CDCs proactive instead reactive
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
I had recently read an article in one of the local newspapers about child development centers in Montana and knew instantly that I wanted to learn more; and not just because this is the perfect topic for my activism project for my English class. I truly am interested due to the fact that my field of choice after graduation is occupational therapy. The two main goals that I discovered were to be proactive in the child's life to help them be independent as they grow older, and to increase awareness of the resources available. So many young parents don't realize that their child's development is delayed since they are just starting a family and have no other children to use as a comparison as to the rate their new born is developing. CDCs (like a center in Missoula) offer free screenings and evaluations to help make sure children are on track. If they discover a delay somewhere during the screenings and evaluations, actions are immediately taken to solve the challenge, ensuring an independent future.
People have blamed our environment and preservatives in today's world as the cause of increase in autism or just developmental struggles. Truthfully, I somewhat disagree. Since the definition of developmentally delayed and autism has broadened, and more awareness is being raised about free screenings and evaluations, less and less children are able to slip under the radar their whole life labeled as a corky kid or just plain weird. Yes, diet can contribute to a child's behavior, but if you give any child too much candy they will be hyperactive. Being able to catch this glitch in a child's life can enable them to be an independent person as they grow into adults and I believe can reduce the amount of struggles in a child's future.
Become aware, spread the word, and change the face of our future for delayed children.
Feeling independent and a part of their classmates, co-workers, etc. means more to them than anybody could imagine.
If you know of anybody in need of these services for early intervention you can contact your local CDC's at: (406) 549-6413 - Missoula office; (406) 755-2426 - Kalispell office; www.childdevcenter.org
Karli Chlarson
PHS senior
Polson
