Question: My toddler says one word at a time or points to something that he or she wants. The other kids at the playgroup speak three or four words at a time.The pediatrician says my child is fine, my in-laws say some kids develop late, and my friends tell me that I worry too much. Should I be concerned?
Answer: Trust your instincts. Although children do develop skills at different times, it is never too early to seek intervention. The infant, toddler and preschooler's brain is very flexible. They have the ability to learn different languages quickly. If a young child is exposed to speech therapy, occupational therapy etc. the worst that can happen is that your child may become advanced if the therapies are not necessary. If however they are delayed, it is very important to begin the early interventions.
Let's use a “tree” as an example of the brain. Some branches break off or don't develop properly. The tree can grow new branches much like the brain can grow new pathways that enable a young child to compensate for weaknesses. Both the tree and the brain are flexible.
Most public schools by law must assess toddlers for special early intervention programs if the parents contact their local school district. Parents should contact the child study team by the age of approximately two and a half years old. Testing can take several months and services would be absolutely free to the family by the time the child reaches their third birthday. Even if the family chooses to homeschool, the handicapped public program is usually less than three hours per day. By going through the public school child study team it can give a paper trail that can help to provide the special services to be paid for by the state and be given to the child at home especially at the ages of 2,3,and 4. In some areas a child team is provided by a hospital or a University. For example in NJ Rutgers sends therapists or recommends therapists to work in the home setting. The issue is that there is no one standard that applies. The parent should speak to as many resources as possible. Other parents, a local university are good contacts. The main point being to trust their own instincts as they know their child better than anyone else.
Many parents are uncomfortable with, “the handicapped preschool” but they shouldn't be worried about the label at this young age. By the time the preschool handicap program is complete (around kindergarten or first grade), the child is performing well and the label is permanently dropped. Not only the testing is free, the classes are free, the buses are free, but there are usually five children and two teachers giving much attention. I have seen many great programs in which the classroom consists of children with a lisp, children who have problems following verbal directions, and a child that has difficulty sharing and making friends. Included in the class might be one child with a learning disability and another child with a physical handicap. Generally as a group they are not “really” handicapped to begin with.
Once accepted, the class continues for part of the summer as well. This is known as ESY, extended school year.
Equally important is to enroll the toddler in music classes in which the children play instruments and run around to the music. This is different from just passively listening to music. You see, the part of the brain or (tree branch) that participate in music is the same part of the brain that will develop math skills as they get a little older. Years later college students often have to decide between majoring in music or studying medicine.
Waiting for the school to call you at home in order to request a “Child Study Team” evaluation is often too little too late, as the brain is less flexible at that age.
Catch your child's struggles at the earliest age possible and he or she will reap the rewards for a lifetime.
SHELLEY TZORFAS is the Founder of Specialized Tutoring/Learning Assessments, and has been tutoring students with ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia as well as undiagnosed kids for nearly twenty-five years.
Shelley views Dyslexia as a "processing of information problem, either in the visual, auditory or kinesthetic mode," and strives to educate the general public about learning disabilities.Like other dyslexics, Shelley has had varied, successful careers. These range from appearing on a PBS documentary, and exhibiting artwork in museums. She is currently writing a book on learning differences.
Shelley, nee Gelfman, is a single mother of two boys and lives in New Jersey. She is available for consultation and/or tutoring, and may be reached at her website at www.betterschoolresults.com . Her email is stzorfas@gmail.com , phone number is
(908) 735-9053.
