Referral Terms

Audiology

evaluates the child’s current hearing ability. Guidance to families of children diagnosed with hearing loss is also provided.

Behavioral Interventions

are suggestions for managing common yet difficult child behaviors. Examples include tantrums, sleep problems, feeding concerns, and toilet training difficulty. Principles of behavior management can be used for brothers/sisters as well.

Early Intervention

provides free services for children (aged 0-3) who are late meeting developmental milestones or are at risk for developmental delay. A team assesses the child’s motor, language, and thinking skills. If eligible, they will begin working with the family and child on needs that are found. Services begin within 45 days of the referral.

Head Start

is preschool services for children (aged 3-5). The staff is trained to work with children who have developmental or behavioral concerns. Head Start helps prepare children for kindergarten by providing educational, health, nutritional, and social services.

Public School testing

can include a series of evaluations given by a licensed professional. A child completes this testing to determine the need for additional school services. This evaluation is provided for free through a child’s public school system.

Independent Evaluations

are offered outside of school settings. Teams of highly trained specialists evaluate a child’s developmental profile. Independent evaluations are often requested as an alternative to school testing or for children whose needs may be complicated.

Mental Health services

promote wellness through the development of coping skills, behavior management and problem solving skills. Counseling differs according to the child’s age and needs. A preschooler may play games to share and sort out his feelings. An older child can learn specific skills to manage stress and emotional disruptions. Counselors may work with whole families as well.

Occupational Therapy

helps children improve skills like motor coordination, self care (eating, getting dressed), and fine motor skills (writing). Services may include evaluation and individual or group treatment.

Parent Training & Support Networks

offer parents connection to either a professional or network of parents. They talk about the challenges of managing difficult behavior in a child. This can be helpful as parents realize they are not alone. They can build networks with other parents to learn strategies that have been used successfully.

Physical Therapy

focuses on improving human motion and function. PT services may include evaluation and individual treatment.

Social workers

are trained to assist families with challenging life events. Examples are coping with a diagnosis, mental health concerns, parenting concerns, behavioral problems, school challenges, and concrete resource needs (housing, welfare, and food.)

Speech & Language Pathology

offers evaluation and treatment for children who have difficulty communicating. A treatment plan is developed and often includes school services.

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