MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Educational Developmental Intervention Services recently started a new service for Iwakuni residents at the Branch Medical Clinic.
Every Friday morning, along with Well-Baby Checks, a free developmental screening is offered. The purpose of the screening is to discuss with parents their children's language, motor, problem solving and social development.
The idea is for parents to bring their children in for a medical check-up and then immediately following have an interview with Laura Pengilly, speech and language pathologist. The initial part of the assessment is a Well-Baby Check by Navy Lt. Johnna Thomas, BMC family practice physician.
Thomas gives a complete head-to-toe physical, plus a review of growth and development patterns, and a quick milestone check to see that the children are developing at a predictable speed. Thomas also answers questions parents have about their children's health and physical development. Once the Well-Baby Check is completed, the parent and child move to the next office and receive an in-depth developmental screening.
"The goal is to see all kids from birth to age 3 undergo a yearly screening to see if they have special needs," said Thomas. "The program benefits everyone with children in this age group."
This interview provides parents and Pengilly an opportunity to discuss the children's developmental skills, and it also provides time to discuss any questions, comments or concerns about their children's development.
"Sometimes parents want reassurance about their children's development," said Pengilly.
If concerns are noted, Pengilly offers a complete evaluation to determine if the child has developmental delays that may require speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
"If we identify children with delays early and provide them with services, we often see excellent progress," said Pengilly. "Early intervention is the key to providing a child with delays the services necessary to help him gain age-appropriate skills."
Problems with language development may affect children in ways that are not immediately apparent.
"Sometimes a child with language delays may not have the language to express his needs, so behavior concerns may occur such as head banging, biting, pushing and pulling," said Pengilly. "Some parents think their child may be lazy or stubborn, when in actuality there may be a language delay affecting their ability to communicate."
"With language intervention," added Pengilly, "a child learns the skills to effectively communicate, and the parent learns skills to encourage the child's language skills. When these skills are implemented, frustration for both the child and parent often decreases."
In addition to checking children's development, Pengilly gives parents advice on how to encourage their children's progress.
"We want to ensure there is appropriate development and answer any questions or concerns parents may have," said Pengilly.
The Branch Medical Clinic and EDIS are collaborating in this special program to offer comprehensive services for children and families.
For more information on the program or to schedule a screening, call EDIS at 253-4562 or the Branch Medical Clinic at 253-3445.