Family Planning and Preparation:

Developmental Assessment Resources
By Leigh Anne Graf, M.Ed. – GW Client Service & Relations Director

What are Developmental Delays?
In general, children develop in a predictable fashion by hitting developmental milestones at given time periods of their life. Developmental delay occurs when children have not reached these milestones by the expected time period. For example, if the normal range for learning to walk is between 9 and 15 months, and a 20-month-old child has still not begun walking, this would be considered a developmental delay.
Developmental delays may occur in one or more of the following areas. In some cases, delay in one area may affect other areas and cause similar delays. 

• Cognitive - Thinking skills:  including learning, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning, and remembering.
• Gross or fine motor skills – gross- using large groups of muscles to sit, stand, walk, run, etc., keeping balance, and changing positions; fine - using hands to be able to eat, draw, dress, play, write, and do many other things.
• Language or speech - speaking, using body language and gestures, communicating, and understanding what others say.
• Social or emotional - Interacting with others, having relationships with family, friends, and teachers, cooperating, and responding to the feelings of others.
• Self-help skills

What can you do?
It is important to provide services to your child as soon as possible if needed. There are many resources provided by the government, both State and Federal; that may assist your child’s progress through their developmental milestones and help them get and remain on target. Listed below are links to many of these resources.
Additional Resources

• Early Intervention Resources by State - http://www.nichcy.org/Pages/StateSpecificInfo.aspx  This is a helpful resource to search by state for early intervention resources near you.
• Early Intervention Providers: http://www.nichcy.org/EarlyInterventionProviders/Pages/Default.aspx
• http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/devdel.htm University of Michigan Health System
• http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/conditions/DevelopmentalDelays.html

• Texas Early Childhood Intervention is a good resource for developmental assessment.  They will conduct free assessments of children up to the age of 3 years old. The number is 800-250-2246, or access the website at http://www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis/.

• Easter Seals organization at 800-221-6827 or on their website at www.easterseals.com.
• Department of Social Services (or an agency of similar standing) in your home state.
• The National Early Education Technical Assistance Center is also a great resource for information in each state and can be accessed at http://www.nectac.org/.
• Another good resource is the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  Their website can be found at http://www.naeyc.org/.

You can also begin promoting stimulation and growth to your child’s development by working with your child directly.  I am a firm believer in the art of play. During the studies for my Masters I completed an internship where I conducted play therapy sessions around Texas at various Head Start programs. Play is a child’s “work”. It is one of the most important aspects of development, growth and learning. You can start their “work” while you are in China to help them as they grow and develop.
Here are some simple tips for you to implement this in China when you meet your child:

• Reciprocal play, singing, other interactions – you are your child’s best play toy
• Coo and sing with your child; maintain eye contact
• Peek a boo (but don’t forget to use a different word than “boo” this means “no” in Chinese)
• Simple developmental interaction toys that will not over stimulate (blocks & balls). Use different textured items and let your child explore with all senses.