Sometimes even very young children may be at risk for having difficulties learning to do all the things that other children can do. Many of these children have known conditions such as Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy which may affect their development. Other babies who may be at risk for learning problems include those born prematurely and/or very small. We are not saying that these children will not learn to walk, talk, feed themselves, and play with other children, but that these infants and toddlers may be a little slower in developing these abilities. Some of these children may learn to do all the things that other children do but in different ways.

Using assistive technologies with these children may help them to develop and use their skills to the best of their potential. We do not have a crystal ball to know how a baby is going to develop, how he or she is going to look, think, or feel as he or she grows older. Using assistive technology, if only for a brief period of time, may give these children the extra support they need to develop and use skills on their own. We all want our babies to realize that they can have an effect on their world.

Using adaptive toy and special chairs that help them to sit up right and use their eyes and arms are just a few examples of the assistive technologies that may help infants and toddlers along their learning, moving, talking way.

Any other questions, please direct your inquiries to Dixie Trevarthen at ESU #2, 402-721-7710 x 207 or dtrevarthen@esu2.org.