CARING FOR A CHILD:
DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS
Most children with cardiomyopathy do
not have any physical or mental limitations that would
prevent them from participating in playgroups or school
programs. In rare cases, a child may fall behind developmentally
due to prolonged hospitalization from complications of
the disease. If your child is under the age of 3 and may
have minor delays, he/she may qualify for Early Intervention
Services (EIS). Early Intervention is a state sponsored
program that provides physical, occupational, speech or
feeding therapy through public and private agencies to
children that qualify for the program (show a 33% delay
in one developmental area or 25% delay in 2 areas). If
your child qualifies, evaluations and all or some therapy
sessions are covered by the state. Additional information
on a state agency that serves children with special needs
is available through your hospital's social worker or by
checking the State
Resource Sheet.
If your child is over 3, your child's school system can help evaluate with
physical, intellectual and psychological testing and recommend special public
services. If testing indicates that your child would benefit from related educational
services, an individualized educational program (IEP) can be developed with
your child's teacher and principal.
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