Developmental screening makes ‘astonishing’ difference for infant

By KALEY CONNER 
Hays Area Children’s Center

Sierra Jones, like most mothers, admits to worrying about her child. But by the time her daughter, Tailynn, was 10 months old, it became obvious that something wasn’t quite right.

Melissa Ginther, an occupational therapist on HACC’s early intervention team, laughs as she works with Tailynn Jones in late March.

The child was not achieving normal milestones for this age, such as beginning to crawl, and she seemed to have a hard time pointing and grasping on to toys, bottles and other objects.

The family was referred to Hays Area Children’s Center for a complete developmental evaluation in November. During a visit from a registered nurse and occupational therapist, a startling discovery was made.

“They found she is severely far-sighted,” Sierra Jones said.

HACC staff was able to make the initial assessment during a home visit using Spot Vision Screener technology, which gives a detailed report of a child’s vision in less than 1 second. The technology, which checks alignment of the eyes, vision acuity, astigmatism and pupil size, was purchased with a grant from the Children’s Miracle Network.

In Tailynn’s case, she failed the initial exam and was referred to an ophthalmologist, then later outfitted with a pale green pair of special glasses.

“She picked them out herself,” Her mother said of the color.

From November until the time the family moved out of state in April, HACC staff continued to visit Tailynn regularly to assess her progress and help her achieve new skills.

Four months after the initial diagnosis, Tailynn was not only crawling, but learning to walk. She is able to grab on to toys and feed herself a bottle, and continues to gain motor skills. And for the first time, she is able to see others smiling and return the gesture.

The difference, Sierra said, has been astonishing.

After being referred to HACC for a suspected developmental delay, it was discovered the 10-month old child was severely far-sighted. — After being referred to HACC for a suspected developmental delay, it was discovered the 10-month-old child was severely far-sighted.

“It seemed like she was just amazed by everything she could see,” she said. “She was just taking it all in. It’s just amazing how far she’s come.”

HACC provides early intervention services to children who have been referred for a developmental delay or disability. These services are provided at no cost to the families, and are funded with help from United Way of Ellis County and funds from the Ellis County mill levy.

Qualifying concerns include a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities or delays. It is gratifying for HACC staff to watch the children make significant improvements as a result of these services, said Beth Fisher, the registered nurse on the early intervention team.

“That was so heartwarming,” Fisher said of Tailynn’s experience, “because it was easy to see what difference was made.”

For children with developmental concerns, the benefits of proper early intervention services will last a lifetime. Many studies have linked early childhood intervention to improved outcomes in school and in society later in life.

If parents suspect their young child might be struggling with a developmental delay, they are encouraged to schedule a free developmental screening through Hays Area Children’s Center. Screenings are offered once a month, and are available to children ages birth to 3, and 3 to 5 if parents have a concern.

The screenings provide a quick assessment of all areas of development, including speech, language, vision, hearing, social and personal skills, thinking, self-help and motor development. If a concern is identified, the child might qualify for free services through the early intervention program.

For more information or to schedule a free developmental screening, contact HACC at (785) 625-3257.