Dealing with developmental delays

In a small amount of cases, children with congenital heart disease may present with physical and mental limitations that compromise their ability to participate in playgroups or school programs, but for the most part, these children are able to participate in activities with their peers.

In rare cases, some children may fall behind developmentally as a consequence of complications from the disease, or because of prolonged hospitalisation. Children who are younger than three years who have minor delays may qualify for state services that provide speech, occupational, physical and feeding therapy and if this is not sufficient, the assistance of private agencies should be sought.

Older children(>3years of age) will be evaluated via intellectual, physical and psychological testing by their school system. In cases where testing indicates that the child may benefit from additional educational services, an individualized educational program should be developed for the child in conjunction with the teachers of the school.

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