As a parent or caregiver, noticing and understanding your child’s developmental milestones is crucial. At times, you may have concerns regarding how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves. Recognizing these early signs is the first step in ensuring your child gets the necessary support. This is where our Mobile Developmental Outreach Clinic (M-DOC) comes into play.
Monitoring Developmental Milestones
In the journey of parenting, being vigilant about your child’s developmental milestones is key. To support you in this crucial role, there are a number of resources and tools that make monitoring these milestones both accessible and understandable.
A helpful resource in this journey is the “1,2,3 Grow” video series. This video is series is part of the Massachusetts Act Early initiative to educate parents and professionals about healthy childhood development, early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders, the importance of routine developmental screening, and timely early intervention whenever there is a concern.
The 1,2,3 Grow” video aligns with the CDC’s Milestones in Action, offering clear examples of healthy development and signs of potential concerns.
Additionally, the CDC’s Milestone Tracker App is an invaluable tool. Available for children from 2 months to 5 years, it features easy-to-use checklists, tips for encouraging development, and guidance on what to do if you have any concerns about your child’s progress.
Recognizing Developmental Concerns
Should you notice any delays in reaching age-appropriate milestones, or if you have concerns about your child’s play, learning, speech, behavior, or movement, it’s crucial to consult with your child’s doctor. Sharing your observations early can make a significant difference.
How M-DOC Can Assist
If you have no access to family doctor or need additional information about your concerns about your loved ones development, M-DOC is here to help. Our team is dedicated to addressing your questions and connecting you with relevant resources. We provide a structured approach to accessing additional support, empowering you to take early action for optimal developmental outcomes.
How It Works:
- Contact Us: Reach out to the M-DOC by booking an appointment by calling 416-289-0100 ext 107 or register online here by filling out our registration form (located near the botton of the page)
- Initial Appointment: During your appointment, a general physician will conduct a series of assessments to evaluate your child’s development.
- Specialist Referrals: Should any developmental concerns be identified, our team will facilitate connections with specialist healthcare providers.
- Ongoing Support: Beyond the referral, you will receive comprehensive case management support. This includes assistance in preparing for specialist appointments and accessing a variety of community services to support your child’s development.
Community Support Makes M-DOC Possible
M-DOC is a complimentary service offered to the community, made possible through the generous support of partners like Kuber Mortgage Investment Corporation. Their substantial contribution of $50,000 plays a pivotal role in our mission. Our collaboration with KuberMIC is focused on addressing the uneven availability of autism diagnostic and support services across different regions. Such disparities can cause significant delays in service provision, particularly impacting newcomer communities. Together with KuberMIC, we are dedicated to closing these gaps by providing early diagnostic and intervention support, ensuring that families receive prompt and essential access to these vital services.
M-DOC, in partnership with dedicated sponsors like Kuber Mortgage Investment Corporation, is committed to supporting families in their journey of understanding and addressing their child’s developmental needs. We believe in early action and the power of community support to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.