Where Can I Get a Developmental Diagnosis?

The Early Steps program. This program works with children under 3 years of age. They will send an evaluator to your home for free. It is a state funded program, but not like welfare due to the fact that it is not income qualifying. You can be rich as rain and still use the program. Call Arnold Palmer or do a web search for Early Steps or Part C. The only thing about them, is that you have to call them a lot to get the first evaluation scheduled. There is only one appointment setter, so you get her voice mail a lot. Keep calling, because it is worth it. If the evaluator determines there is a need, they will take you back to Arnold Palmer for an appointment there where they check EVERYTHING. Good luck.

First take a deep breath. Relax. Follow your Mommy instincts. Have him tested based on what you see.

Go to the Howard Phillips Developmental Center on Michigan Ave. They will do a complete check on your angel. That is where I took my boys (speech and developmental delays).

I also think you are right. It sounds like he is just a shy little boy. Try to find a play group for him to meet some other children his own age or invite some of his classmates over to play.
Hope this helps.
L.

Hi B.! This is my first response since a great friend linked me up with this site and I feel compelled to respond! There are so many factors which could contribute to your son's shyness, but my first question to his teacher would be (which I'm sure you asked) is, evaluated for what? At 2 1/2, he is affectionate, social with family and familiar friends, so this "shyness" could be just that. Or, could there be something about the class environment that he has trouble adjusting to? Ask your Pediatrician about having his hearing tested. *I am NOT a physician, but from personal experience, I was always very, very quiet in school and among those I didn't know. It turns out I was listening intently, reading lips-I had lost 1/3 of my hearing before I was 4 years old-NOW, DO NOT get scared! I did have a history of severe ongoing infections and eustacian tube dysfunction is familial here-but until your Pediatrician rules out anything and everything that can be taken care of with success,take a breath! It must be so difficult! Any again, at 2 1/2, give him time-so often we compare children to others and wonder if he or she is at a developmentally appropriate stage-he/s still a baby. My girls are 27 months and 12 months,they are vastly different. My youngest brother did not utter a word until he was 2. He started talking and never stopped! These next weeks will feel long, but make a checklist with your Pediatrician to rule out everything. And if you decide with your Pediatrician to go ahead with developmental testing, know that there is so much out there-your Pediatrician will guide you appropriately but DO remain proactive! The fact that your son's teacher is so in tune with his needs is a very,very good thing.This could prove to be a great support for you. She seems to want to help do the best thing for him, as most teachers do (I'm biased, I was one, Elementary and Special Ed.)I will pray for you, all will be FINE! I hope this has helped and not hurt! I wish you the best!
About me: My two girls are 27 months and 12 months, my absolute joy!

Hi B., I have 2 boys as well - I was concerned for my son as well (now 5) b/c he was home-raised until about 3, 3 he attended school & I was concerned b/c I would see him play by himself, as he would at home. I would feel a deep sorrow & expressed the concern to my husband. It takes a while for them to break out of their shell, now I can't get him to stop playing w/other kids or to shut his trap - how long has he been in school? Don't be scared ... all kids are different and they are blessings that come with eccentric personalities.
My suggestion is that you talk to your pediatrician (someone familiar) & find some ground there. Another thought is that maybe you can arrange a playdate with other kids, so he may blossom a bit with others. There is nothing wrong with him!! Please feel free to email me ____@____.com if you need someone to chat with. I know how you feel, maybe you just have a real genius kid that knows how to focus unlike others.

Hey B.,

I agree with looking into what your ped. has to say. They are normally the first ones to refer you. There are a lot of great preschool teachers out there, but I have learned from personal experience that not every teacher in this age group has their full formal teaching credentials. Not that it is a bad thing, but they may not always know what exactly to look for when making such a recommendation to a parent. I hope she is patient and understanding with your son and not pushing him into anything. All children develop at different rates. I applaude you for having him in preschool. The socialization factor is priceless.

My 4.5 year old is still a homebody. She has been in school for two years and still had issues with socializing and participating at the beginning of this year. She has changed a lot during the past three months. Even as a very young toddler, she enjoyed being outside with other kids, but after 20 minutes or so she wanted to come home. I cannot tell you how much neighbors and friends talked about me and giving in to my daughter, but if my baby wanted to go home, then we were going home. I never pushed her in that respect.

Be patient and hang in there for your appt. on the 31st. I have never met your son, but from your post he sounds very normal, healthy and well adjusted. You are truly blessed!

R.

I'm a pediatrician although I'm not yours but it sounds like your son just needs to be around a smaller number of kids. YOu're right to think that most kids this age only parallel play. If your son is social with your family, he makes eye contact, does not mind being touched by people (hugs,etc), he responds appropriately to verbal stimulation (you ask a question, he looks at you and answer), he's probably fine. He may just be a little introvert and it may help if you start with maybe 2-3 other kids in a "play" session. They don't have to play with each other but he should eventually know who the other kids are amd may even come up to them at some point. If he has not been around other kids a lot, he can't be expected to just jump in there.

I think waiting to talk to your regular pediatrician is a good idea. I know you want to know if there is anything wrong NOW but he is really the best person to talk to about it first.
And don't freak out! His preschool teacher is just one person that is recommending something--not any expert that has observed and diagnosed him with anything. She is trained to look for things, yes, but that's it--she is the beginning of the screening process so kids with developmental issues can get help at as early an age possible. So try not to worry and talk to your pediatrician!

K.

I would contact the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County. They should be able to direct you to the right people. Hope this info helps ease your mind