When Jessica's three-year-old son suddenly stopped talking, staff at the Delta First 5 Center suggested he receive developmental screening. The results changed their lives.
Using the widely tested Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to screen Connor, the Delta First 5 Center staff asked Jessica a series of questions tied to developmental milestones. The results for Connor indicated significant concerns with his social development. The family was immediately referred to their pediatrician and school district for further assessment. As a result, Jessica discovered Connor had autism. He then received specialized services right away.
Routine developmental screening can assess if a child's development is on track, identify concerns or delays as early as possible, and provide information for parents about their child's development. The earlier delays are identified, the better. Early intervention services for delays like autism are most effective and least expensive when provided before a child enters kindergarten.
Research shows that a child's brain develops most dramatically in the first five years. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on tobacco products to support programs for expectant parents and children ages 0 to 5. Since its inception, First 5 Contra Costa has distributed over $100 million to programs and services that help children grow up healthy, nurtured, and fully prepared for school.
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