Developmentally Delayed

You may be able to get assistance from the Multnomah or Washington County Intermediate Service District, which ever one in which you reside. Federal law mandates that all children be helped so that they can succeed in school.

My daughter took my grandson there when he was near 4 and learned that they could've offered more services if she'd applied earlier. My grandson has delayed speech development and may be high functioning autistic. Multnomah County's policy is to not diagnose Autisim spectrum disorder this early. He is the right age for kindergarten this fall but will probably attend a therapeutic kindergarten. He's been attending a therapeutic preschool, paid for by the state.

Hello ~ I am sorry to hear about the diagnosis, but there are many interventions that can help. If you have insurance that will allow it, I would make an appt for an evaluation with Dr. Michelle Raddish of the Pediatric NeuroDevelopment Clinic for Children. One office is a Providence Hospital, one at St. Vincent.

I would access Early Intervention services. The Educational Service District (ESD) for Multnomah Co, Wash Co and Clack Co all have them and they are free. Tucker Maxon Oral School has an excellent Early Intervention program, age 0-3. www.tmos.org

I would also apply to Shriner's Hospital. If he has mobility, motor or orthopedic needs, they can/will serve him for free. Great Physical therapists, clinics, surgeons, etc. Good Luck!

You can get your son into a Early Intevention Program. It is a state program and it is free. The program services kids up to age 3. He will have an evaluation and they will help determine what services he needs. They offer speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, and preschool classes. Again, this is all free. You do not need to qualify based on income. Plus, you can go to their building, or they will come to your house.
I would be happy to help you find the specific program in your area, if you would like.

Has your son been evaluated by an Early Intervention program? If not, I would start there. The service agency in your area would be Northwest Regional ESD. EI services are a great start to getting help for your kiddo. There are other private agencies (like Easter Seals) that provide services too, but Early Intervention is probably your best start.
Good luck to you... your son is lucky to have a concerned mommy that wants the best for him!
J.

Hi K.,
My son who is now 3 1/2, is also developmentally delayed.. and has been since he was little. We had Early Intervention services through the county, you might check your area for the same kind of service. It doesn't cost anything if you qualify for services. They come to your house and help with the things and show you what and how to help your child. My son is now in pre-school (still thru this program) and still not really talking, progressing forward is the key, and he is doing that.
My son is really 2 1/2 as far as development goes. I definitely know and have similar problems and issues!!
Write if you need or just want to talk more!!
K.

I'm an SLP and work at a non-profit speech and language clinic (Oregon Scottish Rite Clinics). We offer very low cost or free speech and language therapy (70% of our families are on 100% discount!). Our clinic is only appropriate for kids who have a primary speech or language disorder, but we bring the kids in for a screening right off the bat to see if our clinic is an appropriate place. The drawback is that our waiting list is pretty long, but the good news is that our services are typically 2x/wk for 40 minutes-- a lot more than you can get other places. The phone number is ###-###-#### if you're interested.
Other than us, make sure you call your ESD. If you're in Washington County, you'd be in the NWRESD area. I don't know the phone number off the top of my head, but their website is www.nwresd.k12.or.us
Let me know if I can be of any help!
--E.

K. -

My 4 yr old son has Autism. I have been "working the system" for the last 18 months and have a ton of resources. Let me know if I can help- I would be more than happy to do so. Happy Sunday!! M.

K.,

I saw your post and was drawn to it since I have worked in Early Intervention (EI) doing case management. I no longer work in the field, but couldn't stress more to you, how important it will be to follow the advice the others have given you. EI is valuable and will also help connect you to other wonderful resources and people. It can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but so can just hearing that your child is needing help.

You may find out along the way the value of teaching young children, with and without delays, sign language. I am a bit biased toward this, since I teach sign to hearing children, but would also suggest looking into this as another way to help support your son and his communication needs.

If you have any questions I would love to help.

M.
My Smart Hands with M., LLC
____@____.com

Have you contacted your local educational service district?

It could be a sensory issue, ask a physical therapist. -Washington