Birth to Three Targets Delayed Childhood Milestones
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Not all babies reach developmental milestones as quickly as others the same age.
Whether it's smiling, waving "bye-bye", throwing kisses, or taking that first step, developmental milestones are major achievements that babies should achieve over the first years of life. Delays in reaching any of those milestones may be normal, or could be red flags that something is amiss.
Parents love bragging about their toddler's milestones as they play, learn, speak, act, and move. However, when they suspect there are delays in any of those skills, free help is available through the West Virginia Birth To Three system.
WVBTT is the lead agency in a statewide early intervention system of services and supports for children under age three who have a delay in their development, or may be at risk of having a delay. It assures that family centered, community based services are available to all eligible children and families at no cost. The agency partners with families and caregivers to build upon their strengths by offering coordination, supports, and resources to enhance children's learning and development.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which issues a printable milestones checklist on its website, reports that nearly 17% of all children in the United States experience some form of developmental delay, and recognizing a problem early is key for parents and healthcare providers to help children reach their full potential.
"We are always trying to match families with professionals in the specific milestone disciplines, so they have the information they need to help their child." said Pam Roush, BTT's state director.
"It's important that we get the word out about our services," Roush said. "And, equally important to let people know there is no charge for what we do."
Roush said to be eligible for Birth To Three services, an infant or toddler under the age of 3 may either exhibit a delay in one or more areas of their development, or be at risk of having delays in the future.
Typical delays may be exhibited in one or more of the following areas:
• Cognitive (thinking and learning).
• Physical (moving, seeing, hearing).
• Social/emotional (feeling, coping, getting along with others).
• Adaptive (doing things for him/herself).
• Communication (understanding and communicating with others).
"A child may be born with an established condition such as hearing or visual," Roush said, "Or with a condition typically associated with a developmental delay like Down syndrome or autism, or a combination of biological and other risks factors which may include family stressors."
She said parents are best at spotting possible delays. They are first to notice their child is not speaking yet, or not sitting up. When that happens, BTT can step in to teach parents strategies they can employ to get the child talking or sitting up.
"The professionals focus on family guided routines to help parents learn how to support their children," Roush said. "A family's team may include an audiologist, counselor, developmental specialist, hearing specialist, nurse, nutritionist, occupational therapist, psychologist, physical therapist, service coordinator, special educator, speech and language therapist, and vision therapist. And, it's done in-home or in any environment where the child is most comfortable. My advice is if you see something say something. Early intervention is important to address delays before they cause major issues as the child grows."
West Virginia's Northern Panhandle, plus the counties of Marion, Monongalia, Tyler and Wetzel, comprise BTTs Region 1. It is one of eight regional administrative units servicing all corners of the state. For information call 1-800-619-5697.
Similar programs are available in Ohio and Pennsylvania.