How to Diagnose Developmental Disabilities

A child may have a developmental delay if he is significantly behind his same age peers with milestones related to cognition, communication, physical ability, adaptive behaviors and social skills. Certain milestones such as sittng, crawling, walking, talking and playing cooperatively may be assessed when determining whether a developmental delay exists. The best possible outcome for children with developmental delays is most likely to occur when diagnosis and interventions occur at a young age.

Instructions

• 1

  Voice concerns to the child's pediatrician. You may realize your child is not progressing as she should and may notice that she is not reaching important milestones such as walking and talking. You can refer to milestone charts such as those posted at Baby Center to determine if your child is indeed developing slower than average. Once you determine that the child is showing signs of development delays, voice concerns to the child's pediatrician. The pediatrician can refer your child for evaluation with the local early intervention office. Early intervention programs are designed for children under the age of 3. Another program referred to as the Committee for Pre-School Education is available for children aged 3 to 5.

• 2

  Attend meetings with early intervention specialists as scheduled. Parent anecdotes and observations will be documented and used to determine whether further testing is needed.

• 3

  Sign permission for the child to be evaluated for developmental delays. Assessments can determine whether delays are present in the following areas: adaptive behavior, communication, social skills, physical and cognitive abilities. Typically, the assessments consists of rubrics that determine the child's ability to complete communication tasks such as using verbal and nonverbal language, physical tasks such as walking and jumping, cognitive skills such as completing puzzles and self-help skills such as toileting and dressing. The rubrics are scored by a psychometrist and will show if the child is performing age-appropriate skills below level.

• 4

  Help develop the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). The IFSP is a document that outlines what services and interventions the child will receive to address any developmental delays.

• 5

  Take the child to all recommended appointments and therapies. Early intervention services may include specialized instruction, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and psychological therapy.