What Should You Do If You Have Concerns?
You may notice your child seems different from other children their age. Noticing differences does not automatically mean autism. Children develop at different rates, and there are many reasons why a child may experience developmental delays or need additional support.
The most important thing you can do is trust your instincts and begin gathering information. Start by:
Discussing your concerns with your pediatrician
Tracking your child’s progress against developmental milestones from reputable sources
Keeping notes about behaviors, concerns, and developmental progress
Asking teachers, caregivers, or daycare providers for their observations
The following organizations provide evidence-based information regarding developmental milestones, developmental delays, and signs that may warrant further evaluation:
I've confirmed my concerns about my child's development. Where can I get help?
Summary Quick Guide
Find Your Starting Point
Use this guide to jump to the starting point that best fits your family’s situation.
Birth to Age 3
If your child is under age 3 and you have developmental concerns.
Jump to CDSA ↓Age 3 and Older
If your child may need school-based evaluations or supports.
Jump to Child Find ↓Not Sure?
If you are still figuring out which services or evaluations may help.
Jump to Project Enlightenment ↓Preschool Options
If your child will be 4 by August 31 and you are exploring preschool.
Jump to Wake Pre-K ↓Need Help Deciding Which Program?
This decision tree walks families through the most common next steps after developmental concerns arise. While the resources are specific to Wake County, the overall decision-making process can help families anywhere.
Wake County, NC Programs for Early Childhood Development:
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The NC Infant-Toddler Program is North Carolina's statewide early intervention program for children from birth to age three who have developmental delays, disabilities, or certain medical conditions. It is the overall state program that provides early intervention services to eligible children and families. CDSA is the local agency that administers the NC Infant-Toddler Program in your area. CDSA can be an excellent first step for families who have developmental concerns and are not yet sure what support their child may need.
One of the greatest strengths of CDSA is that many services can occur within a child's natural environment, including:
Home
Daycare
Preschool
Community settings
Rather than focusing only on clinic-based therapy, CDSA often helps families build developmental skills into everyday routines and activities.
How Much Does CDSA Cost?
Developmental evaluations performed through CDSA are provided at no cost to families. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine whether your child qualifies for North Carolina's Infant-Toddler Program and what services may be appropriate.
Service coordination is provided at no cost. Every eligible child is assigned a service coordinator who helps families navigate the process, coordinate services, monitor progress, and develop their Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Families may encounter costs associated with certain therapies depending on insurance coverage, provider participation, and family circumstances. Always ask questions before services begin so you understand any potential financial responsibility.
Do Not Wait to Make a Referral
If you have concerns about your child's development, you do not need permission from a school or formal autism diagnosis to contact CDSA. Parents can make referrals directly.
The earlier you begin the process, the sooner your child can be evaluated for services and supports that may help them thrive.
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Unlike CDSA, which focuses on providing early intervention services, Project Enlightenment focuses on helping families better understand their child's development, behavior, learning needs, and school readiness. Think of Project Enlightenment as a place to gather information, ask questions, and receive guidance before deciding on next steps. While both programs serve young children, they serve different purposes.
How Much Does Project Enlightenment Cost?
Project Enlightenment services are provided at no cost to families.
Parent Perspective
One of the greatest benefits of Project Enlightenment is that families do not need to have all the answers before reaching out.
You do not need a diagnosis. You do not need a referral. You do not need to know exactly what is causing your concerns.
If you are worried about your child's development, behavior, communication, social skills, or school readiness, Project Enlightenment can help you better understand your options and determine appropriate next steps.
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For many families, Child Find is the first step toward accessing special education services through Wake County Public Schools. Child Find is a federally required process that helps identify, locate, and evaluate children who may have disabilities and need special education services.
When Should I Contact Child Find?
Families should consider contacting Child Find if their child is age three or older and developmental concerns may affect their ability to participate in a preschool or school environment. Contact the Child Find Office at 919-431-7700 or child-find-office@wcpss.net.
Examples may include:
Delayed speech or language skills
Difficulty communicating wants and needs
Social communication challenges
Difficulty interacting with peers
Behavioral concerns
Attention and focus difficulties
Sensory differences
Developmental delays
Suspected autism
Motor skill challenges
Difficulty following routines or directions
You do not need an autism diagnosis to request a Child Find evaluation.
How Much Does Child Find Cost?
Child Find evaluations are provided at no cost to families. Parents do not need private insurance to participate.
The school system is responsible for conducting evaluations necessary to determine eligibility for special education services.
Child Find vs. Medical Autism Evaluations
This is one of the most common sources of confusion for families. Child Find is an educational evaluation. A medical autism evaluation is a healthcare evaluation.
Child Find determines: "Does this child need special education services?"
A medical autism evaluation determines: "Does this child meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder?"
A child may qualify for Child Find services without an autism diagnosis. Likewise, a child with an autism diagnosis may still need a Child Find evaluation to determine eligibility for school-based services.
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Wake Pre-K is a publicly funded preschool program for eligible Wake County children who turn four years old by August 31 of the school year they are applying for. The program is designed to help children develop the academic, social, emotional, communication, and self-help skills needed for kindergarten success.
Children may qualify based on a variety of factors, including developmental needs, educational risk factors, family circumstances, income eligibility, or special education needs.
Depending on a child's individual needs, services may be provided through:
NC Pre-K classrooms
Title I Pre-K programs
Inclusive preschool classrooms
Special education preschool programs
Other approved early childhood settings
Most programs operate for approximately 6.5 hours per day and use a play-based approach to learning. Classroom activities focus on early literacy, language development, social skills, classroom routines, fine motor development, self-help skills, and overall kindergarten readiness.
How Much Does Wake Pre-K Cost?
Many Wake Pre-K placements are provided at no cost to eligible families. Eligibility requirements vary by program and may consider:
Household income
Developmental needs
Educational risk factors
Special education eligibility
Available classroom space
Because multiple preschool programs exist within Wake County, families should review current eligibility requirements and application deadlines each year.
What Happens After I Apply?
Step 1: Submit an Application
Families complete the Wake Pre-K application and provide required documentation.
Step 2: Eligibility Review
Program staff review applications and determine eligibility based on program requirements.
Step 3: Placement Consideration
Eligible children are considered for available placements throughout Wake County.
Step 4: Notification
Families are notified regarding placement decisions and next steps.
A Note About Timelines
Wake Pre-K applications and placement decisions often occur months before the school year begins. Families who anticipate needing preschool services should begin researching options early and pay close attention to application deadlines.
For children receiving CDSA services, conversations about preschool transition typically begin before the child's third birthday to help ensure a smooth transition into school-based services when appropriate.
If My Child Has Autism, What Are My Options?
How Do I Get an Autism Diagnosis?
Learn how autism evaluations work, who can diagnose autism, what testing is involved, how much evaluations may cost, what insurance may cover, and how to prepare your child and family for the process.
We Just Received an Autism Diagnosis.
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