It might be worth researching whether or not having your child a assessed by birth to 3 services in your state is right for you. Most of the services provided by Birth to 3 programs are free and funded through the Department of Education. These services can include occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and often may be provided in your home. Both Washington and Oregon have a goal for children to be Kindergarten ready and have budgeted to fund these services above and beyond what the Federal government has done.
Personally, I have a daughter with Sensory Processing Disorder and I thought I was being an over protective mom or I was just reading into it and did not have her assessed until she was almost 7 years old and only after her elementary school suggested it. I knew she had it when she was a baby. She was an infant who did not like parties: She and I would inevitably would end up in a quiet dark room somewhere. As a toddler, she hated loud sounds and would get hysterical. We went to a children's concert and all the other kids were dancing and singing along with the music. She bolted right out of the sanctuary of the church, as soon as the music started. For the remainder of the concert, she and I were outside the concert santuary, even in the lobby it was too loud for her. She refused to go back in. There were so many times we missed out on things because it was too much for her.
The good news is that there is help. The earlier you seek intervention the better, so don't wait. Being busy is not an excuse, because it is your child's future we are talking about. You both deserve the support. Research shows even autism, if treated early could be curable. How amazing is that!!
Where to apply.
WASHINGTON: Department of Early Learning
http://www.del.wa.gov/development/esit/
The following are some helpful links:
Guide to Developmental Stages: Washington State Early Support for Infant and Toddlers
National Center for Infant, Toddlers & Families http://www.zerotothree.org
Thrive by Five Washington http://thrivebyfivewa.org/
IDEA 2004 Building the Legacy http://idea.ed.gov/part-c/search/new
Talaris Institute www.talaris.org
Child Find http://www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/ProgramReview/Monitoring/ChildFind.aspx Developmental Evaluations Examples
Adoption Specific Medical Clinics
University of Washington Center for Adoption Medicine http://adoptmed.org/
Oregon Health Science University Adoption Health Services http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/family-medicine/adoption-health-services.cfm
updated from March 2014 blog post.
Paulette
Caswell, LICSW
Director,
Bethany Christian Services
Serving children and families throughout the Pacific Northwest
Serving children and families throughout the Pacific Northwest
1501 N. 200th
St. Ste. 103 Shoreline, WA 98133
O – (206) 367-4604 x7972 F – (206) 367-1860
O – (206) 367-4604 x7972 F – (206) 367-1860
