When an infant or young child is diagnosed with a disability, the family's lives are changed forever. Confronting and living with the challenges brought about by disability requires families to draw upon strengths within themselves that they often did not think existed. Parents and families have to adjust to a life different than they imagined. The ability of the family to meet these challenges is determined, in large part, by the support that is available from other immediate family members, grandparents, relatives, friends and co-workers. Equally important are the supports and services that the family and child receive from the educational and other social service agencies.
Disability is often apparent at birth.
An infant is diagnosed, usually by a physician, at the hospital. Some children are diagnosed later after they fail to meet certain developmental milestones. For example, during the first eight months of life, an infant should be able to shake a rattle, make sounds, and kick a mobile. Failure to meet these milestones should alert a physician and parent to the need to investigate the reasons why these milestones have not been met. Thanks to advances in technology and greater understanding of disability, children with disabilities are being identified during their very early years and are able to get services much earlier in life.