FAQ
How can the Center
help me?
The
MLW/DEC offers services to young children
(birth-7 years) who are "at risk"
or have a developmental disability.
These
services include:
• Diagnostic Assessment
• Screening
• Intervention
• Consultation
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What
is a developmental assessment?
A
developmental assessment is a comprehensive
review of the child's medical and developmental
status by an interdisciplinary team of professionals
which can include: a physician, a psychologist,
a speech/language pathologist, a physical
therapist, an occupational therapist, or a
nurse.
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Who
can refer?
Anyone,
including parents, can refer to the MLW/DEC.
Parental permission is necessary for referrals
made by persons other than parents.
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What
will it be like for my child?
Your
child will be involved in play-like activities
for the majority of the assessment process.
There will also be a medical examination similar
to a checkup at the pediatrician's office.
There will be no shots or blood samples taken.
Parents will be involved in the entire process,
including an extensive dialogue to obtain
information on the family’s social and
medical history and to answer any questions
the parents might have.
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Who
should come to the evaluation session?
The
caregivers who know the child best, usually
the parents and/or guardians, should attend
the initial session and family conference.
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What
should we bring?
Dress
your child in comfortable clothes and shoes.
Sometimes a favorite toy or book will help
a child feel more secure. For longer assessments,
you should also bring along a snack for your
child.
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What
does it cost?
For most families, services will be provided through publicly funded programs such as the Early Intervention (EI) or Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) programs. If your child is not eligible or you choose not to utilize these public programs, MLW/DEC will bill health insurance carriers or Medicaid.
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