I have concerns about my infant’s or toddler’s development
If you have concerns about your infant to 3-year-old child’s development, you can start with your child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician can help you determine your child’s growth and development in the five developmental areas. The five developmental areas:
- Cognitive Development which includes skills needed to understand and process information and make decisions
- Physical Development which includes gross motor skills needed for sitting up, rolling over, crawling and walking as well as fine motor skills needed for chewing and swallowing, grasping, writing, using a paint brush or a spoon, vision and hearing
- Communication Development which includes skills involved in listening, understanding and expressing both verbal and non-verbal language
- Social/Emotional Development which includes skills involved in relating to other people and showing emotions
- Adaptive Development which includes self-help skills such as feeding, toileting, sleeping and accepting change in one’s environment
You can also consider making a referral for Early Intervention Services, which is called NH Birth to 3- Family-Centered Early Supports and Services in NH.
Next step: Referral
What is NH Birth to 3- Family-Centered Early Supports and Services?
NH Birth to3- Family Centered Early Support and Services is NH’s early intervention program. Early Intervention is a nationwide program under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA). NH Birth to3 is NH’s Part C Program. NH Birth to3 serves children birth to age 3 that have a developmental delay, an established condition, are at substantial risk for a developmental delay or have atypical behavior. NH Birth to3 is delivered throughout the state through the Area Agency system, administered by the Bureau of Special Medical Services of the NH Department of Health and Human Services.
The goal of NH Birth to3 is to support families in helping their children grow and develop, including helping you achieve your own family goals. NH Birth to3 services are provided in a child’s natural environment (typically the home or child care setting) by qualified professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and early childhood developmental specialists. The activities your child does and/or enjoys everyday are used to help your child learn. Having fun and building relationships through play is an important part of the services and support that NH Birth to3 provides.