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Early Intervention (Birth-3): One Parent’s Perspective

By Elizabeth Wise, Infant Toddler Family Specialist and Parent Co-Chair of LICC Catawba County February 20, 2018


If you are a parent, you have been there. You are in the doctor’s office and you are trying to fill out the child development questionnaire but your baby or toddler has different plans. You are trying to read and make sure you are filling it out correctly but if you don’t give Sally or John attention they will be licking the floor or touching that nasty trashcan! So, you put the form down and tend to your children.

Does Sally REALLY draw a straight line? Does John take a 4 or 6 oz bottle? How often? Did your child sit up at 6 months? Did he walk by 18 months? The questionnaire can be lengthy and when you are in the waiting room or in a small exam room with children and germs it is difficult to focus. But, the questions are important and it is critical to answer them truthfully. There are valid reasons that you are being asked these specific questions. Some reasons are obvious. However, there are developmental delays that are not so obvious. If there is something that is happening in your daily life, whether or not it is on the questionnaire, you need to bring it up to your doctor.

What happens if my child is not doing what is expected at his/her age?

The doctor will refer you to the Children’s Developmental Service Agency (CDSA). You will receive a FREE developmental evaluation for your child. If your child shows areas of delay or has a diagnosis, you may be eligible for services. You will be assigned your own Early Intervention Service Coordinator (EISC) if deemed eligible. Your service coordinator will match you with therapists or other providers who will come to your home and work with your child. This EISC will stay with you until your child turns 3. They will assist with the transition to the school system prior to their third birthday. The Preschool Program varies based on the City or County that you live in.

Parent to Parent: 

I was 100% freaked out when I learned that my child would need therapy several times a week. When I learned that the therapy would be in my home, I had mixed emotions. Yes, coming to my house would be easier. But, HELLO STRESS! What if my house was dirty? What if they are afraid of my animals? EEK! Then, for medically complex children, what if they brought germs into my house! What if my child has an allergy and they eat peanuts before coming?

STOP! Breathe! I’ve made it through years of therapy. At one point in our life we had 8 therapies a WEEK! So, let’s look beyond the worries. There were times that my house was a wreck! I remember being so tired from my son crying all night that I forgot about therapy. Our Physical Therapist was knocking on the door for several minutes before I ever heard it! I ran to the door, half dressed, house a mess, and let her in. Guess what she did?! She walked my dog, picked up the toys, washed her hands, took the baby, and started her session. She never judged me.

Without Early Intervention our son would not be who he is today. We owe so much to our therapists and Coordinator who educated us along our new journey. Please, let them help you and your little one! You will be glad you did!

Children’s Developmental Service Agency
(Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell Counties)
828-433-5171

The doctor DOES NOT have to refer your child! YOU can refer your child! Do not hesitate to call and have your child evaluated. The earlier the better; the first 5 years are critical in brain development.