I Have Concerns About My Child

So, you have concerns about your child's progress. You may be wondering what to do, who to contact, and at what point to ask for help. It is generally a good idea to consult with your child's pediatrician. However, It is also a good idea to do your own homework and look at a Developmental Checklist (pdf) like the one from Women's and Children's Hospital of Buffalo or the the one from the CDC. Keep in mind that all children develop at different rates and that checklists indicate the typical time frames for skill attainment. Developmental Red Flags can be very helpful in terms of helping you decide when to get help.

If you have concerns that your child may be showing signs of Autism check out the Red Flags of Autism link. You may want to read Dr. Guild's presentation on the Early Signs of Autism (pdf) and go to Autism Speaks Know the Signs web site. This Autism Fact Sheet (pdf) can also help you learn a bit more about Autism and its treatment.

It is very important that whenever you suspect that there may be developmental delays or red flags that your child gets evaluated as soon as possible. The sooner the better. Doctors used to (and some still do) take a "wait and see" approach, but today it is clear that Early Intervention is the key to the greatest possible outcomes for children with such issues.

We can help you through the Process

Call Rhonda at (716) 592-9331

Rhonda Hoppel, Administrative Assistant

email:

Referral Process

• Birth - 2 years of age Referrals are made through your home county’s Early Intervention Program. Call Rhonda at (716) 592-9331 and she will help guide you through the process. She knows who to contact and will provide you with the necessary phone numbers and contact information.
  
  • Allegany County: (585) 268-9250 or (800) 797-0581 Web Site
  • Cattaraugus County (716) 373-8050 or (800) 251-2584 Web Site
  • Chautauqua County (716) 753-4788 Web Site
  • Erie County (716) 858-6374 Web Site
  • Wyoming County (585) 786-8850 Web Site
  • New York State Early Intervention Web Site

• 3 - 4 years of age Referrals are made through your local school district Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). Call Rhonda at (716) 592-9331 and she will help guide you through the process. She knows who to contact and will provide you with the necessary phone numbers and contact information.
  

• 5 - 8 years of age Referrals are made through your local school district Committee on Special Education (CSE). Call Rhonda at (716) 592-9331 and she will help guide you through the process. She knows who to contact and will provide you with the necessary phone numbers and contact information.