a pre-school special education program, the CPSE will recommend appropriate services and find an approved service provider to meet the child's educational needs.