During the early months of a child’s life, many parents find themselves faced with the realization that their child may have developmental delays. As a parent comes to understand that their child may potentially face a lifetime of trials, a sense of grief may develop. It can become frustrating not knowing where to turn for help: Texas Panhandle Centers Early Childhood Intervention Program provides services to children from birth to three years old with developmental delays.

Developmental delays can affect a child’s communication, mobility, or nutritional requirements; things that are required for growth physically and intellectually. Children are referred to services once functional deficits become evident or developmental milestones become delayed by several months. Children are linked to a broad array of services after a full assessment is completed by staff specifically trained in early childhood development. Treatment is tailored to each child’s needs, and can include service coordination, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional counseling and physical therapy.