NEXT STEPS: the referral process
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When There Are No Concerns
If there no concerns and the child’s development appears similar to other children of the same age, it is still important to pay attention to developmental milestones. Continue encourage the child’s development by providing resource and new experience and remember to provide support to the parent as their child’s first and most important teacher.
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When There Are Concerns
& Further Evaluation Is Indicated The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers this tip sheet on speaking with families about screening results.
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When Screening Results Indicate a Concern The American Academy of Pediatrics Recommends a Child Receive Simultaneous Referrals for Further Evaluation.
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Referrals to his or her primary care physician or pediatrician/ developmental pediatrician for a full medical evaluation to determine if there is a physical or developmental cause behind the delay. The doctor may make a diagnosis that can guide treatment.
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Referrals to Early Intervention/Birth to Three Program (if the child is under 3 years of age) or Early Childhood Special Education (if the child is 3-5 years of age) for further evaluation to determine if the child is eligible for services.
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Anyone may make a referral for an evaluation by Early Intervention or Early Childhood Special Education. After a referral is made and parents give consent, the parents and professionals meet to determine program eligibility, assess specific strengths and challenges, and make a plan for support and service delivery.
Development teams may include parents, early intervention/special education providers, medical care providers and other helping professionals. Screening results can be used for decision making around the team’s selected individual supports for each individual child. |
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