Worried About Developmental Delays? Call Bluegrass First Steps

The scariest thing a parent can hear is that something is wrong with their new baby.

Entering the world of “special needs” can be overwhelming and confusing.

One of the first calls a parent should make is to Bluegrass First Steps, the local agency that provides services to children ages birth to 3 years who have developmental delays.

This program helps children with 150 different diagnoses of developmental delays, including Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and autism.

According to Angie Stidham, Point of Entry Manager for Bluegrass First Steps, it’s important that parents make the call as soon as they suspect something might be wrong.

“Anytime you have a little nagging question, parents should call us,” she said.

The earlier their staff can begin working with children, the better the outcome.

Therapists from Bluegrass First Steps come to the family’s home to provide physical, occupation and speech therapy as well as other services.

Not only do they work with the children, they train the family and other caregivers on how to help.

Said Stidham: “We give parents activities they can include in their daily routine, so children get therapy all day long.”

Info: Bluegrass First Steps, 343 Waller Ave. (800) 454-2764,
271-9448 or www.fs.chfs.ky.gov.