An ounce of intervention is worth its weight in gold

Early intervention program aims to provide services to aid youngest in need

By STEVE COLON

Expositor Editor

Graham was diagnosed with Down Syndrome as a newborn. His parents enrolled him in the early intervention program at the Fulton County Board of Developmental Disabilities when he was about five months old.

There he received speech and occupational therapy and excelled in the program. So, when his younger brother, Joshua, wasn't speaking understandably at a typical age, his parents went back once again to the board for services.

"Since we had been through the program, we were very comfortable calling (for an evaluation)," said mother Deb Micham. She and her husband, Kevin, knew this situation was different but help was still needed.

After some time in the program, Joshua's moderate speech delay is all but gone.

The Michams found the birth to three year old services of the early intervention program to be invaluable, not only for their sons but for themselves as well.

"We did not know (Graham's) diagnosis before birth," Deb said. "It was so nice to finally have a set of professionals who knew what we needed and to help provide us with direction."

Some newborns can be referred to the early intervention program by their pediatrician, or parents can simply call the board with concerns about delays to typical development such as speech, motor skills, vision and hearing.

After contact is made with the program, a home visit and evaluation is conducted with the family. If eligible, the child can be a part of the program up to age three.

As part of the program, the child meets with specialists from monthly to weekly to receive speech and occupational therapy. These sessions can be conducted at the board or at the home depending on family needs.

Also, there is a classroom option for 2.5 year olds to help prepare them for a pre-school setting. This option meets twice a week for six months. There is a weekly play group option available as well.

"This program is a little more structured. It is much like a preschool room but just a little less intense," said early intervention program coordinator Kristie Humbert.

The whole goal of the program is to give kids as much help as needed to prepare them for whatever goals are determined by the families and specialists. Some children will be receiving services their entire life, some just need a little help to catch up. Whatever is needed, the sooner services can be rendered the better for the child.

"If we can see somebody sooner, the goal is they may not need services at preschool or in school," said board Superintendent Beth Friess. "The earlier you can intervene the more likely you will have fewer problems further on."

Working with families is also a big part of the program, Humbert said.

"Part of what we do is prepare the child for where they are going," she said. "Whether that is pre-school or home, we help the family determine where the best placement is for the child."

Humbert said the program is entirely parent driven.

"Once accepted, we make recommendations and then the parents choose which options to take," she said.

The Michams have seen the program work wonders for both their children.

"Developmentally, certainly (we have seen improvements," Deb said. "Some parents might want to wait until there is a diagnosis, then find at age three there is an issue that needs to be addressed. That puts you that much further behind. It does not hurt, and parents should not be embarrassed to have their child evaluated.

"It helped me in a way, just getting in touch with other parents. Really, it just really helps."

Cheryl Barber-Spires and her husband, Brett, had twins who were especially tiny and premature. Immediately, they were made eligible for services.

"We received funds to cover travel for my husband, Brett, who would visit several times a week, as he also cared for our then 7-year-old and worked third shift. Ethan passed away at 1 month and 2 days of life. Josie remained in the hospital for over three months. When she was released, we began receiving home visits from Cheryl Kohls, our Help Me Grow family support specialist, and began to also receive speech therapy and occupational therapy. Currently, Josie is in the 2-year-old Early Childhood Classroom program and goes to school twice each week."

In addition to the help for Josie, the Cheryl also learned as a parent.

"I have learned a lot about being an advocate for my daughter and have received specific information on how to help her advance in her speech and physical abilities," she said.

Barber-Spires also encourages parents to get an evaluation if there is even one question about a possible delay.

"Take the time to find out if your child is eligible for any services," she said. "I was at an advantage because I have worked with Help Me Grow for many years. When it came time for me to accept services it was very easy because I knew the providers. Once eligible, don't be afraid to ask questions and seek all that you can to help your child reach their greatest potential."

Perhaps the greatest success of the program is improvements the parents have seen in their children.

"Mentally, I am trying not to put limits on what you think your kids can accomplish," Micham said. "(Graham) continues to surprise me all the time."

Barber-Spires also has the same sense of accomplishment with her daughter.

"Because of Josie's early birth, she has expected developmental delays. She may be a bit behind, but she catches up and surpasses all expectations," she said. "Josie runs around the house and 'talks' all the time. She learns new words each day and loves to recognize letters and count. She has gained many new skills and independence by being a part of the program."

If you have any questions about possible delays in your child, please contact the board at (419) 337-4575.