Undivided: What to Do When Your Child Has Received a New Diagnosis
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New Diagnosis

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Overview

Whether your child is one week or five years old, receiving a new diagnosis or news of a developmental delay is a lot to process and understand. When you’re ready, make time to explore the many resources and benefits that are available to you.

When can my child start early intervention services?

  • Early intervention can make a huge positive impact on kids’ lives and development. If your child is under age three and has been diagnosed with, or is at risk for, developmental delays or disabilities, it’s important to start services as soon as you can.
  • The state of California provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers free of charge through Early Start.

Contents


Overview

When can my child start early intervention services?

Who are the providers I need to see about my child’s diagnosis?

What public benefits are available to children with a new diagnosis?

How do I choose the right preschool for my child?

Related Topic Decoders

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Medical
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Mental Health In Children with Disabilities
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Preschool IEP
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Regional Center Early Intervention (Ages 0–3)
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Therapies (Ages 0-3)
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IHSS: In-Home Supportive Services
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Related Parent Questions

What do developmental-behavioral pediatricians do?
Developmental-behavioral pediatricians (also known as developmental pediatricians) specialize in evaluating and treating infants, children, and young adults with developmental, behavioral, and learning disorders such as Down syndrome, ADHD, and autism.
When should I start early intervention services?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are certain milestones in an infant’s first year to pay attention to when it comes to seeking out speech, physical, occupational, and behavioral therapy. Eighty percent of brain growth occurs during the first three years of life, so earlier is better.
Is my child eligible for Regional Center services after age three?
To be eligible for Regional Center services after age three, a child must have a substantial disability that begins before age 18 and is expected to continue indefinitely.
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