The good news is there is hope and help along the way.  Regardless of your child's disability or delay, there are opportunities for your child to grow and develop.  Early intervention services for children with disabilities and/or developmental delays will enhance your child's development and may help reduce the additional stresses many families experience.

The most important thing to know is no matter how many professionals enter your child's life – from doctors and therapists to early intervention staff – you are the key member of the team.  You are your child’s first and most valuable teacher.  Be involved.  Share your knowledge.  Give your input and play an active role in your child’s early intervention program and services.

Along the way, hold a positive vision for your child’s future – one in which he or she is fully included in all aspects of a typical child’s life – from your family to the larger community.

WHERE TO START (FRC)

The first stop for families of infants and toddlers age birth to three is a Family Resources Coordinator, known as an F.R.C.  This is the first point of contact for families who have a concern about their child’s development.

Through the state’s Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program, known as I-TEP, F.R.C.’s will assist you at no charge.  Depending on the community, F.R.C.’s may be located at your County Health Department, County Human Services Department, school district, local Parent to Parent organization, neurodevelopmental center or developmental center.  If you have not connected with an F.R.C., call the family health hotline at 1-800-322-2588 or online at www.dshs.wa.gov/iteip.  The F.R.C. will help you get started into the early intervention system.

To be eligible for early intervention services, a child must have a developmental delay or a medical or physical condition known to cause a developmental delay, such as Down Syndrome.  Families are encouraged to call the F.R.C. themselves.  You do not need a doctor’s referral to get started.

If your child is eligible, your F.R.C. works with you and early intervention service providers to develop an individualized family service plan.  This planning process looks at the physical, cognitive, communication, social, emotional and adaptive needs of your child.  The plan should address the family's needs as well.  The F.R.C. works with you throughout your child’s participation in early intervention and helps with transition into pre-school special education or other community services at age 3, if those services are needed.

Services your child and family may need include:

Early identification, screening and assessments;

Family training, counseling and home visits;

Physical, speech and occupational therapy; and

Other early intervention services

Some or all of these services may be covered by your private insurance or be publicly funded through state and federal programs.  The F.R.C. can also assist families with connections to other services, such as health care, therapies, food stamps, cash assistance and in-home support.  Except for I-TEP, however, most of these services from the state are based on financial eligibility.

For families who meet income eligibility, both state and federal governments offer financial assistance, health care and services for your child.  Your F.R.C. can lead you to the right door, whether it's to apply for supplemental security income, Medicaid, children's health insurance program or any number of income-based programs.

HEALTH CARE

If your child is eligible for Medicaid, one of the best resources is called E.P.S.D.T., which stands for Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment.  With E.P.S.D.T., children can get a regular checkup and treatment for problems found during an exam.  If your child is on Medicaid call 1-800-562-3022 and ask about E.P.S.D.T. services near you.

WASHINGTON STATE DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
The Washington State Division of Developmental Disabilities, known as D.D.D., offers case management and services to eligible children and adults.  Their website address is www.dshs.wa.gov/ddd.  While many of its programs are not based on income, they are dependent on appropriations by the state legislature and waiting lists are long.

Ask your Family Resources Coordinator how to apply for a D.D.D. eligibility determination.  Then, be sure to reapply for continued eligibility by age four.  This will help ensure there are no gaps in your child’s eligibility for services.

OTHER SERVICES AND RESOURCES

Some areas of the state also have non-profit local ARC chapters, which provide information, referral and advocacy.  Look in your phone book or visit the Arc of Washington State's website at http://www.arcwa.org/ for more information.

Parent to Parent is a great place to connect for support, information, resource and referral.  Parent to Parent is operated by and for parents of children with special needs.  Call toll free at 1-800-821-5927 or visit Parent to Parent online at the Arc of Washington State’s website at www.arcwa.org/parent_to_parent.htm.

All parents have dreams for their children to grow and be happy, contributing adults.  When you find out that your child has special needs, your child will need extra help to make these dreams come true.  Remember, your child has many strengths.  With your help, and with the appropriate education and supports, your dreams for your child can come true.