{"meta":{"status":200,"messages":[],"pagination":{"max":1,"offset":0,"count":1,"total":1,"pageNum":1,"totalPages":1,"sort":null,"currentUrl":"https://api.digitalmedia.hhs.gov/api/v2/resources/media.json?offset=0&max=1&ignoreHiddenMedia=1&format=json&id=8175&newUrlBase=http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly","nextUrl":null,"previousUrl":null}},"results":[{"content":"
\nAs a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves talk to your child\u2019s doctor and share your concerns. Don\u2019t wait. Acting early can make a real difference!
\nThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be screened for general development using standardized, validated tools at 9, 18, or 30 months and for autism at 18 and 24 months or whenever a parent or provider has a concern. Ask the doctor about your child\u2019s developmental screening.
\nEasterseals, provides parents with FREE access to the Ages & Stages Questionnaires\u00ae, Third Edition, one of many general developmental screening tools. Click here to learn more and take the screening. Be sure to share the completed questionnaire and results with your child\u2019s doctor.
\n \nIf you or the doctor thinks there might be a delay, ask the doctor for a referral to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child.
\nDoctors your child might be referred to include:
\nAt the same time as you ask the doctor for a referral to a specialist, call your state\u2019s public early childhood system to request a free evaluation to find out if your child qualifies for intervention services. This is sometimes called a Child Find evaluation. You do not need to wait for a doctor\u2019s referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. Where to call for a free evaluation from the state depends on your child\u2019s age:
\nIf your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.
\nFind your state\u2019s early intervention contact information here.
\nLearn more about early intervention >
\n \nIf your child is age 3 or older, call any local public elementary school (even if your child does not go to school there) and say: \u201cI have concerns about my child\u2019s development and I would like to have my child evaluated through the school system for preschool special education services.\u201d
\nIf you\u2019re concerned about your child\u2019s development, don\u2019t wait. Acting early on developmental concerns can make a real difference for your child and you.
Learn more >
If you\u2019re not sure what to say when you talk with your child\u2019s doctor or when you call to request an evaluation, visit our web page for some tips.
\n \nIf you have to wait to get an appointment to see a specialist or start intervention services, know that there are some simple things you can do today and everyday to help your child\u2019s development.
\n \nUse this recordkeeping worksheet to help you keep track of your notes.
\n \n