Taking the First Step to Help

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When a child is diagnosed with a developmental disability, there are four main steps parents can take to ensure their child—and the whole family—has caring support and can live life without limits.

Step 1: Learn all you can from your physician and make sure to ask questions, such as:

What is this disability?
How will this disability affect my child?
Where can I found out more about this disability and get help?
What should I do now?
What does the future hold for my child, for me and for my family?

View this video, featuring Dr. Dennis Hart, for more information on first steps to take.

Step 2: Join a parent support group, which are often disability specific:

MyChildWithoutLimits.org offers online parent support groups.
Alta California Regional Center at (916) 978-6400 has a list of support groups.
Warmline Family Resource Center at (916) 922-9276 in Sacramento or (916) 632-2100 in Rocklin has a list of support groups.

Step 3: Contact Alta Regional Center and Warmline Resource Center for more resources.

Step 4: Ask your support group, physician or regional center about early intervention.

Step 5: Contact us! We’re here to help your child live life without limits.