Many parents are asking "how do I know if my child is behind?"  Is my child learning or growing like they should?  Does my child need Early Intervention Services?   Here are few things the Alabama's Early Intervention System (a division of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services) says to look for:

Does your Child

...at 3 months
babble,
follow a moving object with his/her eyes,
hold head erect,
grasp object placed in his/her hands?

...at 6 months
turn over from back to stomach,
turn toward sounds,
sit with little support,
reach for and hold objects?

...at 9 months
say Ma-ma or Da-da,
respond to name,
stand for a short time holding onto support,
bang two objects together,
initiate sounds?

...at 12 months
wave bye-bye,
say two words besides Ma-ma and Da-da,
feed himself/herself?

...at 18 months
say 6 words,
build a tower with three blocks,
try to put on shoes,
drink from a cup held in both hands?

...at 2 years
use two-word sentences,
say at least 50 words,
walk up and down stairs,
run,
point to objects in a book?


If you feel your young child, age birth to 3, is not learning or growing in the way you expect, call The Arc of Shelby's Office (205-664-9313) or Early Intervention CHILD FIND (1-800-543-3098).