Developmental Treatment Services at First Step

Whether it’s developmental delays or any of a number of other developmental concerns, the Developmental Treatment Services program at First Step helps families find the right answers for their children. Upon referral from your child’s physician, our staff can evaluate your child’s skills and strengths to help determine the best path for his or her future.

The First Step Developmental Treatment Services for Children focuses on getting your preschooler ready for school. We teach your child basic skills and offer the special attention essential for paving the way to a successful venture into the public school setting.

Upon the referral of your child’s physician, our staff will evaluate your child’s skills and strengths, identify goals and needs, and then chart a fun and exciting course toward success.

We use creative strategies and professional expertise to work alongside each child, encouraging him or her to develop a sense of pride and accomplishment—something that sometimes can be difficult for children with developmental delays to reach on their own.

At First Step, there are no failures or disappointments. It’s just your child, working hard to become his or her best.

[box type=”arrow” top=”” bottom=””]For more information, contact the First Step location closest to where you live or our main office in Hot Springs at (501) 624.6468.[/box]

What are Developmental Delays?

A developmental delay occurs when your child is delayed in achieving one or more of his or her milestones. This may affect speech and language, fine and gross motor skills, and/or personal and social skills.

About 4.5 million people in the United States have developmental disabilities, which are defined as severe, life-long disabilities attributed to mental and/or physical impairments and manifested before age 22.

Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activities:

• The ability to live independently
• The ability to achieve economic self-sufficiency
• The ability to learn
• The ability to be mobile
• The ability to understand and express language
• The ability to care for one’s self
• The ability to accomplish self-direction

Without the right services and supports, the choices open to your child—including where he or she will live, play, and eventually work—are few.

He or she will be isolated rather than fully integrated and included in the mainstream of society. However, with individually planned and coordinated services and supports (for example, those involving health care, education, housing, employment, and civil and human rights protection) from many providers in the community, you can ensure the highest quality of life possible for your child and your family.

Making a call to First Step is the best possible step you can take in that direction.

Here are some of the most common conditions involving developmental delays and disabilities:

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