Spotting Disabilities Early

More than 67,000 children ages 0 to 5 in California have been diagnosed with disabilities.Many more children live with undiagnosed disabilities, hindering their ability to play and learn. Early diagnosis and provision of supportive services can help improve the quality of life for these children.

FIRST 5 realizes every child develops at a different rate and in different ways. By understanding developmental milestones, parents and caregivers can be more aware of their child’s needs and provide the necessary support to encourage healthy growth and development. Recognizing that special needs and disabilities cover a wide range of social, emotional, physical and mental issues; FIRST 5 offers the following indicators to help parents and caregivers begin identifying potential challenges as their child grows.

Consult a doctor if your child:

Does not like being held or talked to by 6 months of age
Does not make, or rarely makes eye contact with others
Does not pay attention or does not stay with a task for as long as other children of the same age do
Does not like being touched
Gets very upset when trying to do simple tasks that most children of the same age can do
Does not like being soothed and comforted
Has sleeping, feeding, eating or toileting problems
Has trouble putting thoughts, actions and movements together
Has tantrums, fights, screams and hits daily
Does not seek praise from a parent or caregiver
Acts extremely shy or withdrawn
Often acts out; seems to be very stubborn and angry
Does not like having certain materials or clothing next to his or her body
Does not know when there is danger; may walk into traffic or jump from high places
Tends to break objects frequently
Is sick often; may have stomachaches and headaches more frequently than other children
Stares into space or rocks his/her body
Talks to self more than other children do
Often bangs head on an object, floor or wall
May often try to harm other children, animals or objects
Is overly active; does things hastily or is easily distracted
Breathes through the mouth

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County suggests parents or caregivers who spot possible developmental delays in their child follow these tips to enhance their child’s healthy development:

Get help early: Call the Santa Clara County Office of Education Inclusion Collaborative
Resources and information regarding inclusion of children with special needs or disabilities in Santa Clara County.
Warm line 408.453.6651
Learn more about your child’s disability: Go to the library or search the Internet to learn about your child’s disability. Consult doctors and do not be afraid to ask questions.
Look for support: Both you and your child may need emotional support and/or advice for finding the right information and resources. The most encouraging help may come from other parents who have children with disabilities or special needs FIRST 5 partner agency, Parents Helping Parents (PHP) helps Santa Clara County children with special needs receive the resources, love, hope, respect, health care, education, and other services they need to reach their full potential by providing them with strong families, dedicated professionals, and responsive systems to serve them. For more information visit www.php.com.
Love, encourage and nurture your child: As children grow, they need opportunities to play and learn regardless of their disabilities. Help your child find ways to do things independently or with the least assistance possible. Involve him or her in making decisions, which will build confidence and help your child become a self-assured and capable adult.