What to do after your evaluation?

Contact your County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.  This board should have established services as well as funding for programs for your child.  Contact the intake department and tell them you have a child with a developmental delay and need to schedule an appointment.  Ask lots of questions.  Research all the programs available and choose the best fit for your child.  Always ask what else the county board has funding for as it may not always be obvious.

Questions to ask:

What programs are available for my child?

What funding is available for my child?

Are there any wait lists I should get on?

Will I have a service coordinator or specialist assigned to my family?

What summer programs do you offer or fund?

Contact your local public school system.  This is a good place to start as they may have established programs for children with developmental delays in all age categories.  You will need to have an initial meeting and then if appropriate, the school will get you started in the programs they offer.  If you child is under the age of three (3), please contact Help Me Grow (www.ohiohelpmegrow.org).

Contact your Pediatrician regarding the assessment findings and ask for resources she/he may have in the office.  If you still have questions and feel you need additional expertise regarding your child, find a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician and make an appointment.  A Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician will offer you advice and counsel regarding your child’s future needs.  This doctor may guide you toward services and medical interventions appropriate for your child. Educate yourself.  Read articles, surf the web and attend meetings with associations and other parents.  Networking with parents and professionals is the best way to obtain information and new trends in disability issues.  These educational opportunities will help define the steps you take in ensuring the best future for your child.  Please review the website resources as these provide an excellent starting point for educating yourself and your family.

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