The Importance of Early Identification Sasha Delgado is

The Importance of Early Identification Sasha Delgado is the manager of the preschool speech and language program in the northwest service area for the Early Abilities Preschool Speech and Language Program, at the Macaulay Child Development Centre. She has over 12 year experience as a speech-language pathologist and was previously a coordinator at a residential school for children with intensive behavior challenges and special needs. Maria Velasquez, Program Supervisor at Macaulay Child Development Centre. Maria supervises the Special Needs Resource Consultants and Early Literacy Specialists. Maria also coordinates the CAPC programs and funding for the old city of York in Toronto.

The Importance of Early Identification Sasha Delgado, M. S. , CCC SLP, Reg. CASLPO Manager, Preschool Speech and Language Program Maria Velasquez Manager, Community and Prevention

Agenda ∗ What is early identification? ∗ Why is early identification important? ∗ Benefits of early identification and support ∗ Sharing concerns with parents ∗ What kinds of services are available in your community? ∗ Resources ∗ Questions

What is early identification? The understanding of milestones in children’s development in order to facilitate early identification, services and support.

Did you know…. ∗ 1 in 66 Canadian children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ∗ 18 month Well Baby Visits – are intended to be a free, universal screening program, but less than half of eligible children are receiving the visit!

Why is early identification important A great deal of brain architecture is shaped during the first three years after birth, but the window of opportunity for its development does not close on a child’s third birthday. ∗ It promotes better outcomes. The earlier a child receives intervention, the bigger the impact can be, better outcomes for the future and possibly less service needed over time. ∗ Preschool services are limited and waitlists can be long ∗ Services beyond preschool years are often reduced ∗ Some services require a formal diagnosis or identification for children to access the intervention

The Early Years Are So Important! At Birth 6 Years Old 14 Years Old Rethinking the Brain, Families and Work Institute, Rima Shore, 1997.

Experience-Based Brain Development in the early years of life sets neurological and biological pathways that affect: Health Learning Behaviour

4 Benefits of Early Identification and Support 1 Improves and enhances development of a child with special needs and helps to better prepare them for school. 2 Provides information and assistance to support and empower parents and families of children with special needs. 3 Lays the foundation that will improve the life of the child and offer greater opportunities. 4 Provides your settlement and CNC teams with support, information and tools to better understand support newcomer children with special needs and their parents!

What services are available in your community? ∗ What is available? Are your settlement and CNC teams familiar with the services in your area? ∗ Call your local community and social services helplines (211 in most provinces) ∗ Contact the CMAS Special Needs Consultant

Types of services ∗ ∗ ∗ Preschool Speech and Language Hearing Vision Occupational therapy Physical therapy Family Resource Programs Developmental Assessments Mental health Behaviour Advocacy Childcare (subsidy) Disability (e. g. , financial supports, transportation)

Things for your team to consider… ∗ ∗ ∗ Does the family need to have status to access the services? Are there cultural or religious considerations Is translation/interpreter services available? Is there a long wait list? What’s the referral process? Are there accessibility concerns? (eg, time, language, ability to travel, financial)

Further Considerations for frontline staff • Listen to the child’s parent, start with their observations or concerns • Always be supportive, never judgmental • Avoid jargon, labels, and terminology • Keep it positive; emphasize ‘ruling out’ anything serious

Sharing concerns with parents When parents aren’t ready… Build trust, watch for cues, revisit concern If parents seem ready to acknowledge there might be a concern… share information slowly, sandwich positive-concern -positive, ask about concerns at home When parents are ready… support them in connecting with community resources Parents must consent for referrals and to be placed on waitlists for services. Consider potential barriers, as the referral source (ie, your staff) must reasonably ensure the family understands what they are consenting to.

Connecting families and children to support ∗ Your team already has the connection and relationship with the family. If they have connections to other professionals, services and resources, families may be more likely to talk to another professional if they are introduced by someone they know and trust ∗ Be patient with families. Respect that this is a process for them to understand accept there may be concerns with their child’s development. They may have other more pressing issues regarding their settlement that takes precedence over these concerns. Know your scope of practice and practice within it.

Helpful resources for your team

Links/resources ∗ Why is Early Identification Important? (https: //www. coursera. org/lecture/autism-spectrum-disorder/why-is-early-identification-important-J 1 px. K) ∗ Tips for Talking with Parents about Developmental Concerns (https: //www. cdc. gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/tipstalkingparents. pdf) ∗ Talking to Parents about Problems in Development (https: //www. extension. purdue. edu/providerparent/parent-provider%20 relationships/Talking. About. Dev. htm) ∗ Discussing Developmental Concerns with Parents (http: //helpmegrowmn. org/HMG/Helpful. Res/Resources. Prof/Discuss. Develop. Concern. Parent/index. html) ∗ Early identification and why it’s important for the pupils in your school (http: //www. thecommunicationtrust. org. uk/media/253193/1_4_early_identification_final_july_2014. pdf) ∗ Early Childhood Development and Disability: A discussion paper (http: //apps. who. int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/75355/9789241504065_eng. pdf; jsessionid=BC 6130 F 7 EAC 32 D 6 F 7 D 2 DC 873359 F 90 EE? sequence=1) ∗ Sharing Concerns If you suspect a Developmental Delay or Autism, Speak Up! (https: //www. ocali. org/up_doc/Sharing_Concerns_Speak_Up. pdf) ∗ Sharing Sensitive News with Parents – Hanen Centre online course for professionals (http: //www. hanen. org/Professional-Development/Online-Training/SSN. aspx) ∗ Child Development: Issues and Assessment (https: //www. kidsnewtocanada. ca/screening/child-development) ∗ Autism Ontario (http: //www. autismontario. com/Client/ASO/AO. nsf/object/2018+Canadian+Prev+Rates/$file/2018+Canadian+Prev+Rates. pdf)