SECURING EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES
It is important that young children with autism spectrum disorders receive the right interventions at the right times. Depending upon need, children are entitled various therapeutic and educational services. Parents should secure these services as early as possible. The Department of Health provides services to children from birth to age three. From three to five, the services are provided through the child’s School District. Parents should contact these respective agencies, or support agencies, if they have concerns about their child’s development.
A parent’s or professional’s concerns about a child from birth to age five may include:
- Prematurity/ Low Birth Weight
- Speech and Language Delays
- Learning Problems
- Behavior Problems
- Deaf/ Hearing Impairments
- Blind/ Visual Impairments
- Emotional Problems
- Mental Retardation
- Physical Disabilities
- Developmental Delays
- Prenatal Drug Exposure
- Health Problems
Depending upon the child’s diagnosis or classification, appropriate services may include
- Diagnostic Evaluations
- Early Intervention
- Infant Stimulation Programs
- Preschool Special Education Programs
- Speech Language Therapy
- Occupational and Physical Therapy
- Respite Care & Recreational Programs
- Parent Support & Advocacy Groups
- Medical Services
- Legal & Financial Entitlements
- Mental Health Services
Courtesy of Nan Seefeldt, Early Childhood Direction Center
Westchester, Putnam and Rockland Counties, NY
(914) 493-2902, nseefeldt@wihd.org
All Rights Reserved
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