Experts say early screenings and referrals are keys to a better future for children with delays or disabilities, as featured in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
ZERO TO THREE’s HealthySteps, a national program with eight sites in Texas, addresses childhood development by partnering with pediatricians to increase access to preventive services in the first years of life so that children can thrive.
When a family with a young child visits the University of Pediatric Mobile Clinic in Fort Worth, they meet with a doctor and a HealthySteps Specialist—a child development expert.
The team conducts screenings to understand developmental delays, social determinants of health, and possible adverse childhood experiences. The mobile clinic works to help families living in underserved communities in Tarrant County by traveling to schools, community centers, and organizations.
HealthySteps Specialists meet with families to educate them on development and direct them to services, such as early intervention, housing, or mental health consultation. In addition, the HealthySteps Specialists make sure that families connect to the services they need to support long-term health and well-being.
Read the full article, There’s help for kids with developmental disabilities, but families face these roadblocks.
