Make the First Five Count

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - It can be difficult enough to distinguish early signs in children who may be at risk for developmental delays, autism or other disabilities from normal development, but with the speed of life today, those signs may be overlooked by parents.  According to Easter Seals, "one million kids enter school with an undiagnosed disability."  But by that time so much learning should already have taken place and a child is at a double disadvantage as he or she tries to catch up.  That's why Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana is drawing attention to the national effort, Make the First Five Count.  It's an awareness campaign to help parents address any developmental issues in kids as soon as possible, in order to take advantage of early intervention, available resources and benefits.

The website, MakeTheFirstFiveCount.org is designed for parents of children age five and younger.  It includes a free online assessment, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to help parents identify any areas of concern, or verify that a child is developing in the expected direction.  If an issue is highlighted, Easter Seals Arc can direct parents to helpful, local resources.

Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana's mission is to create solutions that change lives of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs and their families.  For more about Easter Seals Arc, call 260-456-4534 or visit www.eastersealsarcnein.org.