DD RESOURCES

Whatcom County & Bellingham

My child may have autism (or pervasive developmental delay or language difficulties, or behavior problems), AND I AM CONCERNED! What should I do next?

This page is designed to help get you started. [Click here for printable page]

Start asking questions.

  • pediatrician, family doc, clinic
  • get referrals for evaluation

    • Prioritize for your family:

  • What is most important to you?
    • Start there.

    Get on the Internet (links)

  • It's important to realize that Internet answers are a start--not a FIX
  • Create a team

    • Still don't have a real answer? Answers may be vague: lack of knowledge about developmental disability, concern for labeling, diagnostic criteria unclarity, differences in how children develop. If you really believe your child needs help, stick with it.

    Autism & developmental disorders are not fully understood. Research is providing some insight. Parents are trying new things. Educators are developing methods of working with kids with developmental delays. These are all pieces of the puzzle.

    Early intervention is very important. This needs to be strongly stated.

    EARLY INTERVENTION IS VERY IMPORTANT!
    Whatcom County:

    EVALUATION

  • Whatcom County Health Department, Children with Special Health Care Needs
    (360) 676-6762
  • Children's Neurodevelopmental Program
    (360) 715-6430
  • Early Childhood Assessment Clinic--Developmental Pediatrics Clinic
    (360-676-6762 X32105

    • EDUCATION

  • For help with understanding special education (and more!) call
    ARC of Whatcom County
    360) 715-0170
    http://www.arcwhatcom.org/

    • Birth to Three Services

  • Opportunity Council,
    Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Program
    (360) 734-5121 X 229
  • Lummi Birth to Three Program
    (360) 384-2255

    •
    EDUCATION (cont)

    Developmental Preschool Infant Toddler Play Time Therapy and Special Instructional Services in Community Settings:

  • the Opportunity Council
    (360) 734-5121 X 225
  • Nooksack Center for Children and Families
    (360) 988-4754
  • Whatcom Center for Early Learning
    (360) 671-3660

    • Services for ages 3-21

  • Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program Head Start (ECEAP) (360) 734-8396
  • Lummi Head Start
    (360) 384-2255
  • Migrant Head Start
    (360) 354-5288
  • Nooksack Indian Head Start
    (360) 592-5176
  • Bellingham SD (360) 676-6514
  • Blaine SD (360) 332-5213
  • Ferndale SD (360) 383 9212
  • Lummi Tribal Schools (360) 384-2255
  • Lynden SD (360) 354 2893
  • Meridian SD (360) 398-9898
  • Mount Baker SD (360) 383-2012
  • Nooksack Valley SD (360) 988-4754
  • Northwest Educational Service District (ESD) 189 (360) 299-4000 www.esd189.org/

    • As parent, you are the expert on your child. If you feel your child is not developing normally, keep asking.

    Internet Sites (to start):

  • Bellingham area resources

    • Financial, Medical Support:

  • DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) medicaid, financial, food stamps (360) 714-4000

  • Division of Developmental Disabilities 1-800-239-8285

  • Social Security Administration (children with disabilities may be eligible for SSI) 1-800-772-1213

    • Behavioral Support:

  • Freedman & Associates, Behavior & Mental Health Specialists (360) 734-2664

  • Opportunity Council, Childcare behavioral support for facilities and parents(360) 734-5121 X 221

  • Catholic Community Services-Western Washington; provides Children's Mental Health Services to low income families (Medicaid only accepted) (360) 676-2164 Some info on parent support available

    • Support Groups:

  • Parent to Parent (360) 255-2056
    (Padres a Padres y marque el 2)

  • ROCK'n (Raising our Celiac Kids) 360-734-1659

    • Specialized Therapies:

      Motor Therapy (Occupational, Physical, Sensory)
  • Pediatric Therapy Services (360) 398-2772
  • Elizabeth Deboo, (PT) (360) 715-8686
  • Children's Neurodevelopmental (OT,PT), (360) 715-6430
  • Island Therapy (360) 738-3051
  • Whatcom Center for Early Learning (OT)
  • (360) 671-3660
  • Whatcom Physical Therapy (360) 332-8167
      • Speech Language Therapy
  • Connections Speech & Language Pathology (360) 756-1495
  • Children's Neurodevelopmental (360) 715-6430
  • Western Washington University Speech and Hearing Clinic (360) 650-3881
  • Whatcom Center for Early Learning (360) 671-3660
      • Animals
  • Animals as Natural Therapy (ANT) 360-671-3509
  • NW Therapeutic Riding Center (360) 966-2124
      • Recreational/Social Opportunities
  • B'ham Parks & Rec--specialized recreation (360) 676-6985
  • Max Higbee Center (Ages 14 & up) (360) 733-1828
  • FACES (summer program for Children with Autism) 4814 Lewis Ave., Bellingham, WA 98229
  • Special Olympics of Washington
  • Lynden (Mary) (360) 354-0384
  • B'ham (Kay) (360) 510-0185
    •