how to get an almost 3 year old evaluated for speech issue in Montgomery County

[Anonymous]

Hi I'm considering whether my almost 3 year old son should be evaluated for speech delay and if so how do I get started? Do I just call child find or the mont co infants and toddlers program, or something else? My son talks a lot, but he is really difficult to understand. My husband and I can understand most of what he says, but others really can't understand much at all and his pronounciation is just so off with some major sounds that I'm wondering if he might need some assistance.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Call Montg. Co Infant and Toddlers they will refer you. Also ask your Ped.

[Anonymous]

I second the suggestion for the county's infants and toddlers program. Here is the link:
http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/infantstoddlers/

[Anonymous]

Has anyone used the Montgomery County infants and toddlers program? were they good? How long did you have to wait for an evaluation?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

You could also see someone privately to have your child evaluated. I would rec Dr. Kimberly Brooks in Silver Spring
301-589-1898

[Anonymous]

To 11:19 (and others who may be interested): We used the county infants' and toddlers' program and I was very grateful to have their services. The therapists were kind and very dedicated. We got weekly visits at home from a special educator, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist. We moved to Montgomery County from DC when my son turned one, but I made the intake appointment a few weeks before that, knowing that we'd be residents by the time of the appointment. The school system has continued to provide very good support, providing a speech device, pre-school, summer school, transportation, and later a special program for K-2 where he was increasingly mainstreamed over time. Next year he will be fully mainstreamed in our home school three blocks away with a dedicated paraeducator and all the therapy supports he needs. I'm very glad he won't have to ride a bus anymore, and will be able to make friends with neighborhood children who can actually have play dates with him, rather than going to school far away.

The early intervention was critical to his success, so I'd say to ask for services if you think they might help your child.