According to the Ages and Stages website “Screening young children is an effective, efficient way for professionals to check a child’s development, help parents celebrate their child’s milestones and know what to look for next, and determine whether follow-up steps are needed. It’s also an essential first step toward identifying children with delays or disorders in the critical early years, before they start elementary school.”
While early intervention services are only available until your child turns 3, you can talk with your child’s doctor about a referral for additional services through your private insurance at any age. Many therapy clinics even offer complementary screenings for speech, physical, and occupational therapy without a doctor’s referral to help you determine if a full evaluation may be needed. Additionally, you can contact the school district in which you reside to learn about what early childhood education programs they offer for children starting at age 3 and if your child may be eligible for additional therapy services or educational supports through these programs.
