If you have been wondering whether to raise a concern with your pediatrician, or whether you even need their sign-off to get help, here is the short answer: yes, your pediatrician can refer your child to Early Intervention, and no, you do not need to wait for them to do it. Both paths are open to you, and neither one means anything is officially “wrong” with your child.
Yes, pediatricians can and do refer
Pediatricians are often the first to bring up Early Intervention. They see a lot of children and know the milestones well, so when something stands out at a checkup, referring to the NYC Early Intervention Program is a normal, routine part of their job. Many families first learn the program even exists because a doctor mentioned it.
So if your pediatrician suggests a referral, that is not alarming. It is them doing exactly what a good doctor does: connecting you with a free resource early, when it can do the most good.
But you don’t actually need them to
Here is the part a lot of parents do not realize: a doctor’s referral is not required. You do not need a pediatrician’s permission, a diagnosis, or any paperwork from a doctor to get started. Any parent can make a referral directly. You can:
- Reach out straight to an approved agency like Star EIP, or
- Call 311 and ask about the Early Intervention Program.
Either way, your referral reaches the NYC Early Intervention Program. That means if your gut is telling you something, you never have to wait for the next available appointment or talk anyone into anything. You can act on your own.
A referral is not a diagnosis
This is worth saying plainly, because the word “referral” can sound heavy. A referral is simply a request for a free developmental evaluation. It does not label your child, it does not go on a permanent record as a diagnosis, and it does not commit you to anything. It just opens a door so you can find out whether some support might help. Plenty of children are evaluated and turn out to be right on track, and their parents walk away reassured.
How to bring it up at a checkup
If you would like to raise it with your pediatrician, a little preparation goes a long way. Doctors’ visits are short, and concrete examples help more than general worry.
- Write it down beforehand. Jot a few specific notes, like “only says two or three words,” “does not turn when I call his name,” or “not yet pulling to stand.”
- Be direct. You can simply say, “I have some concerns about how she is developing, and I would like to talk about an Early Intervention referral.”
- Bring examples. Mention when you notice things and how often. Short videos on your phone can be helpful.
- Ask what they see. Your pediatrician can add their own observations, which is useful information either way.
If the answer is reassuring, wonderful. If not, you now have a clear next step.
What happens next
Once a referral is made, by you or your pediatrician, the NYC Early Intervention Program reviews it and assigns your family to an approved agency. That agency schedules a free developmental evaluation, usually right in your home where your child is most comfortable. If your child is found eligible, you and the team build a plan together and services begin, all free to your family. Around age 3, children transition to the preschool system known as CPSE.
Trust yourself
You do not need anyone’s permission to look into your own child’s development. A pediatrician can be a great partner, but the power to start is already in your hands.
A developmental evaluation is always free, and starting takes only a few minutes. See if your child qualifies
Star EIP is a New York State–approved Early Intervention agency serving children birth–age 3 across all five NYC boroughs.
Free · No cost to families
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