Developmentally Delayed Children: Don’t Fear the Label!
by Cinda Chatfield, B.A.
I often work with parents whose precious children happen to present delays in their development. These delays can range from the absence of their expressive and/or receptive language skills, their social/emotional skills, or their ability to utilize their fine and/or gross motor skills fully. Thankfully, there are many free and affordable programs offered to said families that provide therapy services and resources to help their children reach their full potential. When you see as many children and parents as I do, you realize that children who frequently present delays in their early years, are much more common than you’d think!
One common concern that I run into is parents fearing that their child being developmentally delayed will lead to them being “labeled” in school. For those of you who are wondering, “being labeled” refers to having your child noted as one or more of the following things, such as: “Learning Disability,” “ADHD,” “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” or “Other Health Impairment” to name a few. With these “labels” your children may access appropriate educational opportunities in the school system. But I’ve found that most parents fear of labels does not stem from concern over their development, but from misunderstandings of how the education system today works when it comes to offering services to children! People, we have made great strides in our special education system! We are no longer in the 80’s! Wake up!
I know what you’re picturing, your child scribbling with crayons, forced to sit alone in the back of the class while the rest of the “typically developing children” mingle in the front with their protractors, solving Fermat’s Last Theorem. Although you may have seen that in your experience growing up, trust me when I say that it’s NOT like that anymore! There are many schools that offer wonderful resources for children allowing them to work alongside their typically developing peers while having the individualized support that they may need. I’m giving you permission to be free from fear. I understand that you may have to do more research on the programs available in your area, but trust me when I say that the once-medieval way that we understood special needs, has been largely replaced with competent understanding and patient practices. Your child will be protected, given the appropriate amount of accommodations and modifications to allow them easier access in reaching their full potential. They will have their minds challenged and expanded, like their typically developing peers!
It’s time to stop fearing “labels” and accepting that our children should be as valued by society, regardless of how they learn and if they need individualized attention. I know this from experience, both of my daughters were “labeled”, and they profited from the help they received in school. Just make sure to do some research on the ample amount of developmental therapy programs available and embrace the necessary help. It will only serve you and your child for the better!
About the Author: Cinda Chatfield has worked for over 15 years as a Child Development Specialist, Parent & Family Educator and Advocate. Cinda is the founder of Chatfield & Company, a collective dedicated to creating a harmonious home environment for parents and children. To find out more, visit: chatfieldandcompany.com
