What does transition planning for children with disabilities entail?

It’s all but natural that as parents witness their child’s growth and anticipate milestones, they also wonder whether their child’s development is normal and on track. Babies should reach developmental milestones like rolling over, talking, sitting, and walking at a given time. However, if parents do notice potential problems like prolonged delays, it is crucial that they know immediately that their baby doesn’t have any actual delay, says behavioral medicine expert Curtis Cripe, Ph. D.

Image source: babycenter.com

While it can be stressful to worry about it, early intervention is key if a child indeed has some disability. Many kids will outgrow mild delays, but others will just fall behind if parents don’t do anything. The best recourse is for parents to talk immediately with their child’s pediatrician. They can then refer the child for an evaluation. Parents should anticipate that the doctor will expect them to be able to describe in detail their child’s behavior both at home and in school.

Parents shouldn’t just abide by a wait-and-see attitude. To be able to truly recognize the signs of developmental delays, they should monitor and communicate exactly what they notice to the doctor, who will need detailed information on various factors including parenting style and structure at home.

Image source: pediatrictherapy.in

Even if certain issues have already been ruled out, parents need to maintain regular dialogue with their child’s doctor. Again, the doctor will not know the child the way parents do. Parents should keep a record of all developmental milestones and, if they notice a problem, track how long it has been going on. The bottom line is to allow their child’s doctor to come up with both an assessment and recommendation that are specific to the child, adds Dr. Curtis Cripe.

Curtis Cripe, Ph.D., is the director of research and development of neuroengineering services provider NTL Group. He has published two peer-reviewed papers and wrote two book chapters on neurotherapy and neuroengineering. For related posts, visit this blog.