May Designated Early Childhood Intervention Month by Freeholders

CREST HAVEN — Freeholders, earlier this month, passed a resolution designating May as Early Childhood Intervention Month in Cape May County.
“The action was taken to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of disorders that cause developmental and social deficits such as autism,” stated Freeholder Gerald Thornton in a release.
Early intervention in childhood is essential in the detection and treatment of developmental disorders. Autism is a disorder that effects the developmental and functioning of a person’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills, social interactions and patterns of behavior.
There are over 1.5 million Americans with autism and in New Jersey there are between 12,000 and 18,000 with an autism spectrum disorder.
Kevin Thomas, county health officer said, “There is no known single cause or cure for autism, however, early intervention for children with autism disorders can help families with behavior modification and educational strategies.”
“The earlier a child is diagnosed with autism, the more effective intervention can be and the Cape May County Health Department through Special Child Health Services can provide free developmental evaluations for any child up to 36 months old,” Thomas added.
The evaluations through the early intervention program are done in the home, daycare or whatever setting would be most comfortable for the child and family. If eligible, services by trained professionals will also occur in a place convenient to families.
For families with children over the age of 3, services are available through the local school district.
Additional information and downloadable child development brochures can also be found on the county website capemaycountygov.net. These brochures are also available through the mail by calling 609-465-1202.
For more information or to schedule an evaluation, call 609-465-1202.