If you suspect that your family member or someone else you know has an intellectual or developmental disability or delay, it is important to have that individual evaluated.
An evaluation can confirm or remove suspicions, and put the individual on the road to obtaining appropriate assistance. The evaluation process will consist of a psychological assessment and a psychosocial evaluation that will include an assessment of adaptive behavior.
Signs of delayed development are different at every age but indicate that an individual is having difficulty doing what is expected of others in the same age group. For example, a toddler who has difficulty sitting or moving or walking or eating; a young child who does not understand spoken language or cannot communicate; a school-age child that has not learned to read or do other school-related tasks; an adult who has not been toilet trained or who does not engage in any meaningful activities or speak in more than one-word utterances.
For children from birth to age 3:
Children from birth to age 3 can receive evaluations at no direct cost to families through the Early Intervention service system. These services are funded through the state and city in accordance with federal law. The child with a suspected developmental delay will need an Early Intervention Services Coordinator. A Service Coordinator can be obtained by contacting the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
To make a referral, call 311, and ask for Early Intervention.
If outside of New York City, 212-New-York (212 639-9675)
– DOH TTY: 212-504-4115
For children ages 3 to 5:
Children aged 3 to 5 years can receive evaluations at no direct cost to families through the DOE Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), which manages the process for preschool children. There are 10 CPSE offices in different areas of the city. Families work with the CSPE in the district where they live.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, you can write a letter to your local CPSE. This letter is called a referral and it must be made in writing. For further info on how to get your child evaluated, please visit “Moving to Preschool” on the NYC School’s website.
For ages 5 through senior citizen:
People ages 5 through their senior years can be evaluated at AHRC New York City’s Clinical Center for Disabilities. You can request an evaluation to confirm OPWDD eligibility by contacting our Referral and Information Center.
