Plan of Action for my Child

1.  Talk to your child’s medical provider.  This is always the first place to start.  Not only does your child's PCP know them well, they also will need to order a referral for any follow up testing with a team.  Your child's PCP can  help you decide if your child needs to be referred for a specialist who works in the area of developmental (such as a developmental behavioral pediatrician, child psychiatrist, child psychologist).  You can also talk with them about the referral to Early Intervention or Early Childhood services.

2.  If your child is younger than 3 year of age, parents or professionals can refer the child to Arkansas First Connections Early Intervention Program to receive a free developmental assessment.  As a parent, you do not have to wait for a formal diagnosis from a medical provider to get started with this assessment.  You can call 1-800-642-8258 or following the link to this website:  https://dhs.arkansas.gov/dds/firstconnectionsweb/#fc-home.    Remember, you can make this referral yourself. 

3.  If your child is between the ages of 3 and 5 years, a developmental assessment may be obtained by contacting your local public school district or the Early Childhood Special Education office at the Arkansas Department of Education at 501 682-4221 or by clicking on the first link.   http://www.arkansased.gov/divisions/learning-services/special-education/policy-regulations/child-find

follow the second link to find the contact person in your part of the state:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O97kDRsQQ-YM37D9JcqWECUbB6Q8c9PnWNg7j5Gszt4/edit#gid=1086563166

4.  Your PCP can refer your child to a CoBALT site close to your home.  This will allow a screening evaluation to determine if your child may have autism and/or other developmental concerns.


5.  Your PCP or your CoBALT team may refer you for a more comprehensive developmental evaluation.  If you would rather have your PCP refer you for a comprehensive team evaluation, that can be accomplished as well.  This would be an evaluation through a center like the James L. Dennis Developmental Center.