Inclusive care
Therapy-ready classrooms, Early Intervention and children with developmental differences.
Start here
- Early signs of autism or ADHD: what to watch for and who to call
- Speech delay signs by age
- IEP or 504 plan? The real difference
Quick answers
Can autism be diagnosed before age 2?
Sometimes. The CDC says autism can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger, and a diagnosis by an experienced professional is considered reliable by age 2. Many kids are diagnosed much later. Read the full guide →
Can a toddler be diagnosed with ADHD?
It’s uncommon. AAP guidelines start at age 4 because young kids change so fast. If a toddler’s behavior worries you, an EI evaluation looks at development as a whole. Read the full guide →
Will my late talker just catch up?
Some do. The AAP says simple speech delays are sometimes temporary, but you can’t tell which kids will catch up without an evaluation. The AAP’s advice to parents: don’t “wait and see.” Read the full guide →
Can a child have both an IEP and a 504 plan?
Usually there’s no need. Federal guidance says carrying out an IEP is one way to meet Section 504, so the IEP covers both. Read the full guide →
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Picture books teachers recommend: first days, Spanish-English and every kind of kid
Books that calm drop-off nerves, bring Spanish into story time and show every child they belong, chosen by preschool teachers.
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Biting, hitting and defiance in the classroom: What actually works
A teacher’s playbook for biting, hitting and defiance: prevent with routines, teach replacement skills, respond fast, document, and avoid suspensions.
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When should my child start talking? Speech delay signs by age
Most kids say two-word phrases by age 2. See the speech milestones by age, the red flags, and how to get a free evaluation in Massachusetts.
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How to talk to parents about a behavior or development concern
A teacher’s script for raising a delay or behavior concern: what to prep, what to say and avoid, using interpreters, and how to suggest Early Intervention.
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Early signs of autism or ADHD: What to watch for and who to call
Not pointing by 18 months? Not answering to their name? The early signs of autism and ADHD by age, and how to get a free evaluation…
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Autism, speech delays and IEPs in your classroom: A teacher’s playbook
IFSPs, IEPs, picture schedules and AAC, made simple. How to support kids with autism or speech delays in class, plus the Massachusetts inclusion rules.
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IEP vs. 504 plan: The real difference and how to get one
An IEP brings special education. A 504 plan brings accommodations. See the side-by-side, who qualifies and how to request an evaluation in Massachusetts.
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