When you realize your child may be struggling with milestones, it’s important to reach out for help as soon as you can
You watch your little one grow from a newborn to an infant to a toddler, and at each stage new, magical things start happening. They learn to crawl, walk, and run. They learn to eat solids, use their fingers, then use silverware. Those sweet coos become sweeter babbles and eventually words.
But you may be noticing that your toddler isn’t doing things that other kids their age do. Maybe they aren’t grabbing their toys as easily. Maybe aren’t forming words or walking. Maybe they aren’t able to use forks or spoons yet.
It’s important to remember that kids can develop differently. Just because your child hasn’t checked off a box at a certain age doesn’t mean something is terribly wrong.
Still, moms know best. If you’re concerned that your toddler isn’t hitting their milestones, here’s what to do.
Know what to look for
Well visits with your child’s doctor are vital. Not only will the pediatrician make sure they’re physically healthy, but they’ll also check on their development. Based on their age, these are the major milestones they’ll track:
- crawling, pulling themselves up to stand, and walking
- muscle tone and development
- clumsiness or issues with balance
- lack of interest in engaging with family or peers
- inhibited growth or excessive weight gain
- not speaking or babbling
- not understanding words
- not responding to their name
Speak to your doctor
Chances are you’ll notice an issue before a scheduled well visit. Note the specific issue (not speaking, not walking, not understanding) and any details. The more information you can give your child’s doctor, the better.
For example, telling the doctor “my son can’t say ‘mama’ or ‘dada,’ but can identify us when asked.” These kinds of details can be important in determining what kind of delay your toddler may be experiencing.
After discussing things with the pediatrician, they may recommend that your child be evaluated by an early intervention team.
Schedule an evaluation
The way to go about things can vary depending on where you live, but your child’s doctor should explain the first steps in the process.
If there’s reasonable concern, your pediatrician will give you a referral to the early intervention department in your county. On your initial call, they will ask basic information about your child. In Nassau County, that person will then assign you to an interventionist.
The interventionist will call you and, again, ask basic questions about your child. Then they’ll ask you what organization you’d like to use for your evaluation. You may want to do a little research before this step to determine the best fit.
After that, you’ll be assigned an evaluator that will touch base and schedule an evaluation, most of the time at your home.
The evaluator will assess your child based on the milestones their missing. Often they’ll take into account multiple aspects of your child’s development, even if it’s not been a cause for concern.
The evaluator may also share steps you can take at home to help your child, like playing with certain toys or doing certain activities together.
After the evaluation
Based on what your evaluator finds, they may or may not recommend additional services to help your child. If services are not recommended, you can wait for a certain period of time and then request another evaluation. If services are recommended, you can start the process.
Regardless of what happens, getting the ball rolling as soon as you can is key. That way, your child gets the help they need right away.
Again, keep in mind that processes can be different from county to county, and state to state. Your experience may not look exactly like it’s outlined here.