Careers  |  Contact Us  |  En Español   |  
 
Click to View
Road Map: Children w/Speech & Development Concerns
Step 1: Should I be concerned?
Possible Developmental Concerns:
  • Avoidance of snuggling/tends to rely on self-calming(rocking or other repetitive behaviors)
  • Eye contact is brief, rarely initiated
  • Inconsistent response to name(parents often worry that child is deaf)
  • Absence of basic gestures to communicate needs or wants
  • Absent or delayed speech. May develop, but not communicative(repeating dialogue from TV show or movie to himself /herself)
  • Not very interested in typical toys; more interested in unusual objects; play repetitive in nature(spinning wheels on a toy; lining up blocks); May be especially talented regarding visual-motor tasks such as completing puzzles
  • Minor changes in routine can be discomforting leading to aggression or tantrums
  • At times seems “in his/her own world” and oblivious to others; Does not seem upset when left with someone unfamiliar; Has not developed strong and differential relationships with family members
Red Flags from the First Signs Organization:
  • No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months
  • No back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by 9 months
  • No babbling by 12 months
  • No back and forth gestures(eg. Pointing, showing, reaching or waving) by 12 months
  • No words by 16 months
  • No two word meaningful phrases(without imitating or repeating) by 24 months
  • Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age
 
Step 2: Medical Component
  • Schedule an appointment with your child’s physician
 
Step 3: Referral for Evaluation
  • If your child’s physician advises an evaluation, they may recommend contacting Early Intervention at 717-399-7323(for children 0-3 years)
  • Families can self refer to Early Intervention if they still have concerns and the physician does not
  • Early Intervention will help to determine if your child qualifies for services (i.e.: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, special instruction and/or social work)
  • If your child is 3-5 years old, you would contact the Intermediate Unit 13 Early Intervention at 717-606-1601
  • If your child is over age 5, contact the local school district where your child will be attending or contact the Intermediate Unit 13 at  717-606-1600
  • If your child is school age, consider contacting the Special Education Consultant for your district. This consultant is a liaison between the school and the special education department
 
Step 4: Insurance
  • Contact your insurance company to see if therapies with a diagnosis of developmental delay is a covered benefit(most insurance companies do not cover these services)
  • You may want to apply for the Medical Access card to supplement your current insurance. Contact the Lancaster County Assistance Office at 717-299-7421
  • If you qualify for Medical Assistance, you will need to choose a plan (Amerihealth Mercy, Gateway, Medplus, Unison etc) Verify that your child’s physician participates with the plan before you choose one(After you choose a plan, there is a special needs department at the insurance company that you can contact directly to assist you)
 
Step 5: Seeking a Diagnosis
  • You may want to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist for a diagnosis
  • You may want to schedule an appointment with a developmental pediatrician
  • Contact your insurance company for providers within your network
 
Step 6: Community Outreach
  • Consider support groups
  • Investigate community resources
  • Network with other families
  • For more information on specialists, programs and/or services, contact your service coordinator, case manager, physician or members of your child’s team
 
Services
Consider the following:
  • MH Case Management Services 717-393-0421
  • MR Case Management Services 717-399-7355
  • Community Behavioral Health Network of PA 888-722-8646 ( Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services)
 
Transitioning From Early Intervention to the Intermediate Unit
  • Intermediate Unit contacts family when the child reaches age 3
  • An Individualized Education Plan(IEP) for your child will be created.
  • A parent can make changes or request different services than the ones recommended by the IU. Ask for your options.
  • You may want to contact a parent who has been through the process prior to the meeting with the IU
 
Disclaimer: This Road Map includes information from various sources and was compiled by the Lancaster Autism Committee. It is meant to provide information that parents “wish we had known when our children were first diagnosed”. This information is not comprehensive and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. We extend a special thank you to the parents who contributed to this resource.