CDC initiated diagnostic services in the mid-1960′s for families in Western Montana. Throughout the past 39 years, these services have evolved from a medical model to a holistic, developmental, and family-centered approach that incorporates “best practices” in screening, assessment, and evaluation of individuals suspected of having delays in development or a developmental disability.
CDC offices are located in Kalispell and Missoula, but evaluations are available to children residing throughout Western and Central Montana. Evaluations are primarily offered to children under the age of six, although school-aged children and adults are also evaluated if special circumstances exist. In most cases, evaluations are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to families, although insurance and Medicaid will be billed to help defray costs. Some insurance policies will cover the cost of an autism spectrum disorder evaluation for children over the age of five. Please call to inquire.
Evaluations are performed by the appropriate combination of Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Physical Therapist.
The purpose and type of evaluation is determined by the diagnostic question(s) and concerns identified at the time of referral. Evaluations are completed to: 1) determine eligibility for services, 2)determine delays in development, 3)diagnose a developmental disability, and 4)identify strengths and weaknesses in a child and make recommendations as warranted.
Some of the different types of evaluation options include: Infant/Toddler Evaluation Clinics, NICU Follow-Up Screening Clinics, Speech Evaluation, Audiological Screening, Oral Motor & Feeding Assessment, ADHD/ADD Diagnostic Evaluation, Motor Evaluation (Fine and Gross Motor), Sensory Integration & Processing Evaluation, Psychological Evaluation (cognition, social-emotional, behavior), Consultations with One or More Disciplines, Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening & Diagnostic Evaluation, and Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Developmental Evaluation
Evaluations utilize a family-centered and culturally sensitive approach that takes into consideration the needs, priorities, and resources of the family.