What Happens If My Child Was Denied Early Intervention Services?

Young children who have developmental delays may be eligible for early intervention services, including speech, physical, and occupational therapies; family education, counseling, and support groups; as well as nursing, nutrition, social work, and assistive technology devices and services. But what happens if your child, who you suspect has developmental delays, is evaluated and denied early intervention services? Michelle Dell’Aquila explains what you can do.

Parents know their children. They are aware of their child’s personality, her growth, and her movements. Occasionally, though, parents may notice a lag in communication or motor skills. Child development services can help get your child back on track by analyzing him and offering a plan with activities or exercises to help him to fully develop in areas in which he may be struggling.

Perhaps your child was not approved for early intervention services. This can be discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few things you can do to if your child was deemed ineligible. First, you can appeal the decision. If your child was deemed borderline or below the normal range, making her ineligible for early intervention services, you can appeal the decision. Keep in mind that if your child was ranked as average or above, there is a good chance you will not win an appeal.

Don’t be dissuaded if you were denied early intervention services, whether you appealed or not; there are more options available to you as a parent. There are many companies with experienced, licensed professionals who can sit with both the parents and child and discuss what the concerns are, as well as develop a plan for the child.