Information for Families
"My greatest frustration is why wait all these years to test my child when I've been saying the whole time there is something wrong." Lina Salazar, Parent
Parents play an important role in the detection of their children's developmental and behavioral disabilities.1 Therefore as a parent, it is important to convey concerns about your child's development to the pediatric health care clinician during well-child visits to help foster the early detection of such disabilities. The resources below provide families with access to general developmental information, strategies to best communicate with clinicians, and encouragement to advocate on the part of your child.
Learn the Signs. Act Early. (Spanish)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with the many organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, has launched an awareness campaign to educate parents about childhood development, including early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders. The earlier a child with a developmental delay receives appropriate assessment and intervention, the better the developmental outcome can be.
Manitas por Autismo
This association of Spanish-speaking parents of children with autism provides resources, information and online support groups for families.
You Know Your Child
The first of a five part series on the Public Health Web site of the Los Angeles Department of Health, this article encourages parents to advocate for pediatricians to use developmental screening tools during well-child visits.
Bright Futures for Families
Bright Futures for Families is a national initiative for families and communities to promote and improve the health and well-being of children of all ages. Bright Futures for Families offer resources based on the award winning, federally supported Bright Futures initiative, developed through the support of public health, non-profit, and corporate organizations.
Forepath
This Web site offers screening tests that parents can take (the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers and/or Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status).
1. Chen IC, Lee HC, Yeh GC, Lai CH, Chen SC. The Relationship Between Parental Concerns and Professional Assessment in Developmental Delay in Infants and Children—A Hospital-based Study. J Chin Med Assoc. 2004 May;67(5):239-44
The mission of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to promote the health of babies, children, and adults, and enhances the potential for full, productive living. NCBDDD's work includes identifying the causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities, helping children to develop and reach their full potential, and promoting health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.
