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  • Helpful Hints for Preparing for Your Child's Doctor Visit

    Bethany Mobley, MD

  • Early Intervention: a window of opportunity to help your child thrive

    What is Early Intervention?

    Early Intervention is a federal program that originated in the 1975 Education of All Handicapped Children Act. It is currently Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the law that helps states provide services to babies and toddlers under the age of 36 months who have been diagnosed with a disability, who are not learning and growing at the same rate as other children their age, or who are at risk of having developmental delays in their learning and growing.

    What is the goal of Early Intervention?

    All infants and toddlers grow and develop uniquely. However, some children may show significant delays in attaining their developmental milestones at a young age. The goal of early intervention is to prevent future difficulties and promote the necessary conditions for healthy development.  Early Intervention programs minimize and in some cases prevent delays in development of infants and toddlers with disabilities. They can decrease the need for special education and related services when a child enters school, and increase the child’s independence.

    Why is it important to “Intervene Early?”

    Research has shown that the time between birth and 36 months of age is a critical developmental period in a child’s life. These months offer a window of opportunity for learning that will not be available later. Children whose special needs are identified and addressed during these crucial early years have a better chance of reaching their full potential.

    How do I know if my child will benefit from Early Intervention?

    Does your child have special health or learning needs? Was your child born with a very low birth weight? Do you think your child is slow to begin sitting up, crawling, walking or talking? Does your child have vision, hearing or feeding problems? Does your child have trouble relating to other people? Does your child have a condition that may cause him/her to have a future delay in development?

    What services are included in Early Intervention?

    Early Intervention Service programs and funding are different in each state. Typically, Early Intervention programs are designed to address five areas of development with specific services customized to meet each child’s particular needs. These programs take a family-centered approach, and are usually provided in the child’s “natural environment” (home or child care center). Cognitive development: how a child thinks/learns. An Early Intervention specialist/teacher may provide home-based learning enrichment or preschool classroom services may be recommended to address these needs. Physical development: includes fine and gross motor developmental milestones, vision and hearing. Occupational and/or physical therapy may be warranted to address these needs. Children may also be followed by services for children with low vision, or for the deaf/hard-of-hearing. Language, speech and communication: these skills may be further evaluated and treated by a speech-language pathologist Social-emotional development: these skills may warrant the need for evaluation and treatment by a behavioral therapist, counselor or developmental psychologist Adaptive/self-help skills and development: these skills may be further evaluated and treated by an occupational therapist.

    How can I learn more about Early Intervention in my area?

    Families and Advocates Partnership for Education web site: www.fape.org The Developmental Center for Infants and Children at the Howard Philips Center (Early Steps) 407.317.7430 ext. 2121 Florida Directory of Early Childhood Services: 1.800.654.4440  www.centraldirectory.org www.zerotothree.org

  • A silent killer in young athletes - sickle cell trait

    The stories have become all too familiar to us: local news coverage shows a high school athlete who has collapsed unexpectedly during a game and is being rushed to the hospital. It is every parent’s worst nightmare.

  • Helping your teen make healthy snack choices can make a BIG difference

    What is one of the first things a teenager does when they come home from school? Mostly likely they will raid the refrigerator or pantry for something to munch on. Choosing healthy options for snacks can help assure teenagers are on the right track to meet nutrition needs for key nutrients, which are important for proper growth and development. On the other hand, snacking on the wrong foods provide teens with extra unnecessary calories and fat which could lead to unwanted weight gain and possible future health problems. You may be asking, how can I encourage teens to grab healthy snacks?

  • When Healthy Eating Isn't Enough for Severely Obese Teenagers

    As the obesity epidemic in the United States continues to rise, a small number of teenagers are finding that traditional methods of weight loss just won’t cut it. For those adolescents with severe obesity, weight loss surgery — or bariatric surgery — may be an option. While healthy eating and exercise are recommended first when trying to lose weight, this surgery could be a life-changing (or even life-saving) choice for some obese teens.

  • How To Help Kids with Social Anxiety During Pandemic

    Many parents, while trying to keep their children safe from COVID-19, worry their kids are missing important social skills. Some of the most common issues include social anxiety, gaps in social skills like sharing and parallel play, and separation anxiety. 

  • Orthopedic Sports Physicals: Key Before Students Hit the Field or Gym

    Every year, more than 30 million kids and teens participate in organized sports programs throughout the United States. Nearly one-third will wind up with an injury that requires a doctor’s care. So before hitting the field, track or gym, a sports physical is often required -- and always recommended -- to be sure they can safely compete.

  • How To Safely Introduce Allergens to Your Baby

    Food allergies in infants and children are becoming more common in the United States, which can make it nerve-wracking for parents trying to introduce new foods to their babies.

  • A second chance at life: Michael's story

    Michael is a bright, spirited 2-year-old: full of life and overflowing with a vivacious curiosity about everything and everyone. But, his joy and unbridled enthusiasm for life also serve as a bittersweet reminder to his loved ones that just a few short weeks ago, Michael nearly lost his life in a tragic accident.

  • 5 tips for helping your child with autism manage their daily routine