I'm concerned about my child's development

Noticing something about your child’s communication, movement, learning, play, behavior, feeding, sensory responses, or everyday skills is a reasonable reason to ask questions.

You do not need to know what diagnosis, if any, applies before asking for help. Asking questions is not the same as deciding something is wrong.

Specific examples help professionals understand what you are describing.

• What exactly are you seeing or not seeing yet?
• When did you first notice it?
• How often does it happen?
• Where does it happen — home, childcare, school, out in public?
• What can your child do right now?

If it feels appropriate, a short video of what you are describing can sometimes help a professional see what you see at home.

You can bring your notes to your child’s pediatrician or healthcare provider and ask about next steps. Questions families often ask:

• Would developmental screening be appropriate?
• Should hearing or vision be checked?
• Would an evaluation by a specialist be helpful?
• Is there another assessment you would recommend?

The New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS) serves infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities, when eligibility criteria are met.

Families can contact NJEIS directly to ask about a referral. Eligibility is determined through NJEIS, not by Vicabell.

Official website: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis/

If your concerns affect learning or how your child functions at school, you can contact your local public school district and request information about an evaluation for special education services.

Educational eligibility and a medical diagnosis are separate processes. A child may qualify for one and not the other.

Keep one folder — paper or digital — with:

• Developmental screenings
• Evaluations and reports
• Medical records
• School documents
• Therapy evaluations
• Insurance information
• Important phone numbers and contacts