Are you concerned about your child's development or behavior? The  guide can help you find public, private and nonprofit resources to help your child.  

 

Discuss your concerns with your child's PCP.  Your child's PCP will perform an initial evaluation to determine if your child is meeting age appropriate milestones.  (Seriously? Even behavior concerns?)

  

You may be eligible to receive a free screening and/or services from Help Me Grow or your child's public school district. What number do I call? The steps for obtaining a school district screening are detailed in the Ohio Department of Education guide: Whose_idea_is_this?  

 

Your child's PCP may refer you for a private evaluation with a psychologist, counselor, speech-language pathologist, or occupational therapists. (How could they help?!?) Your insurance company may or may not cover the cost of these evaluations and services. We recommend that you check with your insurance company before your appointment.

(We've been there too.)

These nonprofit organizations can help you. 

Connecting for Kids' mission is to educate and support families with questions or concerns about their child's development. Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or if you are just questioning whether his or her development is typical compared to same-aged peers, Connecting for Kids can help. 

Milestones Autism Organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. No question is to big or too small. Call our office for answers and knowledgeable advice. Find help planning, preparing and prioritizing to meet your child's short and long-term needs.  milestones.org

Among other programs, NAMI Greater Cleveland offers free education and support programs for families/caregivers of children 10 and under struggling with neurobiological disorders such as ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. namigreatercleveland.org

The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) advocates for parent and family support services.  OCECD is dedicated to ensuring that every child with a disability, ages birth through 26 years, is provided a free, appropriate education.  ocecd.org

Have more questions? Read the full brochure below.  

 Birth to Five Years

 School-Aged Child

This project was generously produced by grants from Abilities First, Behavioral Health Services of Greater Cleveland, CMA Communication Consultants, Connecting for Kids, NAMI Greater Cleveland and Speech Spot.