Diagnostic Criteria for Infants and Toddlers (DC:0-5)
Neuroscientists have documented that the earliest days, weeks and months of life are a period of unparalleled growth when trillions of brain cell connections are made. Research and clinical experience demonstrate that the earliest relationships and experiences a child has with parents and other caregivers dramatically influences brain development, social-emotional and cognitive skills, and future health and success in school and life. DC:0-5 works to ensure that babies and toddlers benefit from the family and community connections critical to their well-being and development. Healthy connections help build babies’ brains. Diagnosing infants and toddlers opens the door to the referral process for parents and families to connect to community resources that will help strengthen a child’s development.
DC:0-5 is a specialized instrument designed specifically to be used to diagnose infants and toddlers ages birth to age 6. The diagnostic process consists of 3 separate 1 hour appointments. One appointment is suggested to take place in a clinical setting with at least one caregiver. The following two additional appointments could consist of a home visit(s) and/or day care setting. All caregivers are encouraged to participate one or all visits.
