| As a parent, you have to do what is in your | | | | It is very important to stay in tune with your child |
| child's best interest. Sometimes that can be a | | | | and his/her development. Not that I am saying |
| scary and uncertain road. Relying on what your | | | | that you should monitor every move like a hawk. |
| gut instinct is telling you is usually the right road to | | | | You also shouldn't compare your child with every |
| follow. | | | | other child you come across. However, be aware |
| No one knows a child as well as the parents. | | | | of how they are developing and note any |
| (When I say parents, that could also mean a | | | | concerns. |
| child's caretaker such as grandparents or whoever | | | | After doing a tremendous amount of research on |
| is raising the child). If you think that there might | | | | this subject, I have noticed the same things |
| be something that is not quite right, then you | | | | coming up over and over again. Autism, ADHD |
| need to investigate it immediately. Of course, it | | | | and speech delays seeem to all be on the rise. |
| could be nothing but what if it isn't....DON'T be | | | | The one thing that seems clear is that the earlier |
| afraid of what you might find out. DO be afraid of | | | | a problem is detected and treatment is started, |
| doing nothing. | | | | the better off the child is in the long run. |
| Could Something Be Wrong? | | | | Where Do I Start To Get Help? |
| Does my child have a problem? | | | | Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns |
| That nagging thought keeps returning to your | | | | The first thing to do is to call your pediatrician |
| mind. You push it away and carry on with life. | | | | with any concerns you might have. Be very |
| However, it keeps coming back until one day you | | | | insistent about what you are saying. All to often |
| have to decide to deal with it. Make that day | | | | parents get brushed off and told that everything |
| sooner rather than later. Don't waste precious | | | | is just fine. This is where advocating your child |
| time trying to decide for yourself if something is | | | | starts. |
| wrong. Seek professional help! | | | | Don't be afraid of sounding silly or being accused |
| Maybe you have noticed that your child is not | | | | of worrying too much. Your child is too important |
| talking as well as other children. Possibly your child | | | | to worry about your pride. The best thing to do is |
| is not meeting his/her milestones on time. | | | | to be prepared when you speak to the doctor. |
| Sometimes there is just something that is "off" | | | | Make a list of everything that you want to talk |
| that you can't even put your finger on. Does any | | | | about. That way, you can't forget something or |
| of this sound familiar? | | | | get sidetracked during the conversation. It is very |
| If you are in those shoes, keep reading and | | | | helpful to have a log of your child as well. You can |
| maybe you will find some advice that will help you. | | | | note in the log when and how often a particular |
| Trust me, I have been there. | | | | behavior occurs. |
| No One Else Sees It......... | | | | The pediatrician will probably refer you to a |
| That might be, but YOU do | | | | specialist. Depending on your child's situation, the |
| Your family tells you that they don't think | | | | doctor might also refer you to your local early |
| anything is wrong. Your friends tell you that you | | | | intervention program that is available in each |
| are worrying too much and everything is just fine. | | | | county. |
| It would be so easy to listen to those well | | | | Now That You Know The Truth........ |
| meaning people, wouldn't it? | | | | Advocate your child to a bright future |
| As I said before, go with your gut. You are the | | | | Once you have a diagnosis, you will have a firmer |
| one that lives with the child daily. You see things | | | | grip on how to help your child. You can find the |
| that other people don't. Don't let yourself get | | | | right resources and help. Your advocacy role is |
| talked out of seeking answers and help. Be your | | | | not over yet. |
| child's advocate before the problem is even | | | | There might be many "battles" ahead. Problems |
| identified. You don't want to look back later and | | | | with insurance, the school system, peers and |
| regret not acting sooner. | | | | even doctors are bound to arise. Just remember |
| There is always the possibility that nothing is | | | | to push for the best and expect the best when it |
| wrong after all. That would be wonderful! At least | | | | comes to helping your child. You got him this far, |
| you would know that you investigated your child's | | | | now continue to make his future the brightest it |
| every possible need. | | | | can be! |
| Different Types of Concerns | | | | |